How to Find the Right Keywords for Your Resume

Why keywords matter

ATS software scores your CV by comparing it to the job description. The higher the keyword match, the higher your score. A 60% match might pass. A 30% match gets filtered out.

How to find the right keywords

Step 1: Copy the job description into a text document.

**Step 2: Identify the nouns and noun phrases.** These are the skills, tools, qualifications and job titles the employer is looking for. Example: "data analysis", "Python", "SQL", "stakeholder management", "Agile".

**Step 3: Check which ones appear in your CV.** Any that are missing but relevant to your experience should be added — using the exact wording from the job description.

**Step 4: Check your section headings.** If the job says "Technical Skills" and your CV says "Tools & Technologies", consider matching the heading.

What not to do

Do not paste a hidden block of white keywords at the bottom of your CV. ATS systems have detected this trick for years and it can get you flagged.

Do not add skills you do not have. You will be tested in the interview.

The best approach

Tailor your CV for each application. It takes 10 minutes and it is the single highest-return investment you can make in your job search.