You are 1 out of 118 job applicants. According to Forbes Magazine, approximately 118 individuals apply for a single position. Of the 118 applicants, only 20 percent will receive an interview - that is only 24 individuals.

An employer spends about SIX SECONDS on a single resume. So, the question is how do you masterfully articulate who you are within six seconds? It comes down to one single word - language. This 2-step guide will teach you how to use their language to your advantage.

Step 1: Do Your Research - The "Fit" Test

Initially, in this stage, you are more invested. Why? Because you can envision yourself there. You see how you fit into the mission and vision of the company. Now, you know this. But they do not - and that is the problem. ​

So, how do you articulate this? You simply tell them.

Align your expertise and professional experience with the vision and mission of the company. In your resume, include those key words from their vision and mission statement that initially enticed you. Give them their words back to them. You wouldn't feed a dog, cat food - so, why feed an employer language that does not mirror their mission? This is illogical; yet, this happens more than you would think. No one knows the company like the company knows themselves; so, why not feed them what they love best - themselves.

Step 2: Use their Language - The Job Announcement

The purpose of the job announcement is to tell you, the applicant, what the company is specifically looking for in an employee. Reread that line again. What is the key word in that line? Specifically. What I just did is exactly what companies do all the time. Employers sprinkle some of their buzz words into the job announcement to help them better identify what they are looking for in an applicant. Now, the difference between my word, specifically, and an employer is that these individuals always use action words - it is typically the first word after the bullet point.

As an applicant, you must learn how to use this to your advantage. Therefore, whenever you encounter a job announcement, identify the criteria below:

1.  Identify key words within the job announcement 
2.  Use those same key words in your resume to enhance your qualifications

So, here is how you do it.

Every job announcement has words like responsible, communicate, or collaborate. Here are three questions that 98% of employers consider when reviewing a resume: 

1. Are you a leader who is able to make wise decisions, and can you defend your rationale for making such an impromptu decision, if necessary?
2. How well can you collaborate with others of diverse perspectives on various projects?
3. What value can you collaboratively and individually add to the company? This question addresses innovation, critical thinking skills, and creativity in connection to your qualifications.

Your job as the applicant is to use their words to your benefit. Now, it is not enough for you to simply use these words, but you must parallel your current skillset with what the position is asking for. There is nothing worse than reading management resumes and seeing someone talk about their experience making pizzas - How does that even connect? It can, if you use your language to enhance how the employer now views your position as a pizza maker.

As the applicant, you have the upper hand. Simply, because the company has already provided you with the cheat sheet on how to get the position. You must simply pay close attention to how they use their words to communicate the position.

Now, you are speaking my language.