Question 1

How do I find ATS keywords for my target role?

Accepted Answer

Analyze 3-5 job descriptions for your target role from different companies. Highlight all skills, software, certifications, and technical terms. Look for keywords that repeat across postings—those are industry-wide standards. Check LinkedIn profiles of people in your target role to see which skills they list. Review your own experience to identify keywords you already possess.

Question 2

What percentage of resumes get rejected by ATS?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 80% of resumes get filtered out by ATS before human review. This happens because 75% of employers use ATS systems programmed to screen for specific keywords and qualifications. If your resume lacks the right keywords in the right places, you'll likely be rejected regardless of your actual qualifications.

Question 3

Should I use exact keywords from job descriptions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when they match your actual experience. If the posting says "Salesforce CRM" and you have that experience, use "Salesforce CRM" in your resume. ATS looks for exact or near-exact matches. However, don't force keywords unnaturally or claim skills you don't have. Keywords should appear because you're describing your real work, not because you're trying to trick the system.

Question 4

How many keywords should I include on my resume?

Accepted Answer

Aim for 15-25 relevant keywords per resume. This range demonstrates expertise without triggering keyword stuffing detection. The specific number depends on your experience level and the role, but this range optimally balances passing ATS filters with maintaining readability for human reviewers. Quality and relevance matter more than quantity.

Question 5

Can I use the same resume for multiple applications?

Accepted Answer

You can, but your success rate will drop significantly. Each job posting has different keyword priorities based on what that specific employer programmed their ATS to find. Generic resumes miss job-specific keywords and get filtered out. The most effective approach is tailoring your resume for each application by adjusting keywords to match the specific posting while keeping your core accomplishments consistent.

Resume & Job Search Guide

Industry best practices and step-by-step tutorials to help you pass ATS filters, impress recruiters, and land more interviews.

ATS Resume Keywords: Getting Past the Algorithm and Into the Interview

The Complete Resume Writing Guide: How to Create ATS-Friendly Resumes That Get Interviews in 2026

How to Use ChatGPT for Resume Writing: The Complete Guide for 2026

Is LinkedIn Premium Career Worth it for Job Seekers? Complete Cost-Benefit Analysis (2026)

What Is a Good Job Application Response Rate? Benchmarking Success for Job Seekers

From Layoff to Dream Job: How to Get Hired