In the competitive job market, having a resume that stands out is crucial. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are commonly used by recruiters to screen resumes, and using ATS-friendly phrases can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed. Here’s a comprehensive guide with 30+ powerful ATS-friendly phrases to enhance your resume and showcase your skills and experience.
Action Verbs that Showcase Your Accomplishments
ATS loves action verbs that convey your initiatives and accomplishments. Instead of simply stating your duties, use verbs that emphasize your active role and quantify your achievements. For example, instead of “Managed a team,” you could write “Led a team of 10 engineers, resulting in a 20% increase in productivity.”
- Achieved
- Developed
- Executed
- Improved
- Managed
- Spearheaded
- Succeeded
- Surpassed
- Trained
- Transformed
Quantifiable Results that Demonstrate Your Impact
Numbers speak louder than words. When possible, include quantifiable results to support your claims and demonstrate the impact of your work. For example, instead of “Improved customer satisfaction,” you could write “Improved customer satisfaction by 15%, resulting in a 10% increase in sales.”
- Boosted
- Delivered
- Exceeded
- Generated
- Increased
- Optimized
- Reduced
- Saved
- Streamlined
Industry-Specific Keywords that Align with Job Descriptions
Research job descriptions in your industry and identify the keywords that employers are looking for. Incorporate these keywords into your resume to demonstrate your alignment with the company’s needs. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing position, you might include keywords like “digital marketing,” “SEO,” and “content creation.”
- Agile
- Cloud Computing
- Data Analytics
- Healthcare
- Machine Learning
- Project Management
- Salesforce
- Software Development
- UX Design
- Web Development
Technical Skills that Match Employer Requirements
Identify the technical skills that are relevant to the position you’re applying for and highlight them on your resume. List specific software, programming languages, or tools that you’re proficient in. For example, if you’re applying for a web developer position, you might include skills like “HTML,” “CSS,” and “JavaScript.”
- Adobe Creative Suite
- AWS
- Blockchain
- CRM
- Excel
- Git
- Java
- MySQL
- Python
- Tableau
Soft Skills that Complement Your Hard Skills
Soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, are just as important as hard skills. Highlight your soft skills to show employers that you’re a well-rounded candidate. For example, you might include skills like “Excellent communication skills,” “Collaborative team player,” or “Results-oriented.”
- Adaptable
- Analytical
- Creative
- Detail-oriented
- Empathetic
- Flexible
- Leadership
- Negotiation
- Organized
- Time Management
By incorporating these ATS-friendly phrases into your resume, you can increase its visibility, showcase your skills and experience, and ultimately improve your chances of landing that dream job. Remember to tailor your resume to each job you apply for, highlighting the keywords and skills that are most relevant to the position. With ResumeGemini, you can easily create a professional, ATS-friendly resume that will get you noticed.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Why is it important to use ATS-friendly phrases in my resume?
When you apply for a job, your resume is likely to be screened by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) before it reaches a human recruiter. ATS are software programs that scan resumes for specific keywords and phrases that are relevant to the job opening. If your resume does not contain enough of the right keywords, it may be rejected by the ATS and never make it to the recruiter’s desk. That’s why it is important to use ATS-friendly phrases in your resume so that you can increase your chances of getting noticed by recruiters.
- ATS-friendly phrases help your resume get past the initial screening process. By using the right keywords and phrases, you can make your resume more likely to be selected for further review by a recruiter.
- ATS-friendly phrases can help you stand out from other candidates. If your resume is full of generic and overused phrases, it will be less likely to make an impression on a recruiter. However, if you use more specific and targeted phrases, you can set yourself apart from the competition and increase your chances of getting an interview.
What are some common ATS-friendly phrases?
There are many different ATS-friendly phrases that you can use on your resume. Some of the most common include:
- Action verbs: Use strong action verbs to describe your accomplishments and skills. For example, instead of saying “I managed a team of 10 people,” you could say “I led a team of 10 people to achieve a 15% increase in sales.”
- Quantified results: Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments using specific numbers and metrics. For example, instead of saying “I improved customer satisfaction,” you could say “I increased customer satisfaction by 20%.”
- Industry-specific keywords: Use keywords that are relevant to the industry you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a job in marketing, you might use keywords such as “digital marketing,” “SEO,” and “social media.”
- Technical skills: List your technical skills using specific software programs and technologies. For example, if you are a web developer, you might list skills such as “HTML,” “CSS,” and “JavaScript.”
How can I incorporate ATS-friendly phrases into my resume without sounding robotic?
It is important to avoid using too many ATS-friendly phrases on your resume, as this can make it sound robotic and unnatural. Instead, try to incorporate these phrases into your resume in a way that sounds natural and authentic.
- Use a variety of phrases: Don’t use the same ATS-friendly phrase over and over again. Instead, use a variety of phrases to keep your resume interesting and engaging.
- Use phrases in context: Make sure to use ATS-friendly phrases in context. Don’t just list them off randomly. Instead, use them to describe your accomplishments and skills in a clear and concise way.
- Proofread your resume: After you have written your resume, take some time to proofread it carefully. Make sure that your resume is free of errors and that the ATS-friendly phrases you have used are used in a natural and authentic way.
Can I use the same ATS-friendly phrases for different job applications?
Yes, you can use some of the same ATS-friendly phrases for different job applications. However, it is important to tailor your resume to each specific job you are applying for. Make sure to use keywords and phrases that are relevant to the job description.
- Research the job description: Before you start writing your resume, take some time to research the job description. This will help you identify the keywords and phrases that are most relevant to the job.
- Use a targeted resume: Once you have identified the relevant keywords and phrases, tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for. Use these keywords and phrases throughout your resume, but be sure to do so in a natural and authentic way.
Are there any phrases that I should avoid using in my resume?
There are a few phrases that you should avoid using in your resume, as they are overused and clichéd. These phrases include:
- “Hard worker”
- “Team player”
- “Results-oriented”
- “Excellent communication skills”
- “Strong work ethic”
Can you provide some examples of ATS-friendly phrases?
Sure, here are some examples of ATS-friendly phrases that you can use on your resume:
- “Led a team of 10 people to achieve a 15% increase in sales.”
- “Developed and implemented a new marketing campaign that resulted in a 20% increase in website traffic.”
- “Managed a budget of $1 million and reduced expenses by 10%.”
- “Proficient in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.”
- “Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.”
Next Step:
Now that you know how to use ATS-friendly phrases in your resume, it’s time to start writing. ResumeGemini is a professional resume builder with over 45,000 pre-built resume samples and 12 unique templates to choose from. With ResumeGemini, you can create a customized resume in minutes that will highlight your skills and experience and get you noticed by recruiters.
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