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

What is an ATS?

An ATS or applicant tracking system is recruitment software that eases the hiring recruitment process for companies. An applicant tracking system helps recruiters to organize, evaluate, and shortlist resumes prior to actual manual screening by hiring managers. This system scans resumes automatically for keywords, skills, and qualifications. Therefore, ATS helps companies find the best talent.

How Common is ATS?

In India, 90% of the companies used ATS software for their recruitment process in 2025. When you apply for a job, your resume will pass through this resume shortlisting software. Hence, understanding the core of what ATS is will help you secure 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. As higher-frequency keywords relevant to a job appear in your resume, you thereby increase your chances for hiring.

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 job descriptions and provide relevant keywords to be incorporated in resumes. 

  
  

• Use Industry-Specific Resume Keywords: Every industry uses different jargon; thus, keywords that target your specified industry should be part of your resume. For instance, targeting an IT job would require keywords like “Javascript” and “software developer.”.

Incorporate keywords into your resume through:

• Placement: Now that you have collected your keywords for your resume, it is important to include these keywords within your resume, wherein the areas used are the summary, skills, and experience sections. You just have to be careful not to obstruct the flow 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 resume with the personal touch goes a long way toward saying that you are attentive to the employer's wants.

  
  

• Tracking Applications: Keeping track of job applications is very important. Using a spreadsheet or some tracking application will most commonly keep track of job applications. It helps you stay organized and see which keywords you have already included in your resume for a particular position.

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

• Cover Letters: Your cover letter can also be optimized 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.