2 Types Of Resume Key Word Searches You Must Get Past
There are two types of resume key word searches. It is my opinion after having spoken with hundreds or maybe thousands of candidates that the vast majority focus on the wrong type. The result is they rarely get a call back.
The two types of resume key word searches are (starting with in my opinion the least important):
1) The automated key word search. The most commonly thought of when most people think of key word searches. It is used by resume management systems. This is the type used by most job boards like Monster and Careerbuilder.
Although these play an important role, for the most part they play a much smaller role than most think. Granted for those screening resumes using the resume databases on one of the job boards, the key word search is important. But how many hiring managers, HR execs, CEOs actually spend a lot of time doing this? I have asked hundreds of these and very few claim they even use the resume databases. They are just too expensive. Most just run an ad and wait for the responses. Third party recruiters and those companies that can afford on-site recruiters will spend time searching the databases, however, this is a small percentage.
The majority of hiring is not done by large or Fortune 500 companies. Iit is done by the mid and small size companies. The fact is most mid and small size companies can’t afford a sophisticated resume management system. This then eliminates the importance of the automated key word search in the vast majority of hiring.
It is for this reason, coupled with the fact that most hiring managers don’t spend hours sorting resumes on the job boards, that I believe this is the least important of the two.
The hands down most important resume key word search is done 100% of the time by every CEO, HR person, hiring manager or recruiter. This is why it is so important. Yet, most candidates show complete surprise when in our coaching session I mention it.
2) The human eye key word search. This is done with the eyes of the person scanning your resume. That person is looking for key words or phrases to jump off the page. They want their eyes to latch on to these as they move down the page. Most have trained their eyes to be on the lookout for these key words.
This is the key word search candidates should focus on. Yet so many candidates have a generic, one-size-fits-all resume that the key words are either missing, buried so deep in a paragraph or are mentioned only once on page two of the resume, the key words or phrases are never noticed.
Here are a few suggestions to get past the human eye key word search.
Do you:
1) have the key words or phrases embedded multiple times in the body of the resume. Not just at the top of your resume.
2) have quantifiable results associated with your accomplishments. Don’t write out numbers. Actual numbers stand out more to the eye.
3) have the key words or phrases listed under multiple positions or companies.
4) have these words or phrases at the beginning of the sentence or bullet point so the eye catches them. We read left to right. Don’t bury them in a long paragraph where it is hard for the eye to catch.
5) have them aligned with the advertisement or job description.
6) have them listed in your cover letter. You can download a sample cover letter for free that will show you how to do this. CLICK HERE to download.
7) have them re-enforced in your thank you letter. You can download for free a sample thank you letter that will show you how to do this. CLICK HERE to get yours.
These are just a few things you can do to get past the most important key word search – the person reading your resume.
In summary, if you do all the things necessary to get past the human key word search, I firmly believe you will by default have the proper key words to get past the automated search.
For more information on building a resume that will get noticed and get you the call back, take a look at our job search workbook. It provides solutions to the most common mistakes candidates make during a job search. Like this one. We will send it to you for just the cost of shipping ($5 USA only). CLICK HERE to learn more.
Join our Linkedin Job Search Networking group. Over 4200 people have. There is a wealth of articles and other resources for you in this group. CLICK HERE to join.
I welcome your thoughts and comments.
Brad Remillard
Tags: Cover Letter Example, Cover Letter Format, cover letter styles, key word searches, Key words, Resume format, resume key words, Resume style, Resume Writing
Cover Letter, Resume, Thank You Letters | bradremillard February 25, 2010
About the Author
Brad Remillard is a founding Partner of IMPACT Hiring Solutions, co-author of "You're NOT the Person I Hired", and "This is NOT the Position I Accepted". Brad is an award-winning international speaker, retained executive recruiter, and expert on hiring and retaining top talent, and executive job search.
