50 ATS Resume Keywords by Industry
The keywords in your CV determine whether an ATS filters you in or out. But not all keywords are created equal, and the most effective ones vary dramatically by industry. This guide lists the top ATS keywords for 8 major industries in 2026, along with strategies for finding and using the right keywords for any role.
How to use keywords effectively
Before diving into the lists, here are the ground rules:
- Always start with the job description. These industry lists are starting points, but the specific job posting is your primary keyword source.
- Include both hard and soft skills, but prioritise hard skills. ATS systems weight technical competencies more heavily.
- Use exact phrases from the job description.If it says "project management", write "project management" and not "managing projects".
- Include both acronyms and full terms.Write "SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)" to cover both variations.
- Place keywords in context. Do not just list them Instead, weave them into your experience bullet points.
- Use atspass.com to verify. After adding keywords, check your CV against the specific job description to see your match rate.
Technology & Software Development
| Keyword | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Agile / Scrum | Nearly universal in tech hiring |
| CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment) | Expected for development roles |
| Cloud Computing (AWS / Azure / GCP) | Major platform experience |
| Python / JavaScript / TypeScript | Specify the languages from the JD |
| React / Angular / Vue | Framework experience |
| API Development / REST / GraphQL | Backend and full-stack roles |
| DevOps / Infrastructure as Code | Growing demand |
| Machine Learning / AI | Premium skills in 2026 |
| Git / Version Control | Assumed but worth including |
| Data Structures / Algorithms | Especially for senior roles |
| Kubernetes / Docker | Container orchestration |
| SQL / NoSQL / Database Management | Data layer skills |
Tip:Tech job descriptions are highly specific. If the posting says "React", do not write "JavaScript frameworks". Just write "React".
The list above is the sector-wide baseline. For the terms that matter to one job title, see the guides for Software Engineer, Front-End Developer, Back-End Developer, DevOps Engineer, Data Scientist, or Cybersecurity Analyst.
Finance & Accounting
| Keyword | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Financial Analysis / Financial Modelling | Core analytical skills |
| GAAP / IFRS | Accounting standards compliance |
| Budgeting / Forecasting | Planning capabilities |
| Risk Management / Risk Assessment | Essential for senior roles |
| Excel / Advanced Excel / VBA | Still the dominant tool |
| SAP / Oracle / QuickBooks | ERP and accounting software |
| Compliance / Regulatory Compliance | Governance skills |
| Audit / Internal Audit | Oversight experience |
| Tax Planning / Tax Compliance | Specialist skills |
| CFA / ACCA / CIMA | Professional qualifications |
| Bloomberg Terminal | Financial data platforms |
| Anti-Money Laundering (AML) / KYC | Regulatory requirements |
Tip: In finance, professional qualifications (CFA, ACCA, CIMA) are heavily weighted. Always include them prominently.
Which qualifications and systems get screened for varies sharply by role. The guides for Accountant, Management Accountant, Financial Analyst, Financial Controller, and Auditor break them down individually.
Healthcare & NHS
| Keyword | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Patient Care / Patient Safety | Core healthcare values |
| Clinical Assessment | Hands-on clinical skill |
| NHS / Healthcare Standards | UK-specific compliance |
| Safeguarding | Mandatory in UK healthcare |
| Electronic Health Records (EHR) | Digital systems competency |
| Evidence-Based Practice | Research-informed care |
| Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) | Collaborative working |
| NMC / GMC / HCPC Registration | Professional registration |
| Infection Control | Essential knowledge |
| Care Planning / Treatment Planning | Structured patient management |
Tip: NHS applications often use competency-based frameworks. Match your keywords to the person specification, not just the job description.
Clinical roles each carry their own registrations and competency vocabulary, so the per-role lists differ more here than in most sectors: Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, General Practitioner, Healthcare Assistant, and Occupational Therapist.
Marketing & Digital
| Keyword | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) | Core digital skill |
| PPC (Pay-Per-Click) / Google Ads | Paid media management |
| Content Strategy / Content Marketing | Content planning |
| Social Media Marketing / Management | Platform expertise |
| Email Marketing / Marketing Automation | CRM and nurture campaigns |
| Google Analytics / GA4 | Measurement and reporting |
| CRM (HubSpot / Salesforce) | Customer relationship tools |
| A/B Testing / Conversion Optimisation | Data-driven marketing |
| Brand Management / Brand Strategy | Strategic marketing |
| Copywriting / Content Creation | Creative skills |
| Marketing ROI / Attribution | Results measurement |
| Influencer Marketing | Growing channel |
Tip:Marketing roles are increasingly data-driven. Include metrics in your bullet points: "Increased organic traffic by 45% through SEO strategy".
Marketing job titles overlap in ways ATS searches do not, so it pays to target the exact one: Marketing Manager, Digital Marketing Manager, SEO Specialist, PPC Specialist, Social Media Manager, and Content Writer.
Engineering
| Keyword | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| CAD (AutoCAD / SolidWorks / Revit) | Design software proficiency |
| Project Management / PMP | Delivery capability |
| Health and Safety / CDM Regulations | UK regulatory compliance |
| Technical Drawings / Specifications | Core engineering output |
| Quality Assurance / Quality Control | Standards and testing |
| Six Sigma / Lean Manufacturing | Process improvement |
| BIM (Building Information Modelling) | Construction and civil |
| Structural Analysis / FEA | Analytical tools |
| Risk Assessment / HAZOP | Safety analysis |
| Chartered Engineer (CEng) / IET / IMechE | Professional status |
Tip: Engineering roles value professional chartership highly. Include your institution membership and status.
Chartership routes and the standards you are expected to name differ by discipline. See Mechanical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Structural Engineer, and Quantity Surveyor.
Education & Teaching
| Keyword | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Lesson Planning / Curriculum Development | Core teaching skill |
| Differentiated Instruction | Adapting to learner needs |
| Assessment / Formative Assessment | Measuring progress |
| Classroom Management / Behaviour Management | Practical competence |
| Safeguarding / Child Protection | Mandatory knowledge |
| SEND (Special Educational Needs) | Inclusive practice |
| Ofsted / Quality Assurance | Inspection readiness |
| QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) | UK teaching qualification |
| Pastoral Care | Student wellbeing |
| EdTech / Digital Learning | Technology in education |
Tip: UK teaching applications often use person specifications with essential and desirable criteria. Address every essential criterion directly.
The criteria vary by post, from classroom to leadership. Role guides: Teacher, Teaching Assistant, SENCO, Headteacher, and Lecturer.
Sales & Business Development
| Keyword | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Business Development / New Business | Revenue generation |
| Account Management / Key Accounts | Client relationship |
| CRM (Salesforce / HubSpot) | Sales tools |
| Pipeline Management / Sales Forecasting | Sales process |
| Negotiation / Contract Negotiation | Deal-closing skills |
| Revenue Growth / Sales Targets | Results orientation |
| B2B / B2C Sales | Market focus |
| Lead Generation / Prospecting | Top-of-funnel activity |
| Consultative Selling / Solution Selling | Methodology |
| SaaS / Enterprise Sales | Sector experience |
Tip:Sales CVs should be heavily quantified. "Exceeded annual target by 18%, generating £1.2M in new business" is far more powerful than "Strong sales track record".
What you quantify depends on where you sit in the funnel. See Sales Manager, Business Development Manager, Account Manager, Sales Development Representative, and Sales Representative.
Project Management & Consulting
| Keyword | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Project Management / Programme Management | Core competency |
| PMP / PRINCE2 / Agile | Methodology certifications |
| Stakeholder Management / Engagement | Relationship skills |
| Budget Management / Cost Control | Financial oversight |
| Risk Management / Mitigation | Risk handling |
| Change Management | Organisational change |
| Business Analysis / Requirements Gathering | Analytical skills |
| Jira / Asana / Monday.com | Project tools |
| KPIs / OKRs / Performance Metrics | Results measurement |
| Strategic Planning / Roadmapping | Planning capability |
Tip: In consulting, methodology certifications (PMP, PRINCE2, Scrum Master) are often ATS knockout criteria. If you have them, make them prominent.
Delivery titles are used loosely by employers but searched precisely, so check the one on the advert: Project Manager, Program Manager, Scrum Master, Business Analyst, and Management Consultant.
How to find keywords for any role
Beyond these industry lists, here is how to identify the right keywords for any specific job:
- Read the job description three times. First for overall understanding, second to highlight repeated terms, third to identify the non-negotiable requirements.
- Check similar postings. Look at 3 to 5 similar job postings to spot common keywords across the industry.
- Note the exact phrasing.If the JD says "stakeholder management", use that exact phrase, not "managing stakeholders" or "stakeholder relations".
- Look at the person specification. In UK roles, the person specification lists essential and desirable criteria, and these are your keyword blueprint.
- Use atspass.com. Upload your CV and paste the job description at atspass.com to see exactly which keywords you have matched and which are missing.
Keywords for your specific role
Want a tighter list for your exact job title? We maintain role-specific keyword guides with the skills, tools, and certifications ATS systems screen for — for example Software Engineer, Registered Nurse, Accountant, Project Manager, and Data Analyst. Browse them all on the keywords by role page.
