Applicant Tracking Systems do not assess resumes the way humans do. They are programmed to scan for specific patterns, language, and structure. If your resume lacks the right keywords or uses overly generic phrasing, it may never be seen by a recruiter at all.
This article outlines how to identify and use the right keywords, how to structure them naturally in your resume, and how to avoid the common traps that reduce your visibility in the hiring process.
What Are ATS Keywords?
ATS keywords are not special tricks or buzzwords. They are simply the terms and phrases that match the language found in job descriptions. These usually fall into a few common categories:
- Job titles and roles
- Technical tools and platforms
- Core responsibilities and outcomes
- Certifications or degrees
- Relevant soft skills or competencies
The more closely your resume mirrors the language of the job description, the more likely it is to pass through an ATS screen.
For example, if the job posting says “proficient in project management tools,” and your resume includes “experience with Trello, Asana, and Jira,” that is a strong match. On the other hand, if your resume includes vague phrases like “worked on various software platforms,” the system may not recognize it as relevant.
How to Identify the Right Keywords
You do not need to guess what to include. Here are five ways to extract the most important language:
1. Use the Job Description Itself
Copy the job listing and highlight key nouns and verbs, especially those that appear more than once. Focus on tools, job functions, and performance language.
2. Compare Multiple Listings
Look across 3 to 5 similar job listings. Patterns will start to emerge. Shared requirements, repeated skills, and consistent tools are strong indicators of priority keywords.
3. Scan Industry-Specific Language
Check professional forums, portfolio sites, and LinkedIn profiles for your target roles. Note how professionals in your field describe their work and achievements.
4. Reference Internal Job Descriptions (If Available)
If you’re applying internally or know someone at the company, use the internal job spec. These often contain slightly different phrasing and expectations that may not appear in the public posting.
5. Use Profile Spark
This tool pulls keywords from successful resumes and job descriptions in your target role. It’s useful for surfacing language you might not have thought to include and saves time during tailoring.
How to Use Keywords Effectively
Once you have a list of relevant terms, the next step is to incorporate them naturally. Here are five strategies to do that well:
1. Match Tool Names Directly
Include exact tool names from the listing. Avoid generalizations like “software tools” when the posting specifies “Salesforce” or “HubSpot.”
2. Use Job-Specific Verbs
Start bullet points with action verbs that align with the role’s function. Swap out “managed” or “led” for “designed,” “launched,” or “executed” where appropriate.
3. Add Keywords to Summaries and Headlines
Include 1-2 of the most important keywords in your resume summary. This helps ATS match your profile before it scans your job history.
4. Integrate Keywords into Achievements
Rather than listing keywords separately, embed them in bullet points that show impact. Example: “Built dashboards in Tableau to monitor weekly sales trends.”
5. Mirror Section Titles
Use the same section names as in the job description when possible. For example, if a posting lists “Professional Experience” and “Technical Skills,” match that language.
Common Keyword Traps to Avoid
Overused Jargon Phrases like “go-getter,” “team player,” or “synergistic thinker” are not keywords. They are filler. Unless the job listing explicitly includes these terms, leave them out.
Keyword Stuffing Repeating the same term excessively, especially in unnatural ways, will not help. It may even reduce readability and hurt your chances with a real human reviewer.
Misleading Language Only include tools or skills if you have actual experience using them. Inflating your resume to match the posting might get you through the ATS, but it will not hold up in an interview.
Irrelevant Buzzwords Just because a term is trendy does not mean it belongs on your resume. Focus on alignment, not hype.
Synonym Confusion Using synonyms when the job listing uses a specific word may cause a mismatch. Always prioritize the employer’s language.
Final Takeaway
Your resume should reflect the language of the job you are applying for. Matching keywords is not about gaming the system. It is about making it easier for both software and humans to understand why you are a fit.
Start by analyzing job descriptions. Use Profile Spark to surface hidden or overlooked terms. Review your resume line by line and ask, “Does this reflect the language of the job I’m targeting?”
The more clearly you can show alignment in content and language, the more likely you are to move forward in the process.
Make every word count.
