Targeted terms relevant to the recruitment industry, applicant tracking systems, and specific job descriptions are essential components of a successful resume. For example, a project manager applying for a technology role might include terms like “Agile,” “Scrum,” “Software Development Lifecycle,” and specific software names. These terms allow applicant tracking systems (ATS) to effectively parse resumes and identify suitable candidates, and also help recruiters quickly assess a candidate’s qualifications.
Effective use of these targeted terms significantly increases the visibility of a resume to both automated systems and human reviewers. This practice has become increasingly crucial with the widespread adoption of ATS software. Historically, resumes were primarily reviewed manually. However, the volume of applications received for most positions necessitates a pre-filtering stage, a role now largely fulfilled by ATS. Consequently, resumes lacking appropriate terminology might be overlooked, even if the candidate possesses the necessary skills and experience.
