100+ Best ATS Keywords to Help You Pass ATS

Learn the top 100+ ATS keywords to make your resume pass applicant tracking systems. Expert tips, examples, and tools to help you land interviews fast.

Best ATS Keywords

If you’ve ever submitted a job application online, you may have encountered the dreaded ATS—Applicant Tracking System. These systems scan resumes for specific keywords to determine whether your application is worth passing on to a recruiter. Understanding ATS keywords and strategically incorporating them into your resume is essential to land interviews.

In this guide, we’ll cover over 100 of the best ATS keywords and show you how to use them effectively.

What is an ATS and Why It Matters

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by employers to streamline the hiring process. Instead of manually reviewing hundreds of resumes, the ATS scans for keywords, skills, and experience that match the job description.

Why it matters:

85% of large companies use ATS to filter resumes before a human sees them.
Resumes without relevant keywords often get automatically rejected.
Optimizing your resume with ATS keywords increases your chances of landing an interview.

How to Find ATS Keywords

Before we list the keywords, it’s important to know how to identify the right ones for your resume:

Analyze the Job Description: Look for repeated words or phrases under “Requirements” and “Responsibilities.”
Check Industry Standards: Use professional associations or LinkedIn profiles to find common skills in your field.
Use Tools: Websites like Jobscan or Resumeworded can help identify high-impact ATS keywords.

100+ Best ATS Keywords by Category

To make it easier, we’ve grouped keywords into categories so you can match them to your skills and experience.

Action Verbs (20)

These demonstrate achievement and proactivity:

Achieved
Managed
Developed
Implemented
Increased
Reduced
Led
Designed
Executed
Optimized
Created
Coordinated
Launched
Delivered
Improved
Oversaw
Streamlined
Generated
Facilitated
Resolved

Hard Skills (25)

Industry-specific or technical skills:
21. Python
22. JavaScript
23. SQL
24. HTML/CSS
25. SEO
26. Digital Marketing
27. Project Management
28. Data Analysis
29. Financial Modeling
30. CAD Design
31. UX/UI Design
32. Cloud Computing
33. DevOps
34. Agile
35. Scrum
36. Automation
37. Machine Learning
38. CRM Management
39. Social Media Marketing
40. Content Strategy
41. Analytics
42. Microsoft Excel
43. PowerPoint
44. Adobe Creative Suite
45. Google Analytics

Soft Skills (15)

ATS sometimes picks these up in context:
46. Leadership
47. Communication
48. Collaboration
49. Problem-Solving
50. Adaptability
51. Time Management
52. Teamwork
53. Critical Thinking
54. Negotiation
55. Creativity
56. Decision-Making
57. Conflict Resolution
58. Interpersonal Skills
59. Organization
60. Mentorship

Certifications & Licenses (10)

PMP
CPA
CFA
Six Sigma
Google Analytics Certified
AWS Certified
ITIL
Scrum Master
Cisco Certified
Microsoft Office Specialist

Job-Specific Keywords (15)

Marketing & Sales:
71. Lead Generation
72. Customer Acquisition
73. Brand Management
74. Campaign Optimization
75. Sales Strategy

Engineering/Tech:
76. Software Development
77. Network Security
78. API Integration
79. Quality Assurance
80. Troubleshooting

Healthcare:
81. Patient Care
82. EMR/EHR
83. HIPAA Compliance
84. Clinical Documentation
85. Treatment Planning

Quantifiable Achievements (15)

Increased revenue
Managed a team
Reduced costs
Improved efficiency
Boosted engagement
Completed projects
Generated leads
Improved customer satisfaction
Expanded market share
Delivered training
Enhanced productivity
Implemented systems
Reduced downtime
Increased sales
Improved retention

Using ATS Keywords Effectively

Tips for Using ATS Keywords Effectively

Tailor Your Resume for Each Job: Do not just copy-paste keywords. Align them with your actual experience.
Use Full Terms and Abbreviations: Example: “Search Engine Optimization (SEO).”
Integrate Keywords Naturally: ATS can detect keyword stuffing, so make them part of meaningful sentences.
Focus on Relevance: Prioritize keywords from the job description rather than generic terms.
Highlight Skills in Multiple Sections: Include them in the summary, skills list, and experience sections.

Tools to Check Your Resume for ATS Compatibility

Jobscan.co – Compares your resume against job descriptions.
Resumeworded.com – Scores your resume for ATS readability.
Zety Resume Builder – Offers keyword optimization suggestions.
LinkedIn Skills – Analyze profiles in your field for trending keywords.

Using ATS keywords strategically can mean the difference between your resume getting ignored or landing an interview. Focus on action verbs, hard skills, certifications, and industry-specific terms while keeping your content authentic and tailored.

By incorporating the 100+ ATS keywords above into your resume, you dramatically increase your chances of passing the initial ATS screening and catching a recruiter’s attention.

Pro Tip: Combine keyword optimization with a visually clean, readable resume layout. This ensures both software and human recruiters see your value.

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