When applying for jobs, your resume needs to get past more than just a recruiter—it first has to make it through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). ATS scans your resume for keywords related to the job description to determine if you’re a good fit. If you don’t have the right keywords for ATS, your resume may be overlooked, even if you’re highly qualified. So how can you make sure your resume stands out in a sea of applications? The key is improving resume keyword relevance. Here are some simple tips to help you get noticed.
One of the most effective ways to boost your keyword relevance is by tailoring your resume for each specific job you apply to. Every job posting uses its own set of description keywords and job keywords. To get past ATS and stand out to recruiters, take a close look at the job description and use the same keywords they use. This shows the ATS (and the recruiter) that your skills and experience are a perfect match for the role.
Here’s how to do it:
Job postings are often filled with specific job keywords that ATS looks for when scanning resumes. These can include:
Make sure to include the exact keywords for ATS from the job description, especially if they are critical to the role. For example, if the posting asks for “Agile experience” or “Java programming,” be sure to mention it on your resume if you have it.
Where you place your keywords in your resume is just as important as what words you choose. ATS scans specific sections, so make sure your keywords are placed in strategic spots to maximize their impact.
Here are the best places to include your keywords:
Sometimes, ATS scanners are looking for variations of the same keywords. For example, if the job posting mentions “project management,” the ATS might also search for “project lead,” “program management,” or “project coordinator.” To increase your keyword relevance, it’s a good idea to use synonyms and slight variations of the keywords that fit the context.
For example:
Using different versions of the same job keywords ensures your resume will be recognized in multiple search queries.
While hard skills (like “Excel” or “Java”) are often emphasized in job descriptions, soft skills (like “communication” or “team leadership”) are equally important. Many ATS systems now scan for both types of skills. Be sure to include a combination of both hard and soft keywords on your resume to increase your chances of being picked up.
For example, if the job requires “strong communication skills” or “leadership abilities,” try to highlight those qualities in your Work Experience or Skills sections.
Before submitting your resume, it’s a good idea to run it through an ATS resume checker. These tools can help you analyze how well your resume matches the job description in terms of keyword usage. They'll flag areas where your resume keywords might be missing or not optimized, and give you actionable feedback to improve your match.
Some popular ATS scanners include:
Sometimes, job descriptions are filled with many keywords. It can be tempting to throw everything on your resume, but it’s better to focus on the most important, relevant keywords for ATS. Look for the terms that are repeated multiple times in the job description, as these are usually the most important. If you’re overwhelmed, focus on these critical terms first.
For example, if a job description mentions “SEO” 10 times but only mentions “team collaboration” twice, you should prioritize SEO on your resume, especially if that’s a key aspect of the role.
Improving your resume keyword relevance is one of the best ways to ensure your resume gets noticed by both ATS and recruiters. By tailoring your resume for each job, focusing on the right keywords, and using them strategically throughout your resume, you increase your chances of passing through ATS filters and getting your resume in front of a hiring manager. Be sure to check your resume with an ATS checker and refine your use of keywords for resume to boost your chances of landing that dream job!