How to Find the Right Keywords in a Job Description

Step 1: Read the requirements twice

Focus on the "Requirements", "What you'll do" and "Nice to have" sections. The first pass is for understanding the role; the second is for picking out terms.

Step 2: Pull out four kinds of keywords

• Hard skills and tools: Python, Figma, Salesforce, SQL, Kubernetes.
• Job titles and functions: product designer, account executive, data analyst.
• Qualifications: degrees, certifications, years of experience.
• Key phrases: "stakeholder management", "design systems", "B2B SaaS".

Step 3: Rank them

Terms that appear more than once, appear in the title, or sit under "Requirements" matter most. "Nice to have" terms matter less. Soft-skill filler like "team player" rarely affects screening.

Step 4: Match them to your real experience

Go through your list and mark each keyword you genuinely have. For each one, find the place in your CV that proves it. If you used the skill but described it differently, switch to the posting's wording: "built REST endpoints" becomes "built REST APIs".

Leave out anything you don't have. If a must-have is missing, mention related experience honestly in your cover letter instead.

Step 5: Place them where they count

• Skills section: list matching keywords first, in the posting's wording.
• Summary: include the job title and two or three top keywords.
• Bullets: show the skill in use, with a result.

Common mistakes

• Copying the whole job description into your CV (called keyword stuffing). Recruiters notice.
• Hiding keywords in white text. Modern systems and recruiters catch it.
• Using abbreviations only. Write the full term once, for example "search engine optimisation (SEO)".