Top 10 Resume Keywords AI Scanners Look For (And How to Find Them)

You have the skills. You have the experience. But do you have the words?

In the world of automated hiring, synonyms don't always count. If a job description asks for "Customer Relationship Management" and you write "Client Handling," you might be losing points.

Here is the definitive guide to the types of keywords AI scanners prioritize and how to ensure your resume is speaking their language.

The Two Types of Keywords

1. Hard Skills (The "Must-Haves")

These are specific tools, technologies, and certifications. They are binary: you either have them or you don't.

• Examples: Python, SQL, Project Management Professional (PMP), SEO, Google Analytics, React.js.
• Strategy: List these exactly as they appear in the job description. If they say "React," don't just say "JavaScript Frameworks."

2. Soft Skills (The "Nice-to-Haves")

These describe how you work. While harder to measure, modern AI models are increasingly good at identifying them through context.

• Examples: Leadership, Collaboration, Problem-Solving, Adaptability, Communication.
• Strategy: Don't just list them. Demonstrate them. Instead of "Good communication skills," write "Presented quarterly reports to C-suite executives."

Top 10 Universal Power Keywords

While every job is different, these action verbs consistently perform well across industries:

1. Orchestrated: Implies leadership and complex coordination.
2. Spearheaded: Shows initiative and ownership.
3. Optimized: Demonstrates efficiency and improvement.
4. Generated: Ties your work to revenue or results.
5. Mentored: Shows leadership and team building.
6. Automated: Highly valued in the age of efficiency.
7. Resolved: Shows problem-solving capabilities.
8. Negotiated: Demonstrates business acumen and soft skills.
9. Launched: Shows you can take a project from start to finish.
10. Revitalized: Shows you can turn around a bad situation.

How to Find the Right Keywords for This Job

Guessing is a bad strategy. To beat the ATS, you need to know exactly what that specific system is looking for.

The Manual Way: Read the job description three times. Highlight every noun and verb that appears more than once. Ensure those exact words are in your resume.

The Smart Way: Use CareerFlex. Our extension analyzes the job description in real-time, compares it to your resume, and gives you a "Missing Keywords" list. It's like having the answer key to the test.

Get the free extension here and start optimizing today.