Top Resume Keywords That Recruiters Are Looking For
Using the right keywords is the difference between a resume that gets read and one that gets ignored. Both human recruiters and ATS bots scan for specific terms that signal competence and results. Here are the categories you need to master.
1. Power Action Verbs
Stop using passive language like "Responsible for" or "Tasked with." Replace them with strong, active verbs that demonstrate impact:
- Achieved instead of "Did"
- Spearheaded instead of "Led"
- Optimized instead of "Changed"
- Orchestrated instead of "Organized"
2. High-Value Soft Skills
Don't just list soft skills; demonstrate them. But ensure these keywords appear in your summary or skills section:
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Strategic Planning
- Conflict Resolution
- Adaptability
Pro Tip
Don't keyword stuff. Your resume still needs to be readable by a human.
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