Optimizing Your Resume with Keywords
Use Keywords
- Keywords can be found in the:
- job description
- job posting
- job title
-
Keywords aren't just limited to skills, they can include:
- certifications (e.g., "CPR certified")
- job titles (e.g., "Administrative Assistant")
- soft skills (e.g., "team-oriented," "problem-solving")
- technologies (e.g., "AutoCAD," "Salesforce")
Note: Use the same words they use. For example, if the job says "customer service"
— include that exact phrase, not just "client support." If the advertisement states
"mastery of Adobe Creative Suite," use the same verbiage instead of writing "experience
with software for creative professionals."
-
Don't overstuff keywords. According to jobscan.co, ATS might rank your resume higher, but recruiters will notice the tactic.
-
Review the video below from Candid Career
Resume Customization and Formatting
Customize Every Resume
- ATS ranks resumes for each job submission; therefore, you should customize your resume
for every job to which you apply
- Create a master resume, then adapt it to match each job's requirements
Spell Out Acronyms
- Spell out degrees, certifications or industry terms
Example: A.S. Business Administration = Associate of Science (A.S.), Business Administration
Use Simple Formatting
- Avoid:
- columns
- fancy bullets or symbols
- headers and footers
- icons or graphics
- tables
- text boxes
- Do Use:
- basic symbols (•, -) for bullets; fancy ones (✓, ») may not be read correctly
- standard resume headings like "Work Experience," "Education," "Skills"
- traditional fonts like Calibri, Arial or Times New Roman
Save Your Resume in the Correct Format
- Some ATS can't read PDFs properly
- Use .docx format unless a job posting specifically asks for PDF
Test Your Resume
Match Your Resume to the Job Description
Meet with a Career Counselor
Need Assistance with Creating or Editing a Resume?