ATS Resume Keywords List: Essential Terms to Include for Different Industries

Applicant Tracking Systems filter resumes based on keywords. Including the right terms helps your resume pass ATS screening and reach human reviewers. But which keywords matter? The answer depends on your industry, target role, and specific job requirements.

Keyword strategy isn't about stuffing your resume with buzzwords. It's about ensuring the language you use matches what employers search for. When your terminology aligns with theirs, you appear in searches and pass filters. When it doesn't, even strong qualifications go unseen.

This guide provides ATS keyword lists organized by industry and category. You'll learn which terms matter most, how to incorporate them naturally, and how to identify job-specific keywords for any position.

How ATS Keyword Matching Works

Understanding the mechanism helps you optimize effectively.

ATS searches for exact matches. If a recruiter searches for "project management" and your resume says "managed projects," you might not appear. Exact phrasing matters more than meaning.

Both hard and soft skills get searched. Technical skills, tools, and certifications get searched, but so do terms like "leadership," "communication," and "problem-solving." Include both types. For more optimization strategies, see how to beat ATS.

Keyword placement affects ranking. Keywords in headlines, job titles, and skills sections may carry more weight than those buried in paragraph text. Strategic placement matters.

Density has limits. Keyword stuffing can backfire. ATS and humans both penalize unnatural repetition. Use keywords appropriately, not excessively.

• ATS searches for exact term matches
• Both hard and soft skills are searchable
• Placement affects keyword weight
• Stuffing backfires with ATS and humans
• Job descriptions reveal required keywords
• Synonyms and variations help coverage
• Industry terms demonstrate expertise
• Certifications are often searchable
• Tools and technologies are commonly searched
• Natural integration beats forced inclusion

Need a stronger resume first? See our pass ATS screening. Also check how to beat ATS.

Universal Professional Keywords

These terms appear across industries and roles.

Leadership terms: Leadership, team management, direct reports, mentoring, coaching, strategic planning, decision-making, delegation, performance management, team building.

Communication terms: Communication, presentation, stakeholder management, collaboration, cross-functional, client relations, negotiation, facilitation, documentation, reporting.

Achievement terms: Results, achievement, improvement, growth, optimization, efficiency, cost reduction, revenue growth, ROI, implementation, execution.

Process terms: Process improvement, workflow optimization, project management, agile, Scrum, deadline management, prioritization, resource allocation, planning, coordination.

Analysis terms: Analysis, data-driven, metrics, KPIs, reporting, problem-solving, research, evaluation, assessment, decision support.

• Leadership and management terms
• Communication and collaboration terms
• Achievement and results terms
• Process and methodology terms
• Analysis and data terms
• Include relevant universal terms
• Customize based on job requirements
• Both spelled out and acronyms when applicable
• Action verbs strengthen bullets
• Quantified results beat generic terms

Technology and IT Keywords

Tech roles require specific technical terminology.

Programming languages: Python, Java, JavaScript, C++, C#, Ruby, Go, Swift, Kotlin, TypeScript, SQL, PHP, Rust, Scala (include what you know).

Cloud and infrastructure: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD, DevOps, Linux, Windows Server, networking, cloud architecture, microservices.

Development practices: Agile, Scrum, Kanban, Git, version control, code review, testing, TDD, debugging, deployment, REST API, full-stack.

Data and AI: Machine learning, AI, data analysis, big data, SQL, NoSQL, data visualization, Tableau, Power BI, Python, R, TensorFlow, statistics.

Security: Cybersecurity, security analysis, penetration testing, SIEM, firewall, encryption, compliance, risk assessment, incident response, security protocols.

• Programming languages you use
• Cloud platforms and infrastructure
• Development methodologies
• Data tools and technologies
• Security certifications and skills
• Specific frameworks and libraries
• Database technologies
• Testing and QA terms
• Certifications (AWS, Azure, etc.)
• Include versions when relevant

Marketing and Sales Keywords

Marketing and sales roles have distinct terminology.

Digital marketing: SEO, SEM, PPC, Google Ads, social media marketing, content marketing, email marketing, marketing automation, CRM, conversion optimization.

Analytics: Google Analytics, marketing analytics, attribution, A/B testing, funnel optimization, customer acquisition, lifetime value, ROI analysis, data-driven marketing.

Content: Content strategy, copywriting, brand messaging, storytelling, content management, CMS, WordPress, editorial, brand voice, thought leadership.

Sales: Sales, business development, lead generation, pipeline management, account management, consultative selling, B2B, B2C, CRM (Salesforce, HubSpot), quota attainment.

Customer focus: Customer experience, customer journey, retention, loyalty, NPS, customer success, relationship management, client services.

• Digital marketing platforms and tools
• Analytics and measurement terms
• Content and creative terms
• Sales process terminology
• Customer-focused language
• Specific tools (Salesforce, HubSpot, etc.)
• Revenue and growth metrics
• Industry-specific channels
• Certifications (Google Ads, HubSpot)
• B2B or B2C as relevant

Finance and Accounting Keywords

Finance roles require specific professional terminology.

Accounting: GAAP, financial reporting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, reconciliation, auditing, compliance, budgeting, forecasting.

Analysis: Financial analysis, financial modeling, valuation, due diligence, M&A, investment analysis, risk analysis, variance analysis, FP&A, cost analysis.

Tools: Excel, financial modeling, ERP, SAP, Oracle, QuickBooks, Bloomberg, SQL, Power BI, Tableau, VBA.

Compliance: Regulatory compliance, SOX, internal controls, audit, risk management, corporate governance, financial regulations.

Certifications: CPA, CFA, MBA, CFE, CAIA (include credentials you hold).

• Accounting standards and practices
• Financial analysis terminology
• Industry software and tools
• Compliance and regulatory terms
• Professional certifications
• Specific methodologies
• Reporting and documentation
• Audit terminology
• Industry-specific regulations
• Include both acronyms and full terms

Healthcare Keywords

Healthcare roles have extensive specialized terminology.

Clinical: Patient care, clinical assessment, treatment planning, electronic health records (EHR), HIPAA, medical terminology, care coordination, case management.

Administrative: Healthcare administration, medical billing, coding (ICD-10, CPT), revenue cycle, insurance verification, patient scheduling, practice management.

Quality: Quality improvement, patient safety, compliance, accreditation, Joint Commission, performance metrics, outcome measures, evidence-based practice.

Technology: EHR systems (Epic, Cerner), telehealth, health informatics, medical devices, clinical systems.

Certifications: RN, MD, NP, PA, LCSW, CNA (include your credentials) plus specialty certifications.

• Clinical care terminology
• Administrative and billing terms
• Quality and compliance language
• Healthcare technology systems
• Professional certifications
• Regulatory requirements (HIPAA)
• Specialty-specific terminology
• Patient population descriptors
• Treatment and procedure terms
• Include full names and acronyms

How to Find Job-Specific Keywords

Every job has unique requirements. Here's how to identify them.

Analyze the job description thoroughly. Required and preferred qualifications are keyword gold. Every skill, tool, and qualification mentioned is a potential search term.

Look at multiple similar postings. Identify which terms appear across postings for similar roles. Common terms across listings are likely ATS search terms.

Research company language. Company websites, job pages, and employee LinkedIn profiles reveal how organizations describe roles. Mirror their terminology.

Use industry resources. Professional associations, industry publications, and certification bodies use standard terminology that appears in job searches.

• Job descriptions are the best keyword source
• Analyze multiple similar postings
• Research company-specific language
• Industry associations set terminology
• LinkedIn profiles show common terms
• Job titles vary by company
• Required skills are must-include keywords
• Preferred skills are worth including
• Tools and technologies from postings
• Match their exact language when possible

Need a stronger resume first? See our AI resume builders. Also check Recruiters scan these areas first.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many keywords should my resume have? There's no magic number. Include all relevant keywords from the job description naturally. Focus on quality and relevance over quantity.

Should I list keywords in a separate section? A skills section is appropriate. Keyword lists without context look spammy. Integrate keywords throughout your resume.

Can I use keywords I don't have experience with? No. Only include keywords that honestly represent your skills. Misrepresentation will be discovered and disqualifies you.

Do keywords need to match exactly? Often yes. "Project management" and "managing projects" may be searched differently. Use the exact phrasing from job descriptions.

Should I use acronyms or spell them out? Both. "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)" covers both versions. Use full terms on first mention with acronym, then either after.

How do I know if my keywords are working? Track application response rates. If qualified applications aren't getting responses, keyword optimization might be the issue. AI resume builders often include ATS checker tools that can help identify gaps.

Are soft skill keywords important? Yes. Recruiters search for terms like "leadership," "communication," and "problem-solving." Include soft skills along with technical ones.

Do keywords work for all ATS systems? Most ATS use similar keyword matching. Exact implementations vary, but including relevant terms in readable format works across systems.

Can too many keywords hurt my resume? Yes. Keyword stuffing looks unprofessional and some ATS penalize it. Natural integration beats forced repetition.

Should I customize keywords for every application? Ideally yes. Every job description has unique priorities. Tailoring keywords to each posting improves results.

Where should I put the most important keywords? Headlines, summary, skills section, and job titles carry weight. Recruiters scan these areas first, so don't bury critical keywords deep in paragraph text.

How do I balance keywords with readability? Write for humans first, then verify keywords are present. Readable resumes that include relevant terms beat keyword-stuffed unreadable ones.