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?
Resume keywords 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.
ATS searches for the keywords that will show you’re the right candidate for the job.
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.
You should also pay attention to your resume format to ensure you have your target job’s specific keywords included in the right places.
Consider trying our online AI resume builder for free. It can help you save time and make sure your resume has the correct format and includes all the necessary sections.
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 below, you should still do some sleuthing on the job posting to pick out resume keywords they’ve selected.
Here is a quick table to help you understand where to find the required keywords from reading a job posting:
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.
Finally, you’ll want to read the Skills section carefully and identify the most important things they are looking for in a candidate. Highlight these words or phrases as well. Now, you have a printed-out job posting with the keywords to include in your resume.
💡tip
Want to make a skills section that helps you stand out from the crowd? You can use our free AI skills generator to help effortlessly show off how your skills align with the role advertised.
Where To Put Keywords on Your Resume
To pass ATS scanners, you’ll also need to think about where on your resume you place the keywords. Below is some advice for each section:
Add job titles and company names to your summary
For the job title and company name keywords, you’ll find it easiest and most logical to include them in your resume summary. You can instantly create a summary that highlights the keywords naturally with the help of our free AI resume summary generator.
Place degrees and training in the education section
The degree or training requirements should be listed under the Education section of your resume. Make sure to state the exact name of the degree as it was requested in the job posting.
Include skill keywords in both the skills and experience sections
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.
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.” Try to naturally include this in keyword in both the skills section and experience section.
In the interest of having the best chance to be selected by the ATS, you need to make sure your resume keywords are exact.
Use resume keywords together with action words
Resume keywords refer to the specific skills, tools, or qualifications listed in a job description, such as “data analysis” or “project management.”
Action words, on the other hand, are powerful verbs like “led,” “developed,” or “implemented” that describe what you actually accomplished. They can be considered power words for resumes.
Using both helps your resume pass ATS scans while sounding dynamic and results-driven to hiring managers.
Action verbs should be placed at the beginning of bullet points in your Experience section to make achievements stand out.
For example:
❌ “Responsible for managing a sales team.”
✅ “Led and motivated a sales team of 10, exceeding quarterly goals by 20%.”
Using action verbs like led, designed, improved, or resolved makes your contributions clearer and more impactful. Combine them with the keywords you find in the job posting to make a resume that highlights your skills and accomplishments while also passing ATS scanners.
Reinforce keywords in your cover letter
Consider including the most important keywords you find in the personalized cover letter you send with the resume. This shows the recruiter or hiring manager that you’re serious about the position.
You can instantly create a perfect cover letter tailored to your industry with our AI cover letter generator.
Be honest with your keywords
If you do not have a skill or the experience that the job posting lists, do not put it on your resume. You must only list resume keywords that apply to you and your professional skills.
Over 500 Resume Keywords to Use For Any 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 as inspiration or to help with writing sections of your resume, but always make sure it fits 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
Communication
- Customer communications
- Correspondence
- Verbal communication
Technical skills
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- Google Docs
- Word processing
Soft skills
- Proofreading
- Confidentiality
- Attention to detail
- Organization
- Adaptability
AI skills
- ChatGPT
- Microsoft Copilot
- AI-powered scheduling tools
- AI-driven data entry
- 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
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
IT support and administration
- Server
- Compute hardware
- IT ticket
- Problem solving
- Configuration
- Operating system
Data and analytics
- Data analysis
- Data science
- Database
Network and security
- Network security
- Wireless networks
- Cybersecurity
DevOps and command line
- DevOps
- Command line
Emerging technologies
- Machine learning
- AI (Artificial Intelligence)
- VR (Virtual Reality)
- AR (Augmented Reality)
AI skills
- AI
- Machine learning
- Predictive analytics
- AI-driven data analysis
- AI-powered development tools
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
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
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
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
Engineering disciplines
- Aerospace engineering
- Automotive engineering
- Civil engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Chemical engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Computer engineering
- Industrial engineering
- Environmental engineering
- Geological engineering
- Mining engineering
Software and programming
- Python
- JavaScript
- C++
- Java
- HTML
- CSS
- SQL
- Linux
- Unix
- Windows
- MacOS
- Bash
- Shell
- Ruby
- R
- C#
- PHP
- Swift
- Kotlin
- C
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
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
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
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 statements
Compliance and audit
- Audit
- Compliance
- Internal controls
- Sarbanes-Oxley Act
- Risk management
- Regulations
- Tax accounting
- Tax compliance
- Tax planning
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)
Professional roles and certifications
- Accountant
- CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
- Certified accountant
- Controller
- Financial analyst
- Professional engineer
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
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
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
Healthcare resume keywords
Medical roles
- Registered nurse
- MD
- Specialist
- Phlebotomist
- Personal healthcare worker
- Doctor
- Dental hygienist
- Dentist
- Pharmacist
- Resident
- Research chair
Healthcare operations
- Health team
- Health team collaboration
- Healthcare operations
- Hospital inventory
- Prescription management
- Medical records
- Time management
- Critical thinking
- Teamwork
Patient care and advocacy
- Patient care
- Patient advocacy
- Patient satisfaction
- Empathy
- Listening
- Attention to detail
Technical skills
- Health analytics
- Electronic Medical Records (EMR)
- Microsoft Excel
- Data analysis
- Documentation
Specialized areas
- Surgery
- OR (Operating Room)
- ER (Emergency Room)
Professional skills
- Verbal communication skills
- Leadership
- Motivation
- Multicultural awareness
- Organizational skills
AI skills
- AI-powered health analytics tools
- Predictive analytics for patient outcomes
- Automated medical records management
- AI-driven patient care optimization
- Intelligent scheduling systems
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
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
Diversity and inclusion
- DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)
- Multicultural awareness
- Diversity management
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
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
AI skills
- AI-powered legal research tools
- Predictive analytics for case outcomes
- Automated document review systems
- AI-driven contract analysis
- Intelligent e-discovery tools
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
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
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
Manufacturing, industrial, and technical resume keywords
Technical roles and certifications
- Certified technician
- Repair technician
- Certificate
- Apprentice
- Journeyman
- Welder
- Electrician
- HVAC technician
- Carpenter
- Plumber
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
AI skills
- AI-powered predictive maintenance
- Predictive analytics for equipment failures
- Automated quality control systems
- AI-driven inventory management
- Intelligent process optimization
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
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
AI skills
- AI-powered marketing automation
- Predictive analytics for sales forecasting
- AI-driven customer journey mapping
- Automated email marketing systems
- Intelligent CRM systems
Business operations
- Budget management
- Business direction
- Operations management
- Policy development
- Risk management
- Strategic planning
- Performance reviews
- Proposal development
Stakeholder and vendor management
- Partnerships
- Vendor relationships
- Contract negotiation
Check That Your Resume Is Perfect
Ready to send your resume, optimized for keywords and ATS scanners, but want to be sure it’s perfect? Try our resume checking service. You’ll get personalized feedback to help you tailor your resume to your industry.
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.
Nail these steps, and your resume will not only breeze through ATS filters but also catch the eye of hiring managers, positioning you as the standout candidate.
Best of luck!
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FAQs
Resume scanners, often part of applicant tracking systems, look for specific keywords to determine a candidate’s suitability for a job. These keywords typically come from job descriptions and include:
- Job-related skills: Specific technical or industry-specific skills (e.g., “project management,” “Java,” “financial analysis”).
- Action verbs: Words that describe achievements and responsibilities (e.g., “managed,” “designed,” “led”).
- Qualifications: Educational and certification requirements (e.g., “MBA,” “CPA”).
- Soft skills: Personal attributes (e.g., “leadership,” “communication”) that are also valued by employers.
Industry keywords are specific terms and phrases commonly used within a particular field that describe essential skills, tools, technologies, and qualifications.
These keywords help demonstrate your expertise and relevance to the industry. For example, in information technology, keywords might include “SQL,” “Linux,” and “cybersecurity,” while in marketing, they might be “SEO,” “content strategy,” and “market analysis.”
Including these in a job keywords list in your resume can enhance its visibility to recruiters and ATS systems.
Yes, but use them sparingly and strategically. Adjectives like “dedicated,” “innovative,” or “results-oriented” can strengthen your profile, especially in your summary.
However, avoid overused or vague terms like “excellent” or “hardworking.”
The best approach is to pair adjectives with measurable achievements, for example: “Creative marketing professional who increased engagement by 35%.”
Here are a few impactful verbs that are resume power words, and work well across industries:
- Achieved
- Designed
- Managed
- Implemented
- Improved
- Led
- Resolved
- Increased
- Spearheaded
- Developed
These verbs help transform your ordinary job duties into clear results. They can help make your resume sound confident and achievement-focused.
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