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Where do I get keywords from for my CV?
The right approach to creating a CV is to consider what the employer would want to see. You want to be on the ‘same page’ as the hiring manager, so you are able to connect on a professional level. But how do you do that?
‘Keywords’ is something you may have come across whilst searching for online CV help. But what are keywords and how can they help write a CV?
What is a keyword?
A keyword comes in many different forms. It could be an action word, or it could help describe a certain hard or soft skill. A keyword is essentially a very important word or phrase which aligns with the role and the company.
Matching the same words the employer uses for certain hard (specific) and soft skills is very important. You should never use your own descriptions if they mean the same.
A specific skill relates to something which you will have had training in or gained a qualification for. An example could be computer programming or operating machinery. A soft skill relates to a more generic skill, and is often missing from the CV. However, a soft skill is just as important to an employer as a specific one. Here are the 6 skills an employer wants to see on your CV.
‘Industry jargon’ or ‘technical jargon’ could contain many different keywords, but some are more relevant than others. Your aim as a job seeker and CV writer is to try and match certain keywords that the employer uses or will use. If you get this part right, you could easily put yourself head and shoulders above the rest of your competition.
Where do I find the relevant keywords?
One of the best places to find all the keywords you’ll ever need is the job advert itself. Here you will find exactly what the employer is looking for, and the types of words and phrases they like to use.
Whoever wrote the job advert is going to be in the interview and will read and vet the applications. By extracting keywords from the advert and using them in your CV, you are connecting immediately with the hiring manager.
Keywords can also help you in your quest to find the perfect role for you. For more information on this go to – Why keywords are so important in your job search.
What types of keywords am I looking for?
Here are some examples of the words and phrases often used in job adverts, which you can use within your own CV:
- Dynamic individual
- Great public speaker
- Fantastic communication skills
- Experience at leading a team
- Managerial experience required
- ACCA accounting qualifications required
- Full UK driving licence a must
You will see from the above list that the important keywords have been highlighted. Every job advert will of course be very different and will provide various keywords. Try to extract the important parts of the job advert and see how you can then insert this into your CV to show that you have these covered.
Are some keywords more important than others?
Yes, some keywords are far more important than others and you do have to be careful not to select the generic words too often. Words like ‘dynamic’ are a lot less important than ‘managerial experience’.
Try to stay clear of the generic words if you can, and only use them once at the most. Read between the lines as much as you can and jot down what you feel the employer is really looking for. What is important to them? What type of candidate are they looking for?
Using similar jargon, keywords and phrases as the job advert, you are already demonstrating that you recognise what the employer wants. The hiring manager will thank you for that and their decision to move you to the interview stage will be a lot easier.
Very simple – and all that is required. Thank you.