Best Resume Keywords to Use for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Resume Keywords - Applicant Tracking System

If your resume isn’t landing interviews, it may not be a lack of experience—it could be missing the right resume keywords. Today, most employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes before a recruiter ever sees them. If your resume isn’t optimized for ATS, it may be filtered out automatically.

Understanding how resume keywords work—and how to use them strategically—can significantly improve your chances of getting noticed.

What Are Resume Keywords?

Resume keywords are specific words or phrases that employers and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) use to identify qualified candidates. These keywords typically relate to:

• Job titles

• Skills (hard and soft skills)

• Certifications and licenses

• Tools, software, or systems

• Industry-specific terminology

ATS software scans resumes for these keywords and ranks candidates based on relevance to the job description.

How Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) Work

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are designed to streamline the hiring process by automatically reviewing resumes. They:

• Scan resumes for keywords

• Rank candidates based on keyword matches

• Filter out resumes that don’t meet minimum criteria

If your resume lacks relevant keywords—or uses the wrong wording—it may never reach a recruiter, regardless of your qualifications.

Where to Find the Right Resume Keywords

The best resume keywords come directly from the job description. Pay close attention to:

• Required skills

• Preferred qualifications

• Job responsibilities

• Tools, software, or certifications mentioned

Repeat keywords that appear multiple times—these are often high-priority terms for ATS screening.

Examples of High-Impact Resume Keywords

Below are common resume keyword categories that work well with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS):

Job Titles

Use the exact job title listed in the posting when applicable.

• Administrative Assistant

• Maintenance Manager

• Accounting Clerk

• Production Supervisor

Hard Skills

• Data entry

• Inventory management

• Payroll processing

• Quality control

• Scheduling

Software & Tools

• Microsoft Excel

• QuickBooks

• SAP

• CRM systems

• ERP software

Certifications & Training

• OSHA certification

• Forklift certified

• CPA

• HR certification

Soft Skills (Use Strategically)

While ATS prioritizes hard skills, soft skills still matter when used appropriately:

• Communication

• Time management

• Problem-solving

• Team collaboration

How to Use Resume Keywords Correctly

To ensure your resume passes Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS):

• Use keywords naturally—avoid keyword stuffing

• Match wording exactly as it appears in the job description

• Place keywords in:

  • Skills section

  • Work experience bullet points

  • Professional summary

Example: Instead of saying “handled reports”, use “prepared weekly Excel reports for management” if Excel is listed in the job description.

Resume Keyword Mistakes to Avoid

Many job seekers unknowingly hurt their chances by:

• Using graphics or tables that ATS can’t read

• Submitting PDFs when Word documents are preferred

• Using acronyms without spelling them out (or vice versa)

• Listing skills not relevant to the role

ATS favors clean formatting and clear, keyword-rich content.

Why Resume Keywords Matter More Than Ever

With competitive job markets and high application volumes, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are now standard across industries. Using the right resume keywords ensures your resume:

• Gets past automated screenings

• Ranks higher for recruiter review

• Matches employer search criteria

Optimizing your resume for ATS doesn’t replace strong experience—but it ensures your experience is actually seen.

Final Tip for Job Seekers

Before submitting your resume, compare it side-by-side with the job description. If key terms are missing, update your resume accordingly. Small keyword adjustments can lead to big results.

If you’re working with a staffing agency, recruiters can often help identify which resume keywords are most effective for your target roles.