JOB SEARCH: Choose your words carefully — the language you use determines if your resumé will catch an employer's eye

As I mentioned in a previous column, your resume, as well as your LinkedIn profile, will solicit one of three responses:

1. No
2. Yes
3. WOW!

You are aiming for "WOW!"

Your resumé has one purpose; to sell your viability as a candidate in such a way that the reader says to themselves, ‘I must meet this person!’

Choosing your words strategically and selectively is how you get this response from your resume and LinkedIn profile.

Ask yourself:

• Do my skills and accomplishments stand out on my resumé?
• Does my resumé set me apart from my competition?
• Is my resumé providing the results I want? (i.e., getting me interviews)

I do not have to tell you that, throughout your job search and career, you use words to communicate your thoughts, results, suggestions and reasons for. Your choice of words — your communication style — significantly impacts your job search and career success.

Using the right words can have a significant impact on your job search.

Applicant Tracking System (ATS)

I will start with the dreaded ATS.

Even though ATS has been around for a while, most job seekers are unaware of how it works. Basically, ATS software allows the user to program keywords and phrases, which are then used by the ATS to select suitable candidates.

Today, recruiters and human resources departments receive an overwhelming number of resumés in response to their job openings. They, therefore, use ATS software to screen incoming resumés. Assume an ATS will screen your resumé when you apply to a job posting online, especially if the job is posted by a large company.

Making your resumé ATS-friendly requires wrapping your head around the concept that skills = keywords.

Determine the in-demand skills in your field by studying relevant job postings, especially the ones you are applying for. Include these skills (keywords), the ones you have, throughout your resumé and LinkedIn profile.

ATS software does not make assumptions. Therefore, to significantly increase (no guarantee) the odds of your resumé being selected by an employer's ATS, your resumé needs to replicate, as closely as possible, the skills mentioned in the job posting.

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Words that describe your achievements

Every employer seeks the same candidate: someone who can hit the ground running and get the job done. Understandably, hiring managers consider a person's past performance a reliable indicator of future performance. Therefore, use words that highlight the positive results you have achieved for your current and previous employers.

Begin your resumé statements (bullet points) with words such as decreased, doubled, exceeded, expanded, implemented, installed, increased, maximized, minimized, reduced and saved. Follow these accomplishment words with a numerical qualifier. The importance of quantifying (percentage increase, revenue increase, percentage of inventory shrinkage decrease) your achievements cannot be overstated. The goal is to come across as credible, instead of just giving your opinion.

Here are some examples:

• Installed 15 Novell servers and 200 workstations for Widget Inc. Canada.
• Saved $24,000 in yearly expenses by installing 10 ATMs in six branches.
• Increased territory sales from less than $4 million to $8.2 million within two years.

Throughout your job search, remember: employers do not hire opinions; they hire results.

Words that show you get things done

Modesty has no place in a resumé. Describe how you handled unforeseen issues, motivated difficult team members and devised innovative solutions to problems. Words that imply you get things done include developed, drove, implemented, launched, turned around, managed, produced and spearheaded.

Here are some examples of that:

• Launched a targeted social media campaign to introduce a new oil filter line into the Canadian market, resulting in first-year sales of $3.5 million.
• Developed and implemented a loss-prevention program in my store, which reduced shrinkage from 17 per cent to four per cent.
• Implemented a customer service improvement program, resulting in an overall customer satisfaction score for 2022 of 93 per cent (as determined by external auditors), along with reduced wait times.

Words you should not choose

Just as important as the words you choose to use are those you choose not to use.

Vague claims about your attitude, work ethic or personality are merely your opinion. As I mentioned, employers do not hire opinions; they hire results. Keep your resumé focused on your hard skills, the ones specific to the job posting and your line of work, your actions and the results you have achieved.

Eliminate words such as responsible, detail-oriented, hard worker, team player, self-motivated, go-to person and guru.

Saying references are available upon request is redundant and takes up valuable resumé real estate. It is assumed you will provide references.

A resumé is a marketing document. Envision your resumé as being equivalent to a sales brochure. Arm it with words evangelizing your strengths; eliminate words that serve no purpose.

For your resumé and LinkedIn profile to be competitive, you must present yourself as the accomplished and valuable person you are and hopefully (fingers-crossed), the reader will say to themselves, ‘I must meet this person!’

Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned veteran of the corporate landscape, offers advice on searching for a job. You can send him your questions at [email protected].