Why ATS Keywords Matter in 2025
If your resume doesn’t speak the language of hiring software, it may never get read by a human. Most companies now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to manage the overwhelming number of job applications. These systems scan resumes for relevant keywords before a recruiter ever lays eyes on them.
And in 2025, ATS tools are smarter and stricter than ever. Many are powered by AI and machine learning, designed to mimic what a human would prioritize—skills, experience, qualifications—but with zero patience for vague or generic language. If your resume doesn't include the right terms, you’re likely to get filtered out.
Think of keywords as the access codes to an interview. Without them, your resume could land in the “no” pile automatically, regardless of how qualified you actually are. In fact, research suggests that up to 75% of resumes never make it past the initial ATS scan.
The good news? You don’t need to game the system—you just need to understand how it works. In the next sections, we’ll show you how to find the right keywords for any job, tailor your resume to match, and give you practical templates to use. It’s time to make sure your resume doesn’t just look good—but gets seen.
How to Identify the Right Keywords
If you want to beat the bots, your first step is simple: read the job description carefully. Job ads are packed with the exact keywords hiring managers (and ATS software) are looking for. These aren’t just technical skills—they include soft skills, tools, certifications, and even preferred action verbs.
Scan the listing and highlight repeated terms like “project management,” “budgeting,” “cross-functional collaboration,” or “data analysis.” Pay attention to both nouns (skills, tools, outcomes) and verbs (actions you’re expected to take). These are your resume’s secret weapons.
But don’t stop at one posting. Look at 3 to 5 similar job ads for the same type of role. Patterns will emerge—terms like “stakeholder communication,” “KPI tracking,” or “CRM tools” may show up repeatedly. These are high-value keywords you must include, assuming they apply to your background.
Also, resist the urge to create a single, generic resume. Even a strong resume won’t perform well if it’s not aligned with the role you’re applying for. Each application deserves a light customization—tweaking keywords based on that specific company’s language and priorities.
Identifying the right keywords isn’t about tricking the system—it’s about aligning your experience with the language of the job. And that’s what gets you through the digital gatekeepers.
Top ATS Resume Keywords by Industry
Not all resumes are screened by humans—most are scanned by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) first. These systems rank your resume based on how well it matches the job description. And at the core of that process? Keywords.
Including industry-specific keywords ensures that your resume doesn’t just pass the first scan, but also resonates with the recruiter later on. Here are the top ATS-friendly keywords for major industries, along with usage tips and quick checklists to make sure you’re covered.
🖥️ Tech & Software Development
Common Keywords:
Python, Java, JavaScript
APIs, RESTful, GraphQL
SQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB
Agile, Scrum, CI/CD, DevOps
Docker, AWS, Git, Kubernetes
How to Use Them:
Hiring managers want both depth and breadth. Don’t just write “Python” — show how you applied it:
“Built RESTful APIs using Python and Flask in a CI/CD pipeline.”
Also, reflect project ownership: used vs. implemented vs. architect.
✅ Checklist:
☐ Languages & tools
☐ Cloud/infra terms
☐ Development methodology
☐ Testing & deployment
📣 Marketing & Communications
Common Keywords:
SEO, SEM, Google Analytics
Conversion rate, CTR, A/B Testing
Brand strategy, content marketing
Campaign management, lead generation
Social media, email automation, CRM
How to Use Them:
Modern marketing is data-driven. Keywords like "SEO" work better when paired with outcomes:
“Increased organic traffic by 70% through SEO and on-page optimization.”
Pro tip: Use verbs like “launched,” “executed,” “optimized,” and “scaled” to describe action.
✅ Checklist:
☐ Metrics & KPIs
☐ Platforms/tools
☐ Campaign verbs
☐ Channel strategies
💡 Sensei AI‘s Ai Playground helps extract the most relevant job-specific marketing terms by scanning listings, so your resume targets what hiring managers actually want.
💰 Finance & Accounting
Common Keywords:
P&L, forecasting, budgeting
GAAP, SOX, compliance, audits
ROI, financial modeling, EBITDA
Excel modeling, variance analysis
Cost reduction, investment strategy
How to Use Them:
Finance resumes should be results-heavy. For example:
“Created financial models that improved budget forecasting accuracy by 25%.”
Include tools like SAP, QuickBooks, or NetSuite where relevant.
✅ Checklist:
☐ Financial concepts
☐ Compliance terms
☐ Analytical methods
☐ Software/tools
🏥 Healthcare & Medical
Common Keywords:
Patient care, HIPAA, triage
EMR/EHR, charting, documentation
Vital signs, medication admin
Care planning, discharge instructions
Infection control, diagnostics
How to Use Them:
Make your resume reflect regulatory awareness and hands-on skills. Example:
“Delivered acute patient care in compliance with HIPAA standards and documented via Epic EMR.”
✅ Checklist:
☐ Certifications & systems
☐ Medical tasks
☐ Compliance language
☐ Patient outcome metrics
📚 Education & Training
Common Keywords:
Curriculum development, lesson plans
Student engagement, classroom management
Assessment tools, IEPs, learning outcomes
Differentiated instruction, Common Core
Parent communication, SEL, LMS
How to Use Them:
Educational resumes benefit from showing both planning and execution. For example:
“Designed a STEM-focused curriculum aligned with Common Core, improving student test scores by 18%.”
✅ Checklist:
☐ Teaching methods
☐ Learning tools
☐ Standards & policies
☐ Impact on learners
📞 Customer Service & Support
Common Keywords:
CRM (Salesforce, Zendesk), ticketing
First call resolution, CSAT, NPS
Troubleshooting, escalation, FAQs
Email/chat/phone support, SLAs
Knowledge base, scripts, empathy
How to Use Them:
Customer support is metrics-focused. Use your KPIs:
“Maintained 94% CSAT over 6 months while resolving over 1,000 Tier-1 tickets.”
✅ Checklist:
☐ Support channels
☐ Performance metrics
☐ Tools/systems
☐ Soft skills
🏢 Operations & Human Resources
Common Keywords:
Onboarding, offboarding, training
Employee relations, conflict resolution
Performance reviews, payroll, HRIS
Lean, Six Sigma, workflow optimization
Procurement, vendor negotiation, compliance
How to Use Them:
Use action-oriented phrases like:
“Implemented a new onboarding process that reduced ramp-up time by 30%.”
And don’t skip tools like Workday, BambooHR, or SAP if listed in the job ad.
✅ Checklist:
☐ HR processes
☐ Systems/tools
☐ Compliance & audits
☐ Efficiency results
⚡ Pro Tip: Mirror the Job Posting
Even across the same industry, keywords may vary. Always study the specific job ad. Use exact phrasing when possible. For instance, if a job says “budget forecasting,” don’t just say “forecasting.”
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Action Verbs That Pass the ATS Test
Keywords get you noticed, but action verbs show what you’ve actually done. They help both the ATS and the hiring manager understand the impact you’ve made. ATS tools are designed to look for verbs tied to outcomes—what you managed, created, launched, improved—not just that you were “involved.”
Strong verbs convey ownership and effectiveness. Compare these two bullets:
❌ “Responsible for team performance and weekly updates”
✅ “Led a 5-person team and delivered weekly performance reports with 100% on-time rate”
That second one is not only more dynamic—it’s more ATS-friendly.
Here are a few powerful verbs to rotate into your resume:
Managed – great for leadership and oversight
Led – shows initiative, especially for team-related roles
Streamlined – implies efficiency and results
Launched – great for projects, campaigns, or products
Delivered – implies reliability and completion
Improved, Resolved, Generated, Analyzed – all signal action and value
Avoid weak, vague openers like:
“Responsible for…”
“Helped with…”
“Worked on…”
Pro tip: Try to begin each bullet with a clear, active verb. It not only improves readability but also ensures the ATS connects your role with a specific skill or result.
Use one strong action verb per bullet point—two if it flows naturally. The goal is clarity, not clutter.
Keyword Placement That Looks Natural
Adding the right keywords is essential, but where you place them matters just as much. ATS bots (and real recruiters) scan specific resume sections for relevant terms. The trick is to integrate keywords organically—not awkwardly.
Key areas to include keywords:
Job Title/Header – Use the job title you're applying for if it matches your experience
Professional Summary – Mention your top 2–3 skills or tools relevant to the role
Skills Section – A concise list of hard skills and tools (e.g., SQL, Google Ads, Excel)
Bullet Points – This is where keywords meet context—showing what you did with the skill
Avoid keyword stuffing. Repeating the same term too often can backfire. ATS systems may flag overuse as manipulation, and hiring managers will spot unnatural phrasing instantly.
🔁 Bad:
“Budgeting budgeting budgeting—used budgeting to create budgets for budgeting purposes.”
✅ Better:
“Created and managed annual budgets of $500K+, improving forecasting accuracy by 20%.”
Focus on natural repetition through variation. Use synonyms, relate keywords to achievements, and spread them evenly.
💡 Sensei AI helps structure your answers and summaries so your key skills show up where recruiters—and ATS bots—look first.
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ATS Keywords by Role Level
Not all keywords are created equal—seniority matters. The same role will expect a very different language depending on the level of experience. Tailoring your resume to reflect that progression can make all the difference.
Entry-Level: Focus on coursework, tools, internships, and soft skills that are transferable.
Example: “Utilized Tableau to visualize marketing metrics during a summer internship, improving campaign analysis turnaround by 15%.”
Mid-Level: Use data to back up your achievements. Show how you contributed across teams, and include leadership-ready verbs like “coordinated” or “implemented.”
Example: “Coordinated with design and analytics teams to execute a product launch that increases user retention by 28%.”
Senior-Level: At this level, hiring managers look for strategic thinking, cross-department influence, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
Example: “Defined go-to-market strategy across sales and operations, resulting in a 40% YoY increase in B2B revenue.”
Make sure your resume language reflects your role in the company structure. Don't undersell senior roles with entry-level phrasing—or vice versa. This is one of the most overlooked areas when optimizing resumes for ATS.
Tools to Check If Your Resume Is ATS-Friendly
Not sure if your resume will pass the ATS scan? There are tools for that.
Platforms like Jobscan, ResumeWorded, and Zety let you compare your resume to a job listing and highlight missing keywords or weak spots. They’re useful for quick audits before submitting an application.
Want a DIY option? Try pasting the job description into a word cloud generator (like WordClouds.com). The most frequent terms will pop out—those are often the keywords you’ll want to reflect in your resume.
💡 Already prepping for an interview? Sensei AI helps match your resume content with the job you’re applying for—so your talking points align with what’s on paper. That way, your resume and your interview responses reinforce each other.
Try Sensei Ai Now!
Keyword Smart, Not Keyword-Stuffed
Remember: ATS keywords aren’t just boxes to check—they’re signals of relevance, skills, and value. Keyword stuffing may get you past the bots, but it won’t impress real humans.
Focus on quality over quantity. Choose the right terms, use them in the right places, and show how you applied them in real scenarios.
Here’s a quick checklist to review before hitting submit:
✅ Keywords that reflect your industry
✅ Strong verbs tied to impact
✅ Natural integration across resume sections
✅ Terms that match your role level
Bonus tip: Save your favorite keywords and phrases in a reusable note or template. When tailoring resumes, this will save you time—and help you stay consistent.
Want help aligning your resume and interview prep? The right tools (and strategy) can make all the difference.
FAQ
What is the best resume format to beat ATS?
The reverse-chronological format works best for ATS. It lists your most recent experience first and follows a clear structure: contact info, summary, experience, education, and skills. Avoid creative layouts, columns, or graphics—they often confuse ATS scanners.
How to make a 100% ATS-friendly resume?
Use a clean, text-based format (PDF or .docx), standard fonts, and section headers like “Work Experience” or “Skills.” Match keywords from the job description and avoid images or tables. Tools like Jobscan or ResumeWorded can help audit your resume for ATS readability.
How to beat ATS resume?
To beat ATS, focus on strategic keyword placement. Tailor your resume for each job using relevant nouns and action verbs, place them naturally in your summary, bullet points, and skills section. Don’t stuff keywords—use them in context to show real impact.
How do you score high on ATS resume?
Scoring high means matching 80–90% of the job description with your resume. Pull terms from the listing, include measurable achievements, and align your experience with the job requirements. Keep formatting simple and consistent so ATS can read everything correctly.
Shin Yang
Shin Yang est un stratégiste de croissance chez Sensei AI, axé sur l'optimisation SEO, l'expansion du marché et le support client. Il utilise son expertise en marketing numérique pour améliorer la visibilité et l'engagement des utilisateurs, aidant les chercheurs d'emploi à tirer le meilleur parti de l'assistance en temps réel aux entretiens de Sensei AI. Son travail garantit que les candidats ont une expérience plus fluide lors de la navigation dans le processus de candidature.
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