Don't Let Resume Keyword Scanning Programs Beat You

Angela Roberts Author

Have you optimized your resume for resume keyword relevance so you can beat applicant tracking and scanning systems? No worries...we can help.

In today’s job market, most employers use resume scanning software within applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan and filter resumes for specific resume keywords. To ensure your resume reaches a human recruiter, you should optimize every section for resume keyword relevance.

How to Optimize Your Resume for Resume Keyword Scanning

Examine the job description for resume keywords.

Begin by carefully reading the job posting. Highlight resume keywords related to required skills, qualifications, and experience. Use the exact phrases from the job description, such as “project management,” “SEO,” or “monitoring Phase I trials,” if they match your background. Tailoring your resume keyword choices to each job is crucial, as even small differences in terminology can affect ATS results.

Incorporate Resume Keywords Throughout Your Resume

Strategically place resume keywords in your work experience, skills, and education sections. Use both acronyms and full names for certifications and organizations (e.g., “Bachelor’s degree,” “BA,” “BS”; “Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP)”). Consider synonyms and related terms, especially for specialized experience, to cover all possible resume keyword variations.

Avoid keyword stuffing. Instead, integrate resume keywords naturally within achievement-oriented bullet points so your resume appeals to both ATS and hiring managers.

Use Resume Keywords in Cover Letters and Emails

Your cover letter and application email should also feature relevant resume keywords from the job description. This reinforces your fit for the position and helps ensure your entire application package is optimized.

Repeat Resume Keywords Where Relevant

ATS software may score resumes higher when resume keywords appear more than once, but always maintain a natural flow. Place keywords in context rather than simply listing them.

Keep Formatting Simple and ATS-friendly

Use standard fonts and clear section headings like “Professional Experience,” “Education,” and “Certifications.” Avoid graphics, tables, logos, and unusual formatting, which can confuse ATS software. Submit your resume as a PDF unless instructed otherwise, as this format usually preserves your layout and is ATS-compatible.

But be careful. Don't save your PDF as a picture file, as resume scanning systems will be unable to decipher the content.

Proofread and Avoid Errors

Misspellings or formatting mistakes can prevent your resume keywords from being recognized by ATS or can make a poor impression on recruiters. Carefully proofread every section.

Eliminate Unnecessary Sections

Remove sections like “Career Objective” and irrelevant categories. Focus on content that highlights your qualifications and resume keywords.

Use Resume Keyword Optimization Tools

Consider using tools like Jobscan or Resume Worded to compare your resume against job descriptions. These tools highlight missing resume keywords and offer suggestions for improvement, increasing your chances of passing ATS filters.

Quick Reference: Resume Keyword Optimization

By focusing on resume keyword optimization and tailoring your application for both ATS and human readers, you greatly increase your chances of landing interviews in today’s competitive market.

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Categories: : Resume