Industry-Specific Resume Keywords: ATS Keywords List by Industry
Applicant tracking systems (ATS) don't hold a secret keyword list. Recruiters search them for the words their job posting uses: skills, tools, certifications and job titles. This list collects the terms that commonly appear in postings for 21 industries, so you can spot the ones that are true for you and use them the way the posting does.
How ATS keywords work
An ATS reads your resume into fields and stores the text. A recruiter then searches it, often for a job title plus a few must-have skills or certifications from their posting. Your resume comes up when it contains those words, usually as written.
- Exact wording matters. Many systems match "Accounts Payable" but not "AP work", or "Microsoft Excel" but not "spreadsheets". Use the posting's words.
- Write an acronym both ways once, as in "Infection prevention and control (IPAC)" or "Certified Public Accountant (CPA)", so a search for either finds you.
- Tools and certifications are searched one by one. List each separately, not as "various ERP systems".
- Job titles are searched first. Use the title you're applying for in your summary when it describes you.
For finding the keywords in a specific posting, see ATS resume keywords: examples and how to use them.
Healthcare and nursing keywords
Clinical postings list procedures, specialties and the charting system by name, so use the exact terms.
| Type | Keywords that commonly appear in postings (use the ones true for you) |
|---|---|
| Skills | Patient assessment, medication administration, care planning, wound care, IV therapy, vital signs monitoring, patient education, discharge planning, infection prevention and control (IPAC), triage |
| Tools and systems | Epic, Cerner (Oracle Health), Meditech, PointClickCare, electronic health record (EHR), barcode medication administration (BCMA) |
| Certifications | Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Practical Nurse (RPN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), BLS, ACLS, PALS, TNCC, CCRN |
| Job titles | Registered Nurse, Staff Nurse, Charge Nurse, Clinical Nurse, Nurse Practitioner |
More for this field: ATS resume guide for healthcare and nursing.
Personal support and home care keywords
Long-term care and home care postings ask for daily-living care, safe transfers and the facility's charting system.
| Type | Keywords that commonly appear in postings (use the ones true for you) |
|---|---|
| Skills | Activities of daily living (ADLs), personal care, safe transfers and lifts, mobility support, dementia care, palliative care, feeding assistance, vital signs, infection prevention and control (IPAC), documentation |
| Tools and systems | PointClickCare, mechanical lifts (Hoyer), gait belts, point-of-care charting |
| Certifications | Personal Support Worker (PSW) certificate, Home Health Aide (HHA), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), CPR and First Aid, Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA), WHMIS, food handler |
| Job titles | Personal Support Worker, Home Health Aide, Caregiver, Resident Care Aide, Health Care Aide |
Accounting keywords
Accounting postings name the close process, the standards and the ERP, so mirror them exactly.
| Type | Keywords that commonly appear in postings (use the ones true for you) |
|---|---|
| Skills | Month-end close, account reconciliations, journal entries, general ledger, accruals, variance analysis, financial statements, audit support, fixed assets, intercompany |
| Tools and systems | NetSuite, QuickBooks, Sage, SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP), Power BI |
| Certifications | CPA, CMA, ACCA, CIA, GAAP, IFRS, SOX |
| Job titles | Staff Accountant, Senior Accountant, Accounting Manager, Controller, Bookkeeper |
More for this field: ATS resume guide for accounting.
Tax keywords
Tax roles are matched on the returns and forms you've prepared and the software you used.
| Type | Keywords that commonly appear in postings (use the ones true for you) |
|---|---|
| Skills | Tax preparation, tax planning, tax research, individual and corporate returns, sales tax, payroll tax, tax provisions, compliance filings, audit response, client advisory |
| Tools and systems | CCH Axcess, UltraTax, Lacerte, ProSeries, Drake, TaxCycle, Thomson Reuters Onvio, Excel |
| Certifications | CPA, Enrolled Agent (EA), Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP), PTIN, Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, Canada) |
| Job titles | Tax Associate, Tax Consultant, Tax Preparer, Tax Analyst, Tax Manager |
Accounts receivable and accounts payable keywords
AR and AP postings focus on volume, cycle steps and the ERP, so name each step you handled.
| Type | Keywords that commonly appear in postings (use the ones true for you) |
|---|---|
| Skills | Invoicing, cash application, collections, aging reports, credit memos, three-way match, vendor management, payment runs, reconciliations, days sales outstanding (DSO) |
| Tools and systems | SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, QuickBooks, Microsoft Dynamics, Bill.com, Coupa, Excel |
| Certifications | Certified Accounts Payable Professional (CAPP), Certified Accounts Receivable Specialist (CARS) |
| Job titles | Accounts Receivable Specialist, Accounts Payable Clerk, Billing Specialist, Collections Specialist, AR/AP Analyst |
Compliance and risk keywords
Compliance postings list the regulations by name; an ATS often searches for the acronym and the full name.
| Type | Keywords that commonly appear in postings (use the ones true for you) |
|---|---|
| Skills | Regulatory compliance, risk assessment, internal controls, policy development, compliance monitoring, audits, investigations, anti-money laundering (AML), know your customer (KYC), training |
| Tools and systems | GRC platforms (Archer, MetricStream), Actimize, Excel, case management systems |
| Certifications | CAMS, CRCM, CCEP, CIA, SOX, GDPR, HIPAA, PIPEDA, FINRA |
| Job titles | Compliance Analyst, Compliance Officer, Risk Analyst, AML Analyst, Compliance Manager |
Banking and financial services keywords
Banking postings mix customer, product and regulatory terms; use the ones the posting uses.
| Type | Keywords that commonly appear in postings (use the ones true for you) |
|---|---|
| Skills | Financial analysis, credit analysis, underwriting, loan processing, portfolio management, cash handling, client relationship management, financial modeling, forecasting, budgeting |
| Tools and systems | Bloomberg, Excel, Salesforce, nCino, FIS, Fiserv, core banking systems |
| Certifications | CFA, CFP, Series 7, Series 63, CSC (Canadian Securities Course), LLQP |
| Job titles | Financial Analyst, Credit Analyst, Personal Banker, Loan Officer, Relationship Manager |
Project management keywords
PM postings are matched on the methodology and the tool, and many filter on a certification.
| Type | Keywords that commonly appear in postings (use the ones true for you) |
|---|---|
| Skills | Project planning, scope management, stakeholder management, risk management, budget management, Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, resource planning, status reporting |
| Tools and systems | Jira, Confluence, Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, Asana, Monday.com, Trello |
| Certifications | PMP, CAPM, PRINCE2, Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), PMI-ACP, SAFe |
| Job titles | Project Manager, Program Manager, Project Coordinator, Scrum Master, PMO Analyst |
More for this field: ATS resume guide for project management.
IT and software development keywords
Tech postings are keyword-dense: languages, frameworks and cloud platforms are searched one by one.
| Type | Keywords that commonly appear in postings (use the ones true for you) |
|---|---|
| Skills | Software development, API design, testing, debugging, code review, CI/CD, system design, troubleshooting, technical support, agile development |
| Tools and systems | Python, Java, JavaScript, TypeScript, React, Node.js, SQL, AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Docker, Kubernetes, Git |
| Certifications | AWS Certified, Microsoft Certified (Azure), CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, CCNA |
| Job titles | Software Engineer, Software Developer, Full Stack Developer, IT Support Specialist, DevOps Engineer |
Data and analytics keywords
Analytics postings name the stack; list each tool separately so each one can be matched.
| Type | Keywords that commonly appear in postings (use the ones true for you) |
|---|---|
| Skills | Data analysis, data visualization, reporting, dashboards, statistical analysis, data cleaning, A/B testing, forecasting, KPI tracking, stakeholder reporting |
| Tools and systems | SQL, Excel, Power BI, Tableau, Python (pandas), R, Looker, Google Analytics, Snowflake, BigQuery |
| Certifications | Google Data Analytics Certificate, Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst, Tableau Certified |
| Job titles | Data Analyst, Business Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, Reporting Analyst, Data Scientist |
Customer service keywords
Service postings list channels, tools and the metrics they track.
| Type | Keywords that commonly appear in postings (use the ones true for you) |
|---|---|
| Skills | Customer support, complaint resolution, de-escalation, live chat, email support, phone support, CSAT, first contact resolution, ticket management, product knowledge |
| Tools and systems | Zendesk, Salesforce Service Cloud, Freshdesk, HubSpot, Intercom, Five9, Genesys |
| Certifications | HDI Customer Service Representative, CCXP |
| Job titles | Customer Service Representative, Customer Support Specialist, Call Center Agent, Client Service Associate |
More for this field: ATS resume guide for customer service.
Sales keywords
Sales postings look for the sales motion, the CRM and the targets you worked against.
| Type | Keywords that commonly appear in postings (use the ones true for you) |
|---|---|
| Skills | Prospecting, lead generation, cold calling, pipeline management, account management, negotiation, closing, quota attainment, B2B sales, customer retention |
| Tools and systems | Salesforce, HubSpot, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, Outreach, Salesloft, Gong, ZoomInfo |
| Certifications | Certified Sales Professional (CSP), SPIN Selling, Sandler Training |
| Job titles | Sales Representative, Account Executive, Sales Development Representative (SDR), Account Manager, Business Development Representative |
Marketing keywords
Marketing postings name the channels and platforms; match each one you have used.
| Type | Keywords that commonly appear in postings (use the ones true for you) |
|---|---|
| Skills | Digital marketing, content marketing, SEO, SEM, social media marketing, email marketing, campaign management, marketing analytics, copywriting, brand management |
| Tools and systems | Google Analytics, Google Ads, Meta Ads Manager, HubSpot, Mailchimp, Hootsuite, Canva, Semrush |
| Certifications | Google Ads certification, Google Analytics certification, HubSpot Content Marketing, Meta Certified |
| Job titles | Marketing Coordinator, Digital Marketing Specialist, Content Marketing Manager, Social Media Manager, Marketing Manager |
Human resources keywords
HR postings list the HR cycle steps and the HRIS by name.
| Type | Keywords that commonly appear in postings (use the ones true for you) |
|---|---|
| Skills | Recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, compensation and benefits, HR policies, payroll, training and development, workforce planning, labour law compliance |
| Tools and systems | Workday, ADP, BambooHR, SAP SuccessFactors, UKG, Greenhouse, Lever |
| Certifications | SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, CHRP, CHRL, CIPD |
| Job titles | HR Generalist, HR Coordinator, Recruiter, Talent Acquisition Specialist, HR Manager |
Administrative and office keywords
Admin postings check for office software, scheduling and the volume you handled.
| Type | Keywords that commonly appear in postings (use the ones true for you) |
|---|---|
| Skills | Calendar management, scheduling, data entry, records management, office administration, travel coordination, minute taking, reception, invoice processing, customer service |
| Tools and systems | Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Workspace, Zoom, Teams, QuickBooks, Salesforce |
| Certifications | Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) |
| Job titles | Administrative Assistant, Office Administrator, Executive Assistant, Receptionist, Office Coordinator |
Warehouse and logistics keywords
Warehouse postings filter on equipment, certificates and safety terms.
| Type | Keywords that commonly appear in postings (use the ones true for you) |
|---|---|
| Skills | Order picking, packing, shipping and receiving, inventory control, cycle counts, loading and unloading, RF scanning, material handling, quality checks, workplace safety |
| Tools and systems | Warehouse management system (WMS), RF scanners, SAP, Manhattan, forklift, pallet jack, reach truck |
| Certifications | Forklift certification, WHMIS, OSHA 10, First Aid and CPR, DOT, TDG (transportation of dangerous goods) |
| Job titles | Warehouse Associate, Forklift Operator, Picker Packer, Shipping and Receiving Clerk, Inventory Associate |
Manufacturing and skilled trades keywords
Trades postings are matched on licences, equipment and the safety programs you know.
| Type | Keywords that commonly appear in postings (use the ones true for you) |
|---|---|
| Skills | Machine operation, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, blueprint reading, quality control, lean manufacturing, 5S, welding, assembly, lockout/tagout |
| Tools and systems | CNC, PLC, CAD, hand and power tools, precision measuring instruments, CMMS |
| Certifications | Red Seal, journeyperson licence, OSHA, WHMIS, Six Sigma Green Belt, AWS welding certification |
| Job titles | Production Worker, Machine Operator, Maintenance Technician, Electrician, Millwright |
Construction keywords
Construction postings name the trade, the safety training and the project types.
| Type | Keywords that commonly appear in postings (use the ones true for you) |
|---|---|
| Skills | Site safety, blueprint reading, scheduling, cost estimating, quality control, framing, concrete, inspections, subcontractor coordination, project documentation |
| Tools and systems | Procore, AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Microsoft Project, PlanGrid, Primavera P6 |
| Certifications | OSHA 30, Working at Heights, WHMIS, First Aid, Red Seal, PMP, LEED |
| Job titles | Construction Laborer, Carpenter, Site Supervisor, Project Coordinator, Estimator |
Retail, food service and hospitality keywords
Service-floor postings look for POS, cash handling and food safety terms.
| Type | Keywords that commonly appear in postings (use the ones true for you) |
|---|---|
| Skills | Customer service, cash handling, POS operation, merchandising, inventory, opening and closing, food preparation, food safety, upselling, team training |
| Tools and systems | POS systems (Square, Toast, Lightspeed), Opera PMS, scheduling apps |
| Certifications | Food Handler, ServSafe, Smart Serve, Safe Food Handling, First Aid |
| Job titles | Cashier, Retail Sales Associate, Server, Line Cook, Front Desk Agent |
Education keywords
Teaching postings mention the grade level, curriculum and classroom tools.
| Type | Keywords that commonly appear in postings (use the ones true for you) |
|---|---|
| Skills | Lesson planning, curriculum development, classroom management, differentiated instruction, student assessment, IEP support, parent communication, literacy, numeracy, special education |
| Tools and systems | Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, SMART Board, PowerSchool |
| Certifications | Teaching licence or certification (for example OCT in Ontario), TESOL, TEFL, CELTA, ECE |
| Job titles | Teacher, Educational Assistant, Early Childhood Educator, Tutor, Instructional Designer |
Security and screening (including TSA) keywords
Screening postings, such as TSA's Transportation Security Officer, use security procedure terms.
| Type | Keywords that commonly appear in postings (use the ones true for you) |
|---|---|
| Skills | Passenger screening, baggage screening, X-ray screening, prohibited item detection, standard operating procedures (SOP), access control, patrolling, incident reporting, de-escalation, customer service |
| Tools and systems | X-ray machines, Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT), explosives trace detection (ETD), walk-through metal detectors, CCTV |
| Certifications | Security guard licence, First Aid and CPR, Non-violent Crisis Intervention |
| Job titles | Transportation Security Officer (TSO), Security Officer, Security Guard, Screening Officer, Loss Prevention Officer |
See which keywords your resume already has
The free ATS checker reads your resume the way an applicant tracking system does, shows the fields and skills it found, and runs 14 checks. Add the job you're applying for and it checks that your resume names it. No account needed.
Check my resume free →Frequently asked questions
What are industry-specific keywords on a resume?
They're the skills, tools, certifications and job titles particular to a field, such as "month-end close" and "NetSuite" in accounting or "patient assessment" and "Epic" in nursing. Recruiters search an ATS for them, so a resume that uses them, where they're true, is easier to find.
Is there an official ATS keywords list?
No. Each recruiter searches for the words in their own posting, so the right keywords come from the job description. Lists like this one show what postings in a field commonly ask for; check them against the posting you're applying to.
How many keywords should a resume have?
There's no set number. Cover the posting's must-haves once or twice each, in your summary, skills and bullets, wherever they're true. Repeating a term over and over is keyword stuffing, which recruiters and modern ATS notice.
Should I use acronyms or full terms?
Both, once: the full term with the acronym after it, as in "Infection prevention and control (IPAC)". After that, use whichever the posting uses.
Where do I put keywords on my resume?
In your summary (your job title and top skills), your skills list (tools and hard skills, separated by commas), your job bullets (where you used them) and your certifications section. A separate block of keywords with no context reads as stuffing.
Related: ATS resume keywords · ATS resume checklist · How to make an ATS-friendly resume · Why resumes get rejected by an ATS