How to Make the Best Resume: Mastering ATS-Friendly Keywords for Freshers in 2024

In the competitive job market of 1.6 lakh freshers (The Economic Times), your resume needs to stand out—not just to human eyes, but also to Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). These systems are used by 70% of larger companies and 20% of SMBs (Small and Medium Businesses) to screen resumes and identify candidates who match the job requirements. (GoHire)

Here’s how you can optimize your resume with effective keywords to ensure it passes the ATS scan and human eyes.

What is an ATS and Why Does it Matter?

An ATS is a software used by most companies to streamline the recruitment process. It filters applications based on specific keywords related to job descriptions and formatting.

The Importance of Resume Keywords

Resume keywords are specific words or phrases that describe your skills, experience, and qualifications. These keywords help ATS software identify whether your resume matches the job description. Using the right keywords increases your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers.

Steps to Identify the Right Keywords

Step 1: Job Descriptions

Start by carefully reading the job descriptions for the roles you’re applying to. Highlight the skills, qualifications, and experiences that are repeatedly mentioned. (These are your keywords)

Example: If a job description frequently mentions "project management," ensure this term appears in your resume if applicable.

Step 2: Industry Specific Terms

Each industry has its own set of common terms and jargon. Make sure your resume includes these industry specific keywords.

Example: For an IT role, keywords like "cloud computing," "cybersecurity," and "machine learning" are often crucial.

Step 3: Leverage Online Tools like Proism

Tools can help you match your resume to job descriptions by identifying the most relevant keywords you need to include.

Best Practices for Using Resume Keywords

1. Place Keywords Strategically

Incorporate keywords throughout your resume in the following sections:

• Professional Summary: Provide a brief overview of your qualifications (This mostly applies to freshers.
• Core Competencies: List your key skills.
• Work Experience: Describe your responsibilities and achievements using relevant keywords.
• Education: Highlight your qualifications using industry terms.

Professional Summary:

Core Competencies:

Work Experience:

Education:

2. Use Both Hard and Soft Skills

While hard skills (like "data analysis" or "budgeting") are essential, don’t overlook soft skills (like "leadership" or "communication"). However, ensure that these are backed up by examples.

3. Avoid Keyword Stuffing

Ensure your resume reads naturally. Overloading it with keywords can make it difficult to read and may even result in rejection by the ATS. Use each keyword a few times in a relevant and natural context.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Images and Graphics

ATS cannot process images or graphics. Stick to text-only resumes.

2. Non-Standard Formatting

Use simple, clean formatting with standard fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. Avoid intricate bullet points and tables.

3. Ignoring the Job Description

Customize your resume for each job application. Make sure your resume reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description.

Enhancing Your Resume Beyond Keywords

While keywords are crucial, your resume should also:

• Highlight Achievements: Use metrics to demonstrate your impact. For example, "Increased sales by 20% in Q4 2023."
• Be Readable: Ensure your resume is easy to read with a clear structure and concise language.
• Include a Professional Summary: A summary at the top of your resume can quickly convey your key qualifications and career goals.
• One-page resume: Your resume should be one page without fail unless you have something else relevant to the job description. (Indeed)

Wrapping Up

Optimizing your resume for ATS is essential in today’s job market. Using the right keywords and following best practices can increase your chances of securing a job interview by up to 40%. (JobScan, KickResume)

Remember to keep your resume updated and tailored to each job application to stay ahead of the competition.

References:

1. Jobscan: The Top 500 ATS Resume Keywords of 2024
2. Zety: Best Resume Keywords for 2024
3. TopResume: How to Make an ATS-Friendly Resume