Reference

ATS resume keywords for 150+ jobs: the complete reference

A hand-curated list of the exact keywords applicant tracking systems and recruiters scan for, organised by job title and grouped by industry. Every role links to a full guide — with recruiter signals, FAQs, and a tailored resume example — so you can mirror the right language and clear the keyword screen.

Software & IT

RoleTop ATS keywordsFull guide
Software EngineerJavaScript, TypeScript, Python, React, Node.js, REST APIs, CI/CD, Unit testingView →
DevOps EngineerAWS, Azure, GCP, Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform, CI/CD, JenkinsView →
Frontend DeveloperReact, Vue, Angular, TypeScript, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, Responsive design, Web accessibilityView →
Backend DeveloperPython, Java, Go, Node.js, Microservices, REST APIs, PostgreSQL, MongoDBView →
Cybersecurity AnalystSIEM, Incident response, Vulnerability assessment, NIST, ISO 27001, Penetration testing, Firewall management, SOCView →
Cloud EngineerAWS, Azure, GCP, Terraform, CloudFormation, Kubernetes, Serverless, LambdaView →
QA EngineerTest automation, Selenium, Cypress, Playwright, API testing, CI/CD integration, Test planning, Bug trackingView →
Machine Learning EngineerPython, TensorFlow, PyTorch, MLOps, Model deployment, Feature engineering, AWS SageMaker, KubeflowView →
Full-Stack DeveloperFull stack, React, Node.js, PostgreSQL, GraphQL, Next.js, Prisma / Drizzle ORM, MonorepoView →
iOS DeveloperSwift, SwiftUI, UIKit, Xcode, Core Data, Combine, App Store, CocoaPodsView →
Android DeveloperKotlin, Jetpack Compose, Android SDK, MVVM, Room, Retrofit, Google Play, CoroutinesView →
Solutions ArchitectArchitecture design, AWS, Azure, Cloud migration, Microservices, Technical presales, RFP/RFI, Enterprise integrationView →
Site Reliability EngineerSLO/SLI/SLA, Incident management, Observability, Prometheus, Grafana, On-call, Postmortems, Chaos engineeringView →
Embedded Systems EngineerC, C++, RTOS, ARM Cortex, Firmware, I2C/SPI/UART, Embedded Linux, DebuggingView →
Network EngineerCisco, Juniper, BGP, OSPF, VPN, Firewall, SD-WAN, Network monitoringView →
Systems AdministratorWindows Server, Linux, Active Directory, VMware, PowerShell, Bash scripting, Backup and recovery, DNS/DHCPView →
Database AdministratorOracle, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Database tuning, Backup and recovery, Replication, High availabilityView →
Security EngineerApplication security, Threat modeling, Secure SDLC, Penetration testing, Cloud security, IAM, Zero trust, OWASPView →
Technical WriterAPI documentation, User guides, Docs-as-code, Markdown, Git, DITA, Content management, Information architectureView →
Scrum MasterScrum, Agile coaching, Sprint planning, Retrospectives, Kanban, Jira, Velocity tracking, Impediment removalView →
Platform EngineerInternal developer platform, Kubernetes, Terraform, Service mesh, Golden paths, Developer experience, Platform as a product, BackstageView →
AI EngineerLLM, OpenAI API, Prompt engineering, RAG, LangChain, Vector databases, Fine-tuning, EmbeddingsView →
Blockchain DeveloperSolidity, Ethereum, Smart contracts, Web3.js, Hardhat, DeFi, ERC-20/721, Gas optimizationView →
Game DeveloperUnity, Unreal Engine, C#, C++, Game physics, Shader programming, Gameplay programming, AI/pathfindingView →

Data & Analytics

RoleTop ATS keywordsFull guide
Data AnalystSQL, Excel, Python, Tableau, Power BI, Data visualization, ETL, A/B testingView →
Data ScientistPython, Machine learning, SQL, Pandas, scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, StatisticsView →
Business AnalystRequirements gathering, Business process, Stakeholder analysis, SQL, Jira, User stories, Data analysis, UATView →
Data EngineerApache Spark, Airflow, ETL/ELT, Snowflake, BigQuery, dbt, Data modeling, KafkaView →
Business Intelligence AnalystTableau, Power BI, Looker, SQL, Data modeling, DAX, Dashboard design, KPI reportingView →
Analytics Engineerdbt, Analytics engineering, Data modeling, Semantic layer, Metric definitions, Data testing, Jinja, GitView →
Data ArchitectData architecture, Data governance, Data catalog, Enterprise data model, Data mesh, Data lakehouse, Master data management, Metadata managementView →
Market Research AnalystMarket research, Survey design, Data analysis, Consumer insights, Focus groups, Competitive intelligence, SPSS / Qualtrics, SegmentationView →
Sales Operations AnalystSales operations, CRM administration, Pipeline analytics, Forecasting, Territory planning, Quota setting, Salesforce reporting, Data hygieneView →

Design & Creative

RoleTop ATS keywordsFull guide
Graphic DesignerAdobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Figma, Typography, Branding, Layout design, UI designView →
UX DesignerUser research, Wireframing, Prototyping, Figma, Usability testing, Information architecture, Design systems, AccessibilityView →
Product DesignerFigma, Design systems, Product thinking, Prototyping, Design sprints, Component libraries, Design thinking, User testingView →
UX ResearcherUser research, Usability testing, Interviews, Surveys, A/B testing, Qualitative research, Quantitative research, Research synthesisView →
UI DesignerVisual design, Figma, Sketch, Design systems, Typography, Color theory, Icon design, Motion designView →
Creative DirectorBrand strategy, Creative leadership, Art direction, Campaign development, Team management, Cross-channel, Brand identity, StorytellingView →
Industrial DesignerRhino, SolidWorks, KeyShot, Sketching, Prototyping, DFM, CMF, User-centered designView →
Interior DesignerAutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, Space planning, FF&E, Building codes, Material selection, RenderingView →
Video EditorPremiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, After Effects, Color grading, Audio mixing, Motion graphics, StorytellingView →
Art DirectorArt direction, Visual strategy, Brand identity, Team leadership, Campaign development, Photo shoots, Typography, Layout designView →
PhotographerPhotography, Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, Studio lighting, Product photography, Portrait photography, Event photography, Color gradingView →
Animator2D animation, 3D animation, Motion graphics, After Effects, Maya, Blender, Cinema 4D, Character animationView →

Marketing & Sales

RoleTop ATS keywordsFull guide
Marketing ManagerDigital marketing, SEO, Content marketing, Google Analytics, Paid media, Email marketing, Marketing automation, HubSpotView →
Sales RepresentativeQuota attainment, Salesforce, CRM, Lead generation, Pipeline management, B2B sales, Cold calling, NegotiationView →
Content WriterSEO writing, Content strategy, Blog writing, Copywriting, CMS, WordPress, Content calendar, Brand voiceView →
Business Development ManagerBusiness development, Partnership management, Revenue growth, Market expansion, Strategic alliances, Contract negotiation, Pipeline development, Go-to-marketView →
Digital Marketing SpecialistGoogle Ads, Facebook Ads, PPC, Social media marketing, Google Analytics 4, Marketing automation, A/B testing, Landing page optimizationView →
Account ExecutiveEnterprise sales, Quota attainment, Salesforce, Solution selling, Contract negotiation, Pipeline forecasting, C-suite selling, Consultative salesView →
Sales EngineerTechnical presales, Product demos, Proof of concept, Solution architecture, API integration, Technical discovery, RFP/RFI response, Customer-facing presentationsView →
Real Estate AgentReal estate license, MLS, Transaction coordination, CRM, Lead generation, Market analysis, Contract negotiation, Open housesView →
JournalistReporting, Investigative journalism, AP style, Interviewing, Deadline writing, Beat reporting, Fact-checking, CMSView →
CopywriterCopywriting, Brand voice, Conversion copy, Email copy, Landing pages, Ad copy, A/B testing, SEO copywritingView →
SEO SpecialistTechnical SEO, On-page optimization, Link building, Google Search Console, Ahrefs / SEMrush, Keyword research, Schema markup, Core Web VitalsView →
Social Media ManagerSocial media strategy, Content creation, Community management, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Paid social, AnalyticsView →
Public Relations SpecialistMedia relations, Press releases, Earned media, Crisis communications, Media pitching, Thought leadership, Press conferences, Cision / Muck RackView →
Media BuyerMedia buying, Programmatic advertising, Google Ads, Meta Ads, DSP, DV360, The Trade Desk, Media planningView →
Inside Sales RepresentativeInside sales, Outbound prospecting, Cold calling, Email outreach, Pipeline management, Salesforce, HubSpot, Quota attainmentView →

Finance & Accounting

RoleTop ATS keywordsFull guide
AccountantGAAP, Accounts payable, Accounts receivable, General ledger, Reconciliation, QuickBooks, SAP, ExcelView →
Financial AnalystFinancial modeling, Excel, Forecasting, Variance analysis, P&L, Budgeting, DCF, Financial reportingView →
Investment Banking AnalystFinancial modeling, DCF, LBO, Comparable analysis, Pitch books, M&A, Capital markets, Due diligenceView →
Tax AccountantTax preparation, Tax compliance, 1040 / 1120 / 1065, State and local tax, Tax planning, IRS regulations, QuickBooks, UltraTax / ProConnectView →
AuditorInternal audit, External audit, SOX compliance, GAAS, PCAOB, Risk assessment, Control testing, Audit planningView →
Credit AnalystCredit analysis, Financial statement analysis, Risk rating, Underwriting, Loan documentation, Credit memoranda, Cash flow analysis, Covenant monitoringView →
Insurance AgentInsurance sales, P&C license, Life & health license, Policy quoting, Underwriting, Claims processing, Cross-selling, RenewalsView →
FP&A AnalystFinancial planning and analysis, Budgeting, Forecasting, Variance analysis, Financial modeling, P&L management, Excel / Power BI, Anaplan / Adaptive InsightsView →
ControllerFinancial reporting, Month-end close, GAAP compliance, Internal controls, Audit management, Revenue recognition, Cash management, ERP implementationView →
ActuaryActuarial science, SOA / CAS exams, Reserving, Pricing, Loss modeling, Predictive analytics, IBNR, Stochastic modelingView →
Loan OfficerMortgage origination, NMLS licensing, Loan processing, Underwriting guidelines, Pre-qualification, FHA / VA / conventional, Encompass / Calyx, Pipeline managementView →
BookkeeperBookkeeping, Accounts payable, Accounts receivable, Bank reconciliation, QuickBooks, Xero, Payroll processing, General ledgerView →

Healthcare

RoleTop ATS keywordsFull guide
Registered NurseRN license, BLS, ACLS, Patient care, EHR / Epic, Care plans, Medication administration, TriageView →
PharmacistPharmD, Pharmacy license, Medication therapy management, Drug interactions, Compounding, Clinical pharmacy, Patient counseling, Prescription verificationView →
PhysicianBoard certification, Medical license, Patient care, Clinical outcomes, EHR / Epic, Residency, Fellowship, Evidence-based medicineView →
Physical TherapistPT license, Manual therapy, Therapeutic exercise, Patient assessment, Treatment planning, Orthopedic, Neurological, DocumentationView →
Nurse PractitionerAPRN, NP certification, Prescriptive authority, Patient panel, Differential diagnosis, Health assessments, Care coordination, Chronic disease managementView →
Medical AssistantVital signs, Phlebotomy, EHR / Epic, Patient intake, Injections, Scheduling, Insurance verification, Medical terminologyView →
Dental HygienistDental hygiene license, Prophylaxis, Periodontal assessment, Scaling and root planing, Digital radiography, Patient education, Dental software, Infection controlView →
VeterinarianDVM, Veterinary license, Surgery, Diagnostics, Radiology, Emergency medicine, Client communication, Practice managementView →
Biomedical EngineerMedical devices, FDA regulations, Design controls, Risk analysis (FMEA), Biocompatibility, ISO 13485, V&V testing, GMPView →
Dental AssistantChairside assisting, Dental radiography, Sterilization, Infection control, Dental materials, Impressions, Four-handed dentistry, Eaglesoft / DentrixView →
Veterinary TechnicianVeterinary technology, RVT / CVT / LVT, Anesthesia monitoring, Radiology, Phlebotomy, Laboratory diagnostics, Surgical prep, Patient restraintView →
Speech-Language PathologistCCC-SLP, Speech therapy, Language disorders, Dysphagia, Articulation, Fluency, AAC, Cognitive-communicationView →
DietitianRegistered Dietitian (RD/RDN), Medical nutrition therapy, Clinical nutrition, Diet counseling, Enteral / parenteral nutrition, Diabetes management, Renal nutrition, Menu planningView →
Radiologic TechnologistARRT certification, Radiography, CT, MRI, Fluoroscopy, PACS, Radiation safety, Patient positioningView →
PhlebotomistPhlebotomy, Venipuncture, Specimen collection, CPT-1 certification, Order of draw, Infection control, Patient identification, Pediatric drawsView →
Medical CoderICD-10-CM, CPT coding, HCPCS, CPC / CCS, Medical coding, Revenue cycle, Denial management, Chart reviewView →
Health Information ManagerHealth information management, RHIA / RHIT, EHR administration, HIPAA compliance, Release of information, Data governance, Clinical documentation improvement, ICD-10 / CPTView →
Occupational TherapistOccupational therapy, OTR/L, ADL training, Splinting, Hand therapy, Pediatric OT, Sensory integration, Cognitive rehabilitationView →
Clinical Research CoordinatorClinical research, Protocol management, IRB submissions, Informed consent, GCP / ICH, Patient enrollment, Data collection, Adverse event reportingView →
Respiratory TherapistRespiratory therapy, RRT, Mechanical ventilation, ABG analysis, Oxygen therapy, Pulmonary function testing, Intubation assist, NICU / PICUView →

Education

RoleTop ATS keywordsFull guide
TeacherLesson planning, Curriculum development, Classroom management, Differentiated instruction, Student assessment, IEP, State standards, Parent communicationView →
Instructional DesignerInstructional design, eLearning, LMS, ADDIE, Articulate Storyline, SCORM, Learning objectives, Needs analysisView →
ProfessorTeaching, Research, Publication, Curriculum design, Grant writing, Peer review, Student mentoring, TenureView →
LibrarianMLIS, Cataloging, Reference services, Collection development, ILS, Digital resources, Information literacy, Community outreachView →
School CounselorSchool counseling, ASCA National Model, College and career readiness, Social-emotional learning, IEP / 504 plans, Crisis intervention, Group counseling, Student advocacyView →
Academic AdvisorAcademic advising, Degree planning, Student retention, Registration, Curriculum mapping, Transfer articulation, Degree audit, Banner / PeopleSoftView →

Engineering & Trades

RoleTop ATS keywordsFull guide
Mechanical EngineerSolidWorks, AutoCAD, ANSYS, FEA, GD&T, 3D modeling, Manufacturing processes, Tolerance analysisView →
Civil EngineerAutoCAD Civil 3D, Structural design, Site development, Stormwater management, Geotechnical, ACI / ASCE codes, PE license, RevitView →
Electrical EngineerCircuit design, PCB layout, Power systems, PLC programming, MATLAB / Simulink, AutoCAD Electrical, NEC code, Signal processingView →
ArchitectRevit, AutoCAD, Enscape / Lumion, Building codes, Zoning analysis, Schematic design, Design development, AIA licensureView →
Construction ManagerConstruction management, Project scheduling, Budget management, Subcontractor coordination, Safety / OSHA, Procore, Primavera P6, RFI / submittal managementView →
ElectricianJourneyman / Master license, NEC code, Conduit bending, Panel installation, Troubleshooting, Blueprint reading, Motor controls, Fire alarm systemsView →
HVAC TechnicianEPA 608 certification, Refrigeration, Heat pumps, Furnace repair, Ductwork, Thermostat wiring, Preventive maintenance, TroubleshootingView →
Automotive TechnicianASE certification, Diagnostics, Engine repair, Brake systems, Electrical systems, Transmission, OBD-II, AlignmentView →
Chemical EngineerProcess engineering, Chemical process design, Scale-up, P&ID, HAZOP, Mass and energy balance, Reaction engineering, Distillation / separationView →
Environmental EngineerEnvironmental engineering, Remediation, Water treatment, Air quality, NEPA / CEQA, Environmental compliance, Stormwater management, Groundwater modelingView →
PlumberPlumbing, Journeyman / master license, Pipe fitting, Drain cleaning, Water heater installation, Code compliance, Backflow prevention, Medical gasView →
WelderWelding, MIG / TIG / Stick / Flux-core, AWS certification, Blueprint reading, Structural welding, Pipe welding, CWI, Weld inspectionView →

HR & Recruiting

RoleTop ATS keywordsFull guide
Human Resources ManagerEmployee relations, Talent acquisition, HRIS, Workday, ADP, Performance management, Onboarding, ComplianceView →
RecruiterFull-cycle recruiting, Sourcing, LinkedIn Recruiter, ATS, Greenhouse, Lever, Candidate experience, Boolean searchView →
Talent Acquisition SpecialistTalent acquisition, Workforce planning, Employer branding, Recruitment marketing, ATS administration, Greenhouse / Lever, Hiring analytics, Quality of hireView →
Learning & Development ManagerLearning and development, Training design, LMS administration, Instructional design, Leadership development, Onboarding, Needs assessment, Kirkpatrick evaluationView →
Compensation AnalystCompensation analysis, Salary benchmarking, Job evaluation, Pay equity, Market pricing, FLSA compliance, Incentive design, Radford / Mercer / WTW surveysView →

Operations & Logistics

RoleTop ATS keywordsFull guide
Operations ManagerProcess improvement, Supply chain, Lean / Six Sigma, Inventory management, Vendor management, KPIs, Budget management, ERPView →
Supply Chain ManagerSupply chain management, Procurement, ERP, SAP, Inventory optimization, Logistics, Demand planning, Vendor negotiationView →
Retail ManagerStore operations, Revenue targets, Visual merchandising, Inventory management, Staff scheduling, Loss prevention, Customer experience, POS systemsView →
Property ManagerProperty management, Tenant relations, Lease administration, Rent collection, Maintenance coordination, Budget management, Yardi / AppFolio, Fair housingView →
Warehouse ManagerWarehouse management, WMS, Inventory control, Order fulfillment, Shipping and receiving, Forklift certification, OSHA compliance, Lean warehousingView →
Logistics CoordinatorLogistics coordination, Freight management, Carrier relations, Shipment tracking, TMS, Customs / import-export, Inventory management, Rate negotiationView →
Store ManagerStore management, Retail operations, Sales targets, P&L ownership, Comp sales growth, Shrink reduction, District reporting, Payroll managementView →

Service & Hospitality

RoleTop ATS keywordsFull guide
Customer Service RepresentativeCustomer support, CRM, Zendesk, Salesforce Service Cloud, Ticket resolution, CSAT, NPS, Call centerView →
Executive AssistantCalendar management, Travel coordination, Meeting preparation, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Expense reporting, Confidentiality, Project coordinationView →
Customer Success ManagerCustomer retention, Churn reduction, Net revenue retention, Onboarding, QBRs, Health scoring, Upsell / cross-sell, GainsightView →
Technical Support SpecialistTechnical troubleshooting, Ticketing systems, Jira Service Desk, ServiceNow, Remote support, Active Directory, Networking, Windows / macOSView →
Flight AttendantFAA certification, Safety procedures, Emergency response, Customer service, In-flight service, CRM (crew resource management), First aid / CPR, Conflict resolutionView →
ChefMenu development, Kitchen management, Food cost control, Line cooking, Sous vide, Pastry, Inventory management, Food safety / ServSafeView →
Personal TrainerNASM / ACE / NSCA, Program design, Client assessment, Functional training, Strength and conditioning, Nutrition coaching, Group fitness, Injury preventionView →
Event PlannerEvent planning, Venue management, Vendor coordination, Budget management, Logistics, Registration management, Cvent, Corporate eventsView →
Call Center ManagerCall center management, Contact center, Workforce management, Quality assurance, Average handle time, First call resolution, CSAT / NPS, IVR optimizationView →

Other Professions

RoleTop ATS keywordsFull guide
Product ManagerProduct roadmap, Stakeholder management, A/B testing, User research, Go-to-market, KPIs / OKRs, Agile, SQLView →
Project ManagerProject management, Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, PMP, Risk management, Budget management, Stakeholder managementView →
Management ConsultantStrategy, Business transformation, Due diligence, Market sizing, Financial modeling, Stakeholder management, Change management, Process optimizationView →
Program ManagerProgram management, Portfolio management, Cross-functional leadership, Dependency management, Executive reporting, Risk mitigation, PgMP, Strategic planningView →
Environmental ScientistEnvironmental assessment, NEPA, CERCLA, Phase I / Phase II ESA, Remediation, Water quality, Soil sampling, GISView →
Social WorkerLCSW / LMSW, Case management, Crisis intervention, Assessment, Treatment planning, DSM-5, Advocacy, DocumentationView →
TranslatorTranslation, Localization, CAT tools, SDL Trados, MemoQ, Proofreading, Transcreation, Terminology managementView →
Grants WriterGrant writing, Proposal development, Fundraising, Foundation relations, Federal grants, RFP response, Budget narratives, Logic modelsView →
Policy AnalystPolicy analysis, Legislative research, Regulatory compliance, Stakeholder engagement, Policy brief, Impact assessment, Government relations, Public commentView →
Nonprofit Program ManagerProgram management, Grant management, Outcome measurement, Logic models, Budget oversight, Community outreach, Stakeholder reporting, Volunteer managementView →
Government Relations SpecialistGovernment affairs, Lobbying, Legislative advocacy, Regulatory affairs, Coalition building, Political strategy, Testimony, PAC managementView →
FundraiserFundraising, Major gifts, Annual giving, Capital campaigns, Donor cultivation, Stewardship, Planned giving, Raiser's Edge / Salesforce NPSPView →
GeologistGeology, PG / Licensed Geologist, Geological mapping, Hydrogeology, Environmental site assessment, Geotechnical investigation, Well logging, Mineralogy / petrographyView →
Urban PlannerUrban planning, AICP certification, Zoning administration, Comprehensive planning, Land use, GIS / ArcGIS, Environmental review, Community engagementView →

How to use this table

ATS software scores your resume on literal string matches against the job description. Find your role above, then make sure each of its top keywords appears verbatim somewhere in your resume — in your summary, skills section, or the bullets of the jobs where you actually used them. Spelled the same way the posting spells them.

Don't stuff every keyword into a hidden block or a skills list you can't defend in an interview. Recruiters read past the ATS, and a wall of unrelated terms reads as padding. Pick the ones that match the specific posting and that you can back up with a concrete result. For a deeper walkthrough, see how to pull keywords from any job description.

The fastest way to do all of this is to match your resume against the posting — JDMatcher surfaces the exact keywords you're missing and rewrites your bullets to mirror the job description, so you clear the ATS screen without guessing.

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