Use this job description guide to help you effectively tailor your Account Manager resume

To succeed in your job search, you need a resume that's properly tailored to the position you're seeking. That resume should highlight the skills and experiences the employer is looking for. As an inspiring Account Manager, one of the best ways to accomplish that goal is to review a comprehensive Account Manager job description to identify vital keywords for your resume.

In this Account Manager job description guide, we'll explain why those keywords matter, which duties you can expect to find outlined in that description, and the elements of your resume you'll need to tailor to demonstrate your qualifications.

Why you need to identify the right Account Manager job description keywords

So, why is an Account Manager job description so important for ensuring your resume makes the best possible impression on hiring managers? There are several reasons, but they all relate to the specific keywords most job descriptions contain. The average job description will use certain terms to describe the skills, educational requirements, and other qualifications needed for the job.

When you use those unique terms in your resume, you increase your odds of 

  • Getting past the applicant tracking system

  • Clearly presenting your qualifications

  • Motivating employers to read your resume

Beating the applicant tracking system

Using the right keywords can be essential for beating any automated software the company is using to pre-screen resumes and narrow their candidate search. Basically, this software scans your resume to identify specified keywords related to skills, experience, and other qualifications. By including those relevant keywords, your resume will have a better chance of being seen by human decision-makers.

Demonstrating your qualifications

When you're using the right keywords in your resume, hiring managers will be able to quickly see that you have the qualifications necessary for the position. That will enable them to turn their focus to other relevant factors, like your achievements, soft skills, and other resume details, that can play a major role in differentiating you from other candidates for the position.

Inspiring hiring managers to read your resume

Most hiring managers spend only a few seconds skimming each resume. That makes sense, of course, since they are often dealing with dozens or even hundreds of candidate submissions for each open position. Using the right keywords throughout your resume helps inspire employers to allocate more time for your resume review – which can help build their investment in your candidacy.

Related reading: How to Pass the 6-Second Resume Test

Account Manager job description

Account Manager responsibilities include developing long-term relationships with a portfolio of clients, connecting with key business executives and stakeholders. Account Managers liaise between customers and cross-functional internal teams to ensure the timely and successful delivery of solutions according to customer needs. Manage and develop client accounts to initiate and maintain favorable relationships with clients. Responsible for leading a team dedicated to meeting the operational needs of assigned client segments.

Requires a bachelor's degree in an area of specialty and at least 5 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures. Will rely on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals, while performing a variety of tasks. Tasked with leading and directing the work of others. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected. Typically reports to head of a unit/department.

Account Manager responsibilities:

  • Be the primary point of contact and build long-term relationships with customers

  • Help customers through email, phone, online presentations, screen-share and in person meetings

  • Develop a trusted advisor relationship with key accounts, customer stakeholders, and executive sponsors

  • Ensure the timely and successful delivery of our solutions according to customer needs and objectives

  • Clearly communicate the progress of monthly/quarterly initiatives to internal and external stakeholders

  • Forecast and track key account metrics

  • Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations

  • Enhance department and organization's reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments

  • Responsible for keeping current clients satisfied and delivering exceptional client service on a day-to-day basis

  • Monitor and analyze customer's usage of products

  • Responsible for working with the Sales team to onboard and integrate new clients and developing existing client relationships

  • Liaise between the customer and internal teams

Account Manager qualifications

  • Proven account management or other relevant experience

  • Demonstrated ability to communicate, present and influence credibly and effectively at all levels of the organization, including executive and C-level

  • Experience in delivering client-focused solutions based on customer needs

  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects at a time while paying strict attention to detail

  • Excellent listening, negotiation, and presentation skills

  • Excellent verbal and written communications skills

  • Bachelor's Degree in appropriate field of study or equivalent work experience

  • 5+ years of marketing experience with agency background desirable

  • Deep digital understanding

  • Self-motivated and able to thrive in a results-driven environment

  • Natural relationship builder with integrity, reliability, and maturity

  • Ability to prioritize among competing tasks

  • Critical thinking and problem-solving skills

  • Understanding of website development, marketing, measurement and analytics, content management, digital marketing, and internet technology

  • Excellent time and project management skills, and a commitment to improving inefficient processes

  • Keen attention to detail and adherence to deadlines

  • Expert at Microsoft Office Suite, Google Apps, Salesforce, and help desk support software

Account Manager top skills & proficiencies:

  • Prospecting skills

  • Teamwork

  • Planning

  • Relationship building

  • Interpersonal skills

  • Initiative

  • Customer focus

  • Focus on excellence

  • Management of multiple projects

  • Attention to detail

How to tailor your resume to align with an Account Manager job description

Every time you apply for a new job, you should take time to revise your resume to ensure that it is tailored to that specific position. Below, we'll explore some of the key areas of your resume that need to include some of those relevant keywords you found in the Account Manager job description.

Create a resume headline

Create a resume headline to go right below your contact information. This headline should include the job title you're seeking (Account Manager), as well as some descriptive language that highlights your expertise. For example: “Experienced Account Manager and Client Relationship Expert.”

Related reading: 27 Great Resume Headline Examples to Stand Out

Include a powerful resume profile

You'll also need to include several keywords within your resume profile. Whether you use an objective paragraph or a resume summary, it's important to draw attention to this brief elevator pitch. For more information about how to create a great resume profile, read Resume Profile Explained (with Examples).

Use those keywords in your skills section

Your skills or core competencies section should also include vital keywords. Here, you can add all the core skills you find in the Account Manager job description, using that description's exact terminology.  List those and other important skills in bullet point form.

Related reading: What Are Skills? (With Examples and Tips on How to Improve Them)

Weave keywords into your work experience bullet points

Finally, you should also work to include Account Manager job description keywords in your work experience section. Simply insert some of those vital keywords into your bullet point achievements, demonstrating how you used those skills to create value for your previous employers.

Related reading: Work Experience for a Resume: How to Add it to Get Hired

Make a powerful first impression on employers

Tailoring your resume can be one of the best ways to make a great impression on employers. When you take the time to review an Account Manager job description to identify vital keywords for your resume, you can more effectively speak to their hiring needs and present yourself as the best candidate for the job!

Not sure whether you've effectively incorporated those vital keywords from the Account Manager job description? Get a free resume review from our team of experts today!

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