If you’ve ever applied for dozens of jobs and heard nothing back — you’re not alone.
Your resume might be getting filtered out by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) before a human recruiter ever sees it.
In 2025, more than 95% of companies use ATS software to scan resumes for relevant keywords before shortlisting candidates.
The good news? You can easily beat the system by adding the right keywords — the ones real employers and ATS bots are both searching for.
Let’s look at how to identify and use resume keywords that pass ATS filters in 2025 — plus a list of industry examples you can copy today.
👉 Also read: How to Make Your Resume Pass Any ATS in 2025 (Free Online Checker Included)
What Are Resume Keywords?
Resume keywords are specific words or phrases that describe required skills, qualifications, tools, and experiences in a job posting.
ATS software uses these to match candidates to job listings. If your resume doesn’t include enough relevant ones, it’s ranked lower — or rejected.
💡 Example:
A “Digital Marketing” role might scan for:
SEO, Google Ads, content strategy, analytics, copywriting, and lead generation.
If your resume doesn’t mention those, the ATS assumes you’re not a fit.
How to Find the Right Keywords for Your Resume
- Read the job description carefully.
Highlight repeating terms — these are your key skills. - Use an ATS keyword scanner.
Upload your resume and the job posting to any ATS Resume Checker — it compares them and shows exactly which keywords you’re missing. - Add keywords naturally.
Don’t just list them. Use them in context — within your experience and achievements. - Update regularly.
ATS systems evolve every year, and keyword trends change. Always keep your resume aligned with the latest terminology.
Top Resume Keywords by Industry (2025 Update)
Here’s a list of high-performing, ATS-friendly keywords for popular job categories in 2025.
1. Information Technology (IT)
- Technical Support
- Troubleshooting
- Network Security
- Cloud Infrastructure
- IT Operations
- System Administration
- Cybersecurity
- Helpdesk
👉 Use the Resume Builder to create a clean, ATS-ready layout for technical roles.
2. Accounting & Finance
- Financial Reporting
- Budgeting
- Forecasting
- Auditing
- Compliance
- Payroll Processing
- Cost Analysis
- QuickBooks / Excel
3. Marketing & Communications
- Digital Marketing
- SEO Optimization
- Content Strategy
- Campaign Management
- Social Media Analytics
- Brand Development
- Copywriting
4. Education & Training
- Curriculum Design
- Lesson Planning
- Student Engagement
- Classroom Management
- Educational Technology
- Assessment Development
5. Customer Service & Sales
- CRM Software (Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Lead Generation
- Relationship Management
- Conflict Resolution
- Customer Retention
- Product Knowledge
6. Human Resources (HR)
- Recruitment
- Employee Relations
- Onboarding
- Performance Evaluation
- Policy Compliance
- Payroll Coordination
7. Healthcare & Nursing
- Patient Care
- Record Management
- HIPAA Compliance
- Clinical Procedures
- Team Collaboration
- Health Education
8. Engineering
- CAD Design
- Process Optimization
- Quality Control
- Mechanical Systems
- Troubleshooting
- Safety Compliance
9. Project Management
- Agile / Scrum
- Risk Assessment
- Budget Oversight
- Stakeholder Communication
- Process Improvement
10. Administrative / Office Roles
- Data Entry
- Scheduling
- Document Management
- Microsoft Office
- Time Management
- Coordination
How to Use Keywords Naturally in Your Resume
✅ Place them in your Summary and Skills sections.
✅ Integrate them into bullet points under work experience.
✅ Avoid overstuffing — make it sound natural.
✅ Match them with the job title (e.g., “Project Manager” vs “Project Coordinator”).
Before submitting, upload your resume to the ATS Resume Scanner to see how it scores against the job posting.
Conclusion
Beating ATS filters in 2025 isn’t about luck — it’s about strategy and keyword precision.
When your resume speaks the language of the job description, both the system and the recruiter notice you.