In addition to being used in a resume keywords should also be used in your cover letter and personal statement.

Keywords refer to the terminology or “buzzwords” that best describe who you are and what you have accomplished. Also keywords are the words used by existing employees to describe themselves and co-workers or other people in their profession.

Simply stated keywords are the nouns or noun-phrases used by an employer searching through the Job Seeker database to determine who fits the requirements for a specific position. For example: Waitress, Director of Sales, Reservation Manager, and Housekeeper.

Keyword noun-phrases are used to explain what you have done in the past and what you are capable of doing in the future for the prospective employer. Examples would include: developed a new and faster reservation system resulted in increased bookings, created a public relations campaign to reposition the company.

When developing your keywords focus on your education, experience and the job you want. Also closely examine the nouns and noun-phrases used in the job description for the position you are going to apply. Where appropriate try to add these keywords and phrases to your resume and/or cover letter. Do not to mimic the exact words used in the job description but modify them.

In the process of creating your list of job related keywords you want to be creative but you must keep them based on fact. To assist you in this process you should make a list of keywords that fit the following categories.

Creating Your Keywords

• Specific job titles that are used for your current and previous jobs.
• Names of job, profession and industry specific tools you are qualified to use because of job-related experience or education.
• Outline conferences and seminars you have attended where you either gained additional insight into your position or made a presentation.
• Be specific about computer literacy where required.
• Incorporate education and training that you have such as: degrees, advanced vocational certification and training.
• Develop a list of common also known as insider words specific to your job or profession.

Ways to add Keywords to Your Resume

• It is best to separate the keyword and the key phrase in your resume. In other words they do not necessarily have to be used in the same sentence or paragraph. Separating keywords and key phrases will increase the chances of your resume appearing on the employers search when he is looking for a keyword or keyword-phrase.
• It is also useful to incorporate a keywords or a skills section at the top of your resume. The sills summary section is a collection of the noun and noun-phrases that best describe the experience and skills you have developed during your career.