The Power of Keywords in Resume Optimization: 8 Tips for Applicant Tracking Systems
To help you optimize your resume for applicant tracking systems, we asked eight professionals, including founders and a career advancement consultant, for their top tips. From using the employer’s language and terminology to mirroring the job listing with appropriate keywords, these experts share their best advice on incorporating relevant keywords into your resume.
- Use the Employer’s Language and Terminology
- Adopt the “Keyword Context Blocks” Strategy
- Employ Word Cloud for Keyword Identification
- Leverage Online Tools for Keyword Analysis
- Incorporate Keywords Naturally and Maintain Format
- Utilize Jobscan for Missing Keywords
- Play the “Synonym Symphony”
- Mirror Job Listing with Appropriate Keywords
Use the Employer’s Language and Terminology
Use the job description as your roadmap. It tells you exactly what the employer is looking for. Scan it thoroughly, identify essential keywords, and pay attention to their terminology.
In HR, “diversity and inclusion” (D&I) is a common term. However, some companies prefer “inclusion and diversity” (I&D). If you’re applying for a job where the company used the latter phrase, ensure your resume reflects this by using “inclusion and diversity” to match the job description and optimize it for applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Using the employer’s terminology demonstrates your alignment with the role and makes it easier for ATS to recognize your qualifications.
Ana Colak-Fustin, Founder, ByRecruiters
Adopt the “Keyword Context Blocks” Strategy
Unique insights on ATS resume optimization can be shared. Traditional advice champions keyword stuffing, but ATS algorithms have shifted toward contextual understanding.
A healthcare firm was advised to move from isolated keywords to context-rich job descriptions. This switch led to a 35% increase in high-quality applicants.
Use “Keyword Context Blocks” in your resume. Rather than listing skills like “Agile” or “SCRUM” separately, embed them within relevant work experiences. For instance, “Led an Agile team using SCRUM to achieve 99.9% uptime in a cloud analytics project.” This approach helps modern ATS algorithms, which are increasingly context-driven, to accurately gauge your skill-set.
Roman Borissov, CEO, SEOBRO.Agency
Employ Word Cloud for Keyword Identification
An easy, visual way to understand what keywords to utilize on a resume involves placing the job description (only the role responsibilities) into a word cloud, which would produce the overarching themes. These keywords would be evident based on the words that stand out the most in the word cloud.
From there, you can take the top three and place them at the top of the resume (remove “summary” and add these keywords instead). Not only does this highlight the most important aspects of the role, but it also shows the recruiter in the seven seconds spent reviewing the resume how your qualifications stand out, aligned with the role.
Megan Dias, Career Services Coach, Parsity
Leverage Online Tools for Keyword Analysis
To optimize your resume for ATS, gather three to five job descriptions for your target role. You can use free online tools like Word Cloud or Text Analyzer to highlight the most frequently mentioned terms across these job descriptions.
Then, strategically integrate these keywords into your resume sections like “Skills,” “Experience,” and “Objective.” Ensure they realistically align with your experiences and skills and fit in with the context of your resume’s statements or bullet points before including them.
Eva Chan, Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Senior Content Specialist, Resume Genius
Incorporate Keywords Naturally and Maintain Format
To optimize your resume for ATS, incorporate relevant keywords from the job description into your resume naturally. Use conventional formatting and a simple layout to ensure it’s easy for ATS to read. Avoid overusing keywords and focus on well-written content.
Mike Podesto, Founder and CEO, Find My Profession
Utilize Jobscan for Missing Keywords
The ATS should never dictate your entire job-hunting process. There are many factors, such as who you know and networking, that also make a positive impact on your progress. Nonetheless, the ATS is part of the process, so it’s important to be up-to-date on best practices. Let’s dive into the basics:
Step 1: Pinpoint missing keywords by using tools like Jobscan.
Step 2: Incorporate missing keywords, intentionally! Address two key questions: Where and how?
Where? Add keywords in prominent areas like the “core competencies” section. This enables ATS systems to pass the resume and also redirects the hiring manager’s focus to your most relevant skills.
How? Avoid scattering keywords across your resume to appease the ATS. Initial software screenings are only the first step; humans are the second. Integrating words or phrases that don’t flow may jeopardize the integrity of your resume.
As you weave keywords into your career documents, remember, it’s the human touch that seals the deal, not the algorithms.
Bethany Jeffreys, Career Advancement Consultant, Pivot Management Group
Play the “Synonym Symphony”
Craft a resume that sings to applicant tracking systems (ATS) by playing the “Synonym Symphony.” Rather than overloading your resume with repetitive keywords, find synonyms and variations for the skills and qualifications you possess. ATS systems are smart enough to recognize these word variations, helping your resume resonate more effectively.
For example, if you’re skilled in “project management,” consider adding “project coordination” or “team leadership” to ensure your resume dances through the digital filters with grace and finesse.
Additionally, weave keywords naturally into your professional summary and work experience sections. Instead of a laundry list of skills, tell a compelling story of your accomplishments while strategically sprinkling in those keywords.
Precious Abacan, Content Marketer, Softlist
Mirror Job Listing with Appropriate Keywords
When optimizing your resume for an applicant tracking system, it’s important to mirror the job listing carefully. The same keywords that are used to describe the potential role should appear in your resume and cover letter—but there is a caveat:
Don’t quote verbatim from the job advertisement. This looks lazy and uninspired.
Instead, pepper matching keywords throughout your resume only where they are truly appropriate. This may mean prioritizing some terms over others; that’s okay. It’s better to use fewer keywords honestly than to stuff your resume indiscriminately.
Travis Hann, Partner, Pender & Howe