Resume Keywords by Industry: What to Include to Get Past ATS Filters
7 min read
Key Takeaways
- Most large employers use ATS software that filters resumes before a human sees them
- Missing keywords = filtered out, even if you're a strong candidate
- Use exact terms from the job posting — synonyms often won't match
- Keywords belong in your skills section, experience bullets, and professional summary
- Customize keywords for every application — a generic resume is an ATS liability
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software that scans your resume for relevant keywords before a human recruiter ever sees it. Studies estimate that 75% of resumes are never read by a person because they fail the ATS filter. The solution isn't to "trick" the system — it's to ensure that your genuine experience is described in the language that employers are actually searching for.
How to Find Keywords for Your Resume
The most reliable keyword source is the job posting itself. Read 5–10 postings for your target role and highlight phrases that appear repeatedly. Those recurring terms are what ATS is scanning for. Pay particular attention to:
- Required skills and tools — software, certifications, platforms (e.g., "QuickBooks", "Salesforce", "Python")
- Job title variations — include both the exact title you're targeting and common variants
- Industry-specific terminology — jargon that signals insider knowledge (e.g., "GAAP", "IEP", "HVAC", "EMR")
- Action-oriented phrases — "managed," "led," "developed," "implemented," "reduced," "increased"
Once identified, ensure these terms appear naturally in your skills section, experience bullet points, and professional summary — not in a separate "keyword dump" at the bottom of the page.
Healthcare Resume Keywords
Healthcare resumes are heavily credential- and certification-based. ATS filters for exact license and certification names.
| Role | Key ATS Keywords |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN) | RN license, BLS certification, IV therapy, patient assessment, Epic EMR, medication administration, ACLS |
| CNA | CNA certification, activities of daily living, ADLs, vital signs, resident care, long-term care, memory care |
| Medical Assistant | clinical documentation, phlebotomy, EHR, CPT coding, patient intake, medical terminology, EMR |
| Home Health Aide | personal care, HHA certification, homebound patients, medication reminders, care planning, transfers |
| Medical Receptionist | scheduling, insurance verification, HIPAA compliance, patient intake, medical records, EHR, billing |
Technology Resume Keywords
Tech keywords must be exact — "JavaScript" and "JS" are not always treated as equivalent by ATS systems. List both where relevant.
| Role | Key ATS Keywords |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | JavaScript, Python, React, Node.js, REST API, Git, Agile, SQL, TypeScript, CI/CD, unit testing |
| IT Support / Help Desk | troubleshooting, Active Directory, Windows 10/11, ticketing system, Zendesk, ServiceNow, TCP/IP, VPN, CompTIA A+ |
| Network Administrator | Cisco, network configuration, firewall management, LAN/WAN, DNS, DHCP, CompTIA Network+, CCNA |
| QA Engineer | test cases, regression testing, Selenium, JIRA, bug tracking, manual testing, automation, Cypress |
| Web Designer | HTML, CSS, Figma, WordPress, responsive design, UI/UX, Adobe XD, JavaScript, accessibility, SEO |
Finance & Accounting Resume Keywords
| Role | Key ATS Keywords |
|---|---|
| Bookkeeper | QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Desktop, accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliation, payroll, general ledger, Xero |
| Staff Accountant | GAAP, month-end close, journal entries, financial statements, account reconciliation, Excel, variance analysis |
| Financial Analyst | financial modeling, Excel, budget analysis, forecasting, FP&A, pivot tables, data visualization, Tableau |
| Payroll Specialist | ADP, Paychex, Gusto, payroll processing, garnishments, W-2, payroll taxes, multi-state payroll, CPP |
Education Resume Keywords
| Role | Key ATS Keywords |
|---|---|
| K–12 Teacher | lesson planning, differentiated instruction, Common Core, IEP, classroom management, parent communication, formative assessment, Google Classroom |
| Special Education Teacher | IEP, SPED, behavioral intervention, accommodations, inclusion, co-teaching, IDEA compliance, autism spectrum |
| Substitute Teacher | substitute teaching permit, classroom management, lesson delivery, K–12, flexible, multi-grade |
| Tutor | academic coaching, differentiated instruction, SAT prep, math tutoring, reading intervention, ESL |
Skilled Trades Resume Keywords
| Trade | Key ATS Keywords |
|---|---|
| Electrician | NEC code, conduit bending, panel installation, journeyman license, commercial wiring, residential wiring, OSHA 30, blueprint reading |
| Plumber | state plumbing license, pipe fitting, water heater installation, drain cleaning, commercial plumbing, code compliance, service plumbing |
| HVAC Technician | EPA 608, refrigerant handling, HVAC installation, preventive maintenance, commercial HVAC, residential HVAC, troubleshooting, load calculations |
| Welder | MIG welding, TIG welding, AWS certified, structural welding, blueprint reading, metal fabrication, stick welding, quality inspection |
Universal Resume Action Keywords
These high-impact action verbs should lead your experience bullet points across any industry. Each signals a different type of value:
- Leadership: led, managed, directed, supervised, mentored, spearheaded, coordinated
- Achievement: increased, reduced, improved, achieved, delivered, exceeded, generated
- Creation: developed, built, designed, implemented, launched, created, established
- Analysis: analyzed, evaluated, researched, identified, assessed, diagnosed, audited
- Communication: presented, trained, negotiated, collaborated, liaised, authored, facilitated
Always follow an action verb with a specific outcome and a number where possible: "Increased customer retention by 23% through a loyalty program redesign."
Where to Place Keywords in Your Resume
- Professional Summary: Include 3–5 keywords naturally in the first 2–3 sentences. This is one of the first sections ATS reads.
- Skills Section: A clean, scannable list of hard skills and tools. List exact software names and certification titles.
- Experience Bullets: Integrate keywords naturally within your achievement statements — not forced or repeated.
- Education & Certifications: Spell out credential names in full (e.g., "Certified Nursing Assistant" not just "CNA") — ATS systems may search for both.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are ATS keywords and why do they matter?
ATS (Applicant Tracking System) keywords are the specific words and phrases that resume-scanning software looks for when screening applications. If your resume lacks these keywords, it may be filtered out before a human ever reads it. Most large employers and many mid-size companies use ATS software, making keyword optimization essential.
How do I find the right keywords for my resume?
Read 5–10 job postings for your target role and highlight the words and phrases that appear repeatedly. These are the keywords employers are prioritizing. Then ensure your resume includes these exact terms — not synonyms — in your skills section, experience bullets, and professional summary.
Is it okay to stuff keywords into my resume?
No. Keyword stuffing — adding irrelevant terms or repeating words unnaturally — will not help and may hurt your application. Modern ATS systems check for context, not just presence. Only include keywords you can genuinely claim and support with specific examples.
Should I customize my resume keywords for every application?
Yes. Keep a master resume with all your experience, then create a targeted version for each job, adjusting keywords to match the specific posting. This takes 10–15 minutes per application but dramatically increases your response rate compared to sending the same resume everywhere.