Keywords from job descriptions

How do I find the right keywords in a job description?

Read the posting slowly and mark the specific nouns and phrases that describe skills, tools, qualifications and duties. Those are your keywords; general words like "dynamic" or "passionate" usually are not.

A simple method:

  • Copy the posting into a document.
  • Highlight job titles, software, certifications, degrees and technical terms.
  • Note anything listed under "Requirements" or "Must have", and anything repeated.
  • Group them: tools, skills, qualifications, responsibilities.
  • Tick the ones you can honestly show from your experience.

Example from a logistics posting: "shipment tracking", "customs clearance", "SAP MM", "inventory reconciliation", "Incoterms".

Then check where each ticked term already appears in your resume. Where you have done the work but described it differently, change your wording to the employer's term. Where you have not done the work, leave it out.

Reviewed · by the ResumeBuilder.ae editorial team

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Templates to try

Free to edit and preview. Single-column layouts are the safest choice for applicant tracking systems.

ATS Classic

Single column

Use this template: ATS Classic

ATS Professional

Single column

Use this template: ATS Professional

ATS Minimalist

Single column

Use this template: ATS Minimalist

General guidance for job seekers, not legal or immigration advice. Employers and applicant tracking systems differ, so always follow the instructions in the job advert. Spotted a mistake? Email support@jobb.ae.

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