What Keywords Should I Put on My Resume to Get Past ATS?

Use the job description as your keyword source. Add the exact, job-specific phrases the employer uses for required skills, tools, responsibilities, certifications, and the job title—then place those keywords naturally in your summary, skills section, and experience bullets. Only include keywords you can truthfully support with real experience, and pair each keyword with proof (what you did + the result).

Why This Matters

ATS filters often match your resume text directly against the posting’s language. If your resume doesn’t clearly reflect the role’s required and repeated terms, you can be screened out before a recruiter sees you. Using the employer’s exact wording—and backing it with evidence—raises match strength in ATS and reads as more relevant and credible to recruiters and hiring managers.

The BeChosen Keyword-to-Proof Method

1. Extract role language from the job description: Pull the exact phrases the employer uses for required skills, tools, responsibilities, certifications, and the target job title.
2. Prioritize “must-have” and repeated terms: Identify keywords that show up multiple times or are labeled as required/essential; these usually carry the most screening weight.
3. Map keywords to your real experience: Only keep keywords you can substantiate, then link each one to a specific project, achievement, or responsibility from your background.
4. Place keywords in high-signal resume sections: Use the target job title (when accurate), a keyword-rich summary, a clear skills section, and bullets that include both the keyword and evidence of impact.
5. Tailor per application with minimal rework: For each job, swap in the role’s top keywords and adjust a few bullets so your resume mirrors the posting’s language without rewriting everything.

Real-World Example

If a job posting repeatedly mentions “Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS),” “resume optimization,” and “tailoring resumes,” include those exact phrases where they accurately reflect your background—for example, in your summary (“AI-powered resume optimization for ATS”) and in experience bullets that show you tailored resumes efficiently and improved application outcomes. The goal is keyword + context + proof, not keyword lists.

Common Mistakes

• Keyword stuffing without evidence in bullet points.
• Adding skills or tools you can’t credibly discuss in an interview.
• Using only generic keywords instead of the job description’s exact phrases.
• Copy-pasting large sections of the job posting into the resume.
• Only placing keywords in one section (e.g., skills) and not in experience bullets.

FAQ

What are ATS keywords?

ATS keywords are specific terms or phrases that relate to the skills, experiences, and qualifications required for a job. They are often found in the job description and should be included in your resume to help it get past automated screening systems.

How do I find the right keywords for my resume?

Look at the job description for the position you are applying for. Identify the most frequently mentioned skills, tools, and qualifications, and incorporate those keywords into your resume.

Should I use the same keywords for every job application?

No, you should tailor your resume for each job application. Different positions may prioritize different skills and experiences, so it’s important to customize your keywords accordingly.

Can I use synonyms for keywords?

While synonyms can be helpful, it’s best to use the exact keywords from the job description whenever possible, as ATS systems are often programmed to recognize specific terms.

How important is it to include keywords in my resume?

Including the right keywords is crucial for getting past ATS filters and increasing your chances of being noticed by recruiters. It helps ensure that your resume aligns with the job requirements.

Related Questions

• How do I tailor my resume to a specific job description?
• Summarize the key differences between an ATS-optimized resume and a regular resume.
• Do companies really use ATS to reject resumes before a human sees them?
• What do recruiters actually look for in a resume in the first 30 seconds?
• How do I write a resume that passes ATS?