Just as you use keywords to search for jobs on Monster, recruiters and hiring managers use them to identify qualified candidates in the Monster resume database who match their available positions.
Knowing which keywords appear most frequently in recruiters' searches can help you use the right words and terms in your resume. But remember: While it makes sense to use these keywords in your resume if they pertain to you, littering your resume with irrelevant words can backfire.
Related: Does your resume pass the 6-second test? Get a FREE assessment.
"For the astute recruiter, it's going to come across as spam," said Felix Heimberg, a Dallas-based recruiter. "We become very good at spotting something that looks contrived."
100 Most Popular Keywords
What do recruiters and hiring managers search for? Here is a list of the top 100 resume keyword search phrases used by recruiters and hiring managers on Monster for a representative three-month period:
- Sales
- Recruiter
- Administrative assistant
- Accountant
- Receptionist
- CPA
- Customer service
- Accounting
- Java
- Mortgage
- Manager
- Executive assistant
- Human resources
- Pharmacist
- Accounts payable
- Insurance
- Payroll
- Staff accountant
- "Administrative assistant"
- Physical therapist
- Outside sales
- SAP
- "Business analyst"
- Collections
- Audit
- Engineer
- Controller
- Financial analyst
- Project manager
- Marketing
- C#
- .net
- "Project manager"
- J2EE
- Administrative
- Oracle
- Construction
- Warehouse
- Inside sales
- Business analyst
- Paralegal
- RN
- "Financial analyst"
- Data entry
- Nurse
- Peoplesoft
- Restaurant manager
- Loan officer
- Staffing
- "Executive assistant"
- Retail
- Legal secretary
- "Customer service"
- Call center
- "Outside sales"
- Bookkeeper
- "Inside sales"
- Auditor
- AutoCAD
- Tax
- Registered nurse
- Buyer
- "C"
- Spanish
- Japanese
- Underwriter
- "Sales"
- Account executive
- "Technical writer"
- Medical
- Cnc
- Finance
- "Staff accountant"
- Civil engineer
- Telemarketing
- Accounts receivable
- Senior accountant
- Manufacturing
- Sql
- Unix
- Architect
- HVAC
- Help desk
- Oracle DBA
- Clerical
- Purchasing
- Bilingual
- "Help desk"
- Analyst
- "Accounts payable"
- "Technical writer"
- Pharmaceutical
- Loan processor
- Occupational therapist
- Qa
- Pharmaceutical sales
- Real estate
- Maintenance
- "Human resources"
- Entry level
Related Articles:
- Keywords that Work
- 3 Top Tips on Handling Resume Keyword Filters
- Top 20 Keywords for Your Job Search
- Keyword Challenge
Related: For the latest veteran jobs postings around the country, visit the Military.com Job Search section.
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