Want more interview calls? Discover the resume keywords that help beat ATS software. Get expert tips, free templates, and a smarter resume builder to land jobs faster.
You’ve spent hours perfecting your resume. You’ve chosen the right format, picked a neat template, and even Googled “best resume sample for freshers.” But weeks go by—and still, no interview calls.
What went wrong?
Chances are, your resume didn’t even reach a human.
In 2025, most companies in India and globally utilise an ATS (Applicant Tracking System), a software that scans resumes before recruiters review them. And if your resume doesn’t contain the right keywords, it gets filtered out.
Yes, even if you’re qualified.
The good news? Beating ATS isn’t rocket science. You just need to understand how it works, what it looks for, and how to optimize your resume with smart keywords.
This blog will show you:
- What ATS software actually does
- Why keywords matter more than design
- How to choose the right words for your resume
- Free tools and online resume builders that make the job easier
Let’s make sure your resume doesn’t end up in the digital trash folder.
1. What Is ATS Software and Why Should You Care?
ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is software used by recruiters to manage large volumes of job applications. It scans resumes, ranks them based on relevance, and filters out the ones that don’t match the job description.
What ATS Looks At:
- Keywords related to the job
- Job titles and past experience
- Skills—both soft and hard
- Resume format and structure
- Simple file types like Word (.docx) or PDF
If your resume uses the right keywords, clean formatting, and a readable structure—it moves forward. If not, it’s auto-rejected.
2. What Are Resume Keywords?
Resume keywords are specific words or phrases that match the requirements of a job description. These can be:
- Hard Skills: Java, Data Analysis, Project Management
- Soft Skills: Communication, Leadership, Adaptability
- Certifications: PMP, AWS, Google Ads
- Tools: Excel, Salesforce, Canva
- Job Titles: Marketing Intern, Software Developer, Sales Executive
- Action Verbs: Designed, Led, Improved, Analyzed
Using the right keywords boosts your chances of clearing ATS software and landing interviews.
3. Where Should Keywords Be Used in a Resume?
Strategically place keywords in these sections:
| Resume Section | Keyword Placement Tips |
| Objective or Summary | Add the job title and a few core skills |
| Skills Section | Use both technical and soft skills from the job ad |
| Experience Section | Mention tools, technologies, and results achieved |
| Certifications | Highlight industry-recognized credentials |
| Projects | Include role-specific keywords and action verbs |
4. Example: How Keywords Impact Resume Visibility
Job Description:
“Looking for a digital marketing executive with experience in SEO, Google Analytics, and campaign management.”
Resume A:
“I am interested in marketing and love social media.”
Resume B:
“Managed digital campaigns using Google Analytics and SEO tools. Achieved 25% traffic growth.”
Which one wins?
Resume B. Because it matches the exact keywords in the job description.
5. Top Resume Keywords by Job Role (2025 Update)
Here’s a sample list you can use when building your resume:
For Freshers (General)
- Internship
- Campus Ambassador
- Python, Excel
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Project Work
- Workshop
- Event Volunteer
Software Engineer (Entry to Mid-Level)
- Java, Python, C++
- Git, GitHub
- REST APIs
- Agile, Scrum
- Unit Testing
- Debugging
- Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
Digital Marketing Executive
- SEO, SEM
- Google Ads
- Content Creation
- Analytics
- Email Marketing
- Social Media Strategy
Management Trainee / MBA
- Business Analysis
- Strategic Planning
- Market Research
- Client Handling
- Data Interpretation
- KPI Tracking
6. Tips to Choose the Right Keywords
Read the Job Description
Don’t guess. Open the job post and extract the most common nouns, skills, and verbs used.
Use Online Tools
Try:
- Jobscan.co (keyword comparison tool)
- Impacteers Resume Builder (built-in job keyword suggestions)
- WordCloud generators to find frequently used words in a job ad
Tailor Each Resume
One resume doesn’t fit all. Customize for each job using that job’s specific keywords.
7. Mistakes to Avoid When Using Keywords
Keyword Stuffing
Adding 20 skills in one line won’t fool ATS—or recruiters. Use keywords naturally.
Wrong File Format
Avoid fancy file types. Stick to Word or PDF. ATS often can’t read JPGs or Google Docs links.
Using Abbreviations Only
Write both forms: “Search Engine Optimization (SEO)”, not just “SEO”.
Neglecting Soft Skills
Don’t forget team management, communication, and adaptability—especially for management or customer-facing roles.
8. Resume Formats That Work Best with ATS
Some templates look beautiful but crash with ATS.
Stick to:
- Simple format with bold headings
- Font size 11–12
- Bullet points, not long paragraphs
- One-column layout
Avoid:
- Tables and graphics
- Headers/footers with important info
- Icons or decorative fonts
Want a free, ATS-friendly resume? Use Impacteers Resume Builder—it gives you clean templates that pass ATS scans and still look professional for human readers.
9. How Impacteers Resume Builder Helps You Beat ATS
If you’re not sure how to structure your resume or pick the right keywords, Impacteers takes care of it all.
Here’s what you get:
- Free and premium templates
- Job-role-based keyword suggestions
- Auto-formatting for ATS
- Action verb samples (e.g., Developed, Implemented, Managed)
- Downloadable Word and PDF files
- Resume review from mentors
It’s not just a resume maker—it’s a complete resume planning tool built for Indian job seekers in 2025.
10. Free Downloadable Keyword Sample (PDF)
Want a ready-to-use list of keywords by job role?
Impacteers offers a free PDF with:
- Keywords for 10+ roles
- Sample sentences
- Resume action phrases
- Template tips for freshers and experienced candidates
Perfect if you’re applying to your first job or planning a career switch.
Final Word: Keywords Open Doors
You may have the talent. You may have the experience. But if your resume doesn’t speak the language of ATS software, you may never get your shot.
So don’t leave your future to luck or old-fashioned templates. Build a resume that talks to the system and connects with the recruiter.
Let your keywords open doors—and let your skills do the rest.
And if you’re ready to build that perfect, ATS-beating resume today—Impacteers Resume Builder is your best first step.
FAQs: Resume Keywords and Beating ATS Software
1. What is the best resume format to pass ATS software?
Stick to simple formats with bold section headers, bullet points, and no graphics. Use Word or PDF. Impacteers Resume Builder uses ATS-friendly formats by default.
2. Can I use the same resume for multiple jobs?
No. Always tweak your resume for each job using relevant keywords from the job description. A tailored resume performs better in ATS.
3. How many keywords should I add to a resume?
Enough to match the job—but not so many it feels forced. 10–15 strategic keywords across skills, experience, and summary is a good rule.
4. Does resume design affect ATS?
Yes. ATS software struggles with tables, images, icons, and unusual fonts. Stick to clean, simple templates like those in Impacteers.
5. Where can I get help writing an ATS-friendly resume?
Try Impacteers Resume Builder. It guides you with samples, suggests keywords, and ensures your final resume is optimized for both ATS and recruiters.
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