Industry-Specific ATS Keywords: What Each Sector's Resume Scanners Look For
Different industries require tailored keywords to pass applicant tracking systems
Discover the exact keywords and phrases that ATS systems prioritize in your industry. Learn how to tailor your resume with sector-specific terminology to stand out from other candidates.
When it comes to passing Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), not all industries are created equal. Each sector has its own specialized vocabulary, technical terms, and buzzwords that hiring managers expect to see on resumes. Modern ATS systems are increasingly configured to prioritize industry-specific terminology, with many employers customizing their systems to look for particular keywords relevant to their field.
According to a 2023 JobScan study , 99% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS software to filter candidates, and 75% of these systems now include industry-specific keyword weighting. This means that even a well-formatted, keyword-rich resume might fail to make it through if it doesn't contain the precise terminology used in your target industry.
In this comprehensive guide, we've analyzed thousands of job postings across major industries to identify the exact terminology that each sector's ATS systems are configured to prioritize. You'll discover which keywords matter most for your field, how to properly incorporate them into your resume, and common terminology mistakes that can cause your application to be rejected.
Key Findings
- Industry-specific terminology carries 2-3x more weight than generic keywords in modern ATS systems
- Technical jargon and industry certifications are the highest weighted keyword categories across all sectors
- Using outmoded industry terms can trigger negative scoring in sophisticated ATS systems
- The proper format for industry terms (capitalization, hyphenation, acronyms) matters significantly
- The ideal keyword density varies by industry, with technical fields requiring higher specificity
ATS Keyword Statistics
higher interview rate for resumes with industry-specific keywords versus generic terms
of ATS systems are now configured to weight industry-specific terminology higher than general qualifications
industry-specific keywords should appear in your resume to maximize ATS visibility
more likely to pass ATS screening with customized industry terminology versus a generic resume
Browse Keywords By Industry
Technology & IT Industry
The technology sector emphasizes technical skills, programming languages, methodologies, and specific tools. ATS systems in tech are often configured to prioritize exact matches for technical competencies.
Critical Technical Terms & Certifications
Industry-Specific Tools & Systems
High-Impact Action Verbs
Keyword Tips
Use specific version numbers for programming languages and frameworks when relevant (e.g., 'Python 3.9' rather than just 'Python'). Include both spelled-out terms and acronyms (e.g., 'Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD)').
Common Mistakes
Using overly generic terms like 'proficient in coding' instead of naming specific languages, or listing outdated technologies that signal you haven't kept current with industry trends.
Terms to Avoid
Healthcare & Medical Industry
Healthcare resumes face strict keyword screening for certifications, specific procedures, and compliance knowledge. ATS systems in healthcare often flag candidates without required credentials.
Critical Technical Terms & Certifications
Industry-Specific Tools & Systems
High-Impact Action Verbs
Keyword Tips
Always include your license numbers and certification ID numbers. Use the exact terminology for procedures and treatments as they appear in job descriptions, including both full names and acronyms.
Common Mistakes
Using informal medical terminology or abbreviations that aren't industry standard, or neglecting to specify particular systems (like Epic or Cerner) that you're experienced with.
Terms to Avoid
Finance & Banking Industry
Financial sector ATS systems prioritize regulatory knowledge, specific analysis methodologies, and software proficiency. Certifications and compliance terminology are heavily weighted.
Critical Technical Terms & Certifications
Industry-Specific Tools & Systems
High-Impact Action Verbs
Keyword Tips
Financial terminology should be precise and include relevant regulations for your specialty. Include both the abbreviation and full term for important concepts (e.g., 'Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)').
Common Mistakes
Using vague financial terms instead of specific methodologies, or neglecting to include certifications and regulatory knowledge relevant to the specific financial role.
Terms to Avoid
Marketing & Communications Industry
Marketing ATS systems scan for platform expertise, campaign metrics, and current digital marketing terminology. Quantifiable results and platform-specific skills are highly valued.
Critical Technical Terms & Certifications
Industry-Specific Tools & Systems
High-Impact Action Verbs
Keyword Tips
Always quantify marketing achievements with specific metrics (e.g., 'Increased conversion rate by 25%'). Name specific platforms and tools rather than general categories (e.g., 'Instagram' instead of 'social media').
Common Mistakes
Using outdated marketing terminology or focusing too much on creative aspects without demonstrating measurable results and data-driven decision making.
Terms to Avoid
Manufacturing & Engineering Industry
Manufacturing ATS systems emphasize specific technical processes, equipment expertise, and safety certifications. Precision in terminology and standards is crucial.
Critical Technical Terms & Certifications
Industry-Specific Tools & Systems
High-Impact Action Verbs
Keyword Tips
Include specific equipment models and manufacturing systems you're experienced with. List safety certifications and specific standards (like ISO or ANSI) that you're familiar with.
Common Mistakes
Using generic terms like 'machinery operation' instead of naming specific machines, processes, or equipment. Neglecting to include relevant industry standards and certifications.
Terms to Avoid
Legal Industry
Legal industry ATS systems are configured to identify specific practice areas, case management experience, and jurisdictional knowledge. Precise legal terminology is essential.
Critical Technical Terms & Certifications
Industry-Specific Tools & Systems
High-Impact Action Verbs
Keyword Tips
Always include jurisdictions where you're licensed to practice. Use precise legal terminology for the specific practice area, and list relevant statutes and regulations you're familiar with.
Common Mistakes
Using colloquial terms instead of proper legal terminology, or failing to specify which areas of law you have expertise in. Also, neglecting to mention specific legal databases or research tools you're proficient with.
Terms to Avoid
Education Industry
Education sector ATS systems focus on teaching methodologies, assessment techniques, and specific curriculum knowledge. Licensure and specialized training are heavily emphasized.
Critical Technical Terms & Certifications
Industry-Specific Tools & Systems
High-Impact Action Verbs
Keyword Tips
Include specific grade levels, subject areas, and teaching methodologies. List all relevant certifications and endorsements, including expiration dates. Use current educational terminology from your state's education department.
Common Mistakes
Using outdated educational terminology or generic descriptions like 'good with students' instead of specific teaching methodologies. Failing to mention state-specific standards and requirements.
Terms to Avoid
Sales Industry
Sales ATS systems prioritize revenue metrics, methodologies, and CRM expertise. Quantifiable achievements and specific sales techniques receive high weightings.
Critical Technical Terms & Certifications
Industry-Specific Tools & Systems
High-Impact Action Verbs
Keyword Tips
Always quantify sales achievements with specific revenue numbers or percentages (e.g., 'Exceeded quota by 127%'). Name specific CRM systems and methodologies you've used. Mention experience with specific types of sales (inside sales, field sales, etc.).
Common Mistakes
Using vague terms like 'good closer' or 'relationship builder' without quantifiable achievements. Failing to mention specific sales methodologies or CRM systems you're experienced with.
Terms to Avoid
Strategic Keyword Implementation
Identifying the right keywords is only half the battle. Implementing them effectively in your resume is equally important. Here are best practices for incorporating industry-specific keywords in a way that satisfies both ATS algorithms and human reviewers:
Match exact phrases from job descriptions
Use identical terminology as found in the job posting when appropriate, particularly for required skills and qualifications.
Place keywords strategically
Include important industry terms in your professional summary, skills section, and work experience descriptions for maximum ATS impact.
Use both spelled-out terms and acronyms
Include both the full term and its acronym (e.g., 'Certified Public Accountant (CPA)') to ensure the ATS recognizes either variant.
Prioritize hard skills over soft skills
While both matter, technical skills and specific methodologies typically carry more weight in ATS algorithms than generic soft skills.
Include appropriate certification numbers
For regulated industries, include license numbers and certification IDs in the format commonly used in your industry.
Maintain appropriate keyword density
Aim for 5-7 uses of primary keywords throughout your resume, maintaining natural readability while satisfying ATS requirements.
Optimal Keyword Distribution in Your Resume
Strategic placement of industry-specific keywords throughout different resume sections maximizes ATS recognition while maintaining readability for human reviewers.
How to Extract Keywords from Job Descriptions
One of the most effective methods for identifying relevant industry keywords is to analyze job descriptions in your target field. Here's a systematic approach:
- Collect 5-10 job postings for your target position from different companies
- Identify recurring terms that appear across multiple postings
- Create a frequency table to track how often each term appears
- Categorize keywords by type (technical skills, soft skills, certifications, etc.)
- Prioritize terms that appear in the "Requirements" or "Qualifications" sections
Alternatively, you can use Woberry's AI-powered keyword analyzer, which automatically extracts and ranks industry-specific terminology from job descriptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many industry-specific keywords should I include in my resume?
Aim to include 10-15 industry-specific keywords throughout your resume, with particular focus on your skills section and professional experience descriptions. Keywords should appear naturally within context, rather than being forced. The most effective strategy is to match 80% of the critical keywords from the job description while maintaining readability.
Should I use exact keyword matches or variations?
Use a mix of both exact keyword matches and variations. Modern ATS systems use natural language processing that can recognize related terms and synonyms. For example, if a job posting mentions "customer relationship management," both "CRM" and "client relationship management" would likely be recognized. However, for technical terms, certifications, and specific software, always use the exact terminology at least once.
How do I find the right industry-specific keywords for my resume?
To identify the right industry-specific keywords:
- Analyze 5-10 job descriptions for the role you're targeting and note recurring terms
- Review LinkedIn profiles of professionals in your target role
- Check industry association websites for current terminology
- Use Woberry's keyword analysis tool to identify high-value terms for your specific industry
- Review industry publications and reports for emerging buzzwords
Do different ATS systems look for different keywords?
Yes, different ATS systems may prioritize keywords differently based on how they're configured by employers. However, most modern ATS systems operate on similar principles of matching resume content to job descriptions. Rather than trying to optimize for specific ATS brands (like Taleo, Workday, or ADP), focus on thoroughly incorporating relevant industry keywords from the job description, which will work effectively across all systems.