100+ best ATS keywords to help you pass ATS

75% of today’s job candidates are rejected before their resumes ever make it to the hiring manager’s desk.(1) The ATS technology invented to make the hiring process more efficient is now filtering out even the most qualified candidates, making it challenging for job seekers to land a role.

Selecting the best resume keywords can help you avoid ending up on the ATS chopping block. This article will explain how to extract keywords recruiters look for from the job description and put them to good use in your resume.

As a bonus, we’ve provided an extensive resume keywords list by industry to give you the best chance of crafting a resume that makes it past the ATS and gets noticed.

What are resume keywords, and why do they matter?

Resume keywords are the specific words or phrases that pertain to the requirements of a job. Most job postings will include several such keywords, and including those words and phrases in your resume when you apply for the job can significantly help your chances of scoring an interview. 

Using good keywords for your resumes and cover letters greatly increases your chances of passing an ATS scan. Although extracting and using the best resume keywords takes some time, resume keyword optimisation can mean the difference between immediate rejection and moving on in the hiring process. 

What is an ATS scan?

Many companies now use applicant tracking system (ATS) software to pre-scan documents. These programs accept or reject resumes based on how they compare to the posted job requirements.

Resumes that pass the ATS scan are sent on to an actual person, who will spend about seven seconds reading each of them. As such, ATS keywords are equally important for grabbing and holding the hiring manager’s attention and convincing them you’re qualified for the job. 

How to choose the right resume keywords (for ATS)

Here are a few tips to help you decide which keywords to include in a resume:

Types of resume keywords (with examples)

Appropriate keywords for resumes can include information like:

• Hard Skills Keywords for Resumes: Accounting, forklift operation, or database management
• Soft Skills Keywords for Resumes: Teamwork, adaptability, or empathy
• Job Titles: Data analyst, administrative assistant, or program manager
• Certifications and Credentials: MBA, CPhT certification, or CompTIA+
• Tools and Technology: Microsoft Excel, IoT, or Salesforce
• Action Verbs: Coordinated, analyzed, or developed

The goal of using resume keywords is to immediately show hiring managers and ATS software that you are qualified for the job by addressing as many of the desired characteristics as possible.

Identify keywords in the job description

First, read the job posting carefully to find specific keywords to target. These words and phrases will likely be sprinkled throughout the posting, but they are usually concentrated in the ‘qualifications’ and ‘responsibilities’ sections. Keywords can be both job-related as well as action verbs like ‘manage,’ ‘advise,’ or ‘direct.’

For example, the highlighted words in the virtual teacher job description below are good keywords to target in a resume:

Qualifications:

• State-certified K-12 teacher with 3+ years of experience
• Experience developing curriculums, creating assignments, and grading
• 2+ years of experience in desired subject area
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, and Zoom
• Ability to learn new systems and technology quickly
• Possess computer, webcam, high-speed internet, and phone
• Ability to virtually communicate with students, parents, school administrators, and others

How to use the same language as the job description

Make sure to use the company name in your resume objective or resume summary. Additionally, mirror the exact language that the job ad uses, from the specific job title to the way they refer to college degrees. For example, if the employer desires a candidate with a ‘Bachelor’s Degree,’ write out that you have a ‘Bachelor’s Degree in XYZ’ rather than saying you hold a ‘B.S. in XYZ.’ Small details like this will help your resume get through the initial ATS scan.

When it comes to job titles, it is acceptable to rephrase your past job titles to match the job ad, so long as doing so does not imply that you held a higher position or are more experienced than you really are. So if your current job title is ‘Client Success Agent’ and the job posting asks for experience as a ‘Customer Service Representative,’ you can and should mirror that language on your resume.

Include industry-specific keywords

You can also include keywords that are specific to your industry, even if they aren’t mentioned in the job description. Using these extra keywords will make your resume feel more authentic and will make it clear that you haven’t just copied and pasted all the keywords from the job description — that can be a red flag for employers. So choose a few industry-specific keywords that are not in the job description to round out your resume.

How to use resume keywords ethically (avoid keyword stuffing)

Keyword stuffing is the practice of filling your resume with keywords recruiters look for in an attempt to manipulate ATS algorithms.

It’s best to avoid this approach and instead focus on using only relevant keywords in a way that sounds natural. Although you may make it past the ATS system, adding keywords to resumes in this way may confuse or frustrate the hiring manager who ends up reading it.

Of course, make sure that all resume keywords you include actually apply to you. Falsifying or misrepresenting your skills and experience is never a good way to start off your employment, and it could lead to trouble if/when the employer finds out. Instead, select only the keywords that you can back up with facts and quantified data. If you find that most of the keywords in a job description do not apply to you, you may just want to move on to the next job opening.

Finally, avoid adding keywords to resumes that may paint you as an overqualified candidate. One resume keyword example to be wary of is listing yourself as a CEO, founder, or entrepreneur when you’re applying to an entry-level position. In this case, the employer may wonder whether you have the humility to report directly to someone else.

Where to place resume keywords on your resume

Your keywords should be scattered throughout your entire resume, including your resume headline, resume summary or objective, work experience section, education section, and skills section. You can even tailor optional sections like hobbies and interests with a few well-placed keywords.

How to use resume keywords: example from job posting to optimized resume

Looking to craft a list of keywords for resumes? It can be helpful to have resume examples to guide you from job posting to finished document. Here are some to get you started:

• Job Posting Excerpt: “We’re seeking a motivated and experienced office assistant to support our practice. You’ll answer phone calls, schedule appointments, update meeting calendars, and write correspondence. You must be organized and outgoing, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.”
• Keywords to Include in a Resume: motivated, experienced, office assistant, support, phone calls, schedule, update, write, organized, outgoing, communication
• Resume Summary: “Motivated office assistant with 5+ years of experience supporting teachers and principals in school settings. Highly organized with impeccable verbal and written communication skills that provide clarity, build relationships, and ensure smooth operations.”
• Skills Section: Organization, communication, schedule prioritization, writing
• Experience Bullets: Manage work and meeting schedules for principal, assistant principals, and grade-level deans; answer 25+ phone calls per day from parents and community members; write and distribute internal memos to communicate updates to teachers

Following these resume keywords examples, along with the insights found in our other resume articles, can help you craft a document that will resonate with hiring managers and position you as the right candidate for the job.

Best 365 ATS resume keywords examples by industry

Not sure which ATS resume keywords to add? Here’s the best resume keywords list to use with your resume and cover letter templates based on your industry.

23 resume keywords for teaching and education

• Administration
• Award
• Classroom
• Collaboration
• Course/coursework
• Curriculum
• Education
• Fundraising
• Individualized learning
• Instruction
• Lesson planning
• Listening
• Multi-class
• Scholastic
• Student
• Teacher
• Verbal communication
• Written communication

74 resume keywords for digital design and programming

• Ad creation/design/analysis
• Application technology
• Artificial intelligence (AI)
• Banner advertisement
• Business support systems (BSS)
• C++ programming
• Certificate authority
• Cloud computing
• Coding
• Compliance
• Data mining/gathering/controller
• Database management
• Digital marketing
• E-commerce
• End-user support
• Framework
• Graphic design
• Information security/technology
• Intellectual property rights (IPR)
• Java
• MS SQL
• Network administration
• Open source technology
• Oracle
• Product lifecycle development
• Programming
• Search engine optimization (SEO)
• Software engineering/development
• Systems administration/configuration/deployment
• Technical support
• UX/UI
• Web-based technology

50 resume keywords for hospitality

• Attention to detail
• Banquet operations
• Budgeting
• Catering
• Central reservation system (CRS)
• Concierge
• Customer service
• Event coordination
• Food and beverage
• Front desk operations
• Guest relations/retention/services
• Hospitality management
• Housekeeping
• Human resources
• Kitchen operations
• Maintenance
• Marketing
• Menu planning
• Multitasking
• Pricing
• Procurement
• Promotions
• Property management
• Resort management
• Revenue projections
• Serving
• Transportation
• Tourism

68 resume keywords for marketing and business

• Account management
• Acquisitions
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Advertising
• Analytical
• Benchmark
• Business intelligence
• Branding
• Brand associations/awareness/salience
• Budgeting
• Business analysis/continuity/development/plans/strategy
• Client services
• Content management system (CMS)
• Consulting
• Conversion
• Customer service
• Data analysis/collection/entry/management
• Digital marketing
• E-commerce
• HTML
• Inventory management
• Key performance indicators (KPI)
• Market research
• Negotiation
• Networking
• Product management
• Quality assurance/control/management
• Recruiting
• Reporting
• Sales management
• Spreadsheets
• Supply chain management
• Workflow management

28 resume keywords for healthcare

• Average response time
• Caseload management
• CPR
• Diagnosis
• Emergency treatment
• Hospital procedure
• Intensive care unit
• Nurse practitioner
• Nursing staff
• Outpatient care
• Patient care procedures
• Policies
• Satisfaction surveys
• Surgery
• Treatment

30 resume keywords for finance and accounting

• Accounting
• Accounts receivable
• Accounts payable
• Asset management
• Audit
• Billing
• Budget
• CFA
• CPA
• Cost-benefit analysis
• Cost-effective
• Cost reduction
• GAAP
• Internal controls
• Invoicing
• Inventory
• Ledger
• Payroll
• Planning
• Portfolio management
• Purchasing
• Reconcile
• Reporting
• Risk assessment/risk management
• Stakeholders
• Tableau
• Tax
• Transactions
• Underwriting
• Vendor/vendor management

21 resume keywords for construction

• Building systems
• Carpentry
• Codes
• Computer-aided design (CAD)
• Crew management
• Demolition
• Design development
• Design concepts
• Drywall
• Electrical
• Estimating
• Fire safety
• Industrial
• Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED)
• Model making
• OSHA
• Plumbing
• Rendering
• Sustainable design
• Technical vision
• Visual design

22 resume keywords for law and law enforcement

• Mergers and acquisitions
• Adjudication
• Affidavit
• Brief
• Collaboration
• Compliance
• Drafting
• Flexibility
• Injury
• Interrogation
• Legal advice/advocacy/research
• Litigation
• Mediation
• Motion
• Negotiation
• Paralegal
• Patent/probate/trial law
• Patrol
• Proactive
• Surveillance
• SWAT
• Compensation

23 resume keywords for manufacturing and logistics

• Cell manufacturing
• CNC/PLC machining
• Continuous improvement
• Cost avoidance
• Equipment management
• Ergonomics
• Forecasting
• ISO 9001 Compliance
• Just-In-Time (JIT)
• Labor efficiency
• Lean
• Materials management
• Operating budget
• Operations management
• Optimization
• Procedures
• Process improvement/automation
• Production output
• Product line
• Product quality
• Supply chain management
• Turnaround management
• Quality assurance

26 resume keywords for nonprofit and social work

• Abuse
• Addiction
• After-care
• Case management
• Community development/engagement
• Consultation
• Continuum
• Counseling
• Crisis care
• Donor relations
• Follow-up
• Fundraising
• Geriatric
• Grant writing
• Impact evaluation
• In-home
• Initiatives
• Intake
• Interpersonal
• Intervention
• MIRP
• NEO Personality Inventory
• Program
• Project management
• Strategic planning
• Volunteer management

Resume keywords to avoid

Here are a few words and word types you’ll want to avoid when incorporating a resume keywords list by industry:

• Cliches and Buzzwords: Words like “hardworking” and “unparalleled” are overused and add little value
• Unverifiable Superlatives: Phrases that suggest you’re the best at a particular skill may come across as bragging
• Jargon Not Recognized by ATS: Overly technical language that doesn’t appear in the job description can add unnecessary confusion and wordiness

While you do want to tweak your resume and cover letter examples to include plenty of good resume keywords, you should be careful to avoid language that doesn’t help land the job.

Key takeaways

When incorporating resume keywords and phrases into your application:

• Do use relevant keywords from the job description
• Do use words and phrases that are appropriate for your industry
• Don’t use cliches or superlatives when adding applicant tracking system keywords
• Don’t paint yourself as overqualified or misrepresent your qualifications
• Don’t copy and paste examples of good resume keywords; instead, integrate them thoughtfully

Need help creating the perfect resume to highlight all your keywords for resume scanners? Check out Jobseeker’s professional resume creation tool and resume examples.

You can simply enter your information and switch between different resume templates, color schemes, and styles with just a few clicks. Then download your resume instantly and get started applying for jobs!

Sources:

(1) Rolling Out Magazine: Mastering the ATS maze: The shocking truth behind resume rejections