Applicant Tracking Systems filter resumes by matching keywords from your resume against the job description. Using the right industry-specific keywords is the difference between getting through to a human and being automatically rejected.
Here's a comprehensive list of high-impact keywords by industry — use these as a starting point, then customize based on each specific job description.
Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, React, Node.js, AWS, Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD, Git, Agile, Scrum, REST API, GraphQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, microservices, system design, code review, test-driven development
SQL, Python, R, Tableau, Power BI, machine learning, data modeling, ETL, statistical analysis, A/B testing, data visualization, BigQuery, Snowflake, Pandas, TensorFlow, predictive modeling, data pipeline
Product strategy, roadmap, user research, A/B testing, stakeholder management, Agile, sprint planning, product-market fit, user stories, KPIs, OKRs, cross-functional, MVP, prioritization, data-driven decisions
User research, wireframing, prototyping, Figma, design systems, usability testing, information architecture, interaction design, responsive design, accessibility, WCAG, user flows, journey mapping, A/B testing
SIEM, penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, incident response, SOC, compliance, NIST, ISO 27001, firewall management, threat detection, encryption, identity management, zero trust, OWASP
Patient care, clinical assessment, medication administration, electronic health records (EHR), Epic, Cerner, BLS, ACLS, PALS, patient education, care coordination, discharge planning, vital signs, infection control, triage
Medical coding, ICD-10, CPT, billing, HIPAA compliance, patient scheduling, insurance verification, medical terminology, EHR management, revenue cycle, claims processing, prior authorization
GCP, IRB, clinical trials, patient recruitment, data collection, regulatory compliance, FDA, adverse event reporting, study protocols, informed consent, CRF, statistical analysis
GAAP, financial reporting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, reconciliation, audit, tax preparation, QuickBooks, SAP, budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, compliance, SOX
Financial modeling, DCF, valuation, Excel, Bloomberg, capital markets, risk assessment, portfolio management, derivatives, fixed income, equity research, M&A, due diligence
Risk management, regulatory compliance, loan origination, credit analysis, KYC, AML, Basel III, commercial lending, treasury management, interest rate risk, capital adequacy
SEO, SEM, Google Ads, Meta Ads, content marketing, email marketing, social media marketing, Google Analytics, HubSpot, conversion optimization, A/B testing, marketing automation, demand generation, lead generation
Content strategy, editorial calendar, SEO writing, blog management, copywriting, brand voice, audience research, content distribution, analytics, WordPress, CMS, storytelling
Brand strategy, market research, competitive analysis, positioning, go-to-market, campaign management, consumer insights, focus groups, brand guidelines, creative briefs
Curriculum development, lesson planning, differentiated instruction, classroom management, student assessment, IEP, special education, educational technology, Google Classroom, Canvas, LMS, parent communication
Academic advising, program development, accreditation, enrollment management, student retention, research methodology, grant writing, course design, learning outcomes assessment
Legal research, case management, document review, contract drafting, litigation support, e-discovery, Westlaw, LexisNexis, filing, deposition preparation, client communication, regulatory compliance
Regulatory compliance, risk assessment, policy development, audit, SOX, GDPR, HIPAA, AML, KYC, internal controls, compliance training, investigation, remediation
HR generalist, talent acquisition, employee relations, benefits administration, HRIS, onboarding, performance management, compensation analysis, succession planning, diversity and inclusion, ADA, FMLA, Workday, ADP, payroll
Supply chain management, inventory management, procurement, logistics, warehouse management, lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, process improvement, vendor management, demand planning, ERP, SAP
NEC, electrical code, wiring, circuit breakers, conduit, troubleshooting, blueprints, OSHA, voltage testing, panel installation, commercial wiring, residential wiring
Installation, maintenance, refrigeration, HVAC systems, EPA certification, ductwork, thermostats, compressors, troubleshooting, energy efficiency, commercial HVAC
1. Don't stuff — Use keywords naturally in context, not as a dump list
2. Match the job description — The JD keywords always take priority over generic lists
3. Include in both Skills section and experience bullets — ATS checks both
4. Use ScoutAI's resume tailoring — Paste any job, get an optimized version with the right keywords automatically included
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