Using CV keywords can be a simple way to get more interviews.
When you upload your CV to a jobsite or employer’s website, it is often filtered through a system that searches for specific words and phrases. These keywords are different for every job and employer but can easily be found by looking at the job advert.
If your CV uses many of the keywords from the job advert, it marks you as a stronger candidate. This makes it more likely your CV will be seen by an employer.
Which CV keywords should you use?
The keywords that the system looks for depend on the job itself, and what the job is looking for.
A retail job might look for words like “customer service”, “positive attitude” and “people person”. Meanwhile, a warehouse job might want words like “fast-paced” and “efficient”.
Check which qualities and skills are mentioned in the job you are applying for and make sure you add them to your CV.
Finding the right keywords
You can never be certain which words the system or employers want to see in your CV – but looking at the job advert itself can help you make an educated guess.
Most job adverts will include bullet points or a short description of the type of person they are looking for. Look at this description and see which words are used.
Does the advert describe the perfect candidate as a “self-starter” or having a “can-do attitude”? Take those words and find a good place to include them in your own CV.
Avoid keyword stuffing
This technique is best used in moderation.
“Keyword stuffing” is when too many keywords are used, until something becomes unreadable or awkward. Keywords can make your CV more likely to stand out but you should make sure it is still readable.
Choose just two or three keywords – do not flood your CV with lots of different ones.
Ready to get more interviews?
Always make sure you use the right CV keywords for the right job. Many people have multiple CVs so you need to make sure you use the correct one for each application.
Submitting CVs that contain irrelevant keywords will make it less likely to get more interviews. Always check that you are submitting the right one.
