What's a key word?

When you send your resume in to an employer after seeing an advertisement, make sure you use the right "key words." Large companies often use electronic scanners to search for key words or phrases for the particular opening. While smaller companies don't do this, an employer's eye is still going to be drawn to a resume that uses the same words he does. And, if you use Workamper's Awesome Applicant database, employers can search for key words to select resumes to consider.

Key words can be classified into three categories:

• Position: manager, front desk, secretary, dealer
• Type of work or tasks: maintenance, reservations, registration, management, housekeeping
• Characteristics: self-starter, hard worker, initiative, attention to detail

Before you send off your resume, look at it and see if you are using the same terms that you see in the ad. If not, add or substitute. If you use the word "janitor" and the employer is looking for "maintenance," you might not be seen as qualified. Using the key words that an employer uses in the ad will increase your chances of getting an interview and getting hired. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

For information on Jaimie's 2nd edition of Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, see RVBookstore.com