ATS Resume Keywords: How to Find and Use the Right Ones for Any Job

What is an ATS?

ATS stands for Application Tracking System, which is software used by recruiters to ease their hiring process. ATS helps recruiters manage, evaluate, and shortlist resumes before manual screening by the manager. This system automatically scans resumes for specific keywords, skills, and qualifications. ATS helps companies find the best talent.

How Common is ATS?

In 2025, 90% of the Indian companies use ATS software to manage their recruitment process. When you are applying for a job, your resume has to pass through this resume shortlisting software. So, understanding the importance of ATS is crucial for securing a job. 

The Role of Keywords

ATS systems analyse keywords to shortlist resumes and then select the one having the most relevant keywords. These keywords are associated with the job description. Thus, if your resume has relevant keywords, your chances of securing a job will be increased.

You can find the right ATS resume keywords through the following ways:

• Analyze Job Descriptions: When you see the job advertisement, read it carefully and list out the terms used repeatedly. For example, if a job for a content writer is open. It will have keywords such as article writing, SEO, or blog writing, etc. You have to use these keywords in your resume if they match your experience. 

• Use Online Tools: Nowadays, AI-powered tools are used to tailor resumes to the job description. You can utilize resume keywords generator tools such as ATS resume scanner or ATS resume checker. These tools scan the job description and provide the relevant keywords that can be placed in your resume. 

  
  

• Use Industry-Specific Resume Keywords:  Every industry has different terms and phrases, so it's important to include words that are specific to your targeted sector. Like, if you want a job in the IT sector, use words like “Javascript”, or “software developer.”. The industry-specific language helps you to pass ATS checks easily.

Incorporate keywords into your resume through:

• Placement: After finding relevant resume keywords, now you have to place them in different sections of your resume, like the summary, skills and experience sections. You have to make sure that it doesn't affect the fluency and credibility of your resume.

  
  

• Natural Flow: Your keyword placements should be very cleverly placed. Because it's important that keywords don't affect the flow of your resume. Do not overload your resume with so many keywords; it can result in failing ATS checks.

Tailoring your resume is not difficult is you look upon:

• Customizing for Each Job: It may sound tough, but it's essential to make a different resume for every job application. You have to adjust some sections and ATS resume keywords based on the job description. A tailored resume shows that you’re paying attention to the employer’s needs.

  
  

• Tracking Applications: Keeping track of job applications is very important. Using a spreadsheet or tracking app is the most common way of keeping track of job applications. This will help you stay organized and make it easier to see which keywords you’ve already included in your resume for different positions.

You can use keywords in cover letter and interviews to shine:

• Cover Letters: Your cover letter can also be optimised with relevant resume keywords. A strong opening sentence having a keyword as a hook can be a good way to stand out.

  
  
  

• Interviews: You can also use keywords to show your expertise in the interview. When answering any question, back your statement with some keywords that align with the role.

ATS systems are not going to be eliminated, so it's best to focus on analyzing job descriptions, using industry-specific language, and placing keywords strategically in your resume and cover letter.

As nowadays job applications are sent online with the help of various online job search sites in India. Thus, applicants tend to apply to as many openings as possible, which is a good approach. However, it also requires you to customize your resume for every job application. But it's not possible to do it manually, That's where mployee.me’s resume keywords tool comes in use. With this free resume keywords tool, all you need to do is upload your resume and the job description you're targeting. The tool will analyze both documents and provide you with a customized resume within seconds.