Writing a standout resume begins with mastering the right keywords. If terms like “resume keywords” and the software that scans for them are new to you, don’t panic! This article covers exactly what you need.
We’ll explain what resume keywords are, how to find them, and where to strategically place them on your resume without making it look like a job keywords list. Plus, we’ve compiled a handy industry keywords list to give you a head start.
Dive in and make your resume shine!
What Are Resume Keywords?
First things first, let’s answer the burning question: what are resume keywords? Well, they are specific words or phrases that hiring managers look for on your resume to determine if you are a qualified candidate.
Because hiring managers and large companies see hundreds, if not thousands, of resumes a month, they will use a form of software to search for these keywords. It’s called Applicant Tracking Software, or ATS.
Just like Google searches for keywords in online articles to bring you the best result for your query, the ATS searches for the industry keywords that will show you’re the right candidate for the job. There’s no specific ATS keywords list, though; it will vary from industry to industry.
Example: If you’re applying for a position that requires a bachelor’s degree in business and experience with financial analysis, the exact words “BA Business” and “Financial analysis” will need to be on your resume in order for the ATS to select your resume from the pool of applicants as a top contender.
In essence, resume keywords are used to make sure you’ve got the skills and experience for this job. It also means that you’ll need to pay attention to your resume format to ensure you have your target job’s specific keywords included in the right places.
How Do You Find Keywords for Your Resume?
While we’ve given you a head start on identifying keywords for a resume with a list of the best keywords for each industry, you should still do some sleuthing on the job posting to pick out resume keywords they’ve selected.
Keep in mind that this is more of an art form and less of a science. We’ll help you find the best keywords for a resume, but you’ll have to use your judgment, too.
There are a few keywords that you can easily identify from the job posting, so begin by highlighting these:
- Job title
- Company name
- Degree/certificate/training required
You will want to ensure that the above information is mentioned in your tailored resume. Then, you should search through the job description and highlight any repeating skills or experience requirements that you see. Highlight these words or phrases as well. Now you have a job keywords list from which to work.
Where to Put Keywords on Your Resume
For the job title and company name keywords, you’ll find it easiest and most logical to include them in your resume summary or resume title.
The degree or training requirements should be listed under the education section of your resume.
Any skills that you’ve highlighted from the job posting should appear both in a list under the skills heading and within your experience section, if applicable. You want to make these resume keywords easy to find, and you want to write them exactly as the job posting has listed them. Check our list below for keywords by industry.
Example: If they are looking for someone with CAD experience, list “CAD experience” and do not expand on the acronym to say, “Computer-aided design experience.” In the interest of having the best chance to be selected by the ATS, you need to make sure your resume keywords are exact.
Finally, a small note on honesty. If you do not have a skill or experience listed in the job posting, do not put it on your resume. You must only list resume keywords that apply to you and your professional skills.
Because if you lie on your resume, the hiring manager will find out quite easily in your interview that you’re not a good fit, and you’ve wasted your precious time and the employer’s time. Honesty is always the best policy.
Over 500 Resume Keywords By Industry
We’ve compiled a resume keywords list by industry below so you can get a feel for the type of resume keywords to look for in job postings.
Feel free to use some of these industry-specific keywords as inspiration or to help with writing sections of your resume, but always make sure they fit your experience and the specific job you are applying for.
Administrative resume keywords
Office management
- Office management
- Ordering supplies
- Inventory
- Food ordering
- Filing
- Scheduling meetings
- Travel itinerary
Administrative support
- Receptionist
- Answering phones
- Typing memos
- Personal assistant
- Executive assistant
- Screening visitors
Soft skills
- Proofreading
- Confidentiality
- Attention to detail
- Organization
- Adaptability
Communication
- Customer communications
- Correspondence
- Verbal communication
Technical skills
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- Google Docs
- Word processing
AI skills
- ChatGPT
- Microsoft Copilot
- AI-powered scheduling tools
- AI-driven data entry and email management
- Predictive analytics
- Virtual assistants (e.g., AI chatbots)
Computer programming/IT resume keywords:
Programming languages
- Python
- JavaScript
- C++
- Java
- HTML
- CSS
- SQL
- Ruby
- R
- C#
- PHP
- Swift
- Kotlin
- C
- Bash
- Shell
IT support and administration
- Server
- Computer hardware
- IT ticket
- Problem solving
- Configuration
- Operating system
Network and Security
- Network security
- Wireless networks
- Cybersecurity
AI skills
- AI
- Machine learning
- Predictive analytics
- AI-driven data analysis
- AI-powered development tools
Web development
- Web development
- Web design
- Front-end developer
- Back-end developer
- Full-stack developer
- API
Software development
- Program design
- Mobile app
- App development
- GUI (Graphical User Interface)
Operating systems
- Linux
- Unix
- Windows
- MacOS
Data and analytics
- Data analysis
- Data science
- Database
Emerging technologies
- Machine learning
- AI (Artificial Intelligence)
- VR (Virtual Reality)
- AR (Augmented Reality)
DevOps and command line
- DevOps
- Command line
Education resume keywords:
Educational credentials
- B. Ed.
- Specialized early childhood education certification or degree
Teaching levels
- Early childhood education
- Elementary
- Secondary
- Post-secondary
- Professor
- K – 12
Classroom management
- Discipline strategies
- Student-centered approach
- Positive learning environment
Technical and AI skills
- AI-powered educational tools
- Adaptive learning technologies
- Predictive analytics for student performance
- Automated grading systems
- Instructional technology
Teaching experience
- Teaching experience
- Lecturing
- Lesson plan
- Marking
- Curriculum development
- Instructional design
- Instructional technology
- Distance learning
- Special education
- Individualized education plans (IEPs)
Communication and leadership
- Verbal communication skills
- Leadership
- Motivation
- Advising
- Mentoring
- Parent/teacher liaison
- Multicultural awareness
Soft skills
- Organization
- Attention to detail
- Confidentiality
- Adaptability
Engineering resume keywords:
Technical skills
- Analysis
- CAD (Computer-Aided Design)
- FEA (Finite Element Analysis)
- CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics)
- Structural analysis
- Testing
- Stress analysis
- Program design
- Optimization
- Validation
- Build
- Configuration
- Command line
- DevOps
Software and programming
- Python
- JavaScript
- C++
- Java
- HTML
- CSS
- SQL
- Linux
- Unix
- Windows
- MacOS
- Bash
- Shell
- Ruby
- R
- C#
- PHP
- Swift
- Kotlin
- C
Industry-specific tools and technologies
- CAD/CAM
- SolidWorks
- ANSYS
- MATLAB
- CATIA
- CNC
- Six Sigma
- Lean manufacturing
- Control engineering
- Materials science
- Avionics
- Propulsion systems
- Flight dynamics
- Thermodynamics
- Fluid mechanics
- Combustion
Engineering disciplines
- Aerospace engineering
- Automotive engineering
- Civil engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Chemical engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Computer engineering
- Industrial engineering
- Environmental engineering
- Geological engineering
- Mining engineering
Specialized engineering areas
- Robotics
- Mechatronics
- Manufacturing
- Machinery
- Electronics
- Infrastructure
- Packaging
- Technology
- Software
- AI (Artificial Intelligence)
- Machine learning
- VR (Virtual Reality)
- AR (Augmented Reality)
- Network security
Professional skills
- Professional engineer
- Problem-solving
- Project management
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Attention to detail
- Adaptability
AI skills
- AI-powered design tools
- Predictive analytics
- Machine learning algorithms
- AI-driven data analysis
- Automated testing systems
- Intelligent optimization systems
Certifications and qualifications
- BS Engineering
- Professional engineer (PE) license
- Relevant industry certifications (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean, PMP)
Finance resume keywords:
Accounting and bookkeeping
- Bookkeeping
- Accounts payable
- Accounts receivable
- Bank reconciliation
- Invoicing
- Adjusting/closing entries
- Journal entries
Compliance and audit
- Audit
- Compliance
- Internal controls
- Sarbanes-Oxley Act
- Risk management
- Regulations
- Tax accounting
- Tax compliance
- Tax planning
Technical skills
- Microsoft Excel
- Spreadsheets
- SAP
- Financial software
- Data analysis
- Database management
- Documentation
Soft skills
- Communication skills
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Analytical skills
- Detail-oriented
- Accuracy
- Initiative
- Reliability
- Multitasking
- Organization skills
- Customer service
- Interpersonal skills
AI skills
- AI-powered financial analysis tools
- Predictive analytics
- Automated financial reporting
- AI-driven data analysis
- Intelligent budgeting systems
- Machine learning algorithms for financial forecasting
Financial analysis and planning
- Financial analysis
- Budgeting
- Cashflow
- P&L management
- Forecasting
- Financial modeling
- Valuation
- Business planning
- Corporate finance
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Strategic planning
- Financial reporting
- Financial statement
Professional roles and certifications
- Accountant
- CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
- Certified accountant
- Controller
- Financial analyst
- Professional engineer
Industry-specific areas
- Insurance
- Economics
- Corporate finance
- Investment advisory
- Wealth management
- Private banking
- Transactional banking
- Retail banking
- Commercial lending
- Consumer lending
- Treasury
- Investor relations
- IPO (Initial Public Offering)
Other relevant skills
- Budget management
- Business process improvement
- Project management
- Time management
- Critical thinking
- Public speaking
- Coaching
- Persuasion
- Negotiations
- Asset management
- Financial planning
- Strategic planning
Healthcare resume keywords:
Medical roles
- Registered nurse
- MD
- Specialist
- Phlebotomist
- Personal healthcare worker
- Doctor
- Dental hygienist
- Dentist
- Pharmacist
- Resident
- Research chair
Patient care and advocacy
- Patient care
- Patient advocacy
- Patient satisfaction
- Empathy
- Listening
- Attention to detail
Specialized areas
- Surgery
- OR (Operating Room)
- ER (Emergency Room)
AI skills
- AI-powered health analytics tools
- Predictive analytics for patient outcomes
- Automated medical records management
- AI-driven patient care optimization
- Intelligent scheduling systems
Healthcare operations
- Health team
- Health team collaboration
- Healthcare operations
- Hospital inventory
- Prescription management
- Medical records
- Time management
- Critical thinking
- Teamwork
- Technical skills
- Health analytics
- Electronic Medical Records (EMR)
- Microsoft Excel
- Data analysis
- Documentation
Technical skills
- Health analytics
- Electronic Medical Records (EMR)
- Microsoft Excel
- Data analysis
- Documentation
Professional skills
- Verbal communication skills
- Leadership
- Motivation
- Multicultural awareness
- Organizational skills
Human resources resume keywords:
HR roles
- HR Specialist
- HR Generalist
- Employee relations specialist
- Compensation and benefits manager
- Recruitment manager
- Labor relations manager
- Executive development manager
Employee management
- Employee retention
- Hiring process
- Employee engagement
- Exit interview
- Employee handbook
- Employee surveys
- Performance management
- Succession planning
- Talent development
- Training and development
- Onboarding
- Coaching
- Mentoring
Compensation and benefits
- Payroll
- Compensation
- Benefits
- Pension administration
- Salary reviews
- Rewards and recognition
Diversity and inclusion
- DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)
- Multicultural awareness
- Diversity management
Organizational development
- Organizational change
- Change management
- Organizational development
- Business reengineering
- Culture management
- Strategic HR planning
- Workforce planning
Conflict resolution and compliance
- Conflict resolution
- Labor relations
- Contract negotiation
- Regulatory affairs
- Health and safety programs
- Occupational health and safety
- Grievances
Technical skills
- HRIS Technology Solutions
- Microsoft Excel
- Data analysis
- Documentation
AI skills
- AI-powered recruitment tools
- Predictive analytics for employee retention
- Automated performance management systems
- AI-driven employee engagement platforms
- Intelligent onboarding systems
Legal resume keywords:
Legal roles
- Paralegal
- Legal secretary
- Legal clerk
- Prosecutor
- Judge
Areas of law
- Trial law
- Family law
- Injury law
- Labor law
- Intellectual property
- Copyright law
- Contract law
Legal processes and procedures
- Litigation
- Legal writing
- Legal review
- Filed motions
- Electronic filing
- Licensing
- Mediation
- Deposition
- Negotiation
AI skills
- AI-powered legal research tools
- Predictive analytics for case outcomes
- Automated document review systems
- AI-driven contract analysis
- Intelligent e-discovery tools
Case management and strategy
- Case strategy
- Legal research
- Legal analysis
- Document review
- Case management
- Discovery process
- Brief preparation
Technical skills
- Legal research databases (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis)
- Electronic case management systems
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Data analysis
- Documentation
Professional skills
- Public speaking
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Critical thinking
- Time management
- Organization
- Client relations
Management resume keywords:
Leadership and team management
- Leadership
- Managed
- Inspired
- Teamwork
- Team building
- Mentorship
- Supervising
- Coaching and developing
- Team building
Organizational development and culture
- Company culture
- Organizational change
- Policy development
- Company mission statement
- Change management
Financial management
- Budget management
- Revenue
- Profit
- P&L (Profit and Loss)
- Asset management
- Financial analysis
AI skills
- AI-powered business analysis tools
- Predictive analytics for revenue forecasting
- Automated workflow management systems
- AI-driven performance review platforms
- Intelligent risk management systems
Strategic planning and operations
- Business direction
- Operations management
- Workflow management
- Performance reviews
- Business analysis
- Strategic planning
- Risk management
- Proposal development
- Logistics
Stakeholder and vendor management
- Partnerships
- Account management
- Stakeholder management
- Vendor relationships
- Contract negotiation
Communication and public speaking
- Public speaking
- Verbal communication
- Communication skills
Technical skills
- Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Data analysis
- Documentation
- Project management tools (e.g., Jira, Trello)
- CRM systems
- SAP
Manufacturing, industrial, and technical resume keywords:
Technical roles and certifications
- Certified technician
- Repair technician
- Certificate
- Apprentice
- Journeyman
- Welder
- Electrician
- HVAC technician
- Carpenter
- Plumber
AI skills
- AI-powered predictive maintenance
- Predictive analytics for equipment failures
- Automated quality control systems
- AI-driven inventory management
- Intelligent process optimization
Maintenance and operations
- Maintenance
- Building maintenance
- Service
- Troubleshoot
- Problem solve
- Quality control (QA)
- Safety management
- Workplace optimization
Manufacturing processes
- Lean manufacturing
- Shipping/receiving
- Warehouse management
- Tools
- Orders
- Logistics
Professional skills
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organizational skills
Sales and marketing resume keywords:
Sales roles and processes
- Sales calls
- Sales pipeline
- Sales funnel
- Sales closed
- Account management
- Business development
- New business
- Client relationships
- Revenue
- Profit
- B2B (Business to Business)
- B2C (Business to Consumer)
Marketing strategies and campaigns
- Campaign
- Digital marketing
- Content marketing
- SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
- Email marketing
- Social media marketing
- Product launch
- Editorial calendar
- Blog
- Articles
AI skills
- AI-powered marketing automation
- Predictive analytics for sales forecasting
- AI-driven customer journey mapping
- Automated email marketing systems
- Intelligent CRM systems
Stakeholder and vendor management
- Partnerships
- Vendor relationships
- Contract negotiation
Performance metrics
- Sales metrics
- Conversion rate
- Email open rate
- Customer satisfaction
Technical skills
- CRM (Customer Relationship Management)
- Microsoft Excel
- Data analysis
- Copywriting
- Marketing automation tools
Professional skills
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Public speaking
- Verbal communication
- Negotiation
- Problem-solving
- Creativity
Business operations
- Budget management
- Business direction
- Operations management
- Policy development
- Risk management
- Strategic planning
- Performance reviews
- Proposal development
Need Help Speeding Up the Process of Writing your Resume?
Or maybe you simply don’t have the time? Consider trying our online resume builder.
It can help you save time and ensure your resume has the correct format and includes all the necessary sections, giving you peace of mind.
Key Takeaways
Understanding and effectively using resume keywords can significantly boost your chances of landing your dream job, whether you just finished college or have some experience under your belt.
Just make sure you do the following:
- Identify key terms: Pinpoint crucial keywords from the job posting, like job titles, required degrees, and must-have skills.
- Strategically place keywords: Weave these keywords into your resume summary, education section, skills list, and experience descriptions using the exact wording from the job posting.
- Maintain honesty: To present an authentic and honest profile, only include keywords that truly reflect your skills and experience.
Related posts
Struggling with Resume Writing?
Ease the process with our templates