Best Resume Keywords to Land a Job: A Complete 2023 Guide

In a highly competitive job market, a well-crafted resume can make all the difference in setting you apart from the rest of the applicant pool. A resume represents your skills, experiences, and qualifications even before you have the opportunity to meet a potential employer face-to-face. So no matter how impressive your credentials are, if you have a poorly constructed resume without the right keywords, it can go unnoticed by employers. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of industry-specific resume keywords—as well as a sample resume—and why and how you should add them to increase your chances of landing your dream job.

Why Should I Include Keywords on My Resume?

In today’s digital era, a resume not only needs to impress hiring managers but also machines. A large number of companies now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan and filter resumes before they reach the hiring managers. According to a Harvard Business School study, 88% of employers believed that qualified high-skill candidates were vetted out by ATS because they did not match the exact criteria established by the job description. These systems are designed to identify specific resume keywords that match the job description, skills, and qualifications required for a particular job role.

Without these relevant resume keywords, your application may never be considered for the role. Including appropriate keywords also highlights your skills and qualifications, making it easier for recruiters to assess your suitability for the job. Therefore, by tailoring your resume to match the job description, you can enhance your chances of getting noticed by recruiters and securing your dream job. 

How Should I Find the Right Keywords?

Here are some tips that you can use to ensure your resume contains the right keywords to catch the attention of ATS and potential employers: 

1. Do a thorough examination of the job description for the position you’re interested in and create a list of skills and qualifications mentioned in the desired qualification and responsibilities section. Then, incorporate the keywords and phrases that align with your own skills and experience 
2. Incorporate industry-specific terminology, keywords, and buzzwords that demonstrate the range of skills and qualities you possess and are relevant to the position
3. Check out the LinkedIn profiles of employees in similar positions at the company you’re applying to, and take note of the skills and responsibilities required for the role
4. Use action verbs like “managed”, “developed”, “implemented”, and “streamlined” to describe your experiences and accomplishments in a compelling manner
5. Utilize resume keywords tools such as Resume Worded and Jobscan to analyze job descriptions and identify the relevant keywords to include in your resume

Resume Keywords: Listed by Industry

Business and Management

• Business Development
• Business Strategy
• Strategic Planning
• Negotiation
• Team Leadership
• Project Management
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
• Capital Raising
• Market Research
• Public Relations

Computer Science and IT 

• Software Development
• Programming Languages
• Data Structures
• Machine Learning
• Agile Methodologies
• Git
• React.js
• Amazon Web Services (AWS)
• Data Analysis
• Teamwork

Education

• Administrative Support
• Program Development
• Teaching
• Student Engagement
• Student Development
• Curriculum Development
• Classroom Management
• Behavior Analysis/Management
• Conflict Resolution
• Counseling

Emergency Services and Healthcare

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Nursing
• Electronic Medical Record (EMR)
• Equipment Maintenance
• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Healthcare Management
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Emergency Response
• Healthcare Information Technology (HIT)
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Finance

• Auditing 
• Budgeting
• Cash Flow Management 
• Debt Management 
• Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
• Financial Analysis
• Financial Reporting
• Forecasting
• Due Diligence
• Risk Analysis

Retail, Customer Service, and Human Resources

• Communication
• Sales
• Teamwork
• Hospitality
• Customer Satisfaction
• Problem-Solving
• Sales Management
• Point of Sale (POS) Operation
• Technical Support
• Talent Acquisition

Legal

• Contract Drafting
• Legal Advice
• Legal Writing
• Corporate Law
• Litigation Software
• Family Law
• Public Speaking
• Legal Research
• Negotiation
• Filing

Media and Marketing

• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
• Writing
• Analytics
• Data Analysis
• Content Creation
• Copyediting
• Email Marketing
• Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising
• Lead Generation

Transportation and Manufacturing

• Product Development
• Six Sigma
• Asset Management
• Automation
• Budget Management
• Quality Assurance
• Regulatory Compliance
• Supply Chain Management
• Transportation Planning 
• Operations Management    

ALSO READ: Top 10 Employable Skills: Importance and Ways to Improve Them

Sample Resume with Keywords

Here is a sample resume for a content writer with the following resume keywords: content writer, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), editing, proofreading, keyword research, collaboration, social media, blogs, research, deadlines, metrics, research, and social media marketing.

Name: Jane Doe

Address: XYZ, New York, USA 

Contact: 202-777-1111

Email: janedoe@xyz.com

Website: janedoe.com 

Objective: A dedicated and creative content writer with [mention number] years of experience seeking a full-time opportunity to utilize my writing skills to create high-quality, engaging, and informative content that drives engagement and increases brand visibility. 

Education:

[Title of degree earned 1]  

[Institute name/Graduation date]   

[Title of degree earned 2]  

[Institute name/Graduation date]  

Professional Experience:

[Job Title], [Company Name], [Employment Dates]

• Published blog content about [topic] that attracted 12,000 monthly visitors.
• Conducted keyword research and SEO optimization to increase website traffic
• Collaborated with designers and other content writers to develop engaging content
• Managed editorial calendar and met tight deadlines
• Edited and proofread content created by 10 writers to ensure accuracy and consistency

[Job Title], [Company Name], [Employment Dates]

• Wrote 312 engaging articles that adhered to the AP style guidelines   
• Developed content for product descriptions, press releases, and email marketing campaigns
• Collaborated with the marketing team to create compelling content for advertising campaigns
• Conducted research to ensure content accuracy and quality

Skills:

• SEO Copywriting
• SEO and Keyword Research
• Creative Writing
• Content Development
• Social Media Marketing
• Editing and Proofreading 
• Research
• Content Management Systems 
• Keeping Deadlines
• Communication

Certifications:

[Name of the certification 1 (Year)]

[Name of Certifying Agency or Body]

[Name of the certification 2 (Year)]

[Name of Certifying Agency or Body]

ALSO READ:  A Resume Format for Freshers to Kickstart Their Dream Careers

A strong resume with the right resume keywords can make all the difference in landing your dream job. But remember, honesty is always the best policy when it comes to your skills and experience. Don’t let exaggeration or dishonesty ruin your chances of getting hired. If you’re looking to enhance your skills, investing in your future with online courses can be a good place to start. Explore our wide range of online courses offered by Emeritus and start building your path to success today.

Write to us at content@emeritus.org