Every job description tells you which words the employer will search for. Finding those keywords, and using them honestly, is one of the fastest ways to make your resume more relevant. Here is a practical method you can do by hand in ten minutes, plus a free keyword finder that does it in seconds.
What counts as a resume keyword?
Keywords are the specific terms that describe what the employer needs. They usually fall into six groups:
| Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Job titles | Data Analyst, Account Manager, Registered Nurse |
| Hard skills | Financial modeling, SEO, project management, bookkeeping |
| Tools and technologies | Excel, Salesforce, SQL, Power BI, SAP, AutoCAD |
| Certifications and licenses | PMP, CPA, ACCA, CompTIA Security+, driving licence |
| Education | Bachelor's degree in Accounting, MBA |
| Soft skills | Stakeholder management, communication, leadership |
How to find keywords in a job description (manual method)
- Read the requirements section first. Phrases near "must have", "required" or "essential" are your top priorities.
- Highlight repeated terms. If "forecasting" appears three times, it matters.
- Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves. Words near "preferred", "a plus" or "desirable" are lower priority.
- Note the exact wording. "Customer success" and "account management" may be searched separately.
- Compare with your resume. Mark which keywords you already use and which are missing.
The faster way: a free job description keyword finder
Paste the job description into the SmartJobTools ATS Keyword Generator. It extracts skills, tools, certifications and requirements, ranks them as High, Medium or Low priority and, if you add your resume, shows a match score with the missing keywords. No sign-up is needed.
Worked example
Here is part of a typical job ad:
We are looking for a Marketing Coordinator with 2+ years of experience. You must have strong SEO and Google Ads skills and excellent communication. Experience with HubSpot is a plus. Bachelor's degree in Marketing preferred.
| Keyword | Priority | Where to use it (if true for you) |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing Coordinator | High | Resume headline or summary |
| SEO | High | Skills section and a results bullet |
| Google Ads | High | Skills section and a results bullet |
| Communication | Medium | Show through an achievement |
| HubSpot | Low | Skills section, only if you have used it |
| Bachelor's degree in Marketing | Low | Education section |
How to add keywords without keyword stuffing
- Use each important keyword in context once or twice, not ten times.
- Put the most important ones in three places: summary, skills and experience.
- Turn keywords into results: "Managed Google Ads campaigns with a monthly budget of $8,000, lowering cost per lead by 22%."
- Be truthful. If you do not have a skill, leave it out and address it in your cover letter by showing related experience or current learning.
Resume keywords lists by industry: use with care
Generic "keywords by industry" lists can spark ideas, but the job description in front of you is always the best source. Two companies hiring for the same title often emphasize different tools and skills.
Frequently asked questions
How many keywords should my resume include?
There is no magic number. Aim to cover every high-priority requirement you genuinely meet, using the employer's wording.
Should I copy phrases directly from the job description?
Use the same terms for skills and tools, but write your own sentences. Copying whole paragraphs reads badly to recruiters.
Do keywords matter for a UK CV too?
Yes. UK employers use applicant tracking systems in the same way, so the same method applies to CVs.
Conclusion
Keywords are the bridge between your experience and the employer's search. Find them in the requirements, prioritize the must-haves, and work the ones you genuinely have into your summary, skills and achievements. Try it now with the free ATS Keyword Generator.