Using Keywords to Help Your Job Search

Chad Berndt
Sep 9, 2018 · 2 min read

During the job searching process, there are certain methods to speed up the process and make it easier to secure a position. One method is researching the keywords in job ads. By figuring out which nouns and noun phrases show up most commonly in job ads in a particular field, an applicant is able to find which words and skills are most important for securing a job in that field. This is worth doing because an applicant is able to get an idea of what employers are really looking for in applicants. For my job search, my field is management and I am looking for an entry level management position or internship.

From my research, I learned that many of the positions were looking for applicants with certain skills like leadership ability, the ability to motivate, problem solving, communication, and the ability to achieve goals. My research suggests that when creating a resume, one should include as many of these skills as they see fit, as long as they actually describe the applicant.

Job Ad Research

For my research, I was mainly searching for either entry-level management positions for after I graduate as well as internships. Many of the job ads I went through were succinct, descriptive and to the point.

Primary Job Ads

Job 1: Management Internship, Menard, Inc.

“The Management Internship is a 12-week PAID hands on training experience. If selected for the Program, you will be placed in one of our departments to work directly with an experienced management team. They will teach you the necessary skills to be successful with Menards. You will have the opportunity to develop stronger organizational, communication and time management skills, as well as the opportunity to gain hands-on management experience.”

Job 2: Management Trainee, Enterprise Holdings

“As a Management Trainee in the Duluth, MN area, you can count on a defined career trajectory with a clear beginning and an open end — meaning you can take your training and shape your future. And with our promote-from-within philosophy, you will have plenty of opportunities to advance without ever having to change companies.”

Supplementary Job Ads

Job 3: In-store Management Executive Internship, Target Corporation

Job 4: Store Management, Savers Inc.

Job 5: Management Internship, The Buckle, Inc.

Keywords

Skills, Business, Team, Customers, Organizational management, Operations, Leadership, Community, Learning, Culture, Members, Success, Ability, Retail, Sales, Behind-the-scenes, Classifications, Problem-solving, Communication, Team-oriented, Relationships, Opportunities, Collaboration, Satisfaction, Bachelor’s Degree, Motivating, Hands-on, Innovative, Maximize sales, Sales results, Achieve goals, Punctuality, Perform tasks

Professional Keywords: Leadership, Success, Sales, Communication, Collaboration, Organizational management, Operations, Maximize sales, Achieve goals

Most Essential Keywords

  • Communication: Collaboration, Tean-Oriented
  • Leadership: Motivating, Relationships, Operations
  • Skills: Innovative, Achieve goals, Perform tasks, Problem-solving
Chad Berndt

Written by

Student at University of Minnesota Duluth

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