ATS keywords are the terms that Applicant Tracking Systems look for when scoring your resume against a job description. Missing critical keywords is the most common reason a qualified candidate scores poorly. This guide gives you a starting point for the most in-demand keywords by industry.
Do not stuff keywords into your resume artificially. ATS systems are increasingly sophisticated, and recruiters will immediately notice keyword-stuffed documents. Every keyword should reflect a genuine skill or experience.
How to Use This Keywords List
- 1.Identify which keywords from the list are genuinely part of your skill set
- 2.Check whether those keywords already appear in your resume
- 3.For keywords you have but have not used — add them to your bullets or skills section
- 4.Prioritise keywords that also appear in the specific job description you are targeting
Tech and Software Engineering Keywords (2025)
- ✓Languages: Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, Go, Rust, Java, C++, SQL, Kotlin, Swift
- ✓Cloud: AWS, Azure, GCP, Kubernetes, Docker, Terraform, Serverless, Lambda, ECS
- ✓Frontend: React, Next.js, Vue, Angular, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS, REST API, GraphQL
- ✓Backend: Node.js, FastAPI, Django, Spring Boot, gRPC, Microservices, Event-driven
- ✓Data: Spark, Kafka, dbt, Airflow, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis, Elasticsearch
- ✓Practices: CI/CD, DevOps, Agile, Scrum, TDD, System Design, API design, Code review
- ✓Emerging: LLM, RAG, Vector database, AI/ML, GenAI, Fine-tuning, Prompt engineering
Finance and Accounting Keywords (2025)
- ✓Financial modelling, DCF, LBO, M&A, Valuation, Capital markets, Equity research
- ✓FP&A, Budgeting, Forecasting, Variance analysis, P&L management
- ✓GAAP, IFRS, SOX compliance, Internal controls, Audit, Risk management
- ✓Bloomberg, Refinitiv, Excel VBA, Power BI, Tableau, SQL
- ✓Private equity, Venture capital, Investment banking, Asset management
- ✓CFA, CPA, ACCA (certifications — include if held)
Marketing and Growth Keywords (2025)
- ✓SEO, SEM, PPC, Google Ads, Meta Ads, TikTok Ads, Programmatic
- ✓Content marketing, Email marketing, Marketing automation, HubSpot, Marketo
- ✓Google Analytics 4, Mixpanel, Amplitude, A/B testing, CRO
- ✓Brand strategy, GTM strategy, Product marketing, Demand generation
- ✓CAC, LTV, ROAS, MQL, SQL, Funnel optimisation, Attribution modelling
- ✓Social media, Influencer marketing, Community growth, Viral loops
Healthcare Keywords (2025)
- ✓HIPAA compliance, EHR, EMR, Epic, Cerner, athenahealth
- ✓Patient outcomes, Clinical workflows, Care coordination, Population health
- ✓Healthcare IT, Interoperability, HL7, FHIR, Telehealth
- ✓FDA regulations, Clinical trials, GCP, IND, NDA
- ✓Nursing: BLS, ACLS, IV therapy, Patient assessment, Care planning
Product Management Keywords (2025)
- ✓Product roadmap, Product strategy, Go-to-market, Product discovery
- ✓User research, Jobs-to-be-done, Design thinking, Persona development
- ✓OKRs, KPIs, North Star Metric, Funnel analysis, Retention
- ✓Agile, Scrum, Sprint planning, Backlog grooming, PRD
- ✓JIRA, Figma, Amplitude, Mixpanel, Looker, SQL
- ✓B2B SaaS, B2C, Platform, API products, Developer experience
Pro Tip
The best keyword source is always the specific job description you are applying to. These industry lists give you the vocabulary to use — the job description tells you which ones to prioritise.
Universal Keywords That Work Across Industries
- ✓Cross-functional collaboration, Stakeholder management, Executive communication
- ✓Data-driven decision making, Analytical, Strategic thinking
- ✓Project management, Prioritisation, Deadline management
- ✓Leadership, Mentoring, Team building, Hiring, Performance management
- ✓Process improvement, Efficiency, Scalability, Automation