Mine Job Descriptions for the Right Keywords to Use in an Application

Whether you are just starting your job search or deep into the process, it is important to evaluate your experience, qualifications and skills with every new application you submit to ensure that you're meeting the potential employer's needs. To be sure that your application catches the eye of a hiring manger, learn how to mine job descriptions to determine the right keywords to use.

Scrutinize the Job Description

When you find a specific job description of particular interest to you, print a copy and read over it several times. Underline or highlight keywords that stand out to you and those that closely match your experience and skills. Look for keywords that are repeated within the job description, as these are qualifications that are likely most important to the potential employer.

Look for Similar Job Descriptions

Search for other job descriptions similar to the position of interest. Check out job boards, career networking websites, industry blogs and trade association sites. Take a look at other related jobs within the same organization and positions with the same title at competing firms. Make a list of keywords that occur regularly in these job descriptions so you can work a few into your application.

Find Some Next Level Job Descriptions

Search the potential employer's job board to find job postings for positions that are one level higher than the job you are seeking. This lets you see what skills and qualification are necessary for a promotion. Add keywords to your list if you have experience that matches. If there are important keywords that do not line up with your qualifications, use them within the objective section of your resume to demonstrate that you have an interest in learning this skill in your next position.

Check Out the Competition

Visit career websites, such as LinkedIn, to peruse the resumes of other job seekers vying for the same job titles as those in which you are interested. Make a list of the common keywords that these individuals use on their resumes to see how you measure up to your competition. Incorporating some of these words into your applications, resume and cover letter helps give you a competitive edge.

Make Use of Technology

Copy and paste job descriptions into a word-cloud generator, such as Wordle.net, to find the most common words in the job posting. The most prominent keywords appear larger in the word cloud, so it is easy to know which words to focus on when completing your application.

Once you have compiled your list of keywords, load up your application with as many as possible to increase your chances of landing an interview. Your resume should include at least 50 percent of the keywords in the specific job description for which you are applying. Be sure to use the keywords consistently across your application, resume and cover letter.

Resources:

http://www.quintcareers.com/researching-resume-keywords/

http://www.iseek.org/jobs/resume-keywords.html

http://think.stedwards.edu/career/job-descriptions-and-key-words

http://www.theladders.com/career-advice/match-your-resume-to-job-description

Photo Courtesy of Shoalb Muhammad at Flickr.com