Get Your Resume Seen With Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Keywords

Many organizations rely on application tracking systems (ATS) software to assist them go through resumes and discover qualified employees. It is critical to understand how to write your resume with keywords so that the ATS recognizes you as a strong prospect. We’ll go through how to use keywords in your resume to go past the ATS and get noticed by recruiters and hiring managers in this article.

What are ATS keywords?

ATS keywords are precise terms or phrases that businesses define as needs for a certain post, and you should include them on your resume to help employers notice you. Keywords in an applicant tracking system (ATS) might comprise words that identify qualified candidates based on education, skills, experience, and the industry or position.

Why are ATS keywords important on a resume?

The applicant tracking system swiftly scans hundreds of applications and ranks candidates based on keywords selected by the company for the open post. Your resume must pass the ATS before reaching the recruiter or hiring manager. Optimizing your resume for ATS keywords can boost the likelihood of a hiring manager calling you for a phone screen or interview.

How to use ATS keywords on your resume

Follow these steps to ensure your resume’s keywords are optimized to pass ATS:

• Read the job listing carefully.
• Include role-specific keywords.
• Include industry keywords.
• Place your resume keywords in the right location.
• Use spelling, numbers and abbreviations correctly.
• Write your resume for both the ATS and the recruiter or hiring manager.

1. Read the job listing carefully

Read the job description and seek for keywords. The job listing’s academic requirements, tasks, and recommended credentials contain these keywords. Since the company will likely enter the same keywords into the ATS, use keywords from the job description in your CV.

2. Include role-specific keywords

Next, check your CV for keywords related to the job. The firm name and position title are the most important role-specific keywords. Include the position title and firm name in your resume’s summary statement or career aim.

Include job-specific education, qualifications, and licenses. Finally, add enough hard talents—technical skills essential for the job—in your resume.

3. Include industry keywords

Next, include keywords specific to your industry as well. You can find these keywords by performing a Google search for “[industry] resume keywords.” Some of these keywords may have already been included in the job description. If you find industry keywords that weren’t included in the job description but reflect your relevant experience, including them in your resume could help you stand out as an expert within your industry.

4. Place your resume keywords in the right location

After choosing ATS keywords for your resume, you must decide where to put them. Summary, education, experience, and skills are crucial. Include numerous of your keywords in your cover letter.

Start your resume with keywords that highlight your strengths and experience in your summary statement or career aim. Include your degree and study fields. Include job listing keywords in your experience section. Finally, mention hard and soft abilities relevant to the industry and role in your skills section.

5. Use spelling, numbers and abbreviations correctly

Next, check your resume for misspelled terms and incorrect numbers and abbreviations. Your keywords should match the job description’s spelling. Use acronyms if the job description does. If the job description spells out numbers instead of using numbers, you should too.

6. Write your resume for both the ATS and the recruiter or hiring manager

Finally, your resume isn’t just for the ATS. After your resume passes the ATS, a recruiter or hiring manager will decide if you’re a candidate.

It’s vital to include ATS keywords in your resume, but don’t overdo it and make it unreadable. If you lie, the recruiter or hiring manager will find out. If an ATS keyword doesn’t match your education, experience, or skills, don’t use it.

ATS resume keywords tips

Here are a few general tips to remember when creating a resume to pass through an ATS:

Use the right file type

For your keywords to be effective, the ATS must be able to scan and read your resume. While PDF files are usually the easiest method to keep your resume formatted, they are not always compatible with ATS. If the application does not specify PDF as an acceptable file type and you are submitting your resume, try using a DOC, DOCX, or plain text file instead.

Avoid images and graphics

Applicant tracking systems also have difficulty reading and identifying images, graphics, tables and charts, so it is important to avoid these items in your resume.

Avoid jargon and buzzwords

While keywords are vital, avoid employing jargon and buzzwords that are exclusive to your sector or position. Jargon is slang for words or phrases that only a small set of people comprehend. Buzzwords are phrases and words that are frequently used in resumes, such as “self-starter” and “hard worker.”