In the ever-competitive job market of 2024, making sure your CV gets noticed is no longer just about listing qualifications—it’s also about incorporating the right keywords that align with the search terms recruiters are actively seeking. Many job seekers focus on common resume phrases like “team player” or “hardworking,” but there’s a growing shift towards using less common but highly searched terms that can make your CV stand out. These search terms aren’t just about getting through an ATS; they can help ensure that your CV is aligned with what companies are looking for based on real-time trends.

To help you optimize your CV for the best chance at landing your dream job, we’ve researched some less common but highly impactful keywords that are trending in Google searches in 2024. Here’s how you can integrate these terms to make your CV both ATS-friendly and attractive to hiring managers.

1. “Data-Driven Decision Making”

As more industries integrate analytics into their operations, employers are seeking candidates who are not just comfortable with data but who can leverage data to make decisions. This has become one of the most popular terms in business intelligence, marketing, and project management roles. Using terms like data-driven decision making or data analytics in your CV will make it stand out to employers looking for candidates who can analyze and act on data.

Here’s an example of how you might incorporate this into your CV:

• “Implemented data-driven decision making strategies across the marketing team, resulting in a 15% increase in customer acquisition.”

If you’ve worked with data in any capacity, no matter how small, it’s worth mentioning your ability to make decisions based on data rather than intuition alone. Even in non-technical roles, this type of skill is becoming increasingly valuable.

As noted by Forbes, companies in industries like finance, marketing, and healthcare are now seeking candidates who can interpret data and turn it into actionable insights, especially in leadership roles.

2. “Cloud Solutions”

With the rapid shift toward remote work and digital transformation, terms like cloud solutions or cloud computing are in high demand. Employers are looking for candidates with cloud-based expertise to help streamline operations, manage data, or implement solutions in the cloud. If you’re working in IT, software development, or project management, adding keywords related to cloud services can make your CV more visible to recruiters.

For example, a role focused on IT might look like this:

• “Managed the migration of company data to cloud solutions, improving operational efficiency and reducing data retrieval times by 30%.”

Cloud expertise is valuable in a wide range of industries, and adding cloud solutions to your CV will demonstrate that you’re up-to-date with the latest trends.

TechCrunch discusses how cloud computing has become critical for businesses across various sectors, making expertise in cloud solutions an essential keyword for many candidates.

3. “Customer-Centric” Approach

The importance of the customer experience is higher than ever, with businesses prioritizing customer-centric strategies to drive success. In fact, customer experience and customer-centric approaches are some of the most frequently searched terms by companies seeking employees who understand how to put the customer first.

Here’s how you might integrate this into your CV:

• “Led a customer-centric campaign that resulted in a 20% increase in customer retention through targeted communication and personalized outreach.”

Using the phrase customer-centric can show that you have the skills to create strategies that prioritize customer satisfaction, which is crucial for roles in marketing, sales, and customer service.

Business News Daily highlights that more companies are adopting a customer-first mindset, making it a valuable trait to feature on your resume.

4. “Agile Methodology” and “Scrum Framework”

If you’re applying for roles in project management, product development, or tech fields, terms like Agile methodology and Scrum framework are among the most searched phrases for team management and project coordination. These methodologies focus on continuous improvement, adaptability, and customer feedback, all of which are highly valued by companies looking to streamline their project delivery processes.

For example:

• “Successfully led a team using the Scrum framework to deliver a project three weeks ahead of schedule, increasing client satisfaction by 18%.”

Using these terms shows that you are familiar with modern project management practices and can work efficiently in fast-paced, evolving environments.

According to Atlassian, Agile and Scrum continue to be the most sought-after methodologies in the tech industry, and proficiency in them is a major asset for many companies.

5. “Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives”

In 2024, diversity and inclusion (D&I) remain top priorities for employers in virtually every industry. Companies are increasingly focused on creating diverse, inclusive work environments and are looking for candidates who have experience in promoting D&I.

Including diversity and inclusion initiatives on your CV can be a strong selling point, particularly for roles in HR, management, and corporate leadership. Here’s how you can showcase this:

• “Championed diversity and inclusion initiatives that increased employee satisfaction by 12% and reduced turnover by 15%.”

This type of experience is critical, as employers are looking for leaders who can build diverse teams and foster an inclusive culture.

SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) notes that organizations are now prioritizing D&I as a core business strategy, which makes it a keyword worth integrating into your CV.

6. “Digital Transformation”

In 2024, digital transformation is a buzzword across many industries, especially in marketing, IT, and business operations. If you’ve been involved in transforming business processes or leading technological upgrades, adding this term can significantly enhance the visibility of your CV.

For instance:

• “Led a digital transformation initiative, automating key workflows and reducing operational costs by 25%.”

This keyword is particularly important for industries undergoing rapid digitalization, such as finance, healthcare, and manufacturing.

As explained by McKinsey, digital transformation is now essential for businesses aiming to stay competitive in a digital-first world, so it’s important to highlight if you have any experience in this area.

7. “Cybersecurity Awareness”

As cyber threats continue to rise, cybersecurity is now a critical priority for all organizations. Whether you’re applying for an IT role or a position in a more general industry, showcasing cybersecurity awareness on your CV can signal to employers that you understand the importance of protecting company data and systems.

For example:

• “Conducted cybersecurity awareness training for employees, reducing security breaches by 40%.”

Given the rise in cyber attacks, being able to demonstrate cybersecurity awareness can set you apart from other candidates.

Cybersecurity Ventures reports that cybersecurity roles are some of the fastest-growing job sectors, so showing any relevant expertise or awareness can be a significant asset.

8. “Sustainability Practices”

With the growing focus on sustainability and corporate responsibility, companies are increasingly seeking candidates who are knowledgeable about sustainable practices. This keyword is especially important for roles in operations, supply chain management, and corporate social responsibility (CSR).

For instance:

• “Implemented sustainable business practices that resulted in a 30% reduction in waste and improved company sustainability scores.”

As the world moves toward greener practices, showing that you can contribute to sustainability initiatives can give your CV a significant boost.

According to GreenBiz, companies across industries are increasingly integrating sustainability into their core business models, making it a crucial keyword to feature.

9. “Freelance Consulting”

With the rise of the gig economy, freelance consulting has become a growing trend, particularly in areas like marketing, tech, design, and business strategy. Including terms like freelance or consulting experience on your CV can help you stand out if you have experience in these areas.

For example:

• “Offered freelance consulting services to startups, helping them develop marketing strategies that led to a 50% increase in online engagement.”

If you’ve worked as a freelancer or consultant, this is a great way to demonstrate your entrepreneurial mindset and ability to work independently.

Freelancers Union reports that more people are moving toward freelance work, so showcasing freelance consulting experience on your CV can set you apart.

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Conclusion

Incorporating the right keywords into your CV in 2024 is about more than just using buzzwords—it’s about aligning your resume with the real search terms that employers are using when looking for candidates. By integrating these less common but highly searched keywords, you can increase your chances of landing your dream job. Whether it’s terms related to cloud solutions, data-driven decisions, or digital transformation, make sure your CV reflects what employers are truly looking for in today’s fast-evolving job market.