TL;DR
Resume keywords are skills, tools, and qualifications that ATS and recruiters search for. Extract keywords directly from job descriptions, use exact matches when possible, include both hard skills (Python, Salesforce) and action verbs (led, implemented, optimized). This guide provides keyword lists by industry to get you started.
Why Resume Keywords Matter
When you apply for a job, your resume goes through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) that parses your application and ranks it by how well it matches the role. If your resume doesn't contain the right terms, it can get buried or ranked below better-matched applications - so it may not surface for a recruiter to see.
Why Keywords Matter
Keyword mismatches are a primary reason strong applications fail to surface. An ATS does not necessarily auto-reject your resume, but a poor keyword match can sink it below the candidates the system ranks higher. Using the right keywords can mean the difference between getting an interview and hearing nothing.
Types of Resume Keywords
1. Hard Skills
Technical abilities and tools you can demonstrate:
- Programming languages (Python, JavaScript, SQL)
- Software and tools (Salesforce, Excel, Figma)
- Technical skills (data analysis, financial modeling)
- Methodologies (Agile, Scrum, Six Sigma)
2. Soft Skills
Interpersonal and transferable abilities:
- Leadership, team management
- Communication, presentation
- Problem-solving, critical thinking
- Collaboration, cross-functional teamwork
3. Action Verbs
Strong verbs that demonstrate impact:
- Led, managed, directed, oversaw
- Developed, created, designed, built
- Increased, improved, optimized, enhanced
- Implemented, launched, executed, delivered
4. Industry Terms
Jargon and terminology specific to your field:
- KPIs, ROI, conversion rate (Marketing)
- Sprint, deployment, CI/CD (Tech)
- Due diligence, M&A, valuation (Finance)
5. Certifications & Credentials
Professional qualifications:
- PMP, Scrum Master, AWS Certified
- CPA, CFA, Series 7
- Google Analytics, HubSpot, Salesforce Admin
Technology & Software Engineering
Software Engineer / Developer
Software Engineering Keywords:
Languages: Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, Java, C++, Go, Rust, SQL, HTML, CSS
Frameworks: React, Node.js, Django, Spring Boot, Angular, Vue.js, Next.js, Express
Tools: Git, Docker, Kubernetes, AWS, GCP, Azure, Jenkins, Terraform
Concepts: REST API, microservices, CI/CD, agile, Scrum, TDD, system design
Databases: PostgreSQL, MongoDB, MySQL, Redis, Elasticsearch
Data Science / Analytics
Data Science Keywords:
Languages: Python, R, SQL, Scala
Tools: Pandas, NumPy, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, Tableau, Power BI
Concepts: Machine learning, deep learning, NLP, computer vision, statistical analysis
Platforms: Databricks, Snowflake, BigQuery, Jupyter, SageMaker
Product Management
Product Management Keywords:
Skills: Product strategy, roadmap planning, user research, A/B testing, prioritization
Methodologies: Agile, Scrum, Kanban, OKRs, Jobs to be Done
Tools: Jira, Asana, Productboard, Amplitude, Mixpanel, Figma
Metrics: NPS, retention, conversion, DAU/MAU, ARPU, LTV
Marketing & Growth
Digital Marketing
Digital Marketing Keywords:
Channels: SEO, SEM, PPC, social media marketing, email marketing, content marketing
Tools: Google Analytics, Google Ads, Facebook Ads, HubSpot, Mailchimp, SEMrush
Skills: Campaign management, A/B testing, conversion optimization, marketing automation
Metrics: CTR, CPC, CPM, ROAS, conversion rate, CAC, LTV
Content Marketing
Content Marketing Keywords:
Skills: Content strategy, copywriting, SEO writing, editorial calendar, brand voice
Tools: WordPress, Contentful, Ahrefs, Clearscope, Grammarly
Formats: Blog posts, whitepapers, case studies, email campaigns, social content
Growth / Performance Marketing
Growth Marketing Keywords:
Skills: Growth hacking, funnel optimization, experimentation, user acquisition
Channels: Paid social, programmatic, affiliate marketing, influencer marketing
Tools: Optimizely, Amplitude, Segment, Branch, AppsFlyer
Finance & Accounting
Financial Analyst
Financial Analyst Keywords:
Skills: Financial modeling, forecasting, budgeting, variance analysis, valuation
Tools: Excel, Bloomberg Terminal, Capital IQ, Tableau, SAP
Concepts: DCF, LBO, M&A, due diligence, P&L, balance sheet, cash flow
Certifications: CFA, CPA, FRM, Series 7, Series 63
Accounting
Accounting Keywords:
Skills: GAAP, IFRS, financial reporting, audit, tax preparation, reconciliation
Tools: QuickBooks, NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, Workday
Certifications: CPA, CMA, EA
Sales & Business Development
Sales / Account Executive
Sales Keywords:
Skills: Prospecting, lead generation, pipeline management, negotiation, closing
Tools: Salesforce, HubSpot, Outreach, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, ZoomInfo
Metrics: Quota attainment, win rate, deal size, sales cycle, ARR, MRR
Methodologies: MEDDIC, SPIN Selling, Challenger Sale, Solution Selling
Customer Success
Customer Success Keywords:
Skills: Account management, retention, upselling, onboarding, QBRs
Tools: Gainsight, ChurnZero, Totango, Intercom
Metrics: NPS, CSAT, churn rate, expansion revenue, health score
Design & UX
UX/UI Designer
UX/UI Design Keywords:
Skills: User research, wireframing, prototyping, usability testing, information architecture
Tools: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, Miro, UserTesting
Concepts: Design systems, accessibility (WCAG), responsive design, interaction design
Methods: Design thinking, user personas, journey mapping, A/B testing
Human Resources
HR / People Operations
HR Keywords:
Skills: Recruiting, talent acquisition, onboarding, employee relations, performance management
Tools: Workday, BambooHR, Greenhouse, Lever, LinkedIn Recruiter
Concepts: HRIS, compliance, DEI, employer branding, compensation analysis
Certifications: SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR
Healthcare
Healthcare Administration
Healthcare Keywords:
Skills: Healthcare management, patient care, compliance, quality assurance
Systems: Epic, Cerner, MEDITECH, electronic health records (EHR)
Regulations: HIPAA, CMS, Joint Commission, Medicare/Medicaid
Certifications: FACHE, CPHQ, RHIA, RHIT
Universal Action Verbs
Use these powerful verbs regardless of industry:
Leadership Verbs
Led, managed, directed, supervised, coordinated, mentored, coached, oversaw, guided, spearheaded
Achievement Verbs
Achieved, exceeded, surpassed, attained, accomplished, delivered, completed, succeeded
Improvement Verbs
Improved, increased, enhanced, optimized, streamlined, accelerated, boosted, maximized
Creation Verbs
Created, developed, designed, built, launched, established, initiated, founded, pioneered
Analysis Verbs
Analyzed, evaluated, assessed, identified, investigated, researched, diagnosed, measured
How to Use Keywords Effectively
Extract from job descriptions
The job posting is your primary keyword source
Use exact matches
Mirror the terminology exactly when possible
Distribute throughout
Include keywords in summary, experience, and skills sections
Show context
Don't just list keywords-use them in achievement statements
Include variations
Use both acronyms and full terms (SEO + Search Engine Optimization)
Prioritize relevance
Focus on keywords most important to the specific role
Doing this manually for every application is tedious. You have to read each job description, identify the key terms, then figure out how to work them into your resume naturally. This is exactly what MORT handles automatically-it reads the job description and adjusts your keywords so you don't have to.
Automate Keyword Optimization
Manually matching keywords to each job description is time-consuming. MORT's AI Resume Builder automatically analyzes job postings and optimizes your resume with the right keywords - in under 2 minutes.