Why Keywords in Job Descriptions Matter More Than You Think

Job hunting can be frustrating, especially when you're qualified but not getting any callbacks. One overlooked reason? Your resume might not be reflecting the right keywords in the job description.

This is especially true if you’re applying to roles online. Most companies today use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes before a human ever lays eyes on them. And one of the main things these systems are scanning for? The right keywords.

Understanding the role of keywords can be the difference between getting filtered out or getting an interview.

What Are Keywords in Job Descriptions?

Keywords in job descriptions are the specific words or phrases employers use to describe the skills, experience, and qualifications they’re looking for. These might include hard skills like “data analysis” or “project management,” software tools like “Salesforce” or “Python,” or soft skills such as “collaboration” or “strategic thinking.”

If those exact phrases don’t appear in your resume, even if you have the experience, the ATS might not recognize you as a good fit.

In other words, if you’re not using the same language the employer is using, you may be getting passed over—not because you aren’t qualified, but because your resume doesn’t speak the system’s language.

Why This Matters to Jobseekers in Career Transition

When you're pivoting into a new industry or role, you're already working against a learning curve. Employers might not immediately connect your previous experience to the new direction you're targeting.

This is where tailoring your resume to the keywords in job descriptions becomes critical. Instead of assuming a recruiter will make the connection, your goal is to make that connection obvious.

For example, if you’re transitioning from education into project management, your resume should clearly reflect project coordination, stakeholder communication, and workflow organization, especially if those terms appear directly in the job description.

It’s not about changing your story. It’s about framing it in a way that resonates with your target audience.

Where to Find the Right Keywords

You don’t have to guess what employers are looking for—it’s already in the job posting. Here are a few places to scan:

• Job title and responsibilities: These are often packed with core keywords.

• Required qualifications: Look at what tools, systems, or certifications are listed.

• Preferred skills or experiences: These may not be must-haves, but they’re strong signals for how to tailor your resume.

• Company values and culture: If the company emphasizes terms like “collaboration,” “agility,” or “innovation,” consider including those where they authentically apply to your work.

Review 3 to 5 job descriptions for your target role. Highlight repeated phrases. If you see the same terms appearing across different companies, those are likely critical keywords for your resume.

How to Use Keywords Effectively

Simply copying and pasting a job description into your resume won’t cut it. Here’s how to use keywords naturally and effectively:

• Incorporate keywords into your bullet points. Instead of listing responsibilities, describe what you accomplished using relevant language.

• Match terminology exactly when possible. If the job description says “CRM tools,” don’t say “customer databases.” Use their language.

• Use both acronyms and full terms. For example, write “Customer Relationship Management (CRM)” once to cover both variations.

• Avoid keyword stuffing. Overloading your resume with repeated keywords can make it unreadable and will hurt you when an actual person reviews it.

  
  

The goal is to create a resume that both the system and a human can appreciate.

Mistakes to Avoid

Even when jobseekers know the importance of keywords, these common missteps can still trip them up:

• Using overly generic language: Words like “responsible for” or “helped with” don’t carry as much weight as specific action verbs and skills.

• Ignoring the soft skills section: While technical skills often get the spotlight, many ATS systems also scan for soft skills when they’re included in the job description.

• Only customizing the summary section: Your entire resume should reflect the language of the job post, not just your summary.

The Bottom Line on Keywords in Job Descriptions

Understanding how to match your resume with keywords in job descriptions is one of the smartest moves you can make in today’s job market. If you’re staying in your field or exploring something new, aligning your language with what employers are actually asking for can be the key to getting your resume seen.

If your applications have been getting stuck in silence, it might be time to shift your strategy.

That’s why we offer free Beat the Bots workshops—to help jobseekers like you learn how to read job postings with intention, uncover hidden requirements, and align your resume with what recruiters are truly scanning for.

From identifying the right keywords to making your value clear, you’ll walk away with tools to strengthen your job search and stand out with confidence.