The role of keywords in modern resumes

The role of keywords in modern resumes

Why the right words can open the right doors.

If you’ve ever applied for a job and heard nothing back, it may not have been your experience that held you back—it might have been your resume’s keywords.

In today’s job market, it’s not just humans reviewing your application. Most employers, especially in medium to large organisations, use applicant tracking systems (ATS)—software that scans resumes for specific keywords before a recruiter even sees them. That’s why including the right keywords in your resume is no longer optional—it’s essential.

Let’s break down what resume keywords are, why they matter, and how you can use them to your advantage.

What are resume keywords?

Resume keywords are the words and phrases that match the skills, experience, and qualifications listed in a job ad. They’re often the specific terms an employer uses to describe what they’re looking for—things like “project coordination,” “stakeholder engagement,” or “budget management.”

These can include:

  • job titles
  • hard skills (e.g., “data analysis,” “CRM systems”)
  • soft skills (e.g., “time management,” “collaboration”)
  • industry-specific tools or qualifications

When these words appear in your resume, the ATS recognises you as a potential match for the role.

Why keywords matter

Most companies receive dozens (sometimes hundreds) of applications for each job. To make the process manageable, ATS software filters out resumes that don’t contain enough relevant keywords.

That means even a well-written resume can be missed entirely if it doesn’t include the right language. Including keywords increases your chances of:

  • passing through automated screening
  • aligning with the job description
  • getting your resume in front of a real person
  • showing that you understand the role

Where to find the right keywords

The best place to start is the job ad itself. Look for repeated words or phrases under sections like “key responsibilities,” “skills required,” or “about you.”

Also consider:

  • similar job listings from other companies
  • industry language or common role titles
  • tools, platforms, or qualifications that appear often in your field

If you’re unsure, a career coach or resume writer (like me) can help identify what recruiters in your industry are actually looking for.

How to use keywords effectively

It’s not about stuffing your resume with every word you find—it’s about using them naturally and strategically. Here’s how:

  • use keywords in your summary, skills section, and job descriptions
  • reflect the language of the job ad while staying true to your experience
  • include accomplishments that back up those keywords with results
  • keep formatting clean and easy for ATS software to read

Example:
Instead of saying “handled tasks in an office,” say “managed daily office administration, including scheduling, document preparation, and CRM updates”—you’ve now added specific and relevant keywords.

Need help? You’re not alone

Knowing what to say—and how to say it—can be tricky. That’s where I come in.

As a resume writer and career coach, I help jobseekers like you build resumes that are not only clear and professional but also keyword-optimised to give you the best possible chance at landing interviews.

If you’re not sure whether your current resume is ATS-friendly or keyword-rich, I’d be happy to take a look.

Charlotte Ambrose
Energise Careers
energisecareers@gmail.com
0456 149 395