List of Keywords
On a sheet of paper or separate word processing document, make a list of 20 to 60 terms that describe your qualifications for the job you're interested in. These terms can be both technical and nontechnical. For example, you can list the computer applications you know (e.g., Adobe PhotoShop and QuarkXpress) as well as your business management skills (e.g., conflict resolution and negotiations).

List your keywords as nouns, not verbs (e.g., use “facilitation,” not “facilitate”). It's fine to place adjectives with keywords (e.g., “group facilitation”).

To be sure your qualifications are found by the search engine, list acronyms and their spelled-out versions. You don't want to take a chance that an acronym could be ignored by a search engine because the hiring manager forgot to ask the engine to find either the acronym or the spelled-out version of the acronym. For example, if you put only ISDN on your resume and the manager asks for Integrated Services Digital Network, the search engine may not pull up your resume.

Keywords in the Text
Incorporate all of your keywords into the statements in your resume text. Look for opportunities to list your keywords under logical headings. For example, you could put all of your computer applications under a Computer Skills heading, or you could list your management skills in one of your Summary of Qualifications statements (e.g., “Skilled at contract negotiations, conflict resolution, benefits administration, and internal communications.”).

For example, notice on the next page how Tina Juan incorporated keywords into her resume.