Writing a resume that improves your position among other contenders for a job opening involves recognizing that many businesses are now using computers to perform the first screening of applicants. If you don't write your resume to address this, you won't make it through that first cut.
Correct File Format to Use
Companies that are large enough to use computer screening use three formats almost universally --.txt,.doc and.pdf. If you submit your resume in one of these three formats, the computer will be able to "read" your resume for the target keywords the employer has programmed into the computer.
Identifying the Right Keywords
There is another advantage provided by larger companies. They always have a moderately detailed job description. This is where you go to identify which keywords the computer is likely to be scanning for.
First, look for the job title. This is a guaranteed keyword you don't want to miss. Then look for words that describe the job duties. These are also likely to be keywords for the position.
Identifying Skills Keywords
The employer will describe the essential skills for the job. These are your keywords. You want to look for two different types of skills keywords. There are skills that are related to your credentials or occupation. Then there are keywords that are related to general skills. The credential or occupation related keywords are the keywords you don't want to miss.
If you aren't sure what skills fit under "Experience," consider looking up your career description in the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. It is an excellent resource.
Another even more effective way to identify if you are using the right keywords on your resume is to go to a job site and search for job openings using the keywords you have selected. If you don't find jobs that fit your skills, you aren't using the right keywords. Keep on trying until you start finding jobs you can apply for.
When it comes to occupational keywords, you don't have to list every single one, but be sure you use the keywords that apply to the skills you can prove you have. It isn't volume. It's quality that matters.
Once you've made sure you have covered your occupational keywords, you can add other general skills keywords that reflect additional non-industry specific skills that might interest an employer. These skills are generally more important to a human reader, yet this doesn't make them any less important. Certain skills--such as the ability to multi-task, work well with others, speak publicly, speak in more than one language or work in a variety of computer programs--are very attractive to an employer.
Never forget that a resume needs to be ready for both computer screening and human screening. This means that you want your resume to contain keywords that stand out both for the computer and the person who gets your resume after the computer approves it.
Denise Rutledge has provided resume and cover letter writing services for over three years through WritingasaGhost. Her clients have said things like: "I've always gotten an interview when Denise has written my cover letter." R.F. "You are the best money I have ever spent." K.S. She shares this information to empower others to write their own resumes and cover letters for successful job search results.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Denise_Rutledge
Correct File Format to Use
Companies that are large enough to use computer screening use three formats almost universally --.txt,.doc and.pdf. If you submit your resume in one of these three formats, the computer will be able to "read" your resume for the target keywords the employer has programmed into the computer.
Identifying the Right Keywords
There is another advantage provided by larger companies. They always have a moderately detailed job description. This is where you go to identify which keywords the computer is likely to be scanning for.
First, look for the job title. This is a guaranteed keyword you don't want to miss. Then look for words that describe the job duties. These are also likely to be keywords for the position.
Identifying Skills Keywords
The employer will describe the essential skills for the job. These are your keywords. You want to look for two different types of skills keywords. There are skills that are related to your credentials or occupation. Then there are keywords that are related to general skills. The credential or occupation related keywords are the keywords you don't want to miss.
If you aren't sure what skills fit under "Experience," consider looking up your career description in the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. It is an excellent resource.
Another even more effective way to identify if you are using the right keywords on your resume is to go to a job site and search for job openings using the keywords you have selected. If you don't find jobs that fit your skills, you aren't using the right keywords. Keep on trying until you start finding jobs you can apply for.
When it comes to occupational keywords, you don't have to list every single one, but be sure you use the keywords that apply to the skills you can prove you have. It isn't volume. It's quality that matters.
Once you've made sure you have covered your occupational keywords, you can add other general skills keywords that reflect additional non-industry specific skills that might interest an employer. These skills are generally more important to a human reader, yet this doesn't make them any less important. Certain skills--such as the ability to multi-task, work well with others, speak publicly, speak in more than one language or work in a variety of computer programs--are very attractive to an employer.
Never forget that a resume needs to be ready for both computer screening and human screening. This means that you want your resume to contain keywords that stand out both for the computer and the person who gets your resume after the computer approves it.
Denise Rutledge has provided resume and cover letter writing services for over three years through WritingasaGhost. Her clients have said things like: "I've always gotten an interview when Denise has written my cover letter." R.F. "You are the best money I have ever spent." K.S. She shares this information to empower others to write their own resumes and cover letters for successful job search results.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Denise_Rutledge
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