It is getting more and more difficult to get resumes in front of hiring managers. Competitive job postings can receive hundreds of applicants that a human being simply cannot filter through. Understanding how one can stand out against a massive stack of resumes can increase callbacks, help get more interviews and, most importantly, increase job offers.

When a job posting receives a large number of applicants, hiring managers do not have the bandwidth to sort through potential applicants. As a result, they often utilize computer programs known as ATS, or Applicant Tracking Systems, to help sort through large stacks of resumes.

When a resume is being scanned by a computer program, even the most qualified applicant can be overlooked. They are not set up to identify important relevant experiences, but rather for specific terms that have been flagged by the hiring manager. The system then pushes forward resumes that contain those keywords. As a result, carefully curated keywords are important tools for applicants to use to differentiate themselves from other candidates.

Here are 3 important reasons to start using keywords:

It helps bypass applicant tracking systems. Getting a resume in front of a human being is a monumental task. Applicant Tracking Systems are designed to filter through resumes and cover letters to find keywords related to job postings. A qualified applicant may be completely overlooked simply because they didn’t use the exact keywords set up by a hiring manager. To bypass the system, an applicant must filter through job postings and replicate important and frequently used terms within their own resumes.

It brings focus to your most important skill sets. Resumes can be packed full of information and it becomes difficult to sift through achievements and find the most relevant aspects of a person’s professional history. Once a resume has moved past an ATS, keywords help draw the hiring manager’s attention to the most pertinent criteria. A few simple words can make an applicant seem that much more suitable for the open role.

It shows you’re on the same page. Terminology is a way to showcase skills and qualifying experiences to a hiring manager, but it also demonstrates that you have a compatibility with the language and internal workings of a company. Establishing familiarity with a company’s vernacular early on can help differentiate an individual applicant from a group of aspiring candidates.

As you can see, keywords are an integral part of any successful resume. They help bypass applicant tracking systems and bring focus to your most important skill sets. Plus they show that you’re on the same page with a potential employer or hiring manager. We hope this blog post has helped clear up any confusion about why keywords matter for resumes! If you need assistance drafting one for yourself, please feel free to send it our way at info@raksgroup.net