Resume keywords are crucial, but what are the best words to use in a resume? We've got the list.
When you apply for jobs, your resume needs more than just a list of experiences—it needs the right keywords. Resume keywords are specific terms that highlight the skills, knowledge, and qualifications employers are actively seeking. These words help your resume get through applicant tracking systems and into the hands of real people. By weaving the right keywords into your resume, you improve your chances of standing out and moving forward in today’s competitive job market.
What are resume keywords?
Resume keywords are the specific words and phrases that describe your skills, experience, qualifications, and industry knowledge. They often come directly from job descriptions—think of terms like “project management,” “data analysis,” or “customer service.” These keywords help communicate what you bring to the table in a way employers (and the software they employ) understand. Adding the right ones can make a difference in whether your resume gets noticed.
Why are resume keywords important?
Keywords aren’t just nice to have—they're essential for showing you're a good fit for the job. Your resume might get overlooked if you don’t include them, even if you’re perfectly qualified. When you use the right terms, you speak the same language as hiring managers, making it easier for them to see how your background aligns with the role. More importantly, many companies use software to scan resumes for these exact keywords before a human even looks at them.
What is ATS?
ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System—the software many employers use to manage the resumes they receive for every job posting. Before a recruiter sees your resum, it often has to pass through this system. The ATS scans your resume for keywords that match the job description—if it finds a match, your resume moves forward. That’s why using strong, relevant keywords helps you get past the ATS and into the hands of a real person.
How to use keywords in your resume?
How do you know which resume keywords to include? Start by reviewing the job descriptions you're applying to and take note of the terms that routinely pop up on these job listings.
Now, ask yourself these questions:
How do they define the position and its responsibilities?
What specific language do they use to state the core requirements for the role?
Do I have these same skills and experience with the responsibilities?
If you've done that work before or possess those qualifications, describe it on your resume using the exact same wording. Work the terms throughout your resume in the Core Competencies and Work Experience sections. From there, try copying and pasting the job description into a free word and phrase frequency tool like Online-Utility.org's Text Analyzer to identify the most commonly used resume keywords and see how your resume measures up.
Resume keyword examples
The keywords listed below blend common industry terminology, key skills, and competencies frequently used in job descriptions, resumes, and LinkedIn profiles across various job categories. They’re also helpful for ATS optimization because they reflect terms that ATS systems are likely to scan for. Using these keywords throughout your resume will increase your chances of passing the ATS screening process and getting noticed by recruiters.
1. Finance
Financial analysis
Budgeting
Forecasting
Accounting
Investment strategies
Risk management
Financial reporting
Tax preparation
Auditing
Cash flow
Portfolio management
Financial modeling
Strategic planning
Business analysis
Cost reduction
Profitability analysis
Asset management
Financial statements
Credit analysis
Regulatory compliance
Investment banking
Mergers and acquisitions
Banking services
Debt management
Treasury operations
Financial planning
2. Healthcare
3. Sales
4. Manufacturing
Lean manufacturing
Process optimization
Quality control
Production management
Supply chain
Inventory management
Equipment maintenance
Product development
Assembly line
Manufacturing operations
OSHA compliance
Machine operation
Six Sigma
Production scheduling
Safety protocols
Continuous improvement
Industrial engineering
Packaging
Quality assurance
Materials handling
Manufacturing software
Cost reduction
Preventative maintenance
Workforce management
Plant management
Compliance regulations
5. Information Technology (IT)
6. Marketing
7. Customer Service
8. Education
9. Human Resources (HR)
Recruitment
Talent acquisition
Employee relations
Onboarding
Benefits administration
Performance management
Training and development
HR policies
Employee engagement
Compensation and benefits
Labor laws
HRIS (Human Resources Information System)
Conflict resolution
Diversity and inclusion
Succession planning
Workforce planning
Organizational development
Payroll management
Employee retention
Job descriptions
Employee wellness
HR compliance
Job analysis
Career development
Negotiation skills
10. Retail
11. Construction
12. Legal
Legal research
Contract law
Litigation support
Corporate law
Compliance
Legal writing
Client relations
Case management
Legal drafting
Intellectual property
Dispute resolution
Mediation
Document review
Legal advising
Regulatory compliance
Legal proceedings
Commercial law
Paralegal support
Court filing
Trial preparation
Legal briefings
Legal analysis
Risk management
Client counseling
Arbitration
Tax law
13. Engineering
14. Hospitality
15. Transportation & Logistics
16. Real Estate
Property management
Real estate sales
Market analysis
Negotiation
Leasing
Client relations
Investment properties
Property valuation
Contract negotiation
Real estate transactions
Mortgage services
Residential real estate
Commercial real estate
Real estate development
Property listing
Marketing properties
Open houses
Tenant relations
Real estate law
Closing process
Property inspection
Property staging
Market research
Transaction management
Real estate finance
Building codes
17. Arts & Design
Graphic design
Web design
Visual communication
Branding
Creative direction
Adobe Creative Suite
Illustration
UX/UI design
Photography
Typography
Art direction
Motion graphics
Video production
Photography
Animation
Portfolio development
Print design
Logo design
3D modeling
Storyboarding
Digital media
Design principles
Sketching
Creative writing
Conceptual design
Color theory
18. Nonprofit
Fundraising
Grant writing
Community outreach
Volunteer coordination
Program management
Nonprofit strategy
Advocacy
Event planning
Donor relations
Social impact
Program evaluation
Project management
Public relations
Stakeholder engagement
Social services
Budget management
Campaign management
Nonprofit governance
Collaboration
Marketing communications
Budget planning
Social media management
Stakeholder relations
Policy analysis
Corporate partnerships
Fund development
19. Science & Research
20. Media & Communications
Journalism
Public relations
Copywriting
Editing
Social media management
Content creation
Storytelling
Broadcast production
Marketing communications
Media relations
Copyediting
Public speaking
Press releases
Media outreach
Digital storytelling
SEO writing
Interviewing
News reporting
Campaign management
Crisis communication
Media strategy
Content strategy
Event promotion
Brand messaging
Media planning
Graphic design
Key takeaways
Using appropriate resume keywords can help you get through the resume black hole and showcase yourself in the best possible light. Hiring managers will appreciate seeing actionable insights from your career experience rather than simply telling them about it. Use the resume keyword tips above to transform your resume into a career-building tool.
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