This is a practice not only common with entry-level and managerial resumes,
it also works extraordinarily well with executive resumes. You just have to
know how to manage the keywords you use properly. Let's look at how you can
get this done.

Choose Scanning Technology-Friendly Keywords

One key aspect of using the right keywords for your executive resume is
choosing the ones that work well with scanning technology. Many companies
nowadays are using scanning technology as a sort of screening tool to
determine who appears to be qualified for the position. The catch with the
use of this technology is that it plays upon how many times you list certain
keywords throughout your resume. In other words, you may be highly qualified
for a position but because you didn't use the right keywords your resume may
not get a second look.

You don't want this technicality to result in your application being turned
away at the front door, which is why it's good to consider using words that
work well with this technology. Some words and phrases used at the executive
level might include the following: strategic planning, performance
optimization, P&L responsibility, budgeting and finance, corporate
administration, new business development, crisis management, profitability
improvement, and world-class organization. Of course, the words need to fit
into the context of the statement you want to make. But the more keywords
you use in the proper context, the better your chances are of being picked
up by this special technology.

Remember that One Keyword Can Tell an Entire Story

As you're thinking of keywords to use in your executive resume, it's a good
idea to remember that each keyword you choose will tell an entire story ­ if
you choose the right ones. For instance, if you choose the keyword
"strategic planning" it is assumed that you have a great deal of experience
in creating strategies to help move the company in a new direction.

If you use the keyword "sales" the person hiring may assume that you have
experience with negotiations, product/service presentation, and customer
relation management. So as you make your selections, you want to make sure
that you're telling the right story to help prepare the message you want to
deliver.

Where to Incorporate Keywords

If you're wondering where you should incorporate your keywords, a few places
to consider include in the Career Summary at the beginning of your resume
and within your Job Descriptions. Also, you might consider creating a
section titled Executive Qualifications that focuses more specifically on
your qualifications in relation to the more important keywords.

As you work on tightening up your resume, it's a good idea to always keep in
mind just how important it is to incorporate the right keywords throughout.
If you manage this part of the resume-writing process carefully, you will
very likely end up with a resume to die for.

Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer and is passionate about
providing working professionals with current, reliable and effective job
search tools and information. Compare the top writers for executive resumes
at http://www.resumelines.com.
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