Revamping Your Resume with SEO Keywords
This has been a whirlwind year in our creative industry, impacting recruiters, clients, and candidates alike. Many companies have had to restructure or downsize, creating a large talent pool and increasing the ever-competitive market.
Making sure your resume stands out has always been a top focus here at Artisan Creative, and it is even more vital in today’s job search environment than it ever has been before. Utilizing SEO keywords throughout your resume is an effective way to make sure that relevant information is being highlighted when you are applying to jobs.
Oftentimes when resumes are submitted, they are processed via applicant tracking and resume management systems. These systems scan the resumes and highlight keywords that are relevant to a position. If your resume isn’t crafted with SEO keywords, your resume may not even make it to the next phase of review. Here are some tips on how to get the most out of your resume with SEO keywords (and what to avoid!).
Use Industry-Specific Keywords. Are you applying for a creative agency as a web developer? Be sure to use SEO keywords such as “creative, frontend development, backend programming, and Javascript”. Or if you are a creative marketing manager searching for a creative role, updating your resume and adding SEO keywords such as “social media, email marketing, SEO, analytics, digital marketing, and project management” may raise your profile. Keep a list of effective SEO keywords that are associated with your industry handy.
Add Job-Specific Keywords. Read the job ad and see which requirements are listed. Include any keywords that match your experience. If a web developer role specifies WordPress, include it as one of your SEO keywords. The marketing manager role may prefer Adobe Analytics over Google Analytics. Be attentive to these details. By listing these job-specific keywords, a company’s tracking system will recognize your resume as relevant.
Include Hardware and Software Proficiencies. Creative positions will require specific design or programming proficiencies. By adding these to your resume, you will increase the chances of your resume being selected by a company’s tracking system. It is also helpful to include your level of proficiency along with these keywords.
Avoid Too Many “Fluff” Keywords. While certain skills are necessary for creative jobs, a resume may become lackluster if it is encumbered by an abundance of “fluff”. If you have “great communication skills” – try to include specific examples that demonstrate how this is true. The tracking systems may pick your resume because of the general skillset, but by providing definitive examples – you can really wow an employer with your resume.
When tailoring your resume with our SEO tips, it is imperative that you are mindfully adding keywords that are relevant to your industry, your experience, and the specific job you are applying to.
Your resume is the key to catching a potential employer’s eye and by following our guide to adding SEO keywords, your resume will really stand out amongst the rest!
We hope you’ve enjoyed the 572nd issue of our a.blog.
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