Do you know how to use the principles of keyword optimization to help recruiters and employers find your resume on job sites like LatPro? If not, your online job search is probably suffering.

Think about how you find information online: you enter keywords into a search engine and let it narrow down the choices for you, with the results most closely matching your keywords appearing highest in the rankings. Only then do you review the results and decide which links to click on.

This is exactly how recruiters find your resume when they search LatPro or any other job board. The right job-related keywords can land your resume at the top of a recruiter's search or at the bottom of the pile. How do you choose the right keywords so your resume comes out on top? Here are our recommendations for using keywords to your advantage:

1. Review Job Ads
   Perform a job search and review ads for positions that are similar to the one you want. What words and phrases do the ads have in common? These job descriptions will give you clues to the keywords that are most important to employers.
   
   
2. List your Software Skills
   Many positions require candidates to have experience using particular software applications. Include a section in your resume for computer skills where you list not only the type of application, but also the name of the software. For example, don't just mention that you have graphic design experience; state that you are experienced in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and Macromedia Fireworks.
   
   
3. Don't forget Valuable "Soft Skills"
   Some skills are sought after no matter what your target industry or function may be. Communication skills, flexibility, leadership and team building are valued in most positions. Make sure your work examples illustrate such skills.
   
   
4. Include Industry Buzzwords and Phrases (but don't overdo it)
   Your resume should not be so littered with jargon and industry shorthand that it is unreadable by a person outside of your industry, but it should include any "buzzwords" that reflect your abilities and knowledge. Keep in mind that an HR professional will probably review your resume, so your wording should be user friendly for those not working in your field.
   
   
5. Mention Professional Associations and Affiliations
   Recruiters commonly use the names of Hispanic associations in their keyword searches to uncover qualified candidates. An employer in need of bilingual nurses might use NAHN or "National Association of Hispanic Nurses" in their keyword search. An editor looking for a journalist with Spanish-language skills might use the keyword phrase "National Association of Hispanic Journalists" or "NAHJ" as one of their search terms. You can include any affiliations that relate to your professional career under a separate section at the end of your resume (non-professional groups like the National Rifle Association or the National NeedleArts Association should not be included here!).
   
   
6. Don't forget your Language and Culture
   Recruiters often include keywords such as "Spanish, bilingual, international" or phrases like "Hispanic marketing" or "managing multicultural teams." When listing your past accomplishments on your resume, be sure to include examples that showcase your language skills and cultural knowledge.
   
   
7. List your Professional Certifications
   If you have received certifications that apply to your field such as Six Sigma Black Belt or MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator), always include them on your resume. Employers needing these skill sets will normally use such certifications as a search term.
   
   
8. Consider Word Variations
   Think about the different ways that an employer could be searching for you. If an employer is seeking a bilingual PR pro to join their team, they may perform a keyword search for: "press releases, media coverage, pitching, Hispanic publications" or "PR, articles, Spanish, bilingual" – while you can't predict every keyword variation, thinking about the possibilities will be a great help.
   
   
9. Previous Employers
   Recruiters often search for candidates who have experience working for competitors or well-regarded companies in their industry. When listing your previous employers, try to include a few variations of the corporate name within your resume. For example:

    

   • HBO Latino / Home Box Office Latino
   • Hewlett-Packard / Hewlett Packard / HP
   • JPMorganChase / JP Morgan Chase / JPMorgan Chase
   
   
10. Don't be a Keyword Spammer
    One last word of caution: your resume should be readable and it should always accurately reflect who you are as a professional. Don't cram it so full of keywords that it looks more like a spam email than a resume. Above all, never engage in "keyword stuffing" -- padding your resume with terms that have nothing to do with your actual skills and experience.

About the Author: LatPro Inc

An innovator in the online employment industry, LatPro was launched in 1997 to become the very first job board connecting Hispanic bilingual candidates with employers. Our staff authors share targeted advice gained during our 10 years serving Hispanic jobseekers and diversity-conscious companies.

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