How to add keywords to your executive resume

Keywords are very important when you are crafting the perfect executive resume. Since your resume is an integral part of your job application, it is vital that you spend sufficient time deciding the specific details that make it special. Keyword optimization of a resume is a must when you want to get called back for an interview.

The use of the right language on your resume will help you reflect your expertise, all the while presenting you as the ideal candidate for the position. Recruiters expect executive-level candidates to use the proper keywords when creating a resume.

Executive keywords may vary by industry. If you are unsure of the common keywords on resumes for your trade, you should refer to a few sample resumes available online. Sample resumes will give you a lot of insight into the language and writing style for resumes of a particular profession.

However, there is a set of executive keywords that can be used by any candidate, despite the industry. Here are 20+ top keywords for your executive resume:

1. Strategic
2. P&L, Profit & Loss Responsibility
3. Growth, Revenue, Profit
4. Multi-site operations
5. New business development
6. ROI
7. Metrics
8. Joint ventures and alliances
9. Change management, change transition
10. Dollars raised
11. Consensus building and teaming
12. Leadership
13. Operations
14. Organizational leadership
15. Management
16. Budgeting & Finance
17. Corporate administration
18. Performance optimization
19. Best practices and benchmarking
20. Stakeholders
21. Crisis management
22. Business acumen

How to add keywords to your executive resume

Add them everywhere

Don’t limit keywords to the skills section of your resume. The resume summary statement, work experience section, and achievements section are some great places to display keywords for maximum impact. Always use a good amount of keywords when writing the bullet points of your career summary. Keep in mind to use a good variety of keywords on your resume without repeating the same ones.

Include the specifics alongside the keywords

Never add keywords to your resume for the sake of it. Keywords randomly scattered throughout will help you optimize your resume for the ATS but will look horribly unprofessional when a hiring manager reads the resume. Whenever you are discussing annual revenue or valuations, it is better to include metrics.

Update your online presence to catch up with the resume

Employers always search for candidates on LinkedIn. If the LinkedIn profile you added to your resume isn’t up-to-date, a recruiter wouldn’t be able to gauge the true depth of your executive skills. Keeping your LinkedIn profile polished will reward you during the job search. Also, you must take care to incorporate your executive keywords everywhere you are searchable. This helps increase your chances of getting hired.

Get a free resume review from Resume Mansion

One article alone can not explain to you how to use keywords the right way on your executive resume. If you are not sure about the strength of the keywords you have incorporated into your resume, you can opt for a free resume critique by Resume Mansion. All you must do is upload your resume to our website, and our resume-writing experts will guide you with a comprehensive resume review.