How can you use keywords to get hired on online job boards?

1 Identify relevant keywords

The first step to using keywords effectively is to identify the most relevant ones for your target job. You can do this by analyzing the job description, the company website, and the industry trends. Look for the specific skills, credentials, tasks, and goals that the employer is looking for, and make a list of the keywords that reflect them. For example, if you are applying for a marketing manager position, some of the keywords might be: digital marketing, SEO, content creation, analytics, campaign management, etc. You can also use tools like Google Trends, Keyword Planner, or Jobscan to find more keywords related to your field and role.

2 Incorporate keywords into your resume and cover letter

The next step is to incorporate the keywords you identified into your resume and cover letter. Strategically and naturally weaving these words throughout your documents, without overusing or stuffing them, is essential. Furthermore, you should tailor your keywords to each job you apply for, as different employers might have different preferences and expectations. When using keywords in your resume and cover letter, consider these tips: include them in the resume summary or objective to highlight your main skills, achievements, and value proposition; use action verbs and quantifiable results in the work experience section to demonstrate how you used your skills and solved problems; list specific, relevant, and verifiable skills in the skills section; explain your motivation and fit for the job in the cover letter by showing how your skills and experience match the employer's needs and goals.

3 Optimize your keywords for online job boards

The final step in the job application process is to optimize your keywords for online job boards. This means formatting and saving your resume and cover letter in a way that makes them easy to read and scan by both humans and machines. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are often used by job boards to filter and rank candidates based on their keywords and other criteria. To optimize your keywords, use standard fonts, sizes, and formats for your documents, save them as PDF or Word files with descriptive and consistent file names including your name and the job title, and include relevant keywords in the file name. Additionally, use keywords in your online profile to attract more attention from recruiters and hiring managers. By following these steps, you can identify, incorporate, and optimize your keywords for your target job and industry, thus increasing your chances of landing an interview and a job offer.