Resume Keywords: What to Include for Job Boards

Simple rules to pick and place keywords so your resume is found by recruiters and passes ATS checks.

Choose keywords from the job description

Copy core skills and role-specific nouns from job listings (tools, certifications, measurable skills) and mirror their phrasing in your resume where truthful.

Place keywords naturally

Include keywords in the summary, experience bullets, and skills section — but avoid stuffing. Use short examples showing impact alongside each keyword.

Use variations & synonyms

Include common synonyms (e.g., "growth" and "growth marketing") and typical abbreviations ("SQL", "MySQL") so both humans and ATS match your profile.