{"id":49462,"date":"2018-08-06T05:00:17","date_gmt":"2018-08-06T12:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/?p=49462"},"modified":"2018-08-06T05:00:17","modified_gmt":"2018-08-06T12:00:17","slug":"optimize-job-search-keywords","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/blog\/optimize-job-search-keywords\/","title":{"rendered":"Optimize Your Job Search with Keywords"},"content":{"rendered":"

You\u2019ve probably been told that when looking for a full-time job, it needs to be your top priority. That\u2019s perfectly solid advice but cranking out resume after resume is not going to get the attention of a hiring manager or creative director. To invoke another clich\u00e9, you and your resume needs to work smarter, not harder.<\/p>\n

It all starts with keywords \u2014 those hyper-specific words that describe skillsets, experiences, or qualifications that employers call out in their \u201chelp wanted\u201d posts. Many companies use what\u2019s called an applicant tracking system that allows them to screen applicants very closely by having the system exclude resumes that don\u2019t include the pre-specified keywords. Even if you have an amazing portfolio or you interned at famous agencies, no one is going to know, or care, unless you can get your cover letter and resume past a slew of digital gatekeepers. Take notes and optimize your job search up with these keyword tips.<\/p>\n

For Your Resume<\/h2>\n

Keyword-optimizing your resume is essential to get a foot in the door. While it doesn\u2019t make sense (and doesn\u2019t look natural) to include all the keywords the ad utilizes, between your resume and your cover letter, you should be able to include most. Spend some time analyzing the ad, particularly the summary of the position and its duties, as well as a requirements section. If the ad is sparse on details, find similar ads and similar companies, and look at those keywords. You can also turn to keyword-analysis tools<\/a> that can help you boost your odds.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t settle for close: if one job description calls for \u201cphoto editing software\u201d and your resume details your proficiency in Photoshop, you might not make it through the filter unless you use the exact same words.<\/p>\n

Important: Don\u2019t just write for the resume bots<\/em>
\nWhen your resume DOES make it into the hands of a real-live human being, it shouldn\u2019t read like you just stuffed every single keyword in. Besides just dropping the words, use them in a way that makes it clear you know what you\u2019re talking about. Better yet, use them in a way that demonstrates your value to the company, especially in quantifiable terms. Good examples for popular roles might be:<\/p>\n