The Power of Keywords: Optimizing Your Resume for ATS

In competitive workplaces, entering the interview process is quite tough including acquiring the desired job. Most of the employers are using the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) for the alignment of the hiring processes.

It is highly efficient and completely dependent on the keywords. Furthermore, assists in the identification of the best-suited candidate. This blog is all about the importance of the keywords and their interaction with ATS. Also, include some of the tips for your resume optimization. Lets go through it. 

What are the keywords and why are they important? 

The term keywords refers to special phrases or words that are related to the job posts. It can be skills required, titles, industrial terminology, and degree programs. 

Importance Of keywords:

It helps to identify the related information presented in the resume. The more matching of the keywords to the ATS, the greater the possibilities to move ahead towards the proceeding stages. While applying for the job, you must identify your resume and mention it in your whole resume. 

How to Search For the keywords? 

Below are the two ways to look for the keywords for your resume: 

First and the foremost way is to go through the job description very carefully. Read all the mentioned experience, skills, and qualifications. These are the keywords that the hiring employers are looking for. 

Another is to use the online keyword tool. It scans the job poster and picks the popular keywords according to the particular job. 

Role of Applicant Tracking System in Hiring Process?

The main objective for designing this system is to screen the resumes automatically. It works according to the particular criteria arranged by the hiring companies. Mostly, the keywords are related to skills, qualifications, experiences, and industrial terms. Resumes are passed through this basic screening process and later reviewed by the hiring staff. 

These process often involves while hiring remote candidates so its necessary to optimize your resume for remote job.

How to use the power of keywords effectively for the ATS?

Study the job post: 

Here you can find the keywords that help in optimizing your resume. Make a list of the mentioned requirements and consider it as the base regarding the job details. 

Use derived terms and synonyms: 

The ATS systems are developed in such a way that they accept a variety of keywords. It can be even the derived ones. Just like "HR management" is the main keyword. Other phrases are also considerable such as "HR manager". 

Naturally adjustment of the keywords:

After the keyword identification, you need to include them naturally and structurally. No need to stuff inappropriately as results in difficult to understand.

Include the achievements numerically with keywords:

Wherever you find, add the particular statistics or numeric data in the resume. It becomes prominent for ATS and also receives credibility.  For example Skill improvement in satisfying customers and optimized skill. Rise in customer satisfaction by 20% by achieving targeted objectives. 

Add hyperlinks on the keywords:

To link your portfolio or social networking profile, use mentioned keywords as hyperlinks. It makes it more friendly for ATS and highlights the context for the hiring team.

Include industry-related terms:

If industrial terms are mentioned in the job description, then it is necessary to refer to the resume. This shows your background related to the industry. As well as make it compatible with the ATS.

Stay updated regarding industrial keywords:

Keep studying and updating yourself about the latest tools and technologies in your industry. This makes your resume reach the top. It also shows that you are familiar with the latest advancements. 

Make a summary section for the keywords:

Apart from the typical summary statement, do consider a section, especially for the related keywords. it is a list of the qualifications and skills that match directly to the job description. 

Analyze the job details and research the keywords:

Recognize the particular keywords through the job description. Frequently, the programming of the ATS systems is in such a way that prioritizing keywords is part of the job post. 

What are some extra tips to optimize your resume?

• Must use the active voice instead of passive
• All the keywords must be present in the summary and contact details
• Proofread the complete resume before applying for the job
• Structure the resume in a logical manner 

Conclusion:

For resume optimization for ATS, make a proper strategy and choose suitable keywords. It increases your passing chances from the initial screenings.  Always remember that the right choice of keywords receives attention. No need to submit a resume along with overloading keywords.

The core objective is to present the qualifications in such a way that they fulfill the requirements. An optimized resume helps you to secure the top position for interviews. So, what are you waiting for? Follow all the above tips and boost your career to the next level.