Resume Keywords and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

August 16, 2025

Applicant Tracking Systems scan resumes for keywords and structure. To improve your resume's chance, include role-specific keywords naturally and submit a properly formatted document.

How ATS works

Most ATS parse based on headings and bullet lists. Avoid headers embedded in images and use clear section headings.

Keyword strategy

Mirror job description language and include both acronyms and full forms (e.g., SEO and Search Engine Optimization).

Testing

Test your resume with online ATS preview tools and iterate until parsing is correct.