
This resume keywords list by industry makes it simple to build a job-winning resume.
Recruiters
and employers identify and select critical keywords for the job
opportunity. They enter these keywords to search for resumes in
databases when trying to fill the position. Many employers rely on an
applicant tracking system (ATS) to sort through the resumes they
receive. The ATS quickly scans for selected keywords and ranks resumes
based on how well each resume matches the job keywords.
These keywords are generally:
- the essential skills
- experience
- credentials, qualifications and knowledge
required to perform the job.

How to use the resume keywords list by industry
- review the job listing carefully to identify the most important keywords to use in your resume
- search job postings for similar roles and take note of the words and phrases that consistently come up, add these to your list of keywords
- these job descriptions provide a clear picture of the job requirements and job-specific keywords.
- focus on job titles, industry-type, products and services, job-specific responsibilities,
technical skills such as computer and software proficiency, knowledge
such as legislation and regulations, degrees and certifications,
professional memberships and core competencies. -
Keywords for resumes are specific to each job opportunity and each
employer so update your resume keywords for each specific job
opportunity
Use this resume keywords by industry list to expand and confirm the industry specific keywords that optimize your resume’s chances of success.
Examples of keywords for a resume
Here are some good sample resume keywords to get you started. The resume keywords list by industry categorizes the keywords for a resume by industry and job-type. Select those keywords that apply to the job opportunity.
Administrative and executive assistant resume keywords
administrative support minutes of meetings expense reports travel arrangements correspondence Excel office management |
data management confidentiality MS Office communications attention to detail client liaison organizing and planning |
Find a complete list of resume keywords for administrative assistant jobs and how to optimize them in your resume below.
Administrative Assistant Resume
Entry Level Administrative Assistant Resume
Resume keywords for management
data analysis data management asset management budgeting cost control profit and loss financial reports regulatory reporting compliance corporate responsibility customer service scheduling planning organizing collaboration |
recruitment training staff development appraisals performance standards performance management mentoring team building goal setting resource allocation communication skills collaboration MS Office problem-solving business development |
policies technical skills operating procedures change management quality assurance process improvement productivity strategic planning operations management logistics innovation critical thinking leadership presentation skills expenditure |
Manufacturing resume keywords
health and safety quality control process improvement scheduling audit control product testing distribution equipment management JIT manufacturing logistics Six Sigma workflow reports |
raw materials production warehousing maintenance materials cost control shipping receiving efficiency inventory control process improvement lean/agile manufacturing SOP |
engineering AutoCAD Lean Manufacturing compliance collaboration detail-oriented innovation continual improvement documentation scheduling communication skills audit problem analysis |
Sample Production Manager Resume
Resume keywords for sales
qualifying prospects cold calling target market key accounts leads presentations data management data analysis direct sales product knowledge prospecting |
negotiations product training sales proposals sales materials up-selling competitive analysis pitching sales forecasting sales territory collaborative consultative |
account management sales strategy communication skills tenacity persuasiveness closing networking CRM leads goals positivity |
Marketing keywords for resume optimization
market segmentation market research strategic marketing plans product launch advertising campaigns public relations brand awareness data management digital marketing CRM competitor analysis creative |
goal-driven event marketing social media pricing strategies distribution channels budgets and forecasting SEO distribution channels E-commerce relationship building promotions public relations |
product marketing product knowledge vendor management innovation brand management campaign data analysis direct mail targeting market analysis collaboration resourceful |
Customer service resume keywords
customer retention customer loyalty customer data base customer surveys telemarketing account management |
order processing response time sales support key performance indicators relationship management customer support |
For a complete guide to customer service resume keywords and how to use them to power up your resume.
Human resources resume keywords
bachelors degree recruitment compensation benefits administration performance management employee relations employee retention employee engagement grievance procedure training succession planning compliance |
assessments career development exit interviews employment law inclusion staffing disciplinary procedure counseling organization development regulatory compliance employee development onboarding |
talent management policies procedures diversity social responsibility job analysis negotiations communication skills critical planning MS Office collaboration facilitation |
Accounting resume keywords
budgets forecasting full charge bookkeeping reconciliations month end closings financial statements financial reporting management reports expense analysis compliance accounts payable billing credit management projections balance sheet |
accounting systems tax payments inventory control audits payroll financial planning regulatory reporting accounts receivable collections asset management benefits administration cashflow disbursements due diligence income statement |
quarterly reporting operating reports spreadsheets controls general ledger profit and loss corporate governance investor relations annual report invoice return on assets MS Office modeling expense reporting risk analysis |
Use this resume keywords list by industry to write a job-winning resume
Top resume building resources
Your resume objective statement or summary is also key to getting your resume noticed. Use keywords to write an effective resume objective. Get help with this at objectives for resumes
Attach your resume keywords to strong action verbs to send a powerful message with your resume. This list of resume action words will help you with this.
Use the expert tips on writing a resume to make the most of your job application.
The 20 best keywords to describe yourself in your resume
Use the right keywords to describe yourself in your resume. What are your greatest strengths? What sort of person is the employer looking for? Match your keywords to those qualities the employer is seeking. Here are 20 distinct words to describe yourself in your resume that will get the employer’s attention. Select those keywords that align with the job opportunity.

Where to find the right keywords for your resume
Highlight the keywords in the job posting and in similar jobs to identify the keywords that the employer is looking for in your resume. Use these pages to help you find the right keywords for your resume.
How to write a resume that gets past the ATS
Many employers use an Applicant Tracking System to find resumes online. Find out how to make sure your resume gets selected.
How to Create a Resume that gets past the ATS.
How to create a resume that gets the results you want
Always include a good cover letter with your resume
Letter of Intent for Employment
Following up on your resume is important. Use this sample follow up on resume email to find out the status of your job application.
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