ARIZONA      The quickest way to a hiring manager’s heart is to give them something they long for in a résumé - keywords. Hiring managers use keywords to quickly identify candidates that have the potential to be a fit for the position for which they are hiring. The average recruiter or hiring manager takes less than 15 seconds to scan a résumé, often utilizing database technology to determine whether a candidate warrants closer examination. By using keywords prominently in your résumé, you make their job easier and will ensure that your résumé makes it to the short stack; the ones that get looked at again.

Essentially, keywords will make or break a résumé. They are words and phrases that highlight technical and professional areas of expertise, industry-related jargon, achievements, and other critical information about you. Many employers today use some type of database software to search and store the résumé s that are sent to them by potential candidates. Hiring managers and recruiters then search these databases using job specific keywords to assist in the résumé screening process. By knowing and having the keywords employers are looking for in you résumé, you increase your chances of being invited to an interview. 

There are several ways to determine which keywords are best for your career objective but these three may be the easiest:

 · Take a look at ads for open positions in your industry. These postings will be full of keywords ripe for the picking.

•  What are the words or phrases that you use on a daily basis to perform your job function?
•  Trade journals and industry publications are also a good source for current and upcoming keywords.

The debate rages on as to whether having all of your keywords grouped together in a summary section or sprinkled throughout your résumé is the best course of action.  Usually a combination of the two will do the trick.  However; there is one thing to remember while composing your résumé.  Keywords alone will not get you an interview. They must be supported with solid and quantifiable accomplishments that convey your skills and abilities.

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