Best Resume Keywords Examples (ATS Optimized)
Discover the best resume keywords examples for 2026. ATS-optimized keyword lists by industry. Use these to get past applicant tracking systems and land interviews.
Why ATS-Optimized Keywords Matter
Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes before humans see them. If your CV doesn't include the right keywords, it gets filtered out—no matter how qualified you are. These resume keywords examples are proven to help you pass ATS and reach recruiters. Use our free resume checker to see which keywords your CV is missing.
Universal Action Verbs (Use These in Bullets)
Strong action verbs make your experience stand out and often match ATS keyword searches. Examples:
Achieved, Led, Managed, Developed, Implemented, Optimized, Analyzed, Built, Created, Designed, Executed, Launched, Reduced, Increased, Streamlined, Coordinated, Delivered, Established, Improved, Resolved, Transformed, Spearheaded
Resume Keywords Examples by Industry
Technology & Software Engineering
Hard skills:
Python, JavaScript, React, Node.js, SQL, AWS, Kubernetes, Docker, Agile, Scrum, REST API, Microservices, DevOps, CI/CD, Machine Learning, Data Structures
Soft/process:
Code Review, Technical Leadership, Cross-functional Collaboration, Problem-solving, System Design, Performance Optimization
Marketing & Digital
Keywords:
SEO, SEM, PPC, Google Analytics, Content Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Email Marketing, Brand Strategy, Lead Generation, Conversion Rate, ROI, Marketing Automation, HubSpot, Campaign Management
Finance & Accounting
Keywords:
Financial Analysis, Budgeting, Forecasting, Risk Management, Compliance, GAAP, Financial Modeling, Variance Analysis, Audit, Reconciliation, CFO, FP&A
Healthcare
Keywords:
Patient Care, HIPAA, Electronic Health Records (EHR), Clinical, Healthcare Compliance, Quality Assurance, Patient Safety, Care Coordination
Product Management
Keywords:
Product Strategy, Roadmap, User Research, Stakeholder Management, Agile, Scrum, Backlog, Prioritization, Jira, Product Lifecycle, OKRs, KPIs
Data & Analytics
Keywords:
Data Analysis, SQL, Python, Tableau, Power BI, Excel, Statistical Analysis, Data Visualization, ETL, Machine Learning, Predictive Modeling, A/B Testing
How to Use These Keywords in Your Resume
- Pull from the job description: The best keywords are in the posting. Copy exact phrases where they fit your experience.
- Use them in bullets: Integrate keywords into achievement statements, e.g., "Managed cross-functional team to deliver 30% improvement in conversion rate."
- Add a skills section: List relevant hard skills and tools so ATS can match them.
- Include synonyms: Use variations (e.g., "led" and "managed") to cover different ATS configurations.
- Tailor per job: Change keywords for each application. Our AI CV tailor does this automatically.
ATS Keyword Mistakes to Avoid
- Keyword stuffing: Repeating the same keyword too often looks spammy and can hurt your score.
- Irrelevant keywords: Only include skills you actually have. You'll be questioned in interviews.
- Wrong format: Some ATS struggle with tables, graphics, and complex layouts. Use clean, simple formatting.
- Spelling variations: Match the job description (e.g., "JavaScript" vs "Javascript").
FAQ
What are the most important resume keywords?
The most important keywords come from the job description itself. Focus on required skills, tools, and qualifications first, then add industry-standard terms.
How many keywords should I use?
Aim for natural integration. Keyword density of 2–3% is often recommended. Prioritize relevance over quantity.
Can AI add keywords to my resume?
Yes. Our AI CV tailoring tool reads the job description and adds relevant keywords to your CV while keeping your content accurate. Use our resume checker to verify your keyword coverage before applying.
Optimize Your Resume Keywords Automatically
Our AI adds ATS-optimized keywords from each job description to your CV. Tailor once, apply with confidence.