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How to incorporate keywords for ATS optimization 

Addison Group
Most companies, especially those receiving high volumes of applications, use ATS to screen resumes before a recruiter ever lays eyes on them.

In today’s job market, getting your resume seen by a real person can feel like winning the lottery. That’s because most companies, especially those receiving high volumes of applications, use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes before a recruiter ever lays eyes on them. The good news? With a little strategy, you can optimize your resume to work with ATS, not against it. It all starts with the right keywords.  

Here’s how to optimize your resume effectively to set yourself up for success during your job search.  

Understand what an ATS does 

An ATS is essentially a software tool that scans resumes for relevance. It looks for specific keywords, qualifications, and experience that match the job description. If your resume doesn’t align closely enough, it might never make it to the hiring manager’s desk.  

“Keywords” doesn’t mean SEO-style buzzwords – it means the exact skills, tools, certifications, and job titles that are critical for the role.  

Use the job description as your roadmap 

The job description is your best source for keyword inspiration. Highlight the key qualifications, required skills, and any specific tools or platforms mentioned. For example, if a job posting for a Marketing Manager repeatedly mentions “Google Analytics,” “campaign strategy,” and “content calendar,” you’ll want to weave those exact terms into your resume – assuming you have the experience to back them up.  

Pay attention to both hard and soft skills. While hard skills carry more weight for ATS purposes, some systems are smart enough to recognize behavioral competencies, too.  

Tailor each resume submission 

While it’s tempting to send the same resume to multiple employers, generic resumes rarely perform well in an ATS. Instead, tweak your resume for each role. You don’t need to rewrite the whole thing – just adjust your summary, skills section, and a few bullet points under your work experience to mirror the language of the job posting.  

Don’t try to outsmart the system 

You might be inclined to cram your resume with every keyword and tool under the sun, but don’t do it. ATS software has gotten smarter, and these tactics can backfire. Instead, focus on integrating relevant keywords naturally throughout your resume.  

That means: 

  • Using bullet points to show how you applied key skills 
  • Including tools and software in context (ex: “led weekly campaigns using HubSpot”) 
  • Mentioning certifications or degrees by name (ex: “B.S. in Mechanical Engineering”) 

Keep formatting simple 

Even the best keywords won’t help if the ATS can’t read your resume. Stick to a clean layout with standard fonts and avoid tables, images, or graphics that might confuse the system. Use clear headings like “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills,” and save your resume as a .docx or PDF (if the job portal allows it).  

Don’t forget the human element 

Optimizing for ATS is important – but ultimately, a person will (hopefully) read your resume. Make sure it’s still easy to scan, well-written, and tailored to your story. Think of the ATS as a gatekeeper and the recruiter as your audience. Your resume needs to impress both.  

Incorporating keywords for ATS optimization isn’t about gaming the system – it’s about making sure your resume aligns with what employers are looking for and ensuring it gets noticed. With the right keywords in the right places, you can boost your chances of getting past the digital filters and landing that next interview.  

Need help navigating the job market? Addison Group can help. With more than 20 years of experience, our expert recruiters work with you to find jobs that match your goals. Let’s talk about how we can find your next opportunity.