Resume keywords are the secret to getting past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Without the right keywords, your resume might never be seen by a human — no matter how qualified you are.
Resume keywords are essential because recruiters search for them in applicant tracking systems (ATS), and the best place to find resume keywords is the job posting itself.
Resume keywords are specific words and phrases from the job description that ATS software scans for. They include hard skills (like “Python” or “project management”), soft skills (like “leadership”), job titles, tools, and certifications. To find them, analyze the job posting and mirror the exact language used. Using the same keywords and exact wording as the job description helps your resume appear in search results within ATS, increasing your chances of being noticed by recruiters.
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Including the right keywords helps improve your resume’s visibility in ATS, but many job seekers struggle to identify and use the right keywords effectively.
What Are Resume Keywords?
Resume keywords are words and phrases that:
- Appear in job postings
- Match what ATS software scans for
- Describe skills, tools, certifications, and qualifications
Resume keywords should highlight relevant skills, job-specific skills, and skills-based keywords that match the job requirements. Including technical knowledge and important skills from the job description as keywords is essential. Job titles are one of the most important keywords to include, as they are often the first thing recruiters search for in ATS.
Example: For a marketing manager job, keywords might include:
- SEO
- Content strategy
- Google Analytics
- HubSpot
- Lead generation
- Marketing automation
- Campaign management
- ROI optimization
Keywords can also include relevant certifications, preferred qualifications, and educational credentials such as a bachelor’s degree.
Why Resume Keywords Matter
The ATS Problem
75% of resumes are rejected by ATS before a human sees them.
Here’s how it works:
- Employer sets up job posting with required qualifications
- ATS extracts keywords from the job description
- Your resume is scanned for matching keywords
- Resume is ranked by keyword match percentage
- Only top-ranking resumes reach human reviewers
Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are widely used by employers to screen resumes based on keywords from job descriptions.
These hiring systems filter resumes to find qualified candidates by matching keywords related to job titles, skills, certifications, and experience. However, a study by Harvard Business School found that 88% of employers say their hiring systems filter out qualified candidates who don’t precisely match the job description.
If you’re missing key terms, you’re filtered out automatically — even if you’re highly qualified.
Types of Resume Keywords
ATS resume keywords and ATS keywords are specific terms and phrases that applicant tracking systems scan for, including common resume keywords and specific keywords from the job posting. Identifying keywords from the job description is a key step in optimizing your resume for ATS visibility.
Note: Phrases employers look for, such as personal attributes (like communication, teamwork, and leadership), problem solving, and social media marketing, can also be important keywords to include.
| Type | Examples | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|
| Hard Skills | Python, Excel, AutoCAD, SQL, social media marketing | “Requirements” section |
| Soft Skills | Leadership, communication, teamwork, problem solving | “Qualifications” section |
| Job Titles | Marketing Manager, Software Engineer | Title and “About” section |
| Tools/Software | Salesforce, SAP, Adobe Creative Suite | “Requirements” or “Nice to have” |
| Certifications | PMP, CPA, AWS Certified | “Required” or “Preferred” |
| Industry Terms | Agile, B2B, SaaS, HIPAA | Throughout posting |
| Action Verbs | Managed, developed, implemented | Past job descriptions |
For a complete list of skills by industry, see our guide on skills to put on your resume.
How to Find Keywords for Your Resume
Step 1: Analyze the Job Posting
Read the job description and highlight every skill, tool, and qualification mentioned.
Example job posting excerpt:
“We’re looking for a Digital Marketing Manager to lead our SEO and content marketing efforts. The ideal candidate has experience with Google Analytics, HubSpot, and marketing automation. Must have strong analytical skills and ability to manage cross-functional teams.”
Keywords identified:
- Digital Marketing Manager (job title)
- SEO (hard skill)
- Content marketing (hard skill)
- Google Analytics (tool)
- HubSpot (tool)
- Marketing automation (hard skill)
- Analytical skills (soft skill)
- Cross-functional teams (soft skill)
Step 2: Prioritize by Frequency
Keywords mentioned multiple times are most important:
| Keyword | Mentions | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| SEO | 4 times | High |
| Content marketing | 3 times | High |
| Google Analytics | 2 times | Medium |
| Leadership | 2 times | Medium |
| HubSpot | 1 time | Lower |
Step 3: Match to Your Experience
Only include keywords you can genuinely back up:
| Job Keyword | Your Experience | Include? |
|---|---|---|
| SEO | 3 years experience | ✅ Yes |
| Google Analytics | Certified | ✅ Yes |
| HubSpot | Some experience | ✅ Yes |
| Salesforce | Never used | ❌ No |
Step 4: Integrate Naturally
Weave keywords into your resume without keyword stuffing:
Bad (stuffed):
“SEO SEO SEO specialist with SEO experience doing SEO.”
Good (natural):
“Digital marketing professional with 4 years of SEO experience. Led content marketing strategy that increased organic traffic by 150%. Proficient in Google Analytics and HubSpot.”
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Where to Put Keywords on Your Resume
1. Professional Summary
Include your most important keywords here — ATS often weighs this section heavily.
“Digital Marketing Manager with 6 years of experience in SEO, content marketing, and marketing automation. Expert in Google Analytics and HubSpot. Led cross-functional teams to deliver campaigns generating $2M in pipeline.”
Need help with this section? See our professional summary examples.
2. Skills Section
List keywords in a dedicated skills section:
SKILLSMarketing: SEO, content marketing, marketing automation, lead generationAnalytics: Google Analytics, HubSpot, Tableau, A/B testingLeadership: Cross-functional team management, stakeholder communication3. Work Experience
Use keywords in your bullet points:
“Led SEO strategy that increased organic traffic by 150% year-over-year”
“Managed content marketing calendar producing 20 blog posts monthly”
“Built Google Analytics dashboards for executive reporting”
4. Job Titles
Match your titles to industry-standard keywords when possible:
Instead of: “Marketing Person”
Use: “Digital Marketing Specialist”
Resume Format and Keywords
When crafting your resume, the format you choose is just as important as the keywords you include. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are designed to scan and filter resumes based on both structure and content, so a clean, straightforward resume format is essential. Use a standard font like Arial or Calibri, and keep your layout simple—avoid tables, columns, or graphics that can confuse ATS software and cause your resume to be misread or rejected.
Once your format is ATS-friendly, focus on identifying the most important keywords from the job description. These relevant keywords should be woven naturally into your resume, especially in your professional summary, skills section, and work experience. By aligning your resume format and content with what applicant tracking systems ATS are looking for, you increase your chances of making it past the initial screening and catching the attention of hiring managers. Remember, the right combination of a clear resume format and targeted keywords can make all the difference in your job search.
Highlight Keywords in Your Resume
To ensure your resume stands out to both applicant tracking systems and hiring managers, it’s crucial to highlight the right keywords. Start by reading the job description carefully and identifying the most relevant keywords and phrases that match your skills and experience. Incorporate these keywords naturally throughout your resume—in your resume summary, skills section, and work experience—so they accurately reflect your qualifications without appearing forced.
Use action verbs such as “managed,” “developed,” or “led” to demonstrate your achievements and responsibilities. For example, if you’re applying for a project manager role, include keywords like “project management,” “team leadership,” and “budget planning” to show you meet the job requirements. Avoid keyword stuffing, which can make your resume look unnatural and may hurt your chances with both ATS and hiring managers. Instead, focus on integrating keywords in a way that clearly showcases your skills and experience, making your resume both ATS-friendly and compelling to read.
Resume Keywords by Industry
Technology Keywords
- Programming: Python, Java, JavaScript, C++, SQL
- Frameworks: React, Angular, Node.js, Django
- Cloud: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Docker, Kubernetes
- Methods: Agile, Scrum, DevOps, CI/CD
- Data: Machine learning, data analysis, ETL
Marketing Keywords
- Digital: SEO, SEM, PPC, content marketing, email marketing
- Analytics: Google Analytics, attribution modeling, A/B testing
- Tools: HubSpot, Salesforce, Marketo, Hootsuite
- Strategy: Lead generation, demand generation, brand awareness
Healthcare Keywords
- Clinical: Patient care, vital signs, medication administration
- Technology: Epic, Cerner, EMR/EHR, HIPAA
- Certifications: BLS, ACLS, RN, CNA
Finance Keywords
- Analysis: Financial modeling, forecasting, variance analysis
- Compliance: GAAP, SOX, regulatory reporting
- Tools: Excel, SAP, QuickBooks, Bloomberg
- Certifications: CPA, CFA, Series 7
Project Manager Example
If you’re targeting a project manager position, your resume should showcase your expertise in managing complex projects, your technical skills, and your leadership abilities. Begin by reading the job description carefully to identify the most important keywords and phrases—these might include “project management,” “stakeholder engagement,” “risk management,” and “data analysis.”
In your resume summary, use these relevant keywords to highlight your experience and strengths. For example: “Results-driven project manager with 5+ years of experience in managing complex projects, leading cross-functional teams, and delivering results-driven solutions. Proven track record of success in budget planning, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.”
In your skills section, list technical skills such as “project management software,” “data analysis,” and “communication planning” to align with the job requirements. When describing your work experience, use action verbs like “managed,” “developed,” and “led” to detail your accomplishments and responsibilities. By incorporating important keywords naturally throughout your resume, you’ll demonstrate your fit for the role and improve your chances of passing ATS filters and impressing hiring managers.
Keyword Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Keyword Stuffing — Don’t repeat keywords unnaturally. Overusing the same word or the same keywords as the job description can make your resume difficult to read and may negatively impact your application. ATS and humans both recognize this.
❌ Acronyms Only — Include both versions: “Search Engine Optimization (SEO)” the first time.
❌ Ignoring Variations — If the job says “customer support” and you write “customer service,” you might not match.
❌ Lying About Keywords — Never claim skills you don’t have. You’ll be caught in the interview.
❌ Using Graphics for Keywords — ATS can’t read text in images or fancy formatting. Keep keywords in plain text.
Frequently Asked Questions
What keywords should I put on my resume?
Include keywords from the job posting: hard skills, soft skills, tools, certifications, and industry terms. Prioritize keywords mentioned multiple times. Only include skills you actually have. Resume keywords are important for passing Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and aligning your resume with job descriptions, which increases your chances of being noticed by recruiters.
How many keywords should be on a resume?
There’s no magic number. Focus on including all relevant keywords from the job posting (typically 15-25 key terms) distributed naturally throughout your resume.
Do all companies use ATS?
Most medium-to-large companies use ATS. 99% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS, and 75% of all resumes are filtered by ATS before reaching humans.
Should I use the exact words from the job posting?
Yes. If they say “customer success” and you write “client satisfaction,” the ATS may not recognize the match. Mirror their language exactly.
What if I don’t have all the keywords?
Apply anyway if you have 60-70% of required skills. Focus on transferable skills and show willingness to learn.
Should I include a cover letter with my application?
Yes, including a cover letter is important. A cover letter allows you to tailor your application to specific job descriptions and keywords, improving your compatibility with ATS and showing recruiters why you are a strong fit for the role.
How does the hiring process use resume keywords?
During the hiring process, companies often use ATS and other recruitment management systems to screen resumes. These systems scan for resume keywords that match the job description. Using the right keywords helps your resume pass through these automated filters and increases your chances of moving forward in the hiring process.
✍️ About the Author
Alex Rivers is a resume coach and career advisor who has reviewed over 5,000 resumes and helped job seekers land roles at companies like Google, Amazon, and McKinsey. After years of seeing the same mistakes cost qualified candidates interviews, Alex built ratemy.cv to give everyone access to instant, actionable resume feedback — for free.
→ Get your resume scored free at ratemy.cv
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Want more help optimizing your resume? Check out our guides on skills to put on your resume and resume objective examples.