What is a keyword for a job search? We’ll explain!

Did you know there are keys to unlocking the secrets to getting your resume noticed by a hiring manager? No, it's not fancy fonts or clipart—it's keywords, and they can be considered your "secret weapon" when it comes to optimizing your resume. But you don't need a secret handshake or a fancy access code to use them; you have everything you need in the job description. We’ll share with you everything you need to know about using keywords for a job search so you can sail through the ATS and set yourself up for success.

In this article, we’ll discuss:

• What is a keyword in a resume?

• What is an example of a resume keyword?

• How to choose the right keywords for your resume

• What are 10 powerful words?

• What words should you use (and not use) when looking for a job?

What is a keyword in a resume?

In the world of job searches, a keyword is a word or phrase that tells you exactly what the employer is looking for in a potential candidate, i.e. specific experience, skills, qualities, and education. The thing is, it doesn’t matter if you possess these qualities in abundance. If the hiring manager doesn’t see them on your resume, or the ATS doesn’t flag it, you probably won’t get the job interview. So it’s important to incorporate keywords into your resume to let them know you’re the person they’re looking for.

What is an example of a resume keyword?

When it comes to keywords in a job description, there are two kinds: words that relate to the job itself (“job skills”) and “action verbs.” You can find them in the job description, and you’ll want to incorporate them into your resume.

• Job skills pertain to the skills that the candidates need to possess to qualify for the job, such as specific technical skills, languages, or soft skills like “time management” or “leadership.”

• Action verbs are just that: words that show what you’ve done and what you’ve accomplished in your previous positions. Examples include “Coordinated,” “Programmed,” “Engineered,” “Expanded,” and “”Maximized.”

You can include keywords in your skills section, your job history, your job titles, and even in your education section if it's relevant to the position you're applying for (like certain certifications, for example).

How to choose the right keywords for your resume

Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a mind reader to know what keywords you should use for your resume. The job description should tell you everything you need to know. Let’s take a look at a sample job description for a Software Developer:

 The words in bold are the keywords for this job description—the hard and soft skills, education, and qualifications they’re looking for in an ideal candidate. Make a list, breaking them down by category: hard skills, soft skills, action verbs, and education requirements. This will help you when you incorporate them into your resume (and remember, you need to tailor your resume for each job you apply for).

What sections of the resume do your keywords fall under?

Listing the job description keywords by category is a good start, but you have to know where you put them on your resume in the right places. Using the above example, you’d put those keywords under these sections:

SKILLS: 

• Java Programming  

• Java/C++ programming 

• EJB, JSP, J2EE, WebSphere, WebLogic 

• Full Lifecycle Software Development 

• Struts and Hibernate

• Object Oriented Design Principles

• UML Qualifications 

• Collaboration 

• Communication  

• Problem-solving 

• Time management 

WORK EXPERIENCE/ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

• Detailed design and development of software 

• Fostering positive working relationships

• Understand and utilize new technologies 

• Software development lifecycle methodologies

• Working independently

• Great attitude and commitment to get the job done

EDUCATION

BA/BS in computer science, engineering, or science / technology-based discipline 

There are also action verbs from the job description that you’ll want to work into your job history and professional summary:

• Collaborated

• Implemented

• Deployed

• Programmed

• Solved

• Fostered

• Initiated

Remember, you’re not going to incorporate every single one of these hypothetical keywords into your resume, just the ones that apply to you and your work experience. 

What are 10 powerful words?

When it comes right down to it, when you’re searching for a job, you’ve got one product to sell: you. Sounds a little unsettling, perhaps, but think about it this way: the whole point of a resume is to “sell” the hiring manager on your skills, experience, values, and background and convince him or her that you’re the person they should hire. How you word your resume is the first step in making that happen, so you’ve got to make every word count. 

When it comes to your resume, however, the hiring manager wants to see what you've accomplished, and, most importantly, what you can do for the company and how can you solve their problems? They're looking for results. So while you want to include action verbs from the job description, there are 10 other powerful words you should consider incorporating into your resume and why recruiters like them:

1. Discovered. Did you find a process that made your job cost-effective or a solution to a problem? Employers like solutions.

2. Initiated. Employers love self-motivated candidates.

3. Strengthened. You made something better or more effective. That’s a green flag for any recruiter.

4. Constructed. If you created something with tangible results, include it on your resume!

5. Spearheaded. This demonstrates leadership capabilities.

6. Pioneered. You created something new and innovative.

7. Negotiated. This shows you can “seal the deal.”

8. Surpassed. Along with “grow” and “exceed,” this word means you go above and beyond.

9. Accomplished. You’re an achiever, not a drone.

10. Expanded. Companies like growth, and you made something bigger and better.

What words should you use (and not use) when looking for a job?

From resumes to job offers, and everything in between, the most important keyword is "confidence." The words you use can make or break a hiring manager's opinion of you as a candidate, and if you show them that you don't fully believe in yourself, they won't either (and probably won't hire you). So along with your resume keywords, here are a few other keywords and phrases you should use in your job search to promote positivity (and a few you shouldn’t):

Keywords you should use in your job search:

• Buzzwords, such as enhanced, tech-savvy, or facilitated.

• “I can…”

• Opportunity

• Flexible

• “I read your mission statement…”

• “My strength(s) is/are…”

• “I understand what your company does/produces…”

Words and phrases to avoid in your job search:

• “I want” (or hope, feel, or wish)

• “I need a job”

• “I’d like to be considered…”

• “I love your company” (without offering any specifics)

• “I don’t know”

• Guru/Ninja/Wizard

• Go-getter

• Proven track record

• People person

If you need help creating a top-notch resume that gets you noticed, check out Career.io’s Resume Builder. This tool will provide you with 25+ expertly designed templates and AI-generated "smart suggestions" for incorporating keywords recruiters are looking for.

Key takeaways

1. Keywords are words or phrases that tell you exactly what the employer is looking for in a potential candidate such as specific experience, skills, qualities, and education.

2. There are two types of job search keywords: action verbs and job skills.

3. Keywords can show the hiring manager what you’ve accomplished, and what you can do for the company.