100 + Keywords, Verbs and Action Words for Your Resume

In today’s job market, your resume is the first impression you make on potential employers. It’s your ticket to catching their attention and getting your foot in the door. One way to ensure your resume stands out is by using the right keywords, verbs, and action words. This article provides a simple guide to over 100 keywords, verbs, and action words that will make your resume shine.

Understanding the Role of Keywords in Your Resume

Keywords are specific words or phrases that relate to job requirements and industry terms. They are the secret sauce that can make your resume more likely to be noticed by both human recruiters and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which are software tools that companies use to filter resumes before they reach human eyes.

Why Keywords Matter

1. Beating the Bots: Many companies use ATS to handle the initial screening of resumes. These systems scan for specific keywords related to the job posting. Without these keywords, your resume might not even be seen by a human.
2. Speaking Their Language: Using the right keywords is like speaking the same language as your potential employer. It shows you understand the industry and the job role.

How to Choose the Right Keywords

Start with the Job Description

The job posting is your best clue. Look for skills, qualifications, and duties listed there. These are the keywords you want to include in your resume.

Focus on Specifics

• Action Verbs: Words like “Managed,” “Created,” and “Improved” showcase your ability to take action and make an impact.
• Skills and Competencies: Include specific skills like “Project Management,” “Data Analysis,” or “Customer Service.” These highlight your capabilities.
• Job Titles and Roles: Use the exact job titles and roles you’re applying for or have held, like “Digital Marketing Specialist” or “Senior Accountant.”

Simple Tips for Using Keywords Effectively

1. Be Natural: Don’t just stuff your resume with keywords. Use them naturally within the context of your achievements and experiences.
2. Customize for Each Job: Different jobs will have different keywords. Tailor your resume for each application based on the job description.
3. Balance is Key: While keywords are crucial, your resume should also be easy to read and understand. Don’t sacrifice clarity for the sake of including more keywords.

The Power of Keywords in a Resume

Keywords are not just buzzwords; they are the backbone of a successful resume. They help your resume get discovered by applicant tracking systems (ATS) and emphasize your skills and achievements to hiring managers.

The power of keywords in a resume cannot be overstated, as they play a crucial role in several aspects of the job application process. Keywords in a resume are specific words or phrases that relate to job requirements, including skills, competencies, relevant credentials, and previous positions and employers. Here’s why they are so important:

1. ATS Optimization

Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes before they are seen by human eyes. An ATS can be programmed to identify specific keywords related to the job posting. Resumes that contain a higher number of these keywords are more likely to be flagged as a match, ranking higher in the system, and thus, more likely to be reviewed by the hiring manager.

2. Highlighting Relevant Qualifications

Keywords help to quickly highlight your relevant qualifications to the hiring manager. In the brief scan a resume might get initially, keywords can make the difference between being noticed or overlooked. They directly align your experience and skills with what the employer is looking for, making it easier for the reader to see you as a suitable candidate.

3. Demonstrating Industry Knowledge

Using the right keywords demonstrates that you’re familiar with the industry lingo, which can be particularly important in fields that rely heavily on specific technical skills or certifications. It shows that you’re not only qualified but also engaged and knowledgeable about industry trends and standards.

4. Enhancing Professional Image

A resume that effectively incorporates keywords can also enhance your professional image by showing that you understand how to communicate your qualifications in a way that resonates with industry professionals. It suggests a level of professionalism and attention to detail that can set you apart from other candidates.

5. Customization for the Job

Customizing your resume with keywords for each job application shows that you have taken the time to tailor your resume specifically for the job. This can indicate your genuine interest in the position and make your application more personal. It’s a way of showing the employer that you’re not just sending out a generic resume but that you’ve considered how your skills and experiences make you a good fit for this specific role.

How to Use Keywords Effectively

• Analyze Job Postings: Look for repeated words or phrases in the job description and required qualifications. These are likely important keywords.
• Industry Terms: Use common industry terms and jargon where appropriate, as long as you’re comfortable discussing them.
• Skills and Certifications: Include keywords related to your skills, tools you can use, software, programming languages, and certifications.
• Titles and Functions: Use job titles, roles, and functions that align with your experience and the position you’re applying for.

Top Keywords by Category

When tailoring your resume for specific job applications, incorporating top keywords by category can significantly enhance your visibility to both Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and hiring managers. Here’s a list of impactful keywords categorized by common job functions and skills areas. Utilizing these words thoughtfully within your resume can highlight your expertise and qualifications effectively.

Action verbs

Skills and Competencies

Job Titles and Roles

Focusing on action verbs, skills and job roles here are top keywords categorized by common job functions and skill areas. These verbs can energize your resume, clearly showcasing your accomplishments and experiences in a dynamic and impactful way.

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These action verbs are powerful tools for constructing a resume that stands out. They help you present your experiences and achievements in an assertive and results-oriented manner. Remember, the best resumes are those that are both quantifiable and qualitative, showing not just what you did, but how well you did it.

Example of Keyword Optimization

Let’s simplify this with an example:

Before Keyword Optimization: “I was in charge of a team that worked on marketing projects.”

After Keyword Optimization: “Managed a cross-functional team to execute digital marketing campaigns, increasing customer engagement by 30%.”

Notice how the second sentence uses specific keywords like “Managed,” “cross-functional team,” “execute,” “digital marketing campaigns,” and quantifies the achievement with “increasing customer engagement by 30%.”

Conclusion

Incorporating the right keywords, verbs, and action words into your resume is a simple yet effective way to stand out. By understanding the job description, tailoring your resume, and using keywords naturally, you can increase your chances of making it past automated systems and impressing hiring managers. Remember, the goal is to make your resume as relevant and compelling as possible to the job you’re applying for.

FAQs

How can I know which keywords to use for my resume?

Identify the right keywords by closely reading the job description for the role you’re applying to. Employers often list specific skills, qualifications, software, and competencies they’re looking for. These are your clues. Also, industry-specific publications, professional association websites, and job boards can provide insights into commonly sought-after skills and terms in your field.

Can I use the same resume for every job application?

While it might save time, using a one-size-fits-all resume isn’t recommended. Customizing your resume for each application by incorporating specific keywords and phrases from the job description can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed. Tailor your resume to highlight the experience and skills that are most relevant to each job.

Where should I place keywords in my resume?

Keywords should be integrated throughout your resume. Start with a strong summary or objective statement that includes key terms. Incorporate them into your skills section, and weave them into the bullet points under each job in your experience section. This ensures that ATS systems and hiring managers can easily see the relevance of your application at every point.

Is there such a thing as too many keywords?

Yes. Keyword stuffing, or overloading your resume with too many keywords, can make it difficult to read and may even penalize you in ATS screenings. It’s crucial to use keywords naturally within the context of your achievements and responsibilities. Your resume should be readable and clearly convey your professional story, not just be a list of buzzwords.

How often should I update the keywords in my resume?

Update your resume’s keywords every time you apply for a new job. Job descriptions and the importance of certain skills can vary widely between companies, even for similar positions. Additionally, as you gain new skills and experiences or as industry trends evolve, updating your resume to reflect these changes will keep it current and relevant.

Do synonyms of keywords work the same for ATS?

While synonyms can sometimes work, ATS systems vary in their sophistication. Some may recognize synonyms, but to maximize your chances of getting through ATS screenings, it’s safest to use the exact phrases and terms used in the job description.

How can I ensure my resume passes through ATS and impresses hiring managers?

To ensure your resume passes through ATS:

• Use keywords from the job description.
• Stick to standard fonts and formatting to ensure the ATS can read your resume.
• Include a mix of both hard and soft skills tailored to the job.
• Use bullet points to make your achievements and skills easily digestible.

To impress hiring managers:

• Beyond just including keywords, provide context for how you’ve used the skills associated with them.
• Quantify your achievements with numbers and data where possible.
• Make sure your resume is well-organized and clearly communicates your value proposition in a concise manner.

What’s the difference between hard skills and soft skills keywords?

Hard skills are teachable abilities or skill sets that are easy to quantify, such as proficiency in a foreign language or software programming. Soft skills are personal attributes that affect how well you can work or interact with others, like leadership, communication, or problem-solving skills. Both are important and should be included as keywords in your resume, reflecting the job description and your industry.

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