Dismay, Shock and Disappointment! You've spent weeks or even months looking for a job. Frustration is mounting, because you KNOW you are qualified for the positions you have applied for. So why hasn't anyone called you for a job interview? Maybe it isn't you - maybe it is your keywords – or the lack thereof.

Keywords in resumes are terms or jargon used in any specific industry to describe traits or technical experience they desire in their employees. Yes, your industry has them, too! Used effectively in your resume, particularly if you are submitting online, keywords can make a dramatic difference in the success of your job search.

When composing your resume, endeavor to use 8 to 10 keywords. Spend a little time brainstorming. Make a list of likely terms a prospective employer in your industry would be looking for, like position titles, computer software or hardware you have worked with, any special training or credentials.

As an example, in the field of Finance, some applicable keywords might be: financial, advisor, payroll, analyst, revenue, or ROI.

For Manufacturing, they might be: shipping, receiving,service manager, assembly line, goods,

services.

Don't forget to include important acronyms or abbreviations, i.e. Microsoft Word as MS Word, IT as Information Technology, and ROI as Return on Investment.

To help you brainstorm, here are some of the types of keywords Hiring Agents will be looking for.

Specific job titles: supervisor, project manager, administrative assistant

Desirable experience: marketing, shipping, technology, computer,hardware/software

Education credentials: Masters Degree, business administration,college, courses

Individual traits: team leader, self-motivated, goal-driven

Foreign language skills:

If you find you're having difficulty coming up with enough keywords, do like I have done. Grab your local newspaper and check the Employment section. Or visit some online job boards. Both are great for discovering terms related to a specific industry. Then place these words strategically throughout your resume. Be subtle in doing so, though, and don't overdo or make it look obvious. You can even include a "Keyword" Section as the last category of your resume.

OCR Software – It Could Do You In

Nowadays many mid- to large size companies are using OCR software (Optical Character Recognition) or scanning software. The purpose of such software is to eliminate as many applicants as possible by designating specific terms be found in the resumes of desired applicants. Ensuring these relevant terms are in your professional resume will help you pass the first hurdle, hopefully land it in human hands, and lead to an interview.

If keywords are lacking, no matter how qualified you may be, the resume you have worked so hard on may fall through the cracks and never even be seen. The right keywords can transform your dismay and disappointment into excitement and sleeplessness for your new career.