What term describes terms that describe skills, qualities, or experiences listed as required or preferred by an employer?

• A. Keywords
• B. Qualifications
• C. Competencies
• D. References

Answer: (A)

Keywords are the exact words that describe the skills, qualities, or experiences an employer lists as required or preferred. These terms guide both screening and what candidates should highlight, because many employers use search tools or ATS to look for those specific words. Including those keywords in your resume helps show alignment with the job and improves the chance your application is noticed. Qualifications refer to the actual criteria themselves, such as the needed education or years of experience, rather than the words used to describe them. Competencies describe broader abilities or behaviors, not just the specific terms in a posting. References are people who can vouch for you, which is unrelated to the skill and experience keywords.