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30 powerful resume keywords to beat ats in 2024.

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Using the right resume keywords ensures you are able to shine a light on your skills and experience

More than 90% of employers use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to initially filter out or rank middle-skilled and highly-skilled candidates for job postings, according to a 2021 global study conducted by the Harvard Business Review.

This means that there is at least a 90% chance that your resume will not make it past the screening software.

Applicant tracking systems rely on keywords to assess candidate suitability—and these keywords are the ones that are located within your resume. The problem is, many candidates do not know how to make a resume effective because they fail to include the most appropriate keywords for their industry and role they are applying to. Consequently, they never (or hardly ever) make it past the screening stage to secure an interview.

While there are several factors that determine whether your resume makes it past the ATS or not (although a few are beyond your control), knowing what skills to put on your resume and which resume keywords to include, are a few of the most critical steps you can take to ensure your resume beats ATS.

Why Use Resume Keywords?

"A recruiter will never see that candidate’s application, even though it might fill all of the employer’s requirements," continued the HBR study. Therefore, being the perfect fit for a role is not good enough. You might tick every box and fulfil all the requirements listed on the job description, yet fall short of being shortlisted for the role, all because your resume did not effectively evidence the criteria and skills the employer is looking for.

Here is a simplified example of how an ATS works from a recruiter's point of view:

• You send your resume through a job portal.
• When the recruiter is sifting out 1,000 applications, they'll enter a skill such as "project management," "Power BI," or an education requirement such as "MBA," from the job description.
• This filters available resumes to 300 candidates.
• If your resume is optimized to include the keyword they are looking for, it will show up; if not, it will never be seen and you've just lost the potential to land a career-boosting opportunity to an AI-powered gatekeeper—ATS.

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Matching keywords is an essential step to take before sending an application, or you could risk ... [+] being sifted out at the screening stage

Where To Find Keywords To Put On Your Resume

There are number of sources you can use to find keywords for your resume. The first and most obvious of them is the job advert itself. Taking a careful look at the job description, and the key requirements/person specification/ideal candidate section, carefully identify what are the core requirements that the employer is asking for.

You might find it useful to undertake a keyword highlighting exercise by copying and pasting the entire job description and person specification into a Word document, and highlighting the technical and soft skills that stand out to you the most, which are relevant to what you already have to offer.

For example, take a look at this sample job description from Workable for a cost analyst role:

"We are looking for a cost analyst to help us audit our expenses and find ways to make our operations more cost-efficient. You’ll be the go-to person for cost analysis and you’ll get to prepare reports to help management make better decisions. To do this job well, we’d like you to be well-versed in data and financial analysis, and have strong attention to detail. Ultimately, your job will be an integral part of our efforts to ensure profitability and business success."

It then proceeds to list the following responsibilities for the cost analyst role:

• Gather and analyze financial data
• Determine standard costs and investigate variances with actual costs
• Prepare detailed reports, both periodically and ad-hoc
• Help management make important decisions based on costs and benefits (e.g. investments, market growth, pricing changes)
• Create and manage budgets, and monitor spending
• Conduct audits on financial processes and transactions
• Monitor changes in processes or methods to calculate effects on overall costs
• Estimate product costs for existing and new products
• Forecast and analyze costs of processes, labor and inventory
• Suggest cost-reducing or profitable solutions
• Conduct market research to support future business planning

And then the advert proceeds to list requirements and skills for the role (pay close attention to this):

• Proven experience as a cost analyst, cost specialist or similar role
• Experience in data, operational and financial analysis
• Knowledge of accounting processes and software
• Strong analytical skills
• A business acumen
• Great attention to detail
• Good communication aptitude
• Degree in Finance, Accounting or similar field
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred

With the above job advert, how many keywords can you easily identify?

Considering the above data, some of the likely resume keywords and skills used for the job posting above, which you would want to incorporate into your resume for a cost analyst role, include:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Good communication
• Attention to detail
• Cost analyst
• Accounting processes and software (and name a few)
• Financial analysis/Analyzing financial data

You can incorporate these keywords into your professional summary, skills highlights, and work experience and education sections.

ChatGPT can help you analyze a job description quickly and can even provide guidance on how to ... [+] tailor your resume for that specific role

How To Use ChatGPT To Find Resume Keywords

One time saving method you could employ to find keywords from the job advert and interspersed them throughout your resume, is to solicit the help of ChatGPT. ChatGPT is an AI-powered chatbot developed by OpenAI, that has millions of users around the world—with one of the fastest, unprecedented technology adoption rates in history.

It uses LLM (large language models) to engage with you as any other human being would, providing you with timely information and shortening the length of time it takes to accomplish administrative and content writing tasks. While it is not wise to use ChatGPT to draft an entire resume for you on its own, it certainly can be helpful at key junctures in the resume writing process, for example, when analyzing and inputting keywords.

To use ChatGPT to find the best keywords to include in your resume, follow the below steps:

• Provide ChatGPT with a copy or excerpt of a job description for the role you want to apply for, and then prompt: "I am tailoring my resume to apply for this role. Please select and suggest keywords and phrases from this job advert that I can put into my resume. Include any technical skills, software tools, certifications, industry terminology, and soft skills listed in the advert."
• Now that ChatGPT has provided you with a list you can then begin incorporating these words and phrases throughout your resume, ensuring you proofread with each edit so it reads naturally and doesn't give the appearance of meaningless keyword stuffing.

Powerful Keywords To Include In Your Resume

Now that you have this background understanding, here is a sample list of some of the most common and essential keywords you should consider adding to your resume, for three specific industries—information technology, healthcare, and sales. These are categorized for ease of navigation and will provide you with an idea of what to look out for, as relates to your industry:

Resume Keywords For The Information Technology (IT) Industry

• Programming languages (e.g., Java, Python, C++)
• Cloud computing
• Network administration
• Agile methodologies
• ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library)
• Artificial intelligence (AI)
• Machine learning
• Data analytics
• IT project management

Resume Keywords For The Healthcare Industry

• Electronic Health Records (EHR)
• Clinical research
• Medical billing and coding
• Telemedicine
• Healthcare compliance
• Health informatics
• Medical imaging
• Healthcare quality improvement
• Health insurance
• Healthcare technology

Resume Keywords For The Sales Industry

• Business development
• Account management
• Client relationship management (CRM)
• Lead generation
• Prospecting
• Sales cycle
• Pipeline management
• Value proposition
• Sales forecasting
• Competitive analysis

Keywords include a range of technical skills, soft skills, and education requirements—and even your ... [+] years of experience

Using the right keywords can help you effectively sell yourself and shine as a star candidate to employers, ensuring your skills and experience do not go to waste or escape their notice. Through highlighting your expertise in this way (without keyword stuffing) you increase your chances of securing an interview.

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Use Resume Keywords to Land the Job [880+ Keywords]

The use of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) by companies is on the rise.

ATS is a software that scans every application that comes in for a job.

Based on the job requirements and profile, it decides whether a recruiter should see a resume or not.

And the odds are not in your favor:

ATS rejects, on average, around 75% of job applications.

Even if you get past this obstacle, the recruiter will only give your resume a glimpse. 

It takes him/her around 6 seconds to decide your entire future. 

So how can you get yourself noticed? 

Resume keywords.

Both ATS as well as the hiring manager scan for relevant keywords that fit what they are looking for. 

If you know how to properly use resume keywords, you’ll have a leg up on ATS (and the competition).

• What Are Resume Keywords?

How to Pick the Right Resume Keywords [Step-by-Step]

• 880+ Keywords Divided by Industry 

What are Resume Keywords? 

Resume keywords are words or phrases that describe specific job requirements. 

They are the abilities, skills, expertise, and values that the recruiter is looking for in a candidate. 

Hint: Abilities, skills, and values you should possess. 

We know what you’re thinking: 

How important can a bunch of words really be?

Well, as we’ve already hammered down, your resume will often be screened by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) . 

This system has inbuilt software that filters the different applications that come in. 

The recruiter writes a list of keywords in the ATS system. These are the job requirements.

The ATS then scans your applications for those specific keywords that the recruiter plugged in.

If you don’t have the right amount of them, your resume gets thrown in the software void and never reaches the recruiter. 

So, what kind of resume keywords should you include?

Well, they vary from job to job.

We’ll get into more details in the next section, but here’s an example so you get the idea:

Let’s say you are an architect applying for a senior position in a large firm. 

This is your resume summary :

“A detail-oriented and qualified senior architect who excels in developing construction drawings, creating 3D models, and conducting architectural research and analysis.” 

The system reads these keywords in your resume summary:

• Detail-oriented
• Senior Architect
• Construction Drawings

The system registers which of these keywords match the ones set as a requirement by the recruiter.

CHECK: senior architect

CHECK: construction drawings

CHECK: 3D models

NOT CHECK: computer-aided design (CAD) 

NOT CHECK: 10 years of experience

Now, you might have experience with CAD and also have more than ten years of experience. 

But because the ATS didn’t read it, it did not count it, and you might be rejected at this very first stage.

This example perfectly demonstrates the importance of keywords with ATS.

But as we’ve already mentioned, that’s not it. Resume keywords also help impress the recruiter. 

Well, imagine you’re looking for a new laptop online and the seller’s website doesn’t provide the critical details you need in the description, like what the resolution, RAM, processor, or graphics are. 

You’ll scan the page looking for these keywords. If you don’t find them, you’ll just move on to a different website. 

This is the same process that recruiters go through in pursuit of the best person for the job. 

Even with all those resumes failing ATS, hiring managers don’t have time to read all passing resumes line by line.

They usually evaluate resumes only by scanning for a predetermined list of keywords. 

Think of them as an ATS but in human form:

One that gets tired and bored by looking at the same thing over and over.

You want to stand out from the other pool of applicants and get noticed.

You can do that by picking the right resume keywords .

Keep in mind, though, that resume keywords won’t do much unless you’re using an ATS-friendly resume template. After all, if the ATS CAN’T even read your resume, it won’t be able to scan for the keywords!

Novorésumé's resume templates are built with ATS in mind. Just pick one, and you won’t have to worry about formatting!

So how do you pick the keywords the ATS and the recruiter are looking for?

First, scan the job ad for keywords. 

If your resume keywords match the ones given in the job ad, you have a higher chance of getting an interview. 

There are two main categories of keywords the recruiters or managers are looking for: (1) job-related skills and (2) action verbs.  

Job-related keywords describe your primary skills (both hard and soft) and your core qualifications for this particular job. 

e.g: Computer Science, Social Media, Photoshop, Critical-thinking, etc. 

Action verbs , on the other hand, demonstrate action: they show what you have accomplished and how you have succeeded in your previous experience.  

e.g: managed, developed, planned, maximized, etc. 

So, in your resume scan, you should be looking for both job-related keywords and action verbs.

Once you’ve pinpointed all relevant keywords from the job description, it’s time to put them down in your own resume.

But which section do they go under, exactly?

Generally: 

• Job-related keywords go under your “Skills”
• Action verbs will help you with your job descriptions in the “Work Experience” section . 
• Education requirements will be reflected in your “Education” section , 
• Job title descriptions will go on your resume summary.

Are they looking for someone with Photoshop skills?

“Photoshop” is a job-related keyword and you happen to be a pro at it!

So you would put it down under your “Skills” section.

Easy, right?

We’ll demonstrate how exactly you can pinpoint relevant keywords and use them in your resume with the example below.

Before we get to that, though, two words of caution:

Don’t overdo it.

And don’t lie .

Do not use keywords just for the sake of having them in your resume. 

They need to be used in the right context and reflect your actual skills/achievements. 

An ATS can’t spot redundancy or a lie, but the recruiter surely can. 

So stay honest , relevant , and accurate with your use of resume keywords.

Not sure whether the keywords in your resume are relevant? Here’s how you can be sure: 

Pick two to five job advertisements that are similar to the one you are applying for and identify frequently used keywords. Make a list, and include them in your resume (as long as they match your qualifications, of course). 

How to Pick the Right Resume Keywords: A Practical Example

So how do all the steps we described look like in practice?

Let’s take a real-life job posting.

Below is a Software Developer job ad.

Step 1: Highlight all the relevant keywords.

We are looking for a software developer with 5+ years of experience to create and execute functional, practical programs. Throughout the job, you will have to collaborate with other programmers and software developers. Your main objective will be to develop powerful, high-quality, user-focused programs and systems. 

Job Requirements: 

• Bachelor's degree (BSc/BA) in computer engineering , computer science or similar degree.
• Must understand in-depth the implications of software engineering.
• Previous, proven experience on a number of projects for software development.
• Experience with software designing in a test-driven environment.  
• Deep knowledge of the frameworks /systems( AngularJS, Git ) and coding language (e.g: C++, Javascript ). 
• The willingness to work in a constantly changing world. Ability to adapt to new technologies and software languages. 
• Creativity is a bonus.
• Great communication and teamwork skills . 
• Attentive to detail .

Job Responsibilities: 

• Work with programmers to build algorithms and flowcharts . 
• Produce clean, usable, datatype-based software.  
• Incorporate software components and programs from third parties. 
• Validate and implement programs and systems. 
• Fix, debug and improve existing software. 
• Collect and analyze feedback from the client. 
• Suggest and enact improvements.  
• Create technical paperwork for reference and reporting purposes.

Step 2. As you’re highlighting, divide the relevant keywords into job-related and action verbs. 

This will make it super easy for you to write the resume. 

Step 3: Now, we’ll make another division. 

This is based on the resume sections which each keyword should fall under.

RESUME SUMMARY: 

• Software Developer 
• Software designing
• 5+ years of experience 
• User-focused 

WORK EXPERIENCE:

• High-quality 
• Incorporate
• Test-driven environment
• Datatype-based software
• Technical paperwork
• Communication skills 
• Attentive to detail 
• AngularJS, Git
• Coding language
• Bachelor's degree (BSc/BA)
• Computer Engineering
• Computer Science

Step 4: What’s left is to reflect upon strengths and choose the best keywords for you.

Keep in mind not all keywords should be included in the resume: only the qualifications and achievements which are relevant to your experience. 

Once you’ve decided all the resume keywords relevant to you, use them in your resume.

Step 5: Finally, let’s put everything together. 

Take a look at Melissa’s Software Developer ATS tailored resume .

Melissa went through all the described steps in this example and integrated all relevant keywords into her resume. 

Melissa just upped her shot at getting that interview .

Now it’s your turn! 

In the next section, we’ll show you the most relevant resume keywords for your profession.

880+ Resume Keywords Divided by Industry 

Although resume keywords are tailored to the job description, there are some valuable skills recruiters are always keeping an eye on.

Below, you will find a tailored list of top keywords for every profession and industry. 

Discover the industry-specific keywords that HR managers, recruiters and the ATS look!

53+ Education and Training Resume Keywords [A-Z]

119+ information technology resume keywords [a-z], 45+ law enforcement resume keywords [a-z].

• 59+ Tourism and Hospitality Resume Keywords [A-Z]

115+ Marketing and Business Administration Resume Keywords [A-Z]

• 143+ Finance and Accounting Resume Keywords [A-Z]

57+ Human Resources Resume Keywords [A-Z]

32+ architecture and construction resume keywords [a-z], 54+ health care resume keywords [a-z], 109+ manufacturing resume keywords [a-z], 91+ social work resume keywords [a-z].

• Administration
• Co-directed
• Cognitive Skills
• Collaboration
• Community Building
• Computer-based Training
• Discipline,
• Field Instruction
• Fundraising
• Holistic Learning
• Individualized Education
• Instruction
• Integration
• Interactive
• Interpersonal
• Job Placement
• Multi-class
• Parent Communications
• Parent-teacher Meeting
• Peer Counseling
• Program Development
• Public Relations
• Recruitment
• Relationship Building
• Setting Boundaries
• Verbal Communication
• Writing Lesson Plans
• Writing Reports
• Written Communication
• Access platform
• Ad creative/impression/inventory/rotation analysis/configuration/deployment/design
• Application Technology
• Architecture
• Artificial Intelligence
• Banner advertisement
• Business Analysis
• Business Continuity
• Business support systems (BSS)
• Business Transformation
• C++ Programming
• Capital Budgets
• Certificate authority
• Change Management
• Channel behavior / conflicts/marketing/outcomes/profitability/promotion/satisfaction
• Cloud Computing
• Co-branding
• Competitive intelligence
• Compliance and Security
• Component development
• Customization and Configuration
• Data Centre Operations
• Data Controller
• Data Gathering
• Data Localization
• Data mining/warehousing
• Database Administration
• Database Design
• Database Development
• Database Integration
• Database Management
• Delivery Systems
• Design Patterns
• Digital Marketing (pull/push)
• Digital Media
• Disaster Recovery
• Distributed Systems
• Distribution channels
• Electronic data interchange (EDI)
• Electronic marketing
• End-User Support
• Enterprise Systems
• Fault Analysis
• Geographic Information System (GIS)
• Global HITS
• Graphic design
• Information Security
• Information Technology
• Infrastructure Development
• Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
• Java Technology
• Knowledge management
• Machine Learning
• Management Information System (MIS)
• Multiplatform Integration
• Needs Assessment
• Network Administration
• Network Engineering
• Network solutions
• Open Source Technology
• Operations support systems (OSS)
• Privacy Policy
• Process Reengineering
• Product Launch
• Product Lifecycle Development
• Product Testing
• Professional Service
• Program Management
• Programming / Coding
• Project Management
• Quality Assurance / Code Testing
• Research & Development
• Resource Management
• Root Cause Analysis
• Scalability and Product Extensions
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Service-Oriented Architecture
• Software Configuration
• Software Development
• Software Engineering
• Software Installation / Upgrade
• Software-as-as-Service
• Solutions Delivery
• Structured Query Language (SQL)
• System Integration
• Systems Administration
• Systems Configuration
• Systems Deployment
• Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
• Technical Documentation
• Technical Support
• Technology Stack
• User Interface Design
• Vendor Management
• Visual Basic
• Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
• Vortals (Vertical Industry Portals)
• Web Administration
• Web-Based Technology
• Workflow Management
• Yield Management
• Acquisition
• Adjudication
• Administrative law
• Community engagement
• Copyright law
• Crime analysis
• Crime prevention
• Crisis management
• Depositions
• Due diligence
• Intellectual property
• Interrogation
• Joint venture
• Judicial affairs
• Juridical doctor
• Landmark decision
• Legal advocacy
• Legal research
• Legislative review
• Limited partnership
• Negotiation
• Police surveillance
• Probate law
• Unfair compensation
• Uniform patrol
• Will preparation
• Witness protection

59 + Tourism and Hospitality Resume Keywords [A-Z]

• Adherence To Policies And Procedures
• Attention To Detail
• Back Office Operations
• Banquet Operations
• Central Reservation System (CRS)
• Client Needs Assessment
• Club Management
• Competitive Analysis
• Customer Service
• Event Coordination
• Facility Management
• Flexibility
• Food And Beverage
• Food Sanitation
• Front Desk Operations
• Guest Relations
• Guest Retention
• Guest Services
• Health & Safety
• Hospitality Management
• Housekeeping
• Human Resources
• Inventory Planning
• Kitchen Operations
• Maintenance
• Meeting Planning
• Menu Planning
• Multi-Unit Operations
• Multitasking
• New Product Development
• Portion Control
• Procurement
• Promote Services
• Property Development
• Property Management
• Quality Assurance
• Recall Customer Programs
• Regulatory Compliance
• Reservations
• Resolving Complaints
• Resort Management
• Revenue Projections
• Service Management
• Training & Development
• Transportation
• Travel and Tourism
• Account Management
• Acquisitions
• Administrative Support
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Advertising
• Analyzing Data
• API (Application Programming Interface)
• BI (Business Intelligence)
• Brand Associations
• Brand Awareness
• Brand Salience
• Budget Management
• Build Relationships
• Business Development
• Business Intelligence
• Business Plans
• Business Process
• Business Strategy
• Business Systems
• Case Management
• Client Relationships
• Client Services
• CMS (Content Management System)
• Commissioning
• Complex Projects
• Continuous Improvement
• Contract Management
• Cooperation
• Correspondence
• CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods)
• CRM (Customer Relationship Management)
• Cross-Functional Team
• Customer Experience
• Daily Operations
• Data Analysis
• Data Collection/Entry
• Data Management
• Data Quality
• Digital Marketing
• Employee Engagement
• ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)
• ETL (Extract, Transform, Load)
• HRIS (Human Resources Information System)
• IBM (International Business Machines)
• Information Systems
• Internal Communications
• Inventory Management
• KPI (Key Performance Indicators)
• Management Consulting
• Market Research
• Operating System
• Operational Excellence
• Performance Management
• Portfolio Management
• Process Development
• Process Improvement
• Product Management
• Product Marketing
• Product Quality
• Project Delivery
• Quality Assurance/Control/Management
• R (Programming Language)
• Relationship Building/Management
• Sales Management
• SAP (System Application Products)
• SDL (Software Development Lifecycle)
• Service Blueprint
• Spreadsheets
• Stakeholder Management
• Standard Operating Procedures
• Standardization
• Statistical Analysis
• Status Report
• Strategic Direction
• Strategic Planning
• Strong Analytical Skills
• STP Analysis (Segmentation, Targeting, Positioning)
• Supply Chain Management
• SWOT Analysis
• Value Proposition

143+ Finance and Accounting Resume Keywords

• (FASB) Financial Accounting Standards Board
• Accounts Payable
• Accounts Receivable
• Adjusting/closing entries
• Analysis/analyzing
• Annual Budget
• Annual Reports
• Asset Management
• Audit/auditing/audit controls
• Automatic Data Processing (ADP)
• Balance sheet
• Benefits administration
• Budget/budgeting/budget control
• Business plan
• CAD (Cash Against Documents)
• Capital budget
• Cashflow Statement (CFS)
• Cash management
• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
• Chart of accounts
• Client/client base
• Collections
• Commercial lending
• Consumer lending
• Contract management
• Corporate governance
• Corporate treasury
• Cost accounting
• Cost-benefit analysis
• Cost-Effective
• Cost of goods sold (COGS)
• Cost reduction and avoidance
• Credit management
• Debt management
• Debt refinancing
• Debt service
• Debt to worth
• Depreciation/accelerated depreciation
• Disbursements
• Discount cash flow
• Dividend(s)
• EBIT/EBITDA
• Efficiencies
• Equity underwriting
• Expenditures
• Expense analysis
• Feasibility
• Financial Analysis
• Financial Management
• Financial Modeling
• Financial Planning
• Financial Reporting
• Financial Statements
• Fixed assets
• Forecast/forecasting
• Foreign exchange
• General accounting
• General Ledger
• High stress
• Income Statement
• Inflow/outflow
• Initial Public Offering (IPO)
• Interest rate(s)
• Internal controls
• International Financial Reporting Standards
• Inventory control
• Inventory management
• Investment analysis/management
• Investor relations
• Job (order) costing
• Journal/journaling
• Letter of credit
• Liabilities/liability
• Loan administration
• Management reporting
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Mutual fund(s)
• Net present value (NPV)
• Operating reports
• Payroll administration
• Portfolio Analysis
• Process improvement
• Profit and loss analysis
• Profit and loss statement (P&L)
• Projections
• Public speaking
• Purchase accounting
• Quarterly/year-end reporting
• Real estate
• Reconciliations
• Regulations
• Relationship management
• Reporting and analysis
• Revenue Growth
• Reverse takeover
• Risk Management
• ROE/ROI/ROA
• Sarbanes Oxley
• Shareholders
• Statistical models
• Strategic Thinking
• Tax accounting
• Taxation Compliance
• Transaction
• Trend analysis
• Underwriting
• Variance analysis
• Venture capital
• American Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Benefits Administration
• Career Pathing
• Claims Administration
• College Recruitment
• Compensation
• Competency-Based Performance
• Corporate Culture Change
• Cross-Cultural Communications
• Diversity Management
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
• Employee Communications
• Employee Empowerment
• Employee Involvement Teams
• Employee Relations
• Employee Retention
• Employee Surveys
• Expatriate Employment
• Grievance Proceedings
• Human Resources (HR)
• Human Resources Generalist Affairs
• Human Resources Partnerships
• Incentive Planning
• International Employment
• Job Task Analysis
• Labor Arbitration
• Labor Contract Negotiations
• Labor Relations
• Leadership Assessment
• Leadership Development
• Management, Training & Development
• Manpower Planning
• Merit Promotion
• Multimedia Training
• Multinational Workforce
• Organizational Design
• Organizational Development
• Organizational Needs Assessment
• Participative Management
• Performance Appraisal
• Performance Incentives
• Performance Reengineering
• Position Classification
• Professional Recruitment
• Regulatory Affairs
• Safety Training
• Self-Directed Work Teams
• Succession Planning
• Train-the-Trainer
• Union Negotiations
• Union Relations
• Wage & Salary Administration
• Workforce Reengineering
• Abstraction
• Architectural Codes
• Architectural Rendering
• Building Codes
• Building Construction
• Building Systems
• Computer Processing
• Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
• Conceptualization
• Construction Administration
• Construction Documents
• Creative Thinking
• Design Concepts
• Design Development
• Design to Delivery
• Fire Safety
• Imagination
• Industrial Design
• Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED)
• Managing Expectations
• Model Making
• Residential Construction
• Retail Construction
• Sustainable Design
• Technical Vision
• User interface design
• Visual design
• Zoning Codes
• Average response time
• Cardiac Catheterization
• Cardiac Cathlab
• Case history reports
• Caseload management
• Central Line Placements
• Composite Health Care System
• Electrophoresis
• Emergency treatment
• Fistula Revascularizations
• Flow sheets
• Government requirements
• Hospital procedure
• Immunizations
• Instructions
• Instrument trays
• Medical assistance
• Nursing practitioners
• Nursing staff
• Occupational therapy
• Paternity tests
• Patient care procedures
• Patient comfort
• Physician prescriptions
• Plastic surgery
• Prescription drug
• Presentations
• Quality of care
• Satisfaction surveys
• Skin grafts
• Special Procedures Unit
• Surgical equipment
• Swan-Ganz Catheter
• Traumatized patients
• Water safety
• Accident Prevention
• Audit Control Procedures
• Automated Manufacturing
• Capacity Planning
• Capital Budget
• Capital Machinery Acquisition
• Capital Project
• Cell Manufacturing
• CNC / PLC Machining
• Computer Integrated
• Concurrent Engineering
• Cost Avoidance
• Cost Reductions
• Cross-Functional Teams
• Cycle Time Reduction
• Distribution Management
• Efficiency Improvement
• Environmental Health & Safety
• Equipment Management
• Ergonomically Efficient
• Facilities Consolidation
• Forecasting / Budgeting
• Inventory Control
• ISO 9000 Compliance
• Just-In-Time (JIT)
• Labor Efficiency
• Lean / Agile Manufacturing
• Logistics Management
• Machine Downtime
• Manufacturing (CIM)
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Manufacturing Integration
• Manufacturing Technology
• Master Schedule
• Materials Management
• Materials Planning
• Materials Replenishment
• Multi-Site Operations
• Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S)
• On-Time Delivery
• Operating Budget
• Operations Management
• Operations Reengineering
• Operations Start-Up
• Optimization
• Order Fulfillment
• Order Processing
• Outsourcing
• Performance Improvement
• Physical Inventory
• Pilot Manufacturing
• Plant Management
• Plant Operations
• Preventative Maintenance
• Process Automation
• Process Redesign/Reengineering
• Product Development & Engineering
• Product Rationalization
• Product Testing / Validation
• Production Forecasting
• Production Lead Time
• Production Management
• Production Methodologies
• Production Output
• Production Plans/Schedules
• Production Scheduling
• Productivity Improvement
• Profit & Loss (P&L) Management
• Project Budget
• Prototype Design
• Purchasing / Procurement
• Purchasing Management
• Quality Circles
• Safety Documentation
• Safety Management
• Shipping & Receiving Operation
• Spares & Repairs Management
• Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• System (MRP)
• Technology Integration
• Time & Motion Studies
• Total Quality Management (TQM)
• Traffic Management
• Turnaround Management
• Value-Added Processes
• Warehouse Management
• Work in Progress (WIP)
• Workflow Optimization
• Workforce Management
• World Class Manufacturing (WCM)
• Yield Improvement
• Action Plan
• Consultation
• Domestic Violence
• Eating Disorder Inventory
• End of Life
• Grant (Writing)
• Harm Reduction
• Individualized
• Interdisciplinary
• Intervention
• Mental Health
• NEO Personality Inventory
• Psychiatric
• Rehabilitation
• Schizophrenia
• Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale
• Supervision
• Wechsler Memory Scale

But wait...

There’s more!

Check out our full list of action words and power adjectives for your resume, complete with 340+ action verbs for all professions .

Key Takeaways

Here are some things to keep in mind after reading this article:

• Resume keywords are crucial in a resume. They help you get past ATS and noticed by the recruiter.
• Remember how to make the best use of resume keywords: Scan the job listing for the main responsibilities and requirements the recruiter is looking for. Divide them into job-related responsibilities and action words. Then use them in your own resume in the appropriate sections.
• Don’t overuse resume keywords or lie about your abilities. The recruiter will spot a fraud from miles away.
• Your resume keywords will mainly depend on the specific position you are applying for. However, there are certain in-demand industry keywords the recruiters are keeping an eye on. Revisit our comprehensive list of industry-specific keywords whenever you need some inspiration.

Suggested Reading:

• How to Make a Resume | Beginner's Guide
• 150+ Must-Have Skills for Any Resume [With Tips + Tricks]
• How to Pick the Best Resume Format [+Examples]

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• Hire Talent

30+ Impactful Resume Keywords to Help You Land the Job

So you’ve been turning in resumes left and right. You keep tweaking your skills and experience, certain that this time, it’ll make a difference. You know you have the experience and skills to land the jobs you apply for. And yet…crickets.

It’s a frustrating situation, and you’re not alone. After all, only 2% of applications result in an interview!

There are many reasons why a resume might not make the cut. But in today’s technological age, research suggests that a large percentage of U.S. companies, large and small, use some type of recruitment management system (RMS) or applicant tracking system (ATS) to screen resumes. And there’s one major factor that can make or break success in these systems:

Resume keywords.

Thankfully, you can increase your chances of success if you use the right resume keywords. But why are they so important, and how can you tailor your resume for these software systems?

Let’s answer these questions and look at examples of effective resume keywords for different industries so you can craft a great resume that lands the job.

Why Are Resume Keywords Important?

Resume keywords are more than just words that you stuff into your document—they’re critical elements that bring you closer to meeting the hiring manager’s expectations. They transform your resume from just another application to one that resonates with the specific needs of the job you’re applying for.

1. Optimizes Your Resume for Applicant Tracking Systems

First and foremost, these keywords optimize your resume for ATS software. This software is designed to streamline the hiring process by scanning, sorting, and ranking resumes based on how well they match the job criteria. It works by filtering candidate resumes based on:

• Positive criteria, such as certifications and degrees
• Negative criteria, such as employment gaps or criminal records
• Keywords that are a match

It accepts those who meet the criteria and rejects those who don’t, keeping them from ever being seen by a human. By incorporating the right resume keywords, you ensure that your resume passes through this initial electronic “gatekeeper,” increasing your chances of making it to the hands of a human recruiter.

2. Matches Your Resume to the Job Description

One of the other critical functions of these keywords is to demonstrate that you’re a clear fit for the role. When your resume has the same keywords as the job description, it signifies that you’ve read and understood the requirements and that you possess the relevant skills and experience.

3. Makes You Stand Out Among the Competition

Did you know that recruiters only spend an average of 6-7 seconds reading a resume before making an initial decision to discard it or review it more thoroughly?

That means if your resume doesn’t easily display what they need to know, they’re highly likely to move on to the next candidate. When your resume mirrors the language and skills specified in the job description, it immediately stands out.

With the right resume keywords, you can capture the recruiter’s eye and signify that you’re well-versed in the industry’s terminology and requirements. This increases your chance of moving on to the next stage.

3 Ways to Tailor Your Resume for ATS

Using ATS-friendly keywords is one of the best ways to tailor your resume. But there are several other ways you can increase your chances of getting your resume through the ATS filters and into the recruiter’s hands.

1. Read the Job Description to Find Potential Keywords

First, decode the job description to find specifics, such as:

• Certifications

These are the terms the ATS is programmed to pick up on. Once you have a list, integrate these keywords into your resume in a natural and relevant manner. Be careful not to stuff them in your resume! Instead, thoughtfully incorporate them where they make sense, such as your professional summary, work experience, or skills section.

2. Keep the Format Simple

ATS software can struggle with the usual embellishments we add to documents to make them look more appealing. These assets can interfere with ATS scanning and information extraction. Make your resume ATS-friendly by:

• Creating a clean, straightforward layout
• Using standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman
• Avoiding columns, tables, headers, footers, and graphics
• Keeping your text in a traditional, linear format
• Listing work experience and education in reverse chronological order
• Saving your resume as a Word document (.doc or .docx) or plain text (.txt) file

3. Match Your Resume to the Job Title

Aligning your resume with the job title in the job listing is a strategic move that helps your resume rank higher in the ATS. This doesn’t mean you should lie. Rather, you’re adapting your title to the industry standard that closely matches your skills and responsibilities.

For example, if your previous role was “Lead Project Coordinator,” and it entailed similar responsibilities to a project manager, consider adjusting it to “Project Manager” to mirror the job listing.

30+ Examples of the Best Resume Keywords by Job Type

Whether you’re in project management, healthcare, or engineering, there are specific keywords that can elevate your resume and majorly boost its impact. Consider the following resume keywords that can help your resume stand out and get you an interview.

Project Manager

A project manager excels in managing complex projects and leading diverse teams while successfully navigating ever-changing business landscapes. Therefore, a hiring manager for this role would seek a blend of technical proficiency and strong leadership qualities. Some keywords they may look for include:

• Change management
• Effective communication

Traffic Coordinator

A traffic coordinator’s role revolves around managing and overseeing the flow of projects, typically in advertising or marketing agencies. The hiring manager looks for candidates with exceptional organizational skills, an eye for detail, and the ability to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously.

Here are some keywords to include on your resume:

• Organization skills
• Workflow optimization
• Communication skills
• Project scheduling
• Interpersonal skills
• Deadline management

Retail Associate

In the retail industry, a retail associate is a customer-facing role that drives sales and plays a big role in the customer experience. This position requires a blend of customer service excellence, product knowledge, and sales acumen. Therefore, a retail associate’s resume should include keywords that demonstrate their ability to engage customers, manage products, and contribute positively to the store’s environment.

Some examples include:

• Customer service
• Sales proficiency
• Inventory management
• Detail-oriented
• Team player

Office Manager

An office manager is pivotal in keeping an office running smoothly. Hiring managers look for individuals who can oversee office operations, manage staff, and optimize workplace efficiency. Therefore, an office manager’s resume should highlight keywords that emphasize their ability to maintain office systems, handle personnel duties, and facilitate a productive work environment.

Here are some keywords to incorporate into your resume:

• Administrative management
• Staff supervision
• Scheduling coordination
• Office operations
• Record keeping
• Leadership skills

A copywriter is the creative brain behind advertising and marketing content. They need to be skilled in crafting persuasive, engaging copy that resonates with the target audience and drives results. Hiring managers look for candidates with a flair for writing, an understanding of consumer psychology, and the ability to adapt their style to various formats and platforms.

Copywriters can use the following resume keywords:

• Creative writing
• Search engine optimization (SEO)
• Content strategy
• Brand messaging
• Copy editing
• Collaboration skills

Civil Engineer

Civil engineers play a critical role in designing, building, and maintaining the infrastructure that shapes our communities. This role requires technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work on complex projects. Employers seek candidates who can manage construction projects, ensure compliance with regulations, and contribute to sustainable development.

A civil engineer’s resume should incorporate the following keywords:

• Structural analysis
• Project management
• Environmental compliance
• Infrastructure design
• Organization
• Construction oversight

Get Help Landing a Job You Love with Insight Global

In today’s ever-evolving job market, staying informed and adapting your approach to your resume is key to success. And the way to do it is through effective resume keywords, job description matching, and streamlined formatting. By optimizing your resume for ATS software and tailoring it for each position, you build a strategy that can propel your career forward.

Finding a job can be challenging, but you’re not alone in this journey. Insight Global is here to guide you through each step. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, we tailor our expertise and resources to showcase your unique skills in the best light and connect you with employers that align with your career goals and values.

Ready to take the next step in your career? Contact us or search our job board today to see how we can help you find not just the right job but a job you’ll love.

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How to Find the Best Resume Keywords & Work With the ATS  [+ Examples]

3 key takeaways

• What a resume keywords are, and why they are important
• How to find and incorporate resume keywords into your resume
• Using Teal’s AI Resume Builder to streamline this process

A strategic resume goes beyond a list of qualifications and skills; it also incorporates another necessary element: resume keywords.

Resume keywords are specific terms, words, and phrases employers look for when identifying candidates with the best skills and qualifications for a particular job. 

Once you know where to find these terms and how to add relevant keywords to your resume, you'll increase your chances of being found in the ATS, standing out from other candidates, and landing an interview.

Ready to find the right keywords for any job? Sign up for Teal today.

What are resume keywords?

Resume keywords are specific words or phrases that an employer may use in a job listing and in their internal systems to identify qualified job applicants. Applicants add these words to their resume (and cover letter!) to align their skills and qualifications with each unique job.

Keywords in a resume:

• Help recruiters throughout the hiring process determine if a candidate is the best fit for a job
• Increase a candidates visibility in applicant tracking systems (ATS)
• Typically relate to the skills, qualifications, and experience required for a position
• May include industry-specific jargon, software and tools, and other relevant terminology
• Often include both types of resume skills—soft and hard

The keywords you choose are going to change for each job posting and company. Even if you are applying to the same job title, companies are be looking for something slightly different, so your resume buzzwords should differ on each document. 

For in-depth breakdown of how, when, and where to use certain words on a resume, head over to this resume synonym glossary for specific guidance with word choice.

Why are resume keywords important?

Before you get into the “how,” let's discuss the “why.” Why are resume keywords so crucial in your job search? The answer lies in their impact on multiple levels—from ATS optimization to highlighting your skills and experiences.

1. Optimize for applicant tracking systems (ATS)

ATS are used by many employers to scan, file, and sort resumes. A hiring manager or recruiter can use these systems to filter through applications based on specific keywords related to the job description. By including these relevant keywords in your resume, you're helping those humans actually reviewing your resume to easily identify and match your qualifications and skills to the specific job requirements.

Check your resume score with Teal

Keywords are't the only way to optimize your content for the ATS. Use Teal's Resume Checker to quickly scan your resume to find any gaps in your content (and keywords!), formatting, and more.

2. Boost resume relevance

Next up is relevance. Resume keywords help to emphasize the alignment between your qualifications and the job requirements. When a hiring manager sees keywords that match their job description, it signals that you're not just another applicant but a potentially strong fit for the role.

3. Increase visibility

Including the right keywords also ramps up your resume's visibility. Keywords help your application stand out. It's like adding a spotlight to your skills and experiences in a stack of applications.

4. Showcase skills and experience

Lastly, resume keywords are your tools to showcase your skills and experience effectively. They can succinctly highlight your career journey and the expertise you've garnered over time, providing potential employers a clear and concise snapshot of your capabilities. And with Teal’s AI Resume Builder , you can leverage AI technology to do this with ease and efficiency.

Understanding applicant tracking systems (ATS)

An applicant tracking system (ATS) is a software tool used by employers to streamline the recruitment process. It is used to sort, filter, and manage resumes and job applications, making the process more efficient and less time-consuming for recruiters and hiring managers.

Hiring managers and recruiters can use the ATS as a resume keyword scanner to search for specific keywords, qualifications, and other criteria that match the requirements of the job opening. This helps them identify the most qualified candidates quickly.

What impact do resume keywords have on ATS?

Resume keywords and applicant tracking systems (ATS) are closely related. Here's how it works.

• When a job opening is created, recruiters and hiring managers will typically identify a set of qualifications and skills that are required for the position. (job titles, technical skills, certifications, and industry-specific terminology, etc.).
• These qualifications and skills are then used to create a list of keywords that should be included in a resume and cover letter submitted with a job application.
• The ATS is designed so hiring professionals can then search this digital filing cabinet for those specific keywords and phrases.
• If the words a hiring professional is searching for aren't listed in your resume, your resume won't be pulled.

And while many businesses use ATS systems as an organizational tool, it's important to remember these digital screeners are just that—tools. They don’t have the final say in whether or not your application makes it through to the next phase in the screening process. It call comes down to your qualifications. Remember real human recruiters are still reviewing your resume—so it’s equally as important to speak to the human side of things!

Teal Note : In addition to including the keywords, it's also important to format the resume in a way that is easy for the ATS to parse . This includes using simple formatting, avoiding graphics or images, and saving the file in a compatible PDF format.

How do you find the right ATS keywords?

Having discussed the importance of ATS resume keywords, let's jump into how to uncover them. Identifying the right keywords is an art, and there are multiple avenues to explore to find the ones that fit your profile and desired role best. Teal's Job Description Keyword Finder allows you to craft stronger applications, by quickly identifying the most important keywords for the role.

Find relevant keywords in job descriptions

Job descriptions are a great source of information. They offer a more in-depth look at the responsibilities and requirements of a role. Also called job listings, they can help you identify the necessary skills and qualifications that make for potent keywords.

Identifying action verbs for your resume in the job description usually provides insight into the soft skills needed for the role.

Then, you want to look out for hard skills or technical skills, like technology tools, functional skills, and anything that is teachable and measurable.

The Teal Job Application Tracker streamlines this process by extracting the top keywords like hard and soft skills so you can quickly customize your resume keywords for each application.

Company research

Don't underestimate the power of researching your target companies. By understanding their culture, goals, and values, you can pick up on the language and terminology they use. Reflecting these in your resume can be an effective way to align yourself with a company's vision.

Use the free Company Tracker in Teal AI Resume Builder platform to jot down important details you want to refer to later on.

Examine other industry professionals’ LinkedIn profiles and resumes

Looking at the LinkedIn profiles and resumes of other professionals in your industry can provide insights into commonly used keywords. Remember, you're not copying; you're gathering inspiration and ensuring you're speaking the industry language.

Research on industry-specific websites

Industry-specific websites, forums, and blogs can provide a wealth of information and trends about your field. The terms and jargon that pop up frequently are likely to be important keywords.

Remember to use resume keywords that are relevant to your qualifications and experience and use them in a natural way so you avoid keyword stuffing and your resume sounds professional and not forced.

How to use the right keywords in each section of your resume

Having gathered your keywords, let's focus on embedding them naturally across your resume. Each section presents a unique opportunity to use these words and demonstrate your suitability for the job. Remember, the key is to incorporate them seamlessly into your targeted resumes without disrupting the overall flow.

It's important to note that using too many keywords can make your resume sound unnatural and forced. So, use keywords strategically and in a way that makes sense for your resume and your qualifications as they relate to the job description.

1. Professional Summary

Your resume summary is the gateway to your candidacy. It's where you can place prominent keywords that reflect your professional identity. Use them to summarize your skills and experiences. However, avoid stuffing too many keywords and always strive to maintain a natural and engaging tone.

2. Target job title

When listing your desired job title (also known as a target title on your resume ), align this as closely as possible with the title you've identified from the job posting. If the job ad seeks a 'Graphic Designer' with 'branding' and 'digital marketing' experience, ensure 'Graphic Designer' or a similar title is listed as your target title and that those keywords appear in your professional summary and work experience achievements if they align with your skills and experiences.

3. Work history and experience 

The "Work Experience" section is your opportunity to showcase how you've used your skills in practice in a previous job. When detailing your past roles, integrate keywords into the descriptions of your responsibilities and achievements. Aim to showcase impact and demonstrate how you used the skills represented by the keywords to bring about tangible results.

4. Related skills

In the "Skills" section, directly include the keywords that highlight your relevant abilities. If 'project management certification,' 'AirTable,' or 'Webflow' are keywords for your targeted role and they’re part of your skillset, make sure they're clearly listed in this section.

5. Education and certifications

Finally, the "Education" and "Certifications" sections. Include any degrees, courses, or certifications that are relevant keywords. For example, if 'MBA' or 'Certified Public Accountant' are keywords that popped up in your research and you possess these qualifications, make sure they're featured prominently.

Overall, think of keywords as the DNA of your resume—important components that tell your professional story in the language that the hiring managers understand and appreciate.

Incorporate resume keywords in every section with Teal

Adding the right keywords in job descriptions to every section of your resume can be a challenge. But with the Teal  AI Resume Builder , it becomes intuitive and easy. 

With Teal, you can effortlessly identify, integrate, and optimize each resume section with the most relevant keywords—ensuring your qualifications and skills align with the specific language of every unique job description.

Sign up for Teal to easily integrate vital keywords into your resume sections today.

5 steps to leverage resume keywords for a job description

When you've pinpointed a specific job that you're interested in, tailoring your resume to that particular job description becomes critical.

As each job ad will be looking for something different, you'll want to take these 5 steps for every job posting. It can be time-consuming without the right tools, but it's a necessary step to present the best version of yourself

Here's a step-by-step process to help you strategically incorporate keywords into your resume.

Step 1: Save the job posting

First things first, save the job posting in a place where you can edit and highlight keywords. You can use a word-processing program or even a simple note-taking app. The point here is to create a working document that you can refer to throughout the process.

Keep yourself organized by saving all the job descriptions that interest you in one place, like a job tracker. Teal's free Chrome Extension is compatible with 40+ job boards to easily bookmark jobs with one click and save them directly to Teal's Job Application Tracker.

Step 2: Highlight the keywords

Next, read through the job description two to three times. On each pass, you'll likely spot more and more important keywords and phrases. Highlight them as they'll be important when updating your resume.

Don't want to miss any important words? Teal's AI Resume Builder highlights the keywords from job descriptions for you!

Step 3: Segment the Skills

After you've identified the keywords, it's time to categorize them. Segment these skills into two primary buckets: soft skills and hard skills. Soft skills might include attributes like "team player" or "effective communicator," while hard skills are job-specific qualifications like "coding in Python" or "financial modeling."

Pro Tip: Teal does this for you and takes it one step further. After highlighting and categorizing the high-priority words in the job description, the AI Resume Builder matches these words to those in your resume, showing you the words to consider incorporating into your document.

Step 4: Prioritize repeat keywords

As you analyze the job description, pay close attention to the keywords that occur multiple times. These repeated terms are likely to be essential skills or qualifications for the role, and these are the ones you should prioritize when updating your resume.

Step 5: Frame your accomplishments

Finally, make your achievements shine by incorporating the relevant keywords you've found.

Frame your accomplishments in a way that displays what you achieved and how you used the desired skills to make those achievements happen.

Then, try Matching Mode in the Teal AI Resume Builder to see where your resume stands. Matching Mode compares your resume to job descriptions—giving you a Match Score. Use more of the language you've identified in the steps above to improve your score. With Teal, customizing your resume keywords is easy and effective. Match, compare, and optimize it for any job description in one central location.

Example of keywords in a job description

Ats resume keywords list by industry.

Creating a resume that stands out from the competition is crucial for job seekers when job hunting. One way to make your resume more effective is by including keywords that are specific to your industry. These keywords help to highlight your relevant skills and qualifications and make your resume more likely to be noticed by potential employers.

In this section, we will provide you with a list of keywords that are commonly used in various industries to help you tailor your resume for your desired field.

Sales keywords 

• Sales management
• Business strategy
• B2B/B2C sales
• Customer service
• Negotiation
• Account management
• Customer acquisition
• Pipeline management
• Lead generation

Marketing keywords

• Digital marketing
• Social media
• Search engine optimization (SEO)
• Content marketing
• Marketing strategy
• Marketing research
• Marketing analysis

Engineering keywords

• Software development
• Agile methodologies
• Troubleshooting
• SaaS technologies
• MS Office Suite

Customer service keywords

• Customer relations
• Problem resolution
• Customer satisfaction
• Multitasking
• Communication skills
• Customer retention
• Complaint handling
• Conflict resolution
• Time management
• Relationship building
• Technical support
• Active listening
• Customer experience

Project manager keywords

• Project planning
• Risk management
• Quality assurance
• Task prioritization
• Agile (scrum) methodologies
• Budget management
• Problem solving
• Stakeholder management

Along with technical skills, don't forget to include interpersonal skills like those below alongside impact:

• Organization
• Adaptability
• Cooperation
• Reliability
• Emotional intelligence
• Communication

Remember, these keywords can be listed throughout each resume section, such as education, achievements, experience, professional summary, etc. Here are a few quick examples:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science
• Customer service representative with a proven track record in customer satisfaction
• Harvard business school grad excelling in time management and task prioritization
• Conducted financial analysis and increased business profitability by X
• Collaborated with software developers in a test-driven environment

Automate your resume keywords with Teal

Going back to the job description to pinpoint important keywords is the most promising way to ensure you're using the best keywords throughout your resume.

And while it takes both time and practice to be able to identify keywords, luckily, there are tools like Teal to make it easier. 

The Teal Job Application Tracker automatically highlights hard skills, soft skills, and emphasis words from the job description to see if the job matches your experience. Then, use Teal's AI Resume Builder to quickly compare the skills and keywords in the job posting to those in your resume. Make sure to add any relevant experience to your customized resume and to your application answers.

Try Teal for free  to find the best resume keywords and incorporate them the right way today! ‍

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common mistakes to avoid when selecting ats keywords for my resume, how often should i update the keywords on my resume for the ats, can i use color or graphics to highlight keywords in my resume for the ats.

Becca Dershowitz

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We help you find the career dream.

• Career Blog

1000 Powerful Resume Keywords to Maximize Your Job Search

In today’s competitive job market, it’s crucial to have a resume that stands out. One way to achieve this is by carefully selecting keywords that are relevant to your target job title and industry. By including the right keywords, your resume can pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and catch the eye of a hiring manager.

However, it’s not just about choosing any keywords. It’s important to choose the right ones that align with the specific job you’re applying for. This means researching the job description and company to understand what they’re looking for and tailoring your resume accordingly.

Understanding Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

When it comes to job searching and applying for positions, it’s important to not only have a well-written resume but also understand the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

A. Explanation of ATS

An ATS is software commonly used by recruiters and employers to manage job applications and streamline the hiring process. This software allows them to track and filter applications based on specific criteria, such as keywords, skills, experience, and education.

B. Importance of ATS in the Hiring Process

Understanding ATS is crucial in today’s job market because many employers rely on this technology to manage high volumes of applications efficiently. If your resume fails to meet ATS requirements or is not optimized for the particular job, it’s unlikely that it will even make it to the hands of a human recruiter or hiring manager.

C. How ATS Works

ATS works by analyzing your resume for specific keywords, phrases, and qualifications related to the job you are applying for. Some systems may also analyze additional parts of your application, like cover letters or responses to pre-screening questions. Once the system identifies and ranks the most qualified candidates, recruiters or HR professionals can then review those candidates more closely.

D. How Keywords Affect ATS Results

Keywords are essential in optimizing your resume for ATS. You need to carefully review the job posting and make sure you include relevant keywords throughout your resume. If you don’t use enough relevant keywords, your resume may not make it to the top of the ATS results list, no matter how impressive your credentials are. On the other hand, trying to trick the system by using too many irrelevant keywords can lead to your resume being rejected.

Understanding ATS is essential for any job seeker trying to land their dream job. By using relevant keywords and optimizing your resume for specific jobs, you can increase the chances of getting noticed by the ATS and landing an interview.

Types of Resume Keywords

A resume is an essential document for candidates looking to land their dream job. It is a means to showcase the candidate’s qualifications, achievements, and work experience. In today’s competitive job market, hiring managers and recruiters receive hundreds of resumes, making it crucial for candidates to stand out from the rest.

One way to optimize a resume’s visibility is by incorporating relevant keywords that match the job description. Keywords are crucial in applicant tracking systems (ATS), which many companies use to filter resumes. By using these keywords, candidates have a higher chance of getting their resume selected for the next stage of the hiring process.

There are several types of keywords that candidates can use in their resumes to showcase their skills and experience effectively.

A. Hard/Technical Skills

Hard skills are specific technical abilities that can be learned and measured. They are essential in various industries, such as IT, finance, engineering, and healthcare. Examples of hard skills include proficiency in programming languages, data analysis, financial modeling, and software proficiency. Candidates can identify these skills by carefully reading the job description and highlighting the technical skills required.

B. Soft Skills/Personal Qualities

Soft skills are essential interpersonal and personal attributes that cannot be measured, such as communication, teamwork, leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving. Soft skills are increasingly becoming popular with hiring managers looking for versatile candidates. To identify these skills, candidates can look for terms such as “team player,” “self-starter,” “effective communicator,” and “leadership skills” in the job description.

C. Industry-Specific Keywords

Industry-specific keywords are specific to a particular sector or industry. They are designed to showcase a candidate’s knowledge and expertise in a particular field. For example, in the finance industry, keywords such as “risk management,” “financial analysis,” and “investment strategies” can be used. Candidates must do their research and identify the relevant keywords for their industry.

D. Action Verbs

Action verbs are powerful words that effectively explain a candidate’s achievements and accomplishments. They reflect the candidate’s skills and experience, conveying a sense of leadership, motivation, and productivity. Examples of action verbs include “managed,” “created,” “implemented,” and “streamlined.” By using these verbs, candidates can provide concise and compelling explanations of their past duties and achievements.

E. Education and Certifications

Including information on education and certifications can be a valuable addition to a resume. Education and certifications demonstrate a candidate’s knowledge and expertise in a particular sector or field. Keywords for education and certifications include the name of the degree or certification, the institution, and the relevant field.

F. Accomplishments and Achievements

Accomplishments and achievements are essential components of a successful resume. They emphasize a candidate’s past successes and demonstrate their capability to deliver results.

Top 1000 Resume Keywords

If you’re in the process of updating your resume and want to make sure it gets noticed by the hiring manager, you need to make sure you’re including the right keywords. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the top 1000 resume keywords that are commonly used across various industries.

A. List of Top 1000 Resume Keywords

Our list of the top 1000 resume keywords is based on current industry trends and keywords that are in high demand by employers. You’ll find a variety of keywords related to skills, industry-specific jargon, certifications, and more. Here’s just a sample of what you can expect to find on the list:

• Project management
• Data analysis
• Negotiation
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Marketing strategy
• Sales forecasting
• Agile methodology
• Copywriting

B. Categories of Keywords

To make it easier to navigate the long list of 1000 keywords, we’ve broken them down into several categories. These categories group together similar keywords that are commonly used in the same industry or for the same type of job. You’ll find categories for skills, certifications, software, industry-specific jargon, and more.

C. Explanation of Each Keyword with Examples

To help you understand how to use each keyword, we’ve included a brief explanation and some examples of how to use them on your resume. For example, if you’re a project manager, you might want to include keywords related to project management software, like “JIRA” or “Trello,” as well as skills related to communication and leadership. If you’re in the tech industry, you’ll want to showcase your technical skills, such as programming languages like “Python” or “Java.”

D. Tips on How to Use the Keywords

Now that you have access to the top 1000 resume keywords, it’s important to know how to use them effectively on your resume. First and foremost, make sure you’re only including keywords that are relevant to your skills and experiences. Don’t stuff your resume with keywords that you can’t back up with your accomplishments.

Next, make sure you’re using the exact phrasing and spelling of the keywords in your resume. Recruiters often use keyword scanning software to filter through resumes, so using the exact spelling and phrasing will increase your chances of making it through to the next round.

Finally, don’t overdo it with the keywords. Use them strategically throughout your resume, and make sure they fit in naturally with the overall flow of your resume. A resume that’s overloaded with keywords may come across as disingenuous, and could turn off a potential employer.

By following these tips and incorporating the top 1000 resume keywords into your resume, you’ll be well on your way to maximizing your job search and landing the job of your dreams.

Creating Keyword-Rich Headlines and Professional Summary

A. importance of a strong headline and professional summary.

Your resume is often the first impression you make on potential employers, so it’s crucial to make sure it showcases your strengths and experience in the best possible way. One way to do this is by creating a strong headline and professional summary.

The headline is the first thing a hiring manager sees, and it should be attention-grabbing and highlight your unique value proposition. Think of it as your elevator pitch – it should quickly convey what you bring to the table and entice the reader to keep reading.

Similarly, the professional summary is your opportunity to highlight your key accomplishments, skills, and experiences in a concise and compelling way. This section should showcase your personal brand and attract the attention of potential employers.

B. Examples of Keyword-Rich Headlines and Professional Summaries

Here are some examples of keyword-rich headlines and professional summaries that can help you stand out in your job search:

Headline Examples:

• Innovative Marketing Professional with Track Record of Driving Revenue Growth
• Experienced Financial Analyst with Expertise in Cost Reduction Strategies
• Master Certified Project Manager with Proven Success Leading Complex Projects

Professional Summary Examples:

Results-driven marketing professional with 8+ years of experience creating and executing successful campaigns that drive revenue growth. Expert in SEO, SEM, and social media marketing, with a deep understanding of the customer journey and how to optimize it for maximum impact.

Accomplished financial analyst with a track record of analyzing financial data to identify cost-saving opportunities and drive profitability. Skilled in forecasting, budgeting, and financial modeling, with proficiency in Excel, Tableau, and other financial analysis tools.

Seasoned project manager with a Master Certification in Project Management and 12+ years of experience leading cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects on time and within budget. Skilled in Agile methodologies, risk management, and stakeholder communication, with a proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

By incorporating relevant keywords and highlighting your unique strengths, these examples showcase the power of a strong headline and professional summary in grabbing the attention of potential employers and setting you apart from the competition in your job search.

Example Resumes with Powerful Keywords

A. examples of different resumes and keywords used.

As an experienced copywriter and subject matter expert, I have come across a wide range of resumes with various keywords used to highlight the skills and experiences of job seekers. Here are a few examples:

Objective Statement: Seeking a challenging role in digital marketing that allows me to leverage my skills in SEO, PPC, and social media management.

Keywords Used: Digital marketing, SEO, PPC, social media management

Professional Summary: A highly motivated sales professional with a proven track record of achieving sales targets and building lasting relationships with clients.

Keywords Used: Sales professional, sales targets, client relationships

Work Experience: Managed and optimized AdWords campaigns with a budget of $500K per month, resulting in a 20% increase in online sales.

Keywords Used: AdWords, campaign management, online sales

B. Analysis of the Resumes

It’s important to note that the list of powerful keywords for resumes is not static and can vary depending on the industry, job position, and the employer’s requirements. However, a few keywords are universal and can enhance the impact of your resume.

In example 1, the job seeker highlights their skills in digital marketing, which are in high demand in today’s job market. Using specific skills such as SEO, PPC, and social media management not only showcases expertise but also helps to match with relevant job postings.

In example 2, the job seeker emphasizes their ability to meet sales targets and build relationships with clients, which are essential skills for any sales position. The use of keywords such as sales professional and client relationships further highlights their expertise in this area.

In example 3, the job seeker quantifies their experience through results they achieved in managing AdWords campaigns with a high budget, which demonstrates their proficiency in campaign management and driving online sales.

The key takeaway is that using powerful keywords on your resume is a great way to catch the attention of potential employers and improve your chances of landing a job. However, it’s important to use keywords that are relevant to the position and highlight your unique skills and experiences. By doing so, you can stand out among the competition and make a strong case for why you are the best candidate for the job.

Mistakes to Avoid When Using Resume Keywords

Incorporating appropriate keywords in your resume can significantly enhance its visibility and chances of getting noticed by recruitment professionals, but using them carelessly can result in negative outcomes. Here are a few mistakes to steer clear of when using resume keywords:

A. Keyword Stuffing

One of the most common mistakes is to overuse keywords, which is known as keyword stuffing. When you stuff your resume with irrelevant or unnecessary keywords, the recruiter may immediately discard your application or rank it low in the applicant pool. Not only does keyword stuffing make your resume difficult to read, but it also violates recruitment guidelines.

B. Using Generic and Overused Keywords

Using generic, overused, or outdated keywords can make it harder for you to stand out in such a competitive job market. Furthermore, these generic phrases don’t highlight your unique accomplishments, thereby failing to capture the recruiter’s attention. Instead, try to be more specific in terms of the skills, experiences, and achievements that you’ve gained during your career.

C. Using Irrelevant Keywords

When you include irrelevant keywords in your resume, it doesn’t necessarily improve your chances of being shortlisted, instead, it decreases the recruiter’s interest. Listing out non-applicable keywords takes valuable resume space away from the relevant ones that should be there. It’s always critical to review and revisit the job description, understand what the ideal candidate profile is looking for and then curate the resume keywords accordingly.

Keeping these simple tips in mind can help you avoid mistakes that negatively impact your job search progress. To ensure your resume is impressive, stands out, and speaks for you, consider adding more impactful, specific and unique keywords that highlight your skillsets and accomplishments. Use the right set of keywords to give yourself a competitive edge and boost your chances of securing the job you want!

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More from ResumeHead

Resume Keywords: 80+ Verbs and Power Words to Use

By Biron Clark

Published: November 8, 2023

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

The most powerful words you can put on your resume are verbs. While other job seekers are saying, “Responsible for…” you want to be saying, “Led,” “Managed,” “Grew,” etc.

In this article, we’ll look at more than 80 positive, impressive-sounding verbs and action words to use on your resume or LinkedIn.

Let’s get started…

Positive Verbs & Action Words to Use in a Resume

To start, here are some impressive, action-oriented words you can use in your resume to avoid the over-used phrase, “Responsible for…”

Always try to lead off your bullets with a verb when possible. You can also use verbs in your resume summary , bullets  and work history .

Here’s the full list of verbs to help you write a better resume:

Words for Leading People, Projects, and Tasks

• Orchestrated
• Coordinated
• Facilitated

Words for Boosting Sales/Revenue

Words for improving a process.

• Accelerated
• Re-engineered
• Reorganized
• Transformed
• Re-calibrated
• Restructured
• Strengthened
• Streamlined
• Transitioned

Words for Creating a New Process or Initiative

• Implemented
• Established
• Spearheaded

Words for Research, Analysis, and Business Decision-Making

Words for saving money or resources for the company, words to show achievements, awards, and successes.

• Recognized for
• Succeeded in
• Outperformed

What Are Good Keywords for a Resume?

Next, you’ll need to put some keywords for the specific jobs you’re applying for.

But what are good keywords to include?

The best keywords to put on your resume are words directly from the job posting. This is what the employer wants to see most (and likely what they’re looking for first – whether they’re using a software-based applicant tracking system or having a recruiter or HR person review each resume manually).

So if the job posting talks about wanting someone who has led projects in the past, make sure you’re saying “leadership” in your list of skills, and put a bullet that says “Successfully led…” in your recent work if possible.

This is known as tailoring your resume .

Try to use the same phrasing that the company uses in the job description at least once (e.g. led vs. leading vs. lead).

This isn’t always possible, and you should always write your resume for a real person first and foremost… since that’s who will be making the final decision. But try to mirror the job description when possible.

Don’t use generic buzzwords and adjectives like “hard-working”

The words listed on the job description are the best keywords and key phrases to put on your resume. Avoid buzzwords like, “hard-working” or “excellent interpersonal skills.” Employers don’t care much about this on a resume and prefer to evaluate it in an interview.

Those generic lists of resume keywords that you’ll find online are not helping. I worked for five years as a recruiter and never once decided to interview someone or recommend them for a job because of a generic phrase like that.

Employers are much more concerned about hard skills and job-related experience on a resume. They want proof you can step into the job and succeed… which is what the resume/CV word list above will help you show!

For skill-based keywords with an abbreviation, try to include the long and short version of the keyword at least once on your resume. For example, if you do business-to-business sales, you’d want to say “B2B Sales” once, and you’d want to write it out in the longer form at least once, too.

That’s just one more tip to help you beat applicant tracking systems.

Write What You Accomplished, Not What You Were Responsible For

When writing your resume and choosing what keywords and verbs to use, keep in mind that your goal should be to highlight what you accomplished… not just what you were responsible for.

Hiring managers aren’t going to be very impressed by a long list of what you were assigned to do. That’s essentially what you’re sharing if you start a bullet with “Responsible for.”

Also, try to include specific data and results when possible, especially in your bullets.

I’ll share a few examples below… by taking some of the words I recommended above and completing the sentence.

The verbs from the list above will be in bold to help you spot them below. Note that you shouldn’t write them in bold on your actual resume most likely.

Examples of How to Write Accomplishment-Driven Resume Bullets

Completed an average of 19 projects per month, bringing in $2.4MM in revenue for the company in 2019″

Audited 4 internal processes and systems related to order management, identifying an opportunity to save 1.2% on payment processing costs.

Overhauled the training program for new sales associates, resulting in 2 fewer weeks of training necessary and a 7% increase in first-month revenue generated by new sales associates in Q1 2020.

Oversaw and mentored 10 new team members per quarter, instructing them on the day-to-day work, company policies, and best practices

Conclusion: The Best Keywords and Verbs to Use in a Resume

You now have a list of powerful, effective words for writing your resume, which you should use to lead off bullet points and other sentences. This will show employers how you performed and what you accomplished in past work.

Try to avoid saying, “Responsible for,” and use the verbs from the word list above instead!

You also know how to find the best keywords for your resume – by using the job description. This is the best way to ensure that you’re not forgetting any essential skills that the employer wants.

Finally, you know NOT to put generic buzzwords like “hard working” or “fast learner”.

If you skipped to the bottom and aren’t sure about any of this, I recommend going back through the article.

Once you implement everything above, you’re going to have a much better resume that gets you more job interviews.

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

More Resume Tips & Guides

Crafting the perfect resume for teens (template & expert advice), are resume writers worth it, don’t say you’re a quick learner on your resume, what do recruiters look for in a resume, chronological resume: the best format (and how to write it), the 3 best colors for a resume, career change resume: examples and tips from experts, what makes a good resume 9 ways to know, how long should a resume be, walk me through your resume: answer examples.

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Tips for Using Resume Keywords

Types of Resume Keywords

Tips for finding keywords.

• Using Keywords in Your Resume
• Resume Example With Keywords

Using Keywords in Your Cover Letter

Resume keywords are critical to helping you get your resume noticed by employers. By including keywords in your resume and cover letter, you'll increase your chances of landing a job interview.

Keywords  are words or short phrases that relate to particular requirements for a job. They are the skills, abilities, credentials, and qualities that a hiring manager looks for in a candidate. The closer a match, the better your chances are of being selected for an interview.

When a hiring manager looks through a pile of resumes, they read each resume to find these keywords. Many companies even use automated  applicant tracking systems  (ATS), also known as talent management systems, to screen candidates for job openings.

One way an ATS works is to eliminate resumes that are missing certain keywords. If the software or the hiring manager does not detect any of the keywords in your resume or cover letter, your application might get thrown out. By embedding keywords in your resume or cover letter, you will demonstrate, at a glance, that you fit the requirements of the position.

Your resume keywords should include specific job requirements , including your skills, competencies, relevant credentials, and previous positions and employers. Essentially, keywords should be words that, at a glance, will show the hiring manager that you are a good fit for the job.

For example, based on experience, a candidate for an employee benefits management position might use the following resume keywords:

• Employee benefit plans
• Health care benefits
• Benefit policy

A customer service representative could include: 

• Customer service
• Customer tracking system
• Computer skills
• Order entry experience

Review job postings that are similar to the positions you are interested in and look for keywords to incorporate into your resume. Search for job listings that match your background or experience and scan for the buzzwords. The keywords or phrases will be sprinkled throughout the job listing and in the “qualifications” and “responsibilities” sections. Incorporate the popular keywords into your resume.

Also, review the company's website for possible keywords. Utilize keywords that the company uses to describe itself to demonstrate that you are a good fit for them. You might find this language on the company’s “About Us” web page, or in the job listing itself. For example, if the company identifies itself as “creative,” you could incorporate “creative” and “creativity” in your resume.

It's important to update the keywords in each resume you send out to ensure that they match the target company's language.

Tips for Using Keywords in Your Resume

Be specific.  Include keywords that are as closely related to the specific job as possible. The more focused and specific you are in your language, the better the chance you'll have at showing you are a good match and get picked up by resume scanning software.

Know the company's value proposition.  The company's value proposition is what sets it apart from its competition. Use keywords that correlate to the company's values.

Make sure your resume’s keywords and your experience are formatted in a way to reflect the company's brand.

Check how the company describes itself. For additional keywords or phrases important to the company, go to the company's LinkedIn page to see how they describe themselves. Also, be sure to click on the profiles of the company's employees and search for similar positions that you're applying to, paying particular attention to how they describe themselves as valuable members of the company.

Use as many keywords as possible.  Make sure you have touched on most, if not all, of the keywords that are relevant to each position. Of course, do not use a skill keyword if you don't have that skill. Incorporate as many appropriate keywords as possible that help you  match your qualifications to the job . However, the keywords must be appropriate and flow seamlessly throughout your resume. In other words, don't overdo it.

Mix up the keywords.  Include a mix of different types of keywords, including  soft skills ,  hard skills , industry buzzwords , certifications, and more. Using a wide variety of keywords will show that you have all of the diverse qualities necessary for the job.

The company's resume scanning software might be programmed for a particular keyword, so you'll want to include synonyms of the keywords.

For example, you might have "developer" as a keyword on your resume, but the company uses “creator” instead. By using multiple versions of keywords and phrases, your resume will have a better chance of getting picked up by a scanning program.

Put the keywords everywhere.  In order for an employer or a scanning program to find your keywords, sprinkle keywords throughout your resume. You might incorporate these words into your  resume summary statement , past job descriptions, the  skills section  of your resume, and any other part of your resume that seems appropriate. It can also be a good tactic to place the most important keywords in a dedicated “core competencies” table at the beginning of your resume, right after your resume summary statement. This will help the keywords to “pop” on the page.

Review a Resume Example With Keywords

This example includes keywords in the "Core Competencies" section, as well as in the descriptions for each position.

Resume Sample Including Keywords

Geoffrey Gold 1234 Spruce Hills Parkway Milwaukee, WI 53205 555-555-5555 ggold@email.com

Qualifications Summary

Cost-conscious and analytically astute  Compensation and Benefits Manager  offering 10 years’ expertise optimizing benefits programs for major employers in the manufacturing sector.

Core Competencies : Benefits Administration, Benefit Policy Development, Employee Retention Strategies, HR File Management, Process Evaluation and Improvements, Financial Analysis and Forecasting

Professional Experience

XYZ MANUFACTURING CORPORATION, Milwaukee, WI Compensation and Benefits Manager , 02/2018-Present Leverage deep knowledge of current compensation and wage structures to structure and implement cost-effective benefits packages for 1200-member workforce. Directed staff of 5 HR assistants in communicating benefits information, policies, and procedures to personnel.

• Re-sourced primary healthcare benefits provider, reducing program costs by 57%.
• Diligently ensure corporate compliance with all governing federal and state regulations.

UNITED MANUFACTURING, Milwaukee, WI Compensation and Benefits Specialist , 06/2013-02/2018 Skillfully classified new employees to determine and initiate benefit programs. Educated personnel in available benefits and application processes; compiled and distributed benefit reports.

• Played instrumental role in securing executive buy-in for a new compensation structure that increased speed of employee eligibility for available benefit levels.
• Created an efficient file management process that eliminated a severe recordkeeping backlog within six weeks of initial hiring.

Education and Credentials

Associate Degree in Human Resource Management WISCONSIN INDIANHEAD TECHNICAL COLLEGE, Ashland, WI

Technical Proficiencies : Microsoft Office Suite (Advanced Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint) and PeopleSoft compensation management software

You should also include  keywords in your cover letter  in the event your cover letter is scanned. Even if the cover letter isn't screened by a program, you'll have a better chance of getting selected for an interview as a qualified candidate if the keywords and phrases are listed throughout the cover letter.

Include keywords in the body of your letter , making sure that they match the most important keywords and skills mentioned in the job listing. An effective way to do this is to describe your relevant skills and achievements in bulleted, keyword-loaded statements in the second or third paragraph of your letter.

By using keywords strategically in your cover letter, you’ll be able to persuade the hiring manager to give serious attention to its accompanying resume.

SHRM. " Screening and Evaluating Candidates ." Accessed Feb. 16, 2022.

CareerOneStop. " Applicant Tracking Systems ." Accessed Feb. 16, 2022.

University of Minnesota. " The Value Proposition ." Accessed Feb. 16, 2022.

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How to Improve Your Resume: A Guide for Job Seekers in 2024

How to improve your resume in 2024 with bullet points, power phrases and ATS-optimized templates. A comprehensive list of tips and tools to help you edit your resume today

a year ago   •   7 min read

In the competitive job market of 2024, we are all trying to write the best resumes we can, looking for ways to boost our chances of winning that all-important interview, knowing a few small changes can make all the difference.

Improving your resume may seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming.

The key is to ensure everything on your resume is directly relevant to the job you’re applying for. Cut any fluff or outdated experience, and highlight your skills using keywords in an easy-to-read layout. Everything should be short, sharp, and to the point, leaving the recruiter in no doubt that you are the right person for the job.

For professional feedback on improving your resume, scan your resume using our AI-powered resume checker that will analyze your resume for brevity, impact, word choice, and style, and provide instant advice on how to optimize your resume.

Below, we go into detail about how to improve your resume's content, formatting, and visual appeal, with links to other helpful tools to make editing your resume fast and easy.

Keep it short: Less is more

Recruiters generally spend less than 7 seconds reading your resume, so every word counts. When it comes to resumes, less is more.

Try to condense your resume to one page if you can, two if you need it , by removing any redundant skills, irrelevant interests, or outdated work experience. Instead, focus on key, relevant skills and cherry-pick your work experience that best suits the job posting.

Use bullet points, not paragraphs

Most recruiters will skim-read your resume, pick out the relevant points, and gloss over the rest. To make their job easier, convert any long paragraphs to short, concise bullet points to improve the readability of your resume.

Here is an example of a long-winded, wordy paragraph:

At ABC company, I was responsible for managing a team and overseeing various projects to ensure they were successful and completed on time. I also liaised with clients and vendors to facilitate communication and project evaluation.

And here is how that paragraph looks when condensed into bullet points. Easier to scan, to the point, and more impact in fewer words.

• Led a team of 5 employees to deliver projects on schedule and increase overall efficiency by 30%
• Built and maintained relationships with over 15 clients and vendors, improving communication and project delivery

When creating your bullet points, start with a strong action verb to catch the reader’s attention, and aim for 4-6 bullet points per work experience/role. Check out our 300+ sample bullet points to get you started, and use our bullet point builder to analyze your statements and get suggestions for where and how to improve.

Include relevant keywords

Keywords are crucial to a high-performing resume, as many employers in 2024 use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes based on keyword criteria.

Keywords are specific words, usually hard skills and phrases, listed in the job posting that reflect the skills and experience the employer is actively looking for. Including these exact terms on your resume will highlight your understanding of the job requirements and ensure you get past the ATS filters.

For example, suppose a job posting mentions project management and team leadership. Your resume should include these exact terms, as well as related keywords, such as managed, lead, oversaw, and mentored. For help identifying keywords, input the job description into our keyword finder to analyze the posting and determine a list of keywords to include in your resume.

Target your resume to each application

One-size-fits-all is no longer true in the resume world. Recruiters want you to t arget your resume to each application by including only skills and experience that are specifically relevant to the job. This helps a recruiter see how your skills directly relate to the position they are hiring for.

Include keywords, hard skills, and work history that directly reference the job description, and update your resume summary, education, and qualifications to showcase sought-after skills in that particular field.

Scan your resume using our Targeted Resume tool to see if your resume is well-matched to the job you are applying for, and make sure to check over and edit your resume before each new submission.

Quantify your achievements

Quantifying your resume with specific numbers and data is one of the most effective ways of improving your resume's impact and catching a recruiter's attention.

Quantifying simply means using numbers, statistics, and metrics to demonstrate your skills.

For example, instead of writing that you “improved sales,” say that you “improved sales by 15%”. Instead of saying that you “managed a successful team,” state that you “led a team of 15 employees to improve customer satisfaction by 20%”.

Using specific examples and achievements to quantify your skills helps demonstrate the relevance of your work experience, providing concrete evidence of your abilities and a clear measure of your success.

Use power phrases

Power phrases are action-oriented phrases that showcase your skills and experience in a memorable way. In short, they are the perfect way to hit all the above points and make your resume stand out from the rest.

To create a power phrase, combine a strong action verb with a particular task or project that demonstrates the skill you are trying to showcase. Then, add a quantifiable metric that exemplifies this skill and your experience with it. Check the impact of your statements by uploading your resume to our Score My Resum e tool, to get feedback on your word choice, brevity and style.

Cut the soft skills

Soft skills such as leadership, motivation, and communication are all things employers are actively looking for in a successful candidate, but simply writing these things on your resume is no longer a best practice.

Remove soft skills from your resume and focus instead on hard skills that can be quantified through training and experience, demonstrating your soft skills instead through work history examples.

For example, to show that you have leadership experience , write that you “led a team of 25 people to improve sales” or “trained and mentored new employees.” This shows a recruiter your skills instead of simply telling them.

Choose a simple design

It’s a popular misconception that a fancy-looking resume will help you stand out. In fact, complicated layouts can distract attention away from your words, and unconventional formatting can interfere with ATS.

Complex layouts may look good on your computer, but remember that not all files look the same when opened on different systems. What looks good to you might look like a mess when sent via email or uploaded online.

Keep your resume simple and clean by using an ATS-optimized template . Stick to standard fonts , one or two-column layouts, and stay clear of complex graphs, graphics, or images. Ensure your file is a standard format , such as .doc, .docx, or .pdf, and use a resume scanner before sending your resume to test whether ATS software can read your chosen layout.

Include only the essential sections

Part of cutting the fluff and keeping your resume short is about trimming your resume down to only the most essential, impactful information. This includes your contact information , resume summary , key skills , work experience , education , and qualifications (generally arranged in that order ).

Only include additional selections, such as volunteer experience or additional achievements, if they are specifically relevant to the position, and stay clear of unnecessary sections that will clutter your resume, such as hobbies, interests, or affiliations.

Get actionable advice on areas you can improve your resume, or sections you can remove, by uploading it to our Score My Resume tool, to see how your resume stacks up against the competition.

Replace objective statements with a resume summary

Objective statements are a thing of the past. Remember, recruiters are not interested in what they can do for you but rather what you can do for them. Improve the impact of your resume by replacing vague objective statements with a concise and tailored resume summary , highlighting your relevant skills and experience.

Here is an example of a vague objective statement that has been transformed into a powerful summary.

Objective Statement: Seeking a challenging position to utilize my skills.

Summary: Award-winning graphic designer with 5+ years experience, known for increasing customer engagement by 20%, looking to apply creativity and leadership skills at ABC Media.

Related : Objective or Summary for Your Resume? Everything You Need to Know in 2024

Use a reverse chronological format

Reverse chronological format is a fancy way of saying that you should write your most recent experience first. Modern recruiters expect to see this as it highlights your most recent accomplishments and up-to-date skills and is the most ATS-friendly way of ordering your resume.

Focus on recent experience

You do not need to include every job you ever had on your resume. Generally, if a job is more than 10-15 years old , consider removing it from your resume unless it is specifically relevant to your application or you don’t have any more recent experience that highlights the same skill.

Include only your most recent education, certificates, and training courses and your highest level of education, such as a diploma, degree, or master's. Try to only include courses and certificates from the last 5-10 years, as Highschool achievements and courses more than 20 years old tend not to be relevant to the work you are doing now.

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How Much Do Sports Help Children With Hand and Arm Differences?

The team is studying whether adaptive rock climbing improves upper limb function and self-esteem in these children..

Newswise — Like many pediatric orthopedic surgeons, Nina Lightdale-Miric, MD , often recommends that children with hand or arm differences play a sport. The idea is that sports can help strengthen an affected limb and improve a child’s self-esteem.

It’s common advice, but it’s anecdotal. No research has ever proven that sports make a difference for these kids.

“This is a theory that grew out of the fact that kids with these differences who play sports seem to do better,” says Dr. Lightdale-Miric, Director of the Hand and Upper Extremity Orthopedic Program in the Jackie and Gene Autry Orthopedic Center at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. “But how much does a sport improve a child’s upper limb strength and function? In what ways does it enhance a child’s sense of ability? No one has ever quantified that.”

To answer these questions, she is leading a new prospective study that is evaluating whether adaptive rock climbing helps improve arm function and self-esteem for children with upper limb differences. The study, which began enrolling patients in June, is funded by a two-year grant from the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA).

“We chose rock climbing because of its side-to-side movement symmetry, and because it’s a sport that combines upper body strength, hand grip, personal challenge and the overcoming of fear,” she says. “And you can use adaptive equipment, such as a special harness or prosthetic.”

How the study works

The research builds on a small pilot study CHLA conducted in 2018. In that study, five children with upper limb and hand differences participated in an adaptive rock climbing program for six weeks.

By the end of that program, participants had improved their rock climbing skills, no longer needed adaptive equipment, and demonstrated increases in upper body strength and in the ability to grip and grasp with their hands.

In this new study:

• The team plans to enroll 20 children, ages 6 to 16, with arm or hand differences—those with congenital absence of an arm or hand, and those with conditions (such as arthrogryposis) that prevent an arm from properly straightening or bending.
• The program will last 12 weeks, with children attending a one-hour adaptive rock climbing session every week.
• A psychologist will conduct one-on-one interviews with each participant before and after the program to help measure any impact on self-esteem.

The team is also partnering with multiple rock climbing gyms around Los Angeles and will match patients to a gym that is in their zip code.

“Distance can be a major barrier to adaptive sports, and we wanted to break down that barrier,” Dr. Lightdale-Miric says. “It was important to us to make this study feasible and accessible to all families.”

A focus on the whole child

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles sees more than 300 patients a year with hand and arm differences, including the most complex and rare diagnoses. The team has four full-time pediatric hand surgeons, as well as occupational therapists who are specially certified in hand therapy.

That depth of experience gives the team vast expertise to provide the best care to children with upper limb differences. But the program also has a focus on treating the whole child and family.

Since 2011, the hospital’s innovative CATCH (Center for Achievement of Teens and Children With Hand Differences) program has provided a welcoming community for these children and their families—hosting two events a year and providing mentorship, fun activities, and peer and parent support groups.

Dr. Lightdale-Miric also recently authored a guidebook for parents of children with hand differences, published by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.

The adaptive rock climbing study is one more way the program is working to enhance the lives of these patients.

“The health of a child goes far beyond the operating room,” she says. “We are trying to push the scientific understanding of how to improve the well-being of these kids. Sports and adaptive sports are something everyone believes in. But now we want to prove it.”

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Itochu to buy back shares and take full control of apparel and chemicals units

Trading house Itochu has said it will spend ¥220 billion ($1.5 billion) to take full control of two units, including apparel company Descente, and buy back ¥150 billion worth of its own shares.

Itochu, which owns 44.44% of Descente, said Monday that it will invest ¥182.6 billion to buy the remaining stake through a tender offer of ¥4,350 per share, a 16.6% premium to Friday's closing price.

It will also spend ¥37.6 billion to buy the 44.31% it does not own in chemicals company CI Takiron via a tender offer of ¥870 per share, a 9.7% premium to Friday's closing price.

Itochu aims to start the tender offer for Descente by early November, following sign-off from competition authorities in Japan and China, while the tender for CI Takiron will be conducted from Tuesday to Sept. 18.

"We want to make Descente the core of our textile business," Itochu finance chief Tsuyoshi Hachimura told a news conference, highlighting its growth potential as a sports apparel brand in Japan and overseas.

The spending is part of Itochu's record ¥1 trillion investment plan in growth areas for the current financial year, announced in April.

The company also said it would conduct a ¥150 billion share buyback program announced in April from Tuesday through March 31, as part of a goal to achieve a 50% total shareholder return ratio this year.

Net profit at Itochu, in which U.S. investor Warren Buffett holds a stake, fell 3.1% to ¥206.6 billion in the April to June quarter due to lower profits at its energy and chemicals business and its metals business, but the company stuck to its full-year profit forecast of ¥880 billion.

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A modular self-assembling and self-adjuvanting multiepitope peptide nanoparticle vaccine platform to improve the efficacy and immunogenicity of BCG

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After more than a century since its initial development, Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) remains the only licensed vaccine against tuberculosis (TB). Subunit boosters are considered a viable strategy to enhance BCG efficacy, which often wanes in adolescence. While many studies on booster subunit vaccines have concentrated on recombinant proteins, here we developed a novel modular peptide-based subunit vaccine platform that is flexible, cold-chain independent and customizable to diverse circumstances and populations. Each individual peptide building block consists of a linear arrangement comprising a 15-leucine self-assembly inducer moiety, a Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) target epitope and an HLA-E binding moiety, with each moiety separated by a triple lysine spacer. The building blocks, in any combination, were able to form a multiepitope nanoparticle. Six Mtb epitopes were selected to produce the self-assembling and self-adjuvanting peptide-based TB nano-vaccine candidate PNx6. In vivo vaccination-challenge experiments demonstrated that subcutaneous boost of parenteral BCG immunization with PNx6 significantly enhanced its immunogenicity and improved its protective efficacy in a murine model of TB by more than 5-fold. Our study present evidence that purely amphiphilic peptides self-assemble into self-adjuvanting nanoparticles with appropriate size and morphology for TB vaccination with great potential for a multitude of other diseases.

Competing Interest Statement

G.Z., M.S. and I.T. are co-inventors on a patent application entitled: Self-assembling, self-adjuvating system for delivery of vaccines filed by the University of Queensland (application number: WO/2021/138721, PCT/AU2021/050012). The remaining authors declare no competing interests.

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