While formatting your CV is vital, the ability to match your skills and experiences to the job role will enhance your chances of getting the job. And you can achieve this by strategically optimising the keywords that will rank your CV.

Hiring companies often scan CVs with an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to check if they meet the desired skills the job demands. So, the chances of hiring managers taking a thorough look at your CV are slim if it does not have the keywords that pertain to the job.

These keywords are specific phrases or terms relating to a job that a recruiter looks for in a prospective candidate. They range from skills and certification to other necessary professional aspects of a candidate. The more tailored your words are to your job role, the higher your chances of landing an interview.

Here are a few tips that can help you optimise keywords in your CV:

1. Reflect the job title on your CV

This is the first point that gets checked in your CV. It shows at a glance whether you meet the requirements or not. So always express the desired job role and description in your CV.

In some cases, the hiring manager may use slightly different job titles from yours. Here, you can change yours to fit the specific words they used. For example, suppose the role you are applying to is that of a Senior Content Associate, and you’ve worked as a Content Associate for about seven years. In that case, you can tweak your CV to prioritise your years of experience to meet the ‘Senior’ tag. 

2. Adopt phrases directly from the job posting

A great way to boost your CV is to state your skills as written on the job posting. For example, if a company is looking for someone with ‘Good negotiation skills, ’ you should show how you have been able to negotiate and win a deal in your former job to highlight your ability to negotiate.

Your summary should also contain keywords from the job requirements. Although this does not automatically guarantee that you will get the job, it will bring you to the interview stage if your overall skills and competence are what the company needs. 

3. Use industry terminology 

Every industry has its jargon, and using these words in your CV shows you are in touch with industry happenings and know what the job entails. 

For example, a digital marketer or manager is expected to have knowledge of SEO/SEM, web analytics, and so on. So, using keywords like SEO, Engagement rates, lead generation, landing page clicks, conversion rates, etc., is important.

Adjusting your CV to meet ATS keywords for your job role is necessary to land that interview. However, securing an interview differs from getting the job, so be careful not to lie in your CV.

Do you need help tailoring your CV to fit your job application? Our professional writers are available to assist you. Try us today!