Resume Keywords by Role
The exact terms applicant tracking systems weight highest for each role — curated by hand, organized by category, free to copy. Every list is the same one our free ATS resume checker uses to score real resumes.
Technology
Engineering, data and design roles where keyword precision around tools, languages and methodologies determines whether the resume even reaches a human.
Software Engineer Resume Keywords
85 termsLanguages, frameworks, infrastructure and architecture terms. The strongest signal is naming specific stacks alongside what you built with them.
Data Scientist Resume Keywords
85 termsStatistical methods, ML frameworks and the production-ML vocabulary that separates academics from practitioners.
Business & Strategy
Product, sales, finance and consulting roles where ATS engines weight outcome-language heavily — quantified impact + standard methodology terms.
Senior Product Manager Resume Keywords
85 termsStrategy, discovery, experimentation and cross-functional execution language. The PM keyword universe rewards modern outcome-driven vocabulary (OKRs, north-star, JTBD) over older feature-shipping verbs.
Marketing Manager Resume Keywords
85 termsChannel mix, growth-loop and brand vocabulary. ATS scoring rewards specific channel + tool naming.
Account Executive (Sales) Resume Keywords
85 termsPipeline, MEDDIC/MEDDPIC, quota attainment and the modern enterprise-sales vocabulary recruiters scan for.
Financial Analyst Resume Keywords
85 termsModeling, forecasting and analysis terms. ATS scoring is heavy on methodology + specific tool names (Excel functions, BI platforms).
Management Consultant Resume Keywords
85 termsStrategy, frameworks (Porter, BCG, etc.), client-engagement and outcome vocabulary. ATS scoring rewards specific framework naming.
Operations & People
Operations, HR and people-management roles where the keyword vocabulary blends process methodology with people-leadership terms.
HR / People Operations Resume Keywords
85 termsTalent acquisition, employee experience and HRBP-partnership language. Modern HR vocabulary leans heavily on data-driven framing.
Operations Manager Resume Keywords
85 termsProcess, lean and supply-chain methodology. Strongest when paired with measurable outcomes per process change.
Creative
Design and brand roles where ATS keyword scoring is lower-weight than for engineering, but conventions still matter.
Want to know if YOUR resume hits these keywords?
Drop your PDF into the free analyzer. We'll show you which of these keywords appear in your resume, which are missing, and what the gap costs you on a 6-axis ATS score.