Different industries use different language, and ATS systems scan for industry-specific terms. Using generic keywords when your target role has specific terminology is one of the fastest ways to get a low ATS score. Here are the most important keywords by industry, drawn from analyzing thousands of job postings.
Tech roles have the most keyword-dense job postings. ATS systems in tech are aggressive about filtering for specific tools and methodologies.
Languages & Frameworks: Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, React, Node.js, Java, Go, Rust, SQL, GraphQL, REST API, microservices
Cloud & Infrastructure: AWS, Azure, GCP, Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD, Terraform, Linux, serverless
Methodologies: Agile, Scrum, Kanban, DevOps, test-driven development, code review, sprint planning
Tools: Git, GitHub, Jira, Confluence, Datadog, Splunk, Jenkins, CircleCI
Healthcare ATS is heavily compliance-focused. Missing certifications or regulatory keywords will immediately filter you out.
Compliance: HIPAA, Joint Commission, FDA, CMS, OSHA, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, patient safety
Clinical: patient care, EMR/EHR, Epic, Cerner, clinical documentation, care coordination, patient outcomes
Certifications: RN, BSN, CNA, ACLS, BLS, CPR, NP, PA-C, board certified
Operations: care delivery, population health, value-based care, telehealth, patient satisfaction, readmission reduction
Finance roles emphasize regulatory knowledge, analytical tools, and specific certifications.
Skills: financial modeling, forecasting, budgeting, variance analysis, P&L management, revenue recognition, GAAP, IFRS
Tools: Bloomberg, SAP, Oracle, QuickBooks, Excel (advanced), Power BI, Tableau, SQL
Certifications: CPA, CFA, CFP, Series 7, Series 66, FRM, CAIA
Regulatory: SOX compliance, SEC reporting, audit, risk management, internal controls, due diligence
Sales ATS filters heavily on methodology knowledge, CRM experience, and metric-driven language.
Metrics: quota attainment, ARR, MRR, pipeline generation, deal size, win rate, revenue growth, customer acquisition
Methodologies: MEDDIC, MEDDPICC, Challenger Sale, SPIN, Solution Selling, consultative selling, value selling
Tools: Salesforce, HubSpot, Outreach, Gong, ZoomInfo, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, Clari
Skills: enterprise sales, B2B, SaaS, account management, territory planning, negotiation, executive engagement, channel partnerships
Marketing roles blend creative and analytical keywords. ATS in marketing scans for both channel expertise and measurement capability.
Channels: SEO, SEM, PPC, content marketing, email marketing, social media, influencer marketing, ABM, demand generation
Tools: Google Analytics, Google Ads, HubSpot, Marketo, Mailchimp, Hootsuite, SEMrush, Ahrefs, Figma
Metrics: ROI, ROAS, conversion rate, CAC, LTV, click-through rate, engagement rate, marketing qualified leads (MQL)
Skills: brand strategy, content strategy, go-to-market, product marketing, competitive analysis, A/B testing, marketing automation
Engineering ATS is certification and methodology-heavy, with specific software tools being critical keywords.
Tools: AutoCAD, SolidWorks, MATLAB, LabVIEW, PLC programming, CAD/CAM, FEA, CFD
Methodologies: Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, FMEA, root cause analysis, design of experiments
Certifications: PE, PMP, Six Sigma Black Belt, Green Belt, OSHA 30, AWS Certified Welding Inspector
Skills: process optimization, quality control, supply chain, GMP, ISO 9001, project management, technical documentation
Don't just copy-paste keyword lists into your resume — ATS systems and recruiters will both flag this. Instead, weave relevant keywords naturally into your experience descriptions and achievements. The best approach is to compare these industry keywords against the specific job posting you're targeting.
MATCH YOUR KEYWORDS AUTOMATICALLY
Upload your resume and paste the job posting. Resume Weapon extracts the exact keywords needed and shows which ones you're matching and missing.
FREE ATS KEYWORD CHECK →ATS Keywords: How to Find the Right Keywords