Keywords Are King: How to Find and Use the Right Keywords for Any Job Description

If you've ever applied for a job online, you've interacted with an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). The primary job of an ATS is to scan your resume for keywords that match the job description. If your resume lacks these critical terms, it will likely be rejected before a human ever sees it. This guide will teach you how to become a keyword expert.

Why are keywords so important?

ATS Matching: The ATS scores your resume based on how well it matches the keywords in the job description.
Human Scannability: When a recruiter does see your resume, they will also be scanning for these same keywords to quickly assess your qualifications.
Demonstrates Fit: Using the right keywords shows that you understand the role and have the specific skills the employer is looking for.

How to Find the Right Keywords#

Your primary source for keywords is the job description itself. Here's a step-by-step process to extract the most important terms.

Step 1: Analyze the Job Description#

Read through the job description and highlight or copy-paste terms that fall into these categories:

Hard Skills: These are specific, teachable abilities.
- Examples: Python, React, SQL, Financial Modeling, SEO, Graphic Design, Project Management
Soft Skills: These are interpersonal attributes.
- Examples: Leadership, Communication, Teamwork, Problem-Solving, Adaptability
Tools and Technologies: Specific software or platforms.
- Examples: Jira, Salesforce, Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, AWS
Qualifications and Experience: Education, certifications, and years of experience.
- Examples: Bachelor's Degree, PMP Certification, "5+ years of experience"
Company-Specific Terms: Sometimes a company will use unique terminology for its roles or technologies.

Step 2: Use a Word Cloud Generator#

A great way to visualize the most frequently used terms is to copy the entire job description and paste it into a free word cloud generator (like WordArt.com). The words that appear largest and most frequently are your most important keywords.

Step 3: Leverage AI Tools#

Tools like Applyr.co have built-in keyword analysis features. You can paste in a job description, and the AI will identify the most critical keywords and skills you need to include in your resume.

How to Use Keywords in Your Resume#

Once you have your list of keywords, you need to strategically place them throughout your resume. Don't just stuff them in; they need to be part of well-written, achievement-oriented statements.

1. The Professional Summary#

Your summary should immediately highlight your most relevant skills, using keywords from the job description.

Job Description Keywords: Project Management, Agile, Scrum, Stakeholder Communication

Optimized Summary:

Certified Project Manager (PMP) with 7 years of experience leading cross-functional teams in an Agile/Scrum environment. Expert in stakeholder communication and dedicated to delivering projects on time and within budget.

2. The Skills Section#

This is where you can list many of your hard skills and technical keywords. It's a quick-reference section for both the ATS and recruiters.

Job Description Keywords: React, Node.js, TypeScript, GraphQL, AWS

Optimized Skills Section:

**Technical Skills:**
- **Languages:** TypeScript, JavaScript, Python
- **Front-End:** React, Redux, HTML5, CSS3
- **Back-End:** Node.js, Express
- **APIs:** GraphQL, REST
- **Cloud:** AWS (S3, EC2, Lambda)

3. Work Experience#

This is where you weave keywords into the context of your achievements. This is the most powerful way to use them.

Job Description Keywords: SEO Strategy, Content Marketing, Google Analytics, increase organic traffic

Optimized Bullet Point:

- Developed and executed a comprehensive SEO strategy focused on content marketing, resulting in a 150% increase in organic traffic in 12 months, as measured by Google Analytics.

Keyword "Don'ts"#

Don't lie: Never claim to have a skill you don't possess. If you get to the interview, you'll be found out.
Don't stuff keywords: Don't just list keywords without context. A "keyword-stuffing" section at the bottom of your resume is an outdated practice and is often penalized by modern ATS.
Don't use invisible text: Some people try to hide keywords by making them white text on a white background. ATS can detect this, and it will get your resume flagged and rejected.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many keywords should I use?+

There's no magic number. The goal is to naturally incorporate the most important keywords from the job description. Aim for a keyword density that reflects the language of the job description without sounding unnatural.

Should I use the exact same wording as the job description?+

Yes, when it makes sense. For example, if the job description asks for 'Project Management Professional (PMP),' you should use that exact phrase, not just 'PMP.' The ATS may be programmed to look for the full term.

What if I don't have a skill they're asking for?+

Be honest. Don't include keywords for skills you don't have. Instead, focus on the skills you do have and highlight transferable skills that might be relevant.

Want to make sure you're using the right keywords? Paste a job description into Applyr.co's resume builder and get instant AI-powered feedback.