| Sales keywords, strategically placed on your sales | | | | - Experienced in relationship management with CXOs, |
| resume, can make or break your job search. | | | | brand teams, medical affairs officers, product team |
| Keywords are the buzzwords and industry jargon | | | | leaders and department heads. |
| that tell database screening software that you just | | | | - Knowledge of pharmaceutical marketing, healthcare |
| might be the right candidate for the job. They are | | | | communications, compliance in ACCME, DDMAC, |
| the words employers are searching for to establish | | | | HIPAA, OIG. |
| that a candidate has a background suitable for a | | | | If you were to apply online to GE for this job, your |
| particular opening. | | | | resume would be scanned by software looking |
| If you're in sales and if you want your resume to | | | | specifically for these keywords. If your resume lacks |
| result in invitations for interviews, you need to know | | | | most, some or all of these sales keywords, you are |
| what particular keywords are relevant to your | | | | at a competitive disadvantage - even if you're |
| situation. Where do you find those critical keywords | | | | qualified for the position. |
| for your sales resume? | | | | Looking Elsewhere for Sales Keywords |
| Look First At The Job Description | | | | Even if you're not applying to a specific job opening, |
| Just seen an advertisement or online posting for a | | | | you can still use job ads and online postings for |
| position opening in sales that looks appealing? If so, | | | | keyword ideas to improve the visibility of your |
| you've also found the perfect place to search for | | | | resume to computer eyes. Consider the following |
| relevant keywords for your sales resume. Most | | | | sources for more ideas... |
| advertisements will list not only the responsibilities of | | | | |
| the job, but they will point to a wish list of | | | | 1. Read newsletters and trade magazines dedicated |
| qualifications and characteristics the company would | | | | to your industry or discipline. |
| like to see in candidates. The critical keywords are | | | | 2. Have a conversation with recruiters specializing in |
| there for the picking - and they're already optimized | | | | your industry or profession. |
| for the position. | | | | 3. Consult with the U.S. Department of Labor's |
| Sales Keywords - Real World Examples | | | | Occupational Outlook Handbook. You can find a copy |
| For example, as I write these words I'm looking at | | | | at most libraries and online. |
| the corporate website for the General Electric | | | | 4. Visit online forums and discussion groups that cater |
| Company. I initiated a job search on their "career | | | | to your profession or industry. |
| page," and up popped an opening for a Sales | | | | Heads-Up: Only Use Keywords On Your Resume |
| Executive - CDS Sales. Reading under the category | | | | That Are Applicable |
| Desired Characteristics, I found the following | | | | Before you place any keyword on your resume, take |
| (excerpts from the website, with my underlining of | | | | a moment to make sure you're comfortable with the |
| important keywords): | | | | term, and that your experience with that term is |
| - Minimum of 6 years of healthcare enterprise or | | | | relevant. Always assume the worst: in this case, that |
| corporate selling / business development experience | | | | you will be asked pointedly to expand on any and all |
| in integrated solutions (IT, data, content | | | | technical jargon you embed in your resume. Be |
| programming, education, marketing). | | | | comfortable with these keywords, this jargon, or |
| - Robust interpersonal skills, with evidence of | | | | don't use them. |
| teamwork and collaboration. | | | | You do not want to stand there dumbfounded in an |
| - Solid process orientation, demonstrated resource | | | | interview because you can't define matrix |
| management and allocation experience, and the ability | | | | management - even though the keyword is woven |
| to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. | | | | throughout your resume. |