How can you tell if your resume keywords are effective for an ATS system?

1 Use job description as a guide

The first step to choosing effective resume keywords is to analyze the job description carefully. Look for the skills, qualifications, and responsibilities that are most relevant and important for the role. Then, match your resume keywords to those terms, using the exact wording and spelling as much as possible. For example, if the job description asks for "experience in project management software", use that phrase instead of "proficient in MS Project" or "familiar with Asana". This way, you can increase the chances of your resume matching the ATS criteria and ranking higher.

2 Avoid generic and vague keywords

While it is tempting to use generic and vague keywords that apply to many jobs, such as "team player", "hard-working", or "results-oriented", these are not very effective for an ATS system. These keywords are too broad and do not demonstrate your specific skills or achievements. Instead, use keywords that are specific and quantifiable, such as "led a team of 10", "increased sales by 25%", or "implemented a new system that reduced errors by 40%". These keywords show your value and impact, and make your resume stand out from the crowd.

3 Use keywords throughout your resume

Another tip to optimize your resume keywords for an ATS system is to use them throughout your resume, not just in the skills section. You can incorporate keywords in your summary, work experience, education, and achievements sections, as long as they are relevant and natural. For example, if you are applying for a marketing position, you can use keywords like "SEO", "content creation", "social media", or "analytics" in different parts of your resume, to show your range of skills and experience. However, do not overuse or stuff keywords, as this can make your resume look spammy and unprofessional.