Use Keywords, Get Noticed

• 1). Set aside at least an hour (or two for a new profile) to improve and update your resume-posting profile. All job boards have a questionnaire process that you click through, when you first sign up. If you want your profile to be effective, you have to put a lot of effort into preparing it so a potential employer will find you when it is searching for applicants with certain keywords and phrases. If you have already posted your profile, go through the initial steps again, bearing this advice in mind. If you are posting for the first time, make sure you use this information to your advantage.
  
  
• 2). Know where your resume files are and have copies prepared in two formats. The first should be a text-only, or ASCII, format that you can copy and paste into the appropriate text box on the website. The second should be an MS Word version. This is due to the fact that many job boards allow you to upload a formatted copy of your resume so that they can easily print and read or forward it. Most of the sites say you can upload a "Word" copy.
  
  
• 3). When you fill out the required information in the questionnaire, be thorough. When they ask for a job description, don't just give them a repeat of what's in your resume. Using a solid list of keywords and key phrases, give them a brief overview of your duties and then tell them about your accomplishments and special projects you worked on. Use things that you didn't include on your resume, but you feel are important.
  
  
• 4). Take your time going through the lists of skills. Don't leave anything out. Even if you only have a little bit of experience or only have training, click on the skill and say that you're a beginner or only have one year of experience.
  
  
• 5). Remember that keywords are the only way that an employer can find you. If the keywords and key phrases they're looking for are not included in the language of your profile, employers won't find you. Use those keywords in as many places as you can, while making sure they are used in the natural language of your profile. If you see a particular job posting that you want to apply for and the language they use is not in any of your profile writings, make changes. Add the keywords in natural places or exchange them with others, where they'll fit appropriately.
  
  
• 6). Update and save your profile at least every 30 days, although every 14 days is better. Resume-posting databases use timestamps to return profile search data to hiring professionals. The more recent your updates were, and the better your keywords match, the closer your profile will be to the top of the list.
  
  
• 7). Search for and apply to job postings. The more active you are in contacting potential employers, the more likely you are to get a response. Remember, you are competing with millions of others. Odds are that your resume won't be seen by an employer unless or until you express an interest in a position by applying for the job. Also, the more active you are on a job site is a direct correlation with your ranking in the database.