Discover how to use ATS keywords to enhance your resume and increase your chances of landing a job.
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What Are ATS Keywords?
When applying for jobs, your CV may be filtered through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) before a recruiter even sees it.
ATS software scans resumes for specific keywords that match the job description, helping recruiters quickly identify the most relevant candidates.
Why ATS?
ATS is used by over 75% of large companies to streamline the hiring process. The system filters out unqualified candidates, ensuring recruiters only see the most relevant resumes. According to a study by Jobscan in 2022, 75% of large companies rely on ATS to rank resumes (Jobscan, 2022).
How ATS Keywords Work
ATS keywords are words or phrases found in job descriptions. These can include:
- Job Titles: Ensure your job titles align with those in the job posting. This is one of the most critical factors for passing the ATS scan.
- Example: If the job posting mentions “Marketing Manager,” use the same title if applicable to your experience.
- Areas of Expertise: Keywords related to your field or specialization. These help ATS understand your areas of expertise.
- Example: For a tech job, terms like “Java” or “Cloud Computing” should be included.
- Soft Skills: These are personal attributes that are essential for most roles. Soft skills are crucial to show your interpersonal abilities.
- Example: “Leadership,” “Communication,” and “Problem Solving” are common soft skills.
- Technical Skills: For specific roles, technical skills are highly valuable. These could include software, tools, or programming languages that are part of the job requirements.
- Example: “Excel,” “Python,” or “Project Management Software” might be used in a job description.
- Action Verbs: Start your job descriptions with dynamic verbs that highlight your achievements and responsibilities.
- Example: Words like “Managed,” “Created,” and “Led” should be part of your experience section.
- Qualifications: ATS also looks for relevant qualifications like certifications and degrees that match the job description.
- Example: If the job requires a “PMP certification,” make sure it’s mentioned in your qualifications section.
Extensive ATS keywords
As an example let’s take the Customer Service Manager role, here’s how keywords work for that role.
| Job Titles | Customer Service Manager, Customer Service Supervisor, Client Relations Manager, Service Operations Manager, Customer Service Team Manager |
| Areas of Expertise | Customer Experience Management, Team Leadership and Training, Service Operations and Compliance, Client Relationships, Data Analysis and Reporting |
| Soft Skills | Leadership, Team Management, Communication, Problem-solving, Conflict Resolution, Time management |
| Technical Skills | Customer service software, CRM tools, Microsoft Office Suite, Travel booking systems, Tourism regulations |
| Action Verb | Develop, Monitor, Address, Recruit, Set, Oversee, Manage, Track |
| Qualifications | Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Business administration, or related field At least 5 years of experience in customer service Managerial or supervisory experience in customer service Proficiency in CRM and reporting tools CCXP/CCRM/PMP Certifications (preferred) |
Check what DreamShift Clients say about DreamShift’s Extensive ATS Keyword Research
How to Use ATS Keywords in Your Resume
To increase your chances of getting noticed by ATS and recruiters, incorporate the relevant keywords into these sections of your resume:
- Job Titles: Make sure the job titles listed in your resume match those in the job description.
- Areas of Expertise: Include relevant industry terms in your “Professional Summary” or “Experience” sections.
- Soft Skills: Place these in sections like “Core Competencies” or “Skills.”
- Technical Skills: List these in a dedicated “Skills” or “Technical Skills” section and within job descriptions.
- Action Verbs: Use strong action verbs at the start of your bullet points in the experience section.
- Qualifications: Highlight certifications, education, and specific skills in a “Qualifications” or “Certifications” section.
By strategically placing these keywords in your resume, you’ll significantly increase your chances of passing the ATS and being noticed by recruiters.