How to Find the Best ATS Keywords for Your Resume (Step-by-Step Guide)

Using the correct ATS keywords can give you that much-needed edge to be shortlisted by the system and recruiters.

• Analyze job descriptions meticulously for keywords.

• Use tools like Resume Keywords by mployee.me.

• Use keywords organically in writing the resume.

• Pair action verbs with pertinent keywords.

• Check for the compatibility of resumes with an ATS.

Finding the best ATS software keywords for your resume can mean the difference between success and failure in the job application process today. Below is a simple guide that walks you through the process in a step-by-step way.

Step 1: Analyze the Job Description

Analyzing the job description was the first step in identifying the best ATS keywords list. Job descriptions contain specific terms and phrases that the employer expects applicants to possess; thus, this is the best point to begin searching for ATS resume keywords.

Look for resume ATS keywords list in the following areas:

• Skills: These are the abilities specific to the job.

• Job Titles: Listen for any specific titles or roles that are mentioned.

• Responsibilities: Pay attention to the tasks you would be doing in that role.

• Qualifications: Any degrees, certifications or licenses that are needed. 

For example, if a job description were to refer to "data analysis" frequently, then this must be a keyword to include on your resume. For example, it mentions specific software tools such as "Microsoft Excel"; ensure your resume says the same as a keyword for ATS.

Step 2: Use Tools Like Resume Keywords by mployee.me

After all the keywords for a resume from the job description have been gathered, the next step is to make your resume optimized. Resume Keywords by mployee.me is a very handy tool for doing just that. It enables you to upload the resume and the job description so it can compare the two documents.

There are two versions of this tool: 

• Free Version: Upload a resume and the job description, and the software will list resume ATS software keywords missing from your CV keywords. But it will also show any irrelevant or extra top resume keywords in the resume that don't match the job description.

• Paid Version: The paid-for tool takes it a step even further. Once you have uploaded both the resume and the job description, the tool will generate a newly ATS-optimized resume according to the job being applied for.

This tool is effective for ensuring that your CV keywords correspond to those in the job description and are well optimized for ATS systems.

Step 3: Natural Inclusion of Keywords for ATS

Incorporate the right ATS software keywords in resume and allow it to sound natural. The following are a few tips on how to go about it:

• Use CV Keywords in the Right Sections: Write ATS keywords list in resume some of the relevant sections of your resume like work experience, skills, and qualifications.

• Be Specific: Be as specific as possible instead of using sweeping terms. For instance, instead of saying "management experience," indicate the type of management that you've done, either "team management" or "project management." 

• Include Variations: If the job description stated that it was a "sales" position, but you've worked in "business development," then both terms have to be referred to in the resume keywords as well in the resume to cover different ATS searches.

Of course, stuffing ATS software keywords would make your resume appear unnatural while also making it impossible to read. Instead, select those that blend in smoothly with the context of your resume.

Step 4: Action Verbs and Power Words

Power words for resumes such as achieved, optimized, and innovated also make a case to distinguish yourself from the competition by focusing on what you brought to previous roles.

Among the powerful words for resumes are "achieved," "optimized," and "innovated," which help to increase the chances of standing out by showing what you did on the previous job.

Combining action verbs for resume with ATS keywords list is most advantageous since it improves the chances of passing the ATS screening and also arms the resume with strength.

Step 5: Review and test the resume

After amending your resume, you need to read it to ensure that it goes well with the job description. Use the Resume Keywords by mployee.me again to check the accuracy of your CV keywords against ATS software keywords in the job description. You may also like to have a friend or mentor read your CV and find out the extent to which your CV keywords for ATS fit your experience.

In case you are still confused, you can definitely find professional help in resume writing or coaching on how to optimize an ATS resume.

The function of an ATS cannot be stressed enough in the current scenario of recruitment, particularly for large organizations. There is a realistic chance of you not being seen by a recruiter or hiring manager if you do not have the right resume keywords in resume. The use of specific words and phrases helps ATS software scan resumes, and resumes without the right ATS keywords list may be automatically rejected. 

The pertinent CV keywords will ensure that your resume has a much better possibility of passing through the gates of the ATS filters and being seen by a human recruiter. The chances of getting shortlisted for an interview turn massively improved.

It becomes really important to ingrain ATS keywords into your actual experiences, skills, and qualifications while putting them on your resume. The following are the steps involved:

• Match the Job Description: The first and most important is the keyword resume and job description match. Use the exact words and phrases from the ad. 

• Optimize Your Summary: With ATS resume keywords in your professional summary, it will be more likely to align with the rest of the job description; therefore, higher chances of going through ATS filters.

• Highlight Relevant Skills: One section could be called "Skills" and here, you can feature relevant ATS resume keywords such as very specific software, tools, or techniques that are mentioned verbatim in the job description.

Have a look at some of the ATS Resume Keywords Tips:

• Prioritize Relevance: Don't include many top resume keywords as in those cases that don't relate to the job. Keep focus on the most relevant and high-impact terms. 

• Different Forms: Include different forms of a keyword, for example, management and managing which cover more ATS filters. 

• No Keyword Stuffing: Allow your CV keywords to flow as naturally as possible within the context of your work experience.

• Match the Industry Keywords: Fit your ATS keywords to use an industry common term as "cloud computing" for it or "litigation" for law-increased ATS compatibility. 

• Do Not Use Complicated Formatting: Keep simple, nice formatting on your resume without images or tables, since ATS usually do not read them properly, losing important resume keywords for ATS.

• Include Long and Short-Tail Keywords: Use top resume keywords on the resume, such as "project management," as well as very specific phrases, such as "project management in healthcare," which provide better coverage for ATS keywords.

Here is a list featuring the best ATS resume keywords for five industries:

When creating your resume, it becomes essential to know how to tailor or adapt ATS keywords for various job levels to gain better chances of passing automated screening. Whether you are applying for an entry-level job, middle management, or senior leadership, the resume best keywords that align with your experience and the job description are potentially the deciding factor. 

• Entry-Level Positions: More than anything, you want your set of entry-level keywords to be simple, necessary, and general enough to cover a range of foundational skills and education. Highlight keywords for internships, relevant coursework, or certifications, and use simple and clear action words or special skills that the job description mentions. For instance, if the job description states "customer service," then your resume must clearly use the words "customer service." 

• Mid-Level Positions: At this level, recruiters seek candidates who have both the technical know-how and hands-on experience. Your resume should include keywords that reflect leading projects, solving problems, and being an expert in a given industry. Make the keywords relevant by adding some quantifiable accomplishments with words like "managed, developed, or improved." These are the kinds of keywords that recruiters keep an eye out for in a job interview as a demonstration of your ability to contribute meaningfully to the role.

• Senior-Level Roles: These jobs require an individual to think strategically and operate in a leadership capacity. Best keywords for resumes in these positions include those linked with management, strategic planning, and decision-making. Include diverse resume keyword phrases like "executive leadership," "budget oversight," or "cross-functional collaboration." Targeted keyword usage demonstrates not only the high level of responsibility you grasp but also your strength in furthering the organization's success.

Even when working with the best keywords for resumes, many job seekers commit mistakes against their own interests in passing the ATS scan. Eliminating these common errors will make your resume stronger and more effective.

• Keyword Stuffing: Such texts may be flagged as spam and unreadable by humans. An ATS would quickly spot keyword stuffing, so keep a natural tone when integrating important keywords.

• Using Only Generic Keywords: Irrelevant keywords like "hardworking," or "team player" without context will do you no good. ATS would look for specific, relevant keywords, so depend on a targeted keyword list that largely mirrors the job description.

• Not Using Job Description Keywords: Many candidates fail to use keywords in accordance with the job description. For a success to occur, you need to focus on the keywords present in the posting (particularly job titles, skills, and required qualifications) and ensure they form part of your resume keywords. 

• Not Using Keyword Variations: An ATS may search for the singular and plural forms or different phrasing of keywords. For example, use both "manage" and "management" in your keywords for resume phrases to cover all bases.

• Complex Formatting: Converted with fancy fonts, images, and tables, ATS software may be incapable of parsing and thus miss out on keywords. So keep your formatting simple, allowing the interview scanner to pick up all your keywords. 

• Not Targeting Soft-Interpersonal Skills Keywords: Though technical skills should be given precedence, many ATS look for soft skills. Hence, insert important soft skills keywords, negotiating with technical ones, within your resume content.