Keywords, Actions Verbs & More

Keywords
 
Keywords are descriptive words and phrases included in your resumé to show an employer that you:

• have studied a certain subject
• have earned a certain credential, e.g. a diploma
• are familiar with a particular industry or sector
• know how to use specific kinds of tools, e.g. a software program or tower crane
• have certain types of skills, e.g. project management or materials handling.

Using appropriate keywords in your online resumé ensures that:

• employers and recruiters will find your posted resumé when they search job search websites by keyword
• your resumé will not be screened out during a keyword screening, either by a person or  a software program.

What keywords should you use?

• Use the words and phrases that appear in the job ad or posting. You can also use synonyms (other words with the same meaning).
• Look for keywords in the job description posted on the employer’s website for keywords or position profile if available. Browse the website for other keywords.
• Visit other websites in your industry or sector to find common keywords.
• Check out the keywords used in other ads for similar positions.
• Talk to people in the industry or organization and ask them about standard qualifications.

Action Verbs

Action verbs put life in your resumé.  Action verbs describe accomplishments, skills and responsibilities. They are often used as the first words in a bulleted list. For example:

• oversaw the design and building of six mobile food preparation units
• supervised the ordering of food and provisions for a crew of 250
• revitalized the weekly menus
  Check out this ALIS tip sheet, Use Action Words to Get the Job, for words that energize your resumé…more

Quantifiers and Qualifiers

Qualifiers and quantifiers strengthen descriptions of your accomplishments, skills and experience. For example:

Quantifiers describe size, quantity, length and cost:

• reduced the time required by 30%
• added 15 new accounts
• increased the average daily number of visitors by 200

Qualifiers add meaning to descriptions of accomplishments, skills and experience. For example:

• made a significant contribution to the school
• contributed to the success of the program
• increased the effectiveness of the system.

Examples of quantifiers and qualifiers…more