How Using Keywords In Your CV Can Get You That Job Interview

Have you asked yourself why you did not receive an interview invite to a job you thought you were the perfect fit for? Well, the reason could have been in the keywords you settled for in your job application.

Keywords are words that relate to particular requirements for a job. They are skills, abilities, credentials, and qualities that a hiring manager looks for in a candidate. These are critical to helping your CV get noticed and increase your chances of landing a job interview.

When a recruitment manager scans through a CV, these are the words they look for.

Therefore, by including keywords on your CV, you will demonstrate, at a glance, that you fit the requirements of the position.

QUICK READ >>> 6 Simple Tips To Make Your CV Beat The ATS Robots

There are two main types of keywords that you can use:

• Job Keywords: these explain what your primary characteristics (hard skills and soft skills) and qualifications for this particular job are.
• Action Verbs: these show that you can accomplish and succeed in the position you have applied for.

Starting with an action verb whenever possible and using numbers/percentages will highly increase the value of your job application. Recruiters are searching for these keywords. Additionally, they demonstrate exactly what value you created at your last job and if you can bring the value they currently need.

Here are a few tips to help you know what keywords to include in your CV:

1. Be specific

The more focused and specific you are, the greater your chances of getting picked up. Therefore, make sure that the keywords you include are closely related, if not related to the specific job you are applying for.

2. Know the company’s value proposition

What is that one thing that sets apart this company you are applying to from its competitors? In putting down your keywords, ensure that they are formatted in a way that reflects the company’s brand. Go to the company’s social media accounts and see how they describe themselves.

3. Use as many keywords as possible

For every position you apply for, make sure that you touch on most of the keywords that are relevant. However, in doing this, do not use skills that you do not have.

The keywords must be appropriate and flow throughout your CV.

READ ALSO >>> Want A Job? This Is How Your CV Should Look

4. Mix up the keywords

In coming up with your keywords, ensure that you include a mix of different types of keywords including soft skills and hard skills, and action verbs. This shows that you have all of the qualities that are necessary for the job.

Also, use synonyms of the keywords, to stand a better chance of your CV being selected.

5. Put the keywords everywhere

In using your keywords, ensure that you spread them throughout your CV. You can incorporate them into your summary statement, past job descriptions, skills, or any other part within your CV that seems appropriate.

In the end,

The biggest secret to knowing what keywords to use is using the job description. Here, the recruiter has already given you a list of all the skills they are looking for in their perfect candidate. Pick out some of the key attributes they have highlighted, and make sure you demonstrate them on your application.

Are you finding trouble in making your CV stand out? Email cvwriting@corporatestaffing.co.ke for assistance.