Should I bold keywords in my resume?

No, you should not bold the keywords in your resume. The purpose of using keywords is to pass the initial ATS screening and to help recruiters quickly assess your fit.

However, bolding the keywords makes it look like you’re trying to trick the ATS or exaggerate your experience. Plus, an ATS doesn’t treat bold words any differently than words in plain font.

Instead, format the keywords on your resume the same way you would format other words (e.g., bold for headings, plain font for skills and work experience bullet points, etc.).

It’s always a good idea to get feedback about how well your resume uses keywords, though. Quillbot’s AI Chat is a fast and free way to check your resume for strong use of keywords.

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Job applications: Other interesting questions

Should you use dear hiring manager on a cover letter?: You can use “Dear Hiring Manager” on a cover letter, but only when you must address a cover letter without a name.

It’s better to use the full name of the hiring manager (e.g., “Dear Leni Giorgio,”) if possible. Check the job posting, company website, and LinkedIn—or contact the company—when looking for this information.

Regardless of whether you address a cover letter with or without a name, check that it is error-free with Quillbot’s Grammar Checker.
What does internal mean on a job application?: “Internal” on a job application refers to candidates who are already employed by the company and are applying for a different position within the same organization. When applying for an internal role, it’s helpful to mention your current experience and how it aligns with the new position.

On your resume, highlight your achievements within the company and any skills you’ve gained. In your cover letter or letter of interest, emphasize your knowledge of the company’s culture and your motivation to grow within the organization. If you’re unsure how to start a cover letter, begin by acknowledging your current role and expressing interest in the new opportunity.

Quillbot’s Paraphraser can help you rephrase sentences to reflect your intended meaning.
Do cover letters matter?: Cover letters do matter, as long as they are highly customized and the job posting asks for one.

A cover letter is your chance to show off your personality and highlight relevant experience when applying for a job. Each cover letter should be tailored to a specific job application.

Moreover, some companies use AI to run primary screenings on candidates. Incorporating keywords from the job listing into your resume and cover letter can help you pass these.

Use Quillbot’s Grammar Checker to catch any spelling and grammar errors before sending. Making sure your cover letter is error-free is one way to ensure it has a positive impact.
How do I know what keywords to use when writing a resume?: To decide what keywords to use when writing a resume, look closely at the job posting to find:

The job title you’re applying for

Required skills (e.g., software)

Required certificates or degrees

Make a list of those keywords from the job description, and decide which ones are consistent with your skills and background.

Ask yourself, “If an interviewer asked me about this keyword, would I be able to give honest and accurate examples?” Those are the best keywords to include on your resume.

You can also prompt Quillbot’s AI Chat to show you the keywords in a job posting or check your resume for the right keywords.
What does title mean on a job application?: “Title” on a job application can either refer to your preferred form of address, such as “Mr.” or “Ms.,” or to your current or most recent job title, such as “Marketing Manager” or “Sales Associate.”

It’s important to make sure your resume includes clear, professional job titles that align with your skills and experience. In your cover letter or letter of interest, reinforce your qualifications and highlight key achievements. Quillbot’s Paraphraser can help you explore different phrasings to match your preferences.

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Should I bold keywords in my resume?

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Job applications: Other interesting questions