Gone are the days when you could simply hand in a paper resume and get a callback. Now you have to worry about resume keywords and format. In 2025, your resume must first pass through a robot, also known as an Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
If you’re unfamiliar, an ATS is a type of software that scans resumes before a recruiter even sees them. It’s designed to filter out the applications that don’t match the job description well enough. So even if you’re qualified, using the wrong language on your resume could keep you from ever getting noticed.
Here’s the good news: there are specific keywords that the ATS looks for, and using the right ones can drastically improve your chances of landing an interview. Let’s walk through the top 10 ATS-friendly resume keywords to help you beat the bots and get that callback.
1. Managed
This is a powerful, action-oriented word that instantly signals leadership. Whether you managed a team, a project, or a budget, using this word shows initiative and responsibility. ATS algorithms often associate “managed” with mid-to-senior-level roles, making it a great addition if you’ve had any oversight experience.
Example: Managed a cross-functional team of 10 to deliver marketing campaigns on time and under budget.
2. Developed
If you’ve ever created or improved a process, program, or product, “developed” is your go-to keyword. It suggests innovation, creativity, and problem-solving—traits many employers are actively seeking.
Example: Developed a new onboarding process that reduced employee turnover by 25%.
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3. Implemented
This keyword shows that you don’t just come up with ideas—you make them happen. It speaks to your ability to put plans into action and bring measurable change to a company.
Example: Implemented a new CRM system that streamlined sales tracking and increased efficiency by 40%.
4. Analyzed
In today’s data-driven world, the ability to interpret information is gold. Whether you worked with sales figures, customer feedback, or operational metrics, “analyzed” positions you as someone who can make data-backed decisions.
Example: Analyzed customer behavior data to improve website UX and boost conversions by 15%.
5. Led
Similar to “managed,” this keyword emphasizes leadership. Use “led” when you were the main driver behind a project, initiative, or team.
Example: Led the redesign of the company website, resulting in a 30% increase in user engagement.
6. Achieved
Employers want to know what you accomplished, not just what you were responsible for. “Achieved” focuses the attention on results and outcomes, which is exactly what both ATS software and hiring managers want to see.
Example: Achieved a 20% increase in monthly sales through targeted marketing campaigns.
7. Improved
This keyword shows you made things better—whether it was a system, workflow, or customer satisfaction. It’s great for showcasing how your contributions led to positive change.
Example: Improved response time to customer inquiries by 50% through automation tools.
8. Designed
Whether you worked in UX, product development, or instructional materials, “designed” conveys creativity and intent. It’s especially useful for roles that require problem-solving and originality.
Example: Designed an internal knowledge base that cut training time by 40%.
9. Collaborated
Companies value team players. Using “collaborated” on your resume suggests that you work well with others and can contribute effectively to a group setting.
Example: Collaborated with engineers and designers to launch a mobile app that gained 10,000 users in three months.
10. Executed
This word communicates action and follow-through. If you were responsible for making sure something got done from start to finish, “executed” is the keyword to use.
Example: Executed a seasonal marketing campaign that generated $100K in new revenue.
How to Find the Right Keywords for Your Industry
While the 10 keywords above are widely applicable, the best way to find the right keywords for your resume is to study job descriptions. Look at several listings for the role you’re interested in, and take note of recurring words and phrases. Tools like Jobscan are incredibly helpful for this. They allow you to paste your resume and a job description side by side, then offer keyword suggestions to improve your match rate.
You can also browse LinkedIn profiles of professionals in your field to see how they describe their roles and accomplishments. This can give you ideas for industry-specific terms you might be missing.
A Word of Caution: Don’t Just Keyword-Stuff
It might be tempting to cram your resume with every high-impact word you can think of, but recruiters can see right through that—and so can more advanced ATS software. Keywords need to be used naturally and in context. Make sure they accurately describe what you did, and back them up with specific achievements or responsibilities.
Keep Your Resume Clean and Simple
Even the best keywords won’t help you if your resume is formatted in a way that confuses the ATS. Avoid using tables, graphics, or unusual fonts. Stick to a clean, chronological layout with standard section headers like “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.”
Use bullet points to make your achievements easy to read, and be consistent with your formatting throughout the document. Remember, the goal is to make it as easy as possible for both a machine and a human to understand your qualifications.
Don’t Have Time to Do All This Manually? LightForth Can Help
Tailoring your resume for every job and keeping up with the latest ATS rules can be exhausting. That’s where LightForth comes in.
LightForth’s resume builder is designed with ATS optimization in mind. It automatically formats your resume the right way, suggests job-specific keywords, and helps you highlight your strongest achievements. No guesswork, no wasted time—just a clean, professional resume that gets results.
You’ve got enough on your plate with job applications, interviews, and networking. Let LightForth handle the resume for you. Try it today and watch your interview rate go up.