20+ Ways to Use a Job Description to Write a Strong Resume

Last Updated: August 06, 2024

Learn to use a job description to write a strong resume for any industry.

A Resume Format Hero

A job description is more than an advertisement that a position is open and ready for applications; it’s a roadmap for getting the job. For smart jobseekers, a job description should lay the groundwork for writing a strong resume.
A well-written job ad will contain all the keywords, skills, and experience an employer is seeking in their dream candidate. Use this information to your advantage, and you’ll be sure to beat out the competition.
The key to leveraging this advice is learning to personalize your resume. Below, we’ve collected all the information you’ll need to choose the right skills, duties, and accomplishments for each job you apply for. Doing to will help you meet the job requirements and increase your chances of landing the job.


Assistant managers are workers who have been identified as having high leadership potential; use your resume to demonstrate your management skills. Whether you’re applying for a position with more responsibilities than your current role or you’re looking to break into management for the first time, it’s important to tailor your resume to each job description.
Every role is unique, and the job description will give you the specifics of each position. However, an experienced assistant manager will have a variety of specialized skills that make them valuable team assets. A well-written resume can include the following industry terms to catch a recruiter or hiring manager’s eye.

When using a job description for a resume, here are some keywords and phrases you might find:

  1. Strategic planning
  2. Quality Control
  3. Resources Management
  4. Customer Satisfaction
  5. One-on-One Mentorship


Put simply, bookkeepers keep the books at a variety of businesses. Some start their careers doing data-entry and grow into a bookkeeper role. Bookkeepers manage the day-to-day financial recording for a business.
In most roles, bookkeepers manage an organization’s general ledger. They record all transactions, including debits and credits. Bookkeepers also create financial statements, prepare bank deposits, and pay bills. Some bookkeepers also handle payroll.
While job requirements vary, an experienced bookkeeper should understand reporting, as well as business analysis and processes. Bookkeepers often obtain certification through a professional organization such as AIPB (American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers) to further their careers. Be sure to mention certifications if you have earned them.

When using a job description for a resume, here are some keywords and phrases you might find:

  1. Attention to detail
  2. Customer service experience
  3. Communication skills
  4. Financial transactions
  5. Auditing


Cashiers receive and disburse money in establishments, such as stores, restaurants, and other businesses. A cashier typically must know how to use cash registers, electronic scanners, and other pieces of equipment credit card and check scanners.
When using a job description to write a resume, emphasize your customer service and communication skills. These are critical to success in this kind of role. Experience handling money, opening and closing registers, and having solid basic math skills is also frequently listed in job descriptions for cashiers.
Soft skills you might include on a cashier resume are a friendly personality and experience with conflict resolution, both of which will come in handy in this type of role.

When using a job description for a resume, here are some keywords and phrases you might find:

  1. Customer service skills
  2. Retail experience
  3. Solid math skills
  4. Experience opening and closing registers
  5. Friendly personality


Customer service reps help the public by answering questions or sorting out problems for customers in a variety of businesses. Customer service reps work in a variety of settings including call centers, retail stores, and online.
The specific duties – and therefore the requirements listed in a customer service job ad – vary by industry. However, most customer service job descriptions will require applicants to know how to use a telephone and computer. Many will also need experience with customer service and strong verbal communication skills. Having a friendly personality is also a plus.

When using a job description for a resume, here are some keywords and phrases you might find:

  1. Clear written and verbal communication skills
  2. Conflict resolution
  3. Call center experience
  4. Computer skills
  5. Solid customer service skills


Data analysts interpret research and data in a variety of settings. In a B2C setting, they might gather data on consumer spending, preferences, and demographics, though tasks will vary depending on the industry in which they are collecting data.
Job ads for data analysts often call for candidates to have experience with evaluating data using statistical techniques and software and interpreting the meaning of their findings. Experience designing polls and surveys is usually a requirement, as is the ability to design visual aids to present the results of their research.

When using a job description for a resume, here are some keywords and phrases you might find:

  1. Solid math skills
  2. Experience with data interpretation
  3. Survey and questionnaire design experience
  4. Presentation skills
  5. Master’s degree


In the field of data entry, a variety of skills might be listed in a job description. Data entry requires a lot of typing, so being proficient in typing and having a basic understanding of computers is critical. Experience using Excel and other spreadsheet software is also a plus in most cases.
Since data entry is a detail-oriented profession, soft skills such as being highly organized and precision are highly valued traits. And, the ability to communicated both verbally and in writing is critical.

When using a job description for a resume, here are some keywords and phrases you might find:

  1. Expert typing skills
  2. Computer skills
  3. Experience with Excel
  4. Highly organized
  5. Solid communication skills


Receptionists are the first point of contact the public has with an organization. Customers and clients will meet the receptionist first, so the ability to make a good first impression is critical in this role.
Job ads for front desk receptionists will vary from organization to organization, but for the most part, those seeking to write a resume for a reception role should emphasize their stellar communication skills, their friendly personalities, and their past customer service experience as these skills will be used frequently in the role. Also, experience answering telephones, using computers, and other office equipment, are great to add to a resume.

When using a job description for a resume, here are some keywords and phrases you might find:

  1. Solid written and verbal communication skills
  2. Customer service experience
  3. Ability to multitask
  4. Conflict resolution
  5. Technical skills, including scheduling software


Hosts and hostesses greet customers at restaurants, bars, and other establishments. They manage reservations and waiting lists, answer customers’ questions, and assist in maintaining the flow of traffic. After seating customers, many hosts and hostesses will provide menus and sometimes take drink orders after seating guests.
Customer service is key to writing a hostess resume so be sure to mention any past roles you’ve held that required this skill. Previous restaurant experience or experience as a receptionist or a greeter would also be relevant in this role. Also, mentioning solid written and verbal communication skills is always a plus in customer-facing roles.

When using a job description for a resume, here are some keywords and phrases you might find:

  1. Customer service experience
  2. Good verbal communication skills
  3. Ability to multitask
  4. Conflict resolution
  5. Restaurant experience


ICU nurses are registered nurses (RNs) with specialized training. Thanks to the complexity of patient care in the ICU, many employers to show a preference for applicants with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and other certifications, such as a Certified Critical Care Nurse (CCRN) designation. Be sure to mention your education, licensing, and any special training you’ve received to succeed.
As far as skills, ICU nurses must demonstrate a proficiency in a wide variety of nursing skills, which will vary from job description to job description. Soft skills ICU nurses should consider mentioning include strong communication skills, decision-making, leadership, and critical thinking.

When using a job description for a resume, here are some keywords and phrases you might find:

  1. Compassion
  2. Patient care
  3. Customer service skills
  4. Stellar communication skills
  5. Critical thinking


McDonald’s is always hiring crew members, and the job descriptions for this resume are typically very similar. Crew members usually split their time preparing food and ringing up customers during the ordering process. Crew members also assist in keeping the restaurant clean and orderly.
Customer service and solid communication skills are key in this role so mention them prominently on your McDonald’s crew member resume. Experience operating a cash register, cooking, cleaning, and interacting with customers should also be highlighted.

When using a job description for a resume, here are some keywords and phrases you might find:

  1. Friendly personality
  2. Customer service skills
  3. Stellar communication skills
  4. Ability to multitask
  5. Restaurant/ cashier experience


Nannies are professional childcare providers. Most work privately and care for children in their homes. Nannies’ duties vary from family to family but being experienced in childcare, meal prep, and having a driver’s license are common requests in job descriptions.
Nannies are also often charged with helping with homework and taking their charges to activities. Some parents request that their nanny have special skills like first aid training, understanding of CPR, or experience working with special needs children. Others are seeking a nanny who is bilingual.

When using a job description for a resume, here are some keywords and phrases you might find:

  1. Past childcare experience
  2. Clean driving record
  3. Solid written and verbal communication skills
  4. Meal preparation
  5. First aid training


Receptionists are often the face a customer or client sees when they walk through the door. As a result, they control the first impression an organization makes, which can make or break the relationships businesses have with their clients and customers.
A receptionists’ responsibilities vary depending on where they work. For example, those who work in offices typically greet clients and provide a buffer between workers and the public, which a receptionist at a doctor’s offices will greet patient’, collect their paperwork, and schedule follow-up appointments. Experience using telephones, computers, and other office equipment is critical in this role, as is stellar customer service and communication skills.

When using a job description for a resume, here are some keywords and phrases you might find:

  1. Experience answering telephone calls and taking messages
  2. Customer service skills
  3. Experience with scheduling
  4. Friendly personality
  5. Conflict resolution skills


Security guards assist in preventing crime and increasing security. In the case of an emergency, security guards call for assistance from police, fire, or ambulance services and alert workers and tenants of the property where they work to the situation. Some security guards are armed.
A security guard’s responsibilities vary; some protect people, while others prevent the theft of money, merchandise, or equipment. In offices and factories, security guards offer protection to the workers on the premises by check the credentials of visitors and vehicles entering and exiting.

When using a job description for a resume, here are some keywords and phrases you might find:

  1. Ability to protect property and prevent crime
  2. Experience monitoring alarms and closed-circuit cameras
  3. Conflict resolution skills
  4. Clear written and verbal communication skills
  5. Physically fit


Waiters and waitresses, also called servers, are responsible for ensuring that customers have a satisfying dining experience. The specific duties of servers vary with the establishment in which they work.
Some work in casual-dining restaurants, while others specialize in fine-dining, where more where a meal will typically include several courses. Casual environments often offer quicker, more casual service while fine dining requires more attention to the customer, a deep understanding of the menu, and often knowledge of wine pairings.
Servers in fine dining often have daily meetings to learn about specials, receive training in serving etiquette, and some do wine tastings to be better able to recommend the right wine to pair with a meal.

When using a job description for a resume, here are some keywords and phrases you might find:

  1. Solid verbal communication skills
  2. Basic math skills
  3. Accurate preparation of checks and payment processing
  4. Experience taking food and beverage orders
  5. Ability to carry heavy trays


Supervisors manage other employees, teams, or entire departments in a variety of industries. They are responsible for the day-to-day performance of their group.
A supervisor might be charged with a wide range of responsibilities, depending on their field. Some supervisors are responsible for scheduling employees, while others might be more focused on employee coaching and development.
Those up for a supervisor position should pay close attention to the job description before writing their resume. Some common qualities that supervisors all need are strong written and verbal communication skills.

When using a job description for a resume, here are some keywords and phrases you might find:

  1. Strong written and verbal communication skills
  2. Good interpersonal skills
  3. Experience working across department, especially with human resources
  4. Management experience
  5. Employee coaching and development


Technical support specialists help individuals and companies by providing advice and technical assistance about computers and computer networks. Some technical support professionals support computer networks, while other aid directly to computer users, either in person, by phone, or via email.
Technical support specialists troubleshoot, analyze, and evaluate computer network problems, and many provide daily, weekly, or monthly routine maintenance to computers and computer networks. Maintenance can include updating software, performing file backups on the network, or testing network systems.

When using a job description for a resume, here are some keywords and phrases you might find:

  1. Test and evaluate existing network systems
  2. Perform regular network maintenance
  3. Experience troubleshooting local area networks (LAN)s, wide area networks (WANs), and Internet systems
  4. Perform routine network maintenance
  5. Strong customer service skills
  6. Stellar written and verbal communication


Waitresses, also called servers, work to ensure that restaurant customers have a satisfying dining experience. The specific duties of servers vary with the establishment in which they work.
In casual-dining restaurants that offer simple menu items and less formal service, a waitresses’ job entails answering questions about the menu, taking orders, and delivering food to customers. They may also be required to do prep work before their shifts, or clean up after their shifts.
Waitresses rely on tips so a friendly personality and the ability to communicate with customers is critical. Experience in a customer service role is a plus when applying for a waitressing role.

When using a job description for a resume, here are some keywords and phrases you might find:

  1. Solid verbal communication skills
  2. Customer service experience
  3. Accurate preparation of checks and payment processing
  4. Experience taking food and beverage orders
  5. Ability to carry heavy trays


Welders do a wide variety of work in a wide range of fields, from manufacturing to auto repair to the maintenance of bridges, tunnels, and other infrastructure. Job descriptions for welders and their corresponding resumes vary by industry.
The most common type of welding ¬– arc welding – uses electrical currents to create heat and bond metals together. However, there are more than 100 different processes and a variety of different welds that a welder can use so research job descriptions in your field to write your resume.

When using a job description for a resume, here are some keywords and phrases you might find:

  1. Study blueprints, sketches, or specifications
  2. Experience inspecting structures to be welded
  3. Metal fabrication experience
  4. Ignite torches or start power supplies
  5. Ability to maintain equipment and machinery

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