In today’s competitive job market, most employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan and filter resumes based on specific resume keywords. To increase your chances of passing these automated screenings and reaching a human recruiter, you must optimize your resume for resume keyword relevance.

How to Optimize Your Resume for Resume Keyword Scanning

Analyze the Job Description for Resume Keywords

An effectively written resume starts with the job description for your desired position. Carefully read the job posting to identify keywords related to required skills, qualifications, and experience.

As you review the post, highlight phrases and terms that resonate with your skills and qualifications. You will then use the exact phrases and terminology you highlighted within the job description in your resume and cover letter.

As an example, let’s assume you have experience monitoring phase I studies. If the job description states that previous experience “monitoring Phase I trials” is required, use the exact phrase “monitoring Phase I trials” in your resume.

Incorporate Resume Keywords Throughout Your Resume

Once you have identified the resume keyword phrases that are relevant to the job description, integrate them into your work experience, skills, and education sections. You really only need to use each keyword or keyword phrase once, although ATS software often scores resumes higher when keywords appear multiple times.

The key is that you want to make sure your resume sounds natural. In other words, avoid simply listing keywords. You also want to avoid overstuffing your resume with keywords. Instead, include these important terms in the context of achievement-oriented bullet points. Why? Remember that your resume needs to tell a story. While ‘stuffing’ your resume with keywords or keyword phrases may help you beat the ATS programs, the goal is for human eyes to see your resume. Therefore, you want your resume to have a natural flow so that the very important hiring manager will read your resume like a novel.

And because you will never be sure what keywords you should include in your resume, I recommend you use both acronyms and full names for certifications, degrees, and organizations. Here is a simple example: If the post states a “Bachelor’s degree” is required, you will want to use the exact term “Bachelor’s degree” in your resume. But you should also use terms like BA or BS. Another example: if you hold a certification from the ACRP, type the term out as “Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP)” to cover all of your bases.

You may also want to consider using synonyms of relevant keywords and, with therapeutic experience, list your indications. For example, if you have experience working on myelofibrosis projects, consider (as appropriate) also listing terms like oncology, hematology, thrombocythemia, and myelofibrosis.

Use Resume Keywords in Cover Letters and Emails

Don’t forget your cover letter or application email. Be sure to tailor all of your application documents and correspondence to include important keywords from the job description, reinforcing your fit for the role.

Keep Formatting Simple

We recently recorded a podcast that shared several examples of candidates making fatal resume formatting mistakes. It is definitely worth a quick listen, but the key message is to use standard fonts and avoid graphics, tables, headers, footers, and unusual formatting, as these can confuse ATS software.

Your resume should be formatted in a way that makes it easier for the hiring manager to find key information. Therefore, you should consider sticking to typical section headings like “Professional Experience,” “Education,” “Therapeutic Experience,” and “Certifications”.

Proofread and Avoid Errors

We recently reported that 64% of resumes have at least one spelling mistake. Don’t be one of those offenders. Misspellings or formatting errors can prevent your resume from being recognized by the ATS or make a poor impression on the hiring manager once she views your resume.

Eliminate Unnecessary Sections

Remove sections like “Career Objective.” Don’t add logos, pictures, and unfamiliar categories that may not be relevant or readable by ATS. Oh…and no one cares that you can provide references at this stage. Nor do they care if you like reading mystery novels and taking long walks on the beach.

Your mission is to get your resume through the ATS scanning programs so you can impress the hiring manager. Keep your resume simple and focused.

Summary Table: Resume Keyword Optimization Tips

By focusing on resume keyword optimization, you can improve your chances of passing ATS scans and getting noticed by hiring managers

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