Optimizing Keywords for ATS

Modern Applicant Tracking Systems look for evidence that your experience aligns with the job description. The goal isn’t to stuff keywords—it’s to reflect genuine, role‑relevant skills and outcomes using language the ATS and recruiter expect.

What counts as a keyword?

• Hard skills: e.g., Python, Figma, SQL, SEO, Salesforce
• Tools & platforms: AWS, React, Tableau, HubSpot
• Methodologies: Agile, Scrum, OKRs, A/B testing
• Certifications: PMP, AWS‑CSA, CPA
• Role terms & domains: pipeline, CAC, observability, fintech

How to find the right keywords

1. Scan the job description for repeated terms and explicit requirements.
2. Highlight must‑haves (required skills) and recurring themes across similar postings.
3. Use your ATS report to surface missing or weakly‑represented keywords.

Focus on accuracy: only include terms that reflect your actual experience.

Prioritize: must‑haves vs. nice‑to‑haves

• Must‑haves: explicit requirements and core stack (these should appear multiple times in context).
• Role‑specific: technologies or domains the team emphasizes.
• Nice‑to‑haves: secondary tools—sprinkle sparingly if relevant.

Where to place keywords

• Professional Summary: 1–2 of the highest‑priority terms.
• Experience bullets: show outcomes with the tool/skill in use.
• Technical Skills: a concise, categorized list to confirm coverage.
• Job titles & headings: keep standard wording for clarity.

Example (before → after)

• Before: Improved performance of internal service.
• After: Improved API latency 35% by profiling Python services and optimizing PostgreSQL queries.

Context beats lists

Long “skills walls” don’t convince recruiters or ATS. Balance your skills list with contextual bullets that prove how you used each skill to deliver outcomes.

Match wording and synonyms

• Prefer the job’s exact phrasing where accurate (e.g., “CI/CD” vs. “automation pipeline”).
• Use natural synonyms when your experience differs slightly (e.g., “Google Ads” and “SEM”).
• Avoid awkward repetition—vary sentence structure while keeping the term visible.

Measure coverage

After edits, run a new ATS analysis to check coverage, prominence, and readability. Iterate until your score reaches your target band. Remember, beyond a certain point, substance matters more than hitting every keyword variant.

Common mistakes

• Keyword stuffing: repeating terms without context can hurt readability and raise flags.
• Irrelevant tools: listing everything you’ve ever touched dilutes signal.
• Hiding content in tables/images: ATS may ignore it altogether.

Next steps

• Validate improvements: Understanding Your ATS Score
• Present your achievements clearly: Choosing the Right Resume Template
• Create a matching cover letter: Creating AI‑Powered Cover Letters