Keywords Keep Resumes Relevant
As if the stress of finding a job before graduation isn't enough, college seniors are now learning that if their resumes don't have the "right words," they won't be read by recruitiers or employers at all. The recession has caused the job market to become flooded with qualified applicants from various levels of experience, so to even be considered, every job seeker, but particularly college seniors and recent graduates, have to make sure they get past the resume scanners first.
"It is critical that candidates prep keyword-rich resumes," advised Krista Ulatowski of PR firm, Waggener Edstrom Worldwide. "HR coordinators are scanning resumes so quickly these days that these keywords need to catch their eyes and give them a reason to hang onto that resume for that much longer." Students and recent grads can get more information and help from the Microsoft Office Online Career Center, Ulatowski added.
"One great way to [get the right words on a resume] is to include a 'key competencies' or 'areas of expertise' section with about 7-11 keywords," recommended Amanda Collins, a 13-year resume writing veteran and chief of staff for the Grammar Doctors. "Use phrases that come from the resume and are included in the job description. Things like project management, team leadership, training and mentoring, etc."
"A 'keyword rich resume' really means a resume that maximizes the number of words associated with one's chosen profession," said resume writer and career consultant, Kimberly Schneiderman. "For example, a college grad looking to enter the event planning industry would create a resume that describes their experience and includes words and duties such as:
- Manage Invitations, RSVPs, guest lists, registration
- Source venues, vendors, caterers, entertainment
- Create themes, decorate
- Consult with client
- Work with large budgets / small budgets
- Set up facility, tear down
- Plan travel, lodging, hotel, transportation logistics
"Resumes that include words specifically related to the chosen field get more attention from employers. They know that the candidate understands exactly what goes into the job (even if they have only minor experience). Keywords are also good for those employers and recruiters who use software screening programs to weed out candidates' resumes.
"New college grads need not fear their lack of robust experience, but rather should concentrate on every aspect of their internships, school projects, and extracurricular activities that associate with their chosen field."
Because it's as likely to have a resume scanned by a computer as by a human being, college students looking for internships and recent college graduates looking for entry level jobs now need to make their resumes just a little more focused in order to make it past the initial screening process.
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