Once a resume has been scanned and placed into a computerized database, resumes become accessible through the use of key words and by typing in people's names. A manager who met you six months ago and remembered your name would enter the database and merely type in your name. Within seconds your resume would appear on the screen.

The most common way for resumes to be accessed is through key words. The term key words simply means that employers will first determine the desired background of the ideal candidate. They will then determine which words, terms and phrases they would expect that the ideal candidate would have in his or her resume.

After completing the first draft of your resume, take a few minutes to list all of the words and terms that you think an employer might look for. Then seek ways to get those words into your resume. The best way is to place yourself in the position of an employer seeking someone with your background. In essence you are asking, How would I find myself?

There are several ways to identify key words. Search the want ads in your field and notice what words they specify in the requirements and duties sections. Talk to people in the field and ask what they believe the key words would be. Read descriptions in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles, a resource found in virtually every library which describes the duties of over 12,000 occupations. Also read the descriptions in the Occupational Outlook Handbook, another resource. Do all of these things, but then come back to considering how you would find yourself if you were looking for someone like you.