how to use resume keywords to pass ATS screening

Resume keywords can make the difference between a resume that gets noticed and one that never reaches a recruiter.

Resume Keywords: How to Optimize Your Resume for ATS and Get More Interviews

Resume keywords can make the difference between a resume that gets noticed and one that never reaches a recruiter.

Today, many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) and recruiting software to organize applications, identify candidates, and search resumes for relevant skills and qualifications. Recruiters may also use keyword searches within their applicant databases to find candidates who match specific job requirements.

That means having the right experience is not always enough.

Your resume also needs to communicate that experience using language that closely matches the position you are applying for.

This guide explains what resume keywords are, how ATS resume screening works, where to find the right keywords, how to use keywords naturally, common mistakes to avoid, and how to optimize your resume for modern recruiting.

If you want additional help, LiaHia provides resume optimization, LinkedIn optimization, career coaching, interview preparation, and reverse recruiting services for job seekers.

What Are Resume Keywords?

Resume keywords are words and phrases that describe the qualifications, skills, experience, tools, credentials, and responsibilities relevant to a particular job.

Examples include:

The most valuable resume keywords are usually the ones directly connected to the target position.

For example, a software engineering position may emphasize keywords such as Python, Java, SQL, APIs, AWS, Kubernetes, Git, Docker, and software development.

A marketing position may emphasize keywords such as digital marketing, SEO, Google Analytics, paid media, content strategy, email marketing, and campaign management.

Why Are Resume Keywords Important?

Recruiters and employers often receive large numbers of applications for competitive positions.

Recruiting technology helps organizations manage this volume.

An ATS may store resumes in a searchable database, while recruiters can use filters and keyword searches to identify candidates with particular qualifications.

Using relevant terminology makes it easier for both technology and humans to identify the qualifications you actually possess.

However, keywords should never be treated as a trick for “beating” an ATS.

The goal is to make your resume accurately reflect your qualifications in language that is relevant to the job.

What Is an ATS?

An applicant tracking system, commonly called an ATS, is software organizations use to manage recruiting and hiring processes.

Depending on the employer and system, an ATS can help recruiters:

Popular recruiting technology companies include Workday, Greenhouse, Ashby, Lever, and iCIMS.

The exact way each system processes and searches resumes can vary, so there is no single universal “ATS score” that determines whether someone gets hired.

Where Should You Find Resume Keywords?

The best source for resume keywords is usually the job description itself.

Read the job posting carefully and identify repeated or important terms.

Look for keywords in sections such as:

For example, if a job description repeatedly mentions “account management,” “CRM,” “customer retention,” and “sales forecasting,” those terms should receive attention when optimizing a qualified candidate's resume.

Primary vs Secondary Resume Keywords

Not every keyword in a job description has equal importance.

You can divide keywords into two broad groups.

Primary Keywords

These are usually the most important qualifications for the position.

Examples may include:

Secondary Keywords

These provide additional context about how the job is performed.

Examples include:

Your resume should prioritize the qualifications most relevant to the position rather than attempting to include every phrase from the job posting.

Hard Skills vs Soft Skills

Resume keywords can describe both hard and soft skills.

Hard-skill keywords are usually easier to verify and often include technical capabilities.

Soft-skill keywords describe behavioral or interpersonal capabilities.

When possible, demonstrate soft skills through accomplishments rather than simply listing them.

How to Find Keywords in a Job Description

Start by copying the job description into a document.

Then identify:

  1. The job title
  2. Required skills
  3. Preferred skills
  4. Software and technology
  5. Certifications
  6. Industry terminology
  7. Responsibilities
  8. Repeated phrases
  9. Qualifications

Look for terms that appear multiple times, particularly when they are connected to required responsibilities or qualifications.

You can then compare those terms with your actual experience.

Resume Keyword Example

Imagine a job posting says:

“We are seeking an Account Executive with experience in B2B SaaS sales, Salesforce, prospecting, pipeline management, lead generation, and closing enterprise accounts.”

Relevant keywords could include:

If you genuinely have this experience, your resume should communicate it clearly.

Instead of:

“Responsible for selling software products to customers.”

A more specific accomplishment might be:

“Managed B2B SaaS sales pipeline, generated qualified enterprise opportunities, and used Salesforce to manage prospecting and deal progression.”

The second version provides considerably more searchable context.

Where to Put Resume Keywords

Important keywords can appear throughout your resume.

Professional Summary

Your summary should immediately communicate your most relevant professional qualifications.

For example:

“B2B SaaS Account Executive with 7+ years of experience in enterprise sales, pipeline management, prospecting, Salesforce, and strategic account development.”

Skills Section

Your skills section provides a convenient place to list relevant technical and professional skills.

Professional Experience

This is one of the most important areas because keywords are stronger when connected to actual accomplishments.

Certifications

Include relevant certifications and credentials using their official names.

Education

Include relevant degrees, programs, coursework, and academic credentials when appropriate.

Don't Create a Keyword-Stuffed Resume

One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is adding dozens of keywords simply because they believe more keywords will improve their chances.

This can make a resume difficult to read and may create the impression that the candidate is trying to manipulate the screening process.

Do not add skills you do not possess.

Do not hide keywords in white text.

Do not repeat the same keyword dozens of times.

Do not copy the entire job description into your resume.

Instead, use relevant keywords naturally in your professional summary, skills, accomplishments, and experience.

Use Exact Keywords When Appropriate

If an employer uses a specific technical term and you genuinely have that experience, using the same terminology can improve clarity.

For example, if a job posting says “customer relationship management” and you have that experience, consider including the full phrase as well as the commonly used abbreviation CRM where appropriate.

This can make your resume understandable to both automated systems and recruiters.

Use Both Acronyms and Full Terms

Some industries use abbreviations heavily.

For example:

When relevant, including both forms can make your resume easier to search and understand.

Resume Keywords by Career

Career Potential Keywords
Software Engineer Python, Java, SQL, APIs, Git, AWS, Docker
Data Analyst SQL, Excel, Tableau, Power BI, data visualization, analytics
Project Manager Project management, Agile, Scrum, stakeholder management, risk management
Sales B2B, prospecting, pipeline management, CRM, lead generation, account management
Marketing SEO, content strategy, digital marketing, analytics, paid media, email marketing
Recruiting Sourcing, applicant tracking systems, Boolean search, candidate screening, talent acquisition
Finance Financial modeling, forecasting, budgeting, Excel, financial analysis
Human Resources Employee relations, HRIS, talent management, compliance, onboarding

These are examples only. Your actual resume keywords should be based on the specific position you are targeting.

Job Title Keywords Matter

Job titles can be important search terms.

For example, a candidate may officially have the title “Business Development Representative,” while another company calls a similar position “Sales Development Representative.”

If both descriptions accurately reflect your work, you can clarify the relationship without misrepresenting your official title.

For example:

Business Development Representative — B2B Sales / Sales Development

However, never change your employment history to a title you did not actually hold simply to match a job posting.

Keywords in Your Resume Summary

Your professional summary is an opportunity to quickly establish relevance.

For example:

“Operations Manager with 10+ years of experience in process improvement, team leadership, workforce planning, KPI management, and cross-functional operations.”

This communicates several relevant keywords while still sounding natural.

Keywords in Resume Accomplishments

Keywords become more powerful when combined with measurable outcomes.

Compare:

“Managed sales pipeline.”

With:

“Managed a $4M B2B sales pipeline, developed qualified opportunities, and improved pipeline conversion through structured prospecting and account management.”

The second example provides both relevant terminology and measurable business context.

How to Optimize a Resume for a Specific Job

Creating one generic resume and sending it to hundreds of unrelated jobs is usually less effective than tailoring your resume to relevant positions.

A simple process is:

  1. Read the job description.
  2. Identify the most important requirements.
  3. Extract relevant keywords.
  4. Compare them with your actual experience.
  5. Update your professional summary.
  6. Adjust your skills section.
  7. Rewrite relevant accomplishments.
  8. Remove irrelevant information.
  9. Review the resume for accuracy.
  10. Proofread before submitting.

Should You Have More Than One Resume?

Many professionals benefit from maintaining several versions of their resume.

For example, someone with experience in both sales and operations may maintain:

Each version can emphasize different accomplishments while remaining truthful.

This approach is particularly useful when targeting significantly different career paths.

Resume Keywords for Career Changers

Career changers should focus on transferable skills and relevant terminology from their target industry.

For example, someone moving from customer service into project coordination may have experience with:

The goal is to translate existing experience into language that demonstrates relevance to the new position without exaggerating your qualifications.

Resume Keywords for Remote Jobs

Remote employers may emphasize terms related to remote collaboration and independent work.

Depending on the position, relevant keywords could include:

Only include tools and experience you actually have.

Resume Keywords for AI and Technology Jobs

Technology-related job descriptions can contain highly specific technical terminology.

Depending on the role, keywords may include:

Technology candidates should prioritize the tools, technologies, and methodologies specifically requested by the employer.

Resume Keywords for Executive Positions

Executives should focus less on creating a long list of skills and more on demonstrating strategic business impact.

Depending on the position, relevant keywords might include:

These terms are most persuasive when supported by measurable accomplishments.

Don't Forget LinkedIn Keywords

Resume optimization should not happen in isolation.

Recruiters also search professional networks such as LinkedIn for candidates.

Your LinkedIn profile should generally use terminology consistent with your resume and target positions.

Pay particular attention to:

A strong resume combined with a weak or incomplete LinkedIn profile can create an inconsistent professional brand.

Resume Keywords vs Resume Skills

Keywords and skills overlap, but they are not exactly the same.

A keyword may describe a:

For example, “Salesforce” is a technology keyword, while “account management” is a functional skill and “Account Executive” is a job title.

All three can potentially be relevant resume keywords.

Common Resume Keyword Mistakes

Using Keywords You Don't Have

Never add a skill simply because it appears in the job description.

Overusing Keywords

Repetition can make your resume difficult to read.

Ignoring the Job Description

A generic resume may fail to emphasize the qualifications the employer actually needs.

Only Listing Keywords

A skills section cannot replace evidence of professional achievement.

Using Outdated Terminology

Use current terminology relevant to your target industry and the job description.

Keyword Stuffing

Do not hide keywords or manipulate your resume with irrelevant repetitions.

Should You Use Resume Keywords in Every Job Application?

You should tailor relevant portions of your resume for competitive applications, but you do not need to completely rewrite your resume every time.

Maintain a strong master resume containing your complete career history.

Then create targeted versions for different job families.

This makes customization faster and more consistent.

How LiaHia Helps With Resume Optimization

Finding the right resume keywords is only one part of creating an effective resume.

Your resume also needs to communicate your accomplishments, career level, transferable skills, and professional value.

LiaHia provides resume optimization designed to help job seekers create stronger, more targeted application materials.

LiaHia's career services include:

A professionally optimized resume should not simply contain more keywords. It should communicate the right qualifications clearly and connect them to measurable accomplishments.

Frequently Asked Questions About Resume Keywords

What are resume keywords?

Resume keywords are words and phrases describing skills, qualifications, experience, technologies, job titles, certifications, responsibilities, and other attributes relevant to a position.

Why are keywords important on a resume?

Relevant keywords can make it easier for recruiters and recruiting systems to identify qualifications that match a job description.

How do I find keywords for my resume?

Start with the job description. Identify required skills, preferred qualifications, technologies, certifications, responsibilities, job titles, and terminology that are relevant to your experience.

How many keywords should a resume have?

There is no universal ideal number. The goal is to include relevant terminology naturally rather than reaching an arbitrary keyword count.

Can keywords help my resume pass an ATS?

Relevant keywords can improve how clearly your qualifications are represented in an ATS environment, but ATS systems vary and keyword matching is only one part of the recruiting process.

Should I copy keywords directly from the job description?

If a term accurately describes your experience, using the employer's terminology can improve clarity. Never add qualifications you do not actually possess.

Should I include soft skills as resume keywords?

Yes, when they are relevant. However, soft skills are generally more persuasive when demonstrated through accomplishments and examples.

Should my LinkedIn profile use the same keywords as my resume?

Your resume and LinkedIn profile should generally use consistent professional terminology, especially for your target job titles, skills, technologies, and areas of expertise.

Final Thoughts

Resume keywords are not about filling your resume with as many industry terms as possible.

They are about making your qualifications easy to understand and easy to find.

Start with the job description. Identify the most important qualifications. Compare them with your actual experience. Then incorporate the relevant terminology naturally throughout your resume.

Use keywords in your professional summary, skills section, experience, certifications, and other appropriate sections.

Most importantly, connect keywords to evidence.

Instead of simply writing “leadership,” explain how you led a team.

Instead of simply writing “sales,” show the revenue you generated.

Instead of simply writing “project management,” explain the projects you delivered.

Instead of simply writing “data analysis,” demonstrate the decisions or business results produced through your analysis.

The goal is not to create a resume that contains the most keywords. The goal is to create a resume that clearly proves you are qualified for the job.

If you want help turning your experience into a targeted, keyword-optimized resume, LiaHia can help you strengthen your resume, LinkedIn profile, interview preparation, and overall job-search strategy.