Full Guide to Optimizing Resume Keywords to Pass ATS Screening

March 6, 2025(Last edited on: March 11, 2025)

Full Guide to Optimizing Resume Keywords to Pass ATS Screening

An ATS is a software that helps companies manage the recruitment process. It can rank candidates' resume by scanning for relevant keywords and qualifications.

According to recent research, 99% of all Fortune 500 companies use ATS platform to screen qualified candidates.

It is also noticeable that 88% employers believe they are losing out on high-qualified candidates because their resume are not ATS-friendly —— do not include relevant keywords.

In economic downturn era, even though you're a highly qualified candidate, you cannot just expect job opportunities coming to you automatically. This is why keyword optimization plays a crucial role.

In this article, we'll explore:

  • The Role of Keywords in ATS Screening
  • How to Naturally Integrate Keywords into a Resume?
  • Resume Formatting for ATS Optimization
  • How to Test If Your Resume Can Pass ATS?

The Role of Keywords in ATS Screening

How ATS works: Scan, Parse, Match and Rank

ATS will first scan your resume, extracting text from it. Then the system will parse your resume and break it down into structured sections (experiences, skills and education). After that, the ATS compares your resume against job description using predefined keywords and phrases. Finally, ATS will rank candidates based on keywords relevance, keywords frequency and placement within the resume.

Avoid keywords stuffing

A common mistake: more keywords more possible to pass ATS.

The truth is that ATS not only counts keywords frequency but also evaluates WHERE those keywords appear.

  • Job title matching: Ensure your job title is similar to the target job.
  • Skills selection: Clearly list relevant technical and soft skills.
  • Work experience: Incorporate keywords into bullet points that describe real achievements

Therefore, instead of just listing "Python, SQL, Tableau", incorporate them naturally into your resume like this:

Developed SQL queries to analyze customer behavior, resulting in a 15% increase in retention.

Utilized Python scripts to automate reporting, reducing manual work by 40%.

How to Choose the Right Resume Keywords?

Step 1: extract keywords from job description

You can either choose identify keywords manually or using AI tools like ChatGPT/Google Gemini:

  • If you choose identify manually

It is suggested to read job description carefully and highlight repeated terms under:

  • Requirements (Skills & Qualifications)
  • Responsibilities (Daily Tasks & Tools)

For example：Job posting: Seeking a data analyst proficient in SQL, Python, and Tableau.

Keywords should be included in your resume: SQL, Python, Tableau, data analysis, business intelligence.

You can simply ask ChatGPT/Google Gemini:

Extract the top skills and keywords from this job description.

Or you can use tools like jobscan to get your resume evaluated.

Step 2: balance hard & soft skills in ATS Optimization

Both hard and soft skills should be included in your resume, and here are some examples:

Hard skills (Technical Abilities):

  • Programming: Python, SQL
  • Data Analysis: Tableau, Excel
  • Project Management: Scrum, Agile

Soft Skills (Interpersonal Abilities):

  • Communication
  • Collaboration
  • Leadership

How to Naturally Integrate Keywords into a Resume?

  • In this part, we'll still use data analyst as an example to illustrate

For summary (personal statement) section, summarize your core skills and match the job title：

Example: Experienced Data Analyst with expertise in SQL, Python, and Tableau. Adept at business intelligence, storytelling with data, and dashboard development to support executive decision-making.

Then comes to the Work Experience section:

Instead of saying: working on data analysis. But use: Developed SQL queries to perform data analysis, enabling business intelligence insights that improved operational efficiency by 20%.

For the skill section, clearly list Relevant Skills you have:

Technical Skills: SQL , Python , Tableau , Data Analysis | Machine Learning

Business & Strategy: Product Activation , OKRs , Cross-Functional Collaboration

Leadership & Communication: Stakeholder Engagement , Executive Reporting , Data Storytelling

Resume Formatting for ATS Optimization

Use ATS-compatible Formats:

  • Recommended: docx(Word), PDF;
  • Avoid: image-based PDFs, InDesign, or Photoshop file.

Avoid Complex Formatting

  • Tables, columns, icons, graphics and fancy fonts may confuse ATS;
  • Use standard fonts: Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman (Size 11pt-12pt).

Also, avoid special characters and symbols like ❌ ❌ ✔️, ⚡️, 🎯, which may confuse ATS.

How to Test If Your Resume Can Pass ATS?

After all these adjustments, you can use ATS Compatibility to test your resume!

  • Jobscan (https://www.jobscan.co/)
  • Resume Worded (https://resumeworded.com/)
  • Zety Resume Checker (https://zety.com/resume-checker)

Don't let your resume get lost in the ATS black hole!

Start optimizing today and take control of your job search success!