One of the LinkedIn essentials is finding keywords for your file. Keywords are the important words recruiters use as search criteria to find potential candidates and in doing so, filter out unsuitable candidates. They may be:- job titles
- skills
- qualifications
- certifications
They are significant because when you deal with computers, most are programmed to look for those keywords entered and those alone. If they are not in your resume or profile, then you just won’t show up in the search results.
- Jobs postings – Whether in newspapers or online, recruitment staff set out their criteria for the perfect candidate. Look through the document/s and highlight the skills, qualifications and experience that they are looking for. Some may even include a list the essential and desirable attributes wanted.
- Resumes of your peers – On LinkedIn, you can actually review the profiles of your peer group. Check out what buzzwords they use.
- Previous performance evaluations/reviews – Look at the words that your manager used when carrying out your performance reviews. Make sure that they are recent reviews and relevant to your current job search.
- The Dictionary of Occupational Titles – This website allows you to search job titles and see the tasks, knowledge, skills and abilities that people in a particular job would be expected to have. It’ full of the keywords associated with particular jobs.
- Occupational Associations – Many professional groups have an occupational organisation. These are a great source of up to date information about your specialty.
- HR Staff – Whether it’s the HR staff at a specific organisation or even the local job centre, they will have access to information that will help you research the keywords relevant to your role.
One thing to note, computers will only find exact results so remember:
- misspelled words will not get found
- check the grammar used in the job description e.g. BSc v B.Sc. or MBA v M.B.A. and mirror it
- when using abbreviations, spell them out too
- be specific e.g. MS Office including MS Word
Once you have found the keywords relevant to the type of job you are looking for, you need to match them to the skills, knowledge and experience that you actually have. Lying on a resume or job application is grounds for dismissal and prosecution. Remember, if you don’t meet the basic requirements for a job, then don’t waste time applying.
Next, review your resume and LinkedIn profile and see which keywords that you have used, which you haven’t and where you could include the priority keywords.
If you found this blog post helpful, then please let me know, and if you feel you would benefit from some help with your LinkedIn profile, then consider getting a full, systematic review of your profile or some one to one training and support.