The power of keywords in your job application

In today’s job market, technology plays a huge role in recruitment. One of the key tools companies use is ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems), which automatically scan and evaluate application documents. Tailoring your resume and cover letter to the job description is no longer optional—it’s essential. One of the most effective ways to do that is by using the right keywords. This guide will help you understand how to incorporate keywords into your resume and cover letter to increase your chances of landing an interview.

Keywords in the context of resumes and cover letters are specific terms or phrases that directly relate to the requirements of a job. These can include technical proficiencies, industry-specific terminology, job titles, certifications, and soft skills. Essentially, keywords are the language of the job description, and using them shows that your experience aligns with what the employer is looking for.

Think of it this way: keywords are the bridge between your qualifications and the employer’s expectations and serve two crucial functions:

• They help Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) recognize your resume as a match for the job
• They help human recruiters quickly spot relevant skills and experiences in a sea of applications

 
Here’s a breakdown of the types of keywords you might find in a job posting:

• Technical skills: e.g., “JavaScript,” “SQL,” “budget forecasting,” “data visualization”
• Tools & technologies: e.g., “Tableau,” “Salesforce,” “Microsoft Excel,” “HubSpot”
• Certifications & qualifications: e.g., “CPA,” “PMP certified,” “Google Ads certification”
• Soft skills: e.g., “problem-solving,” “stakeholder communication,” “team leadership”
• Experience indicators: e.g., “experience managing cross-functional teams,” “proven track record in B2B sales”

 
These keywords are often repeated or emphasized in job descriptions, which is a clear signal that they are important to the hiring team.

Once you’ve identified the right keywords for the role, the next step is knowing where—and how—to use them. Strategic placement is just as important as selection. The goal is to integrate keywords in a way that feels natural, reinforces your strengths, and improves your chances with both ATS systems and human recruiters.

Let’s take a look at where these keywords make the biggest impact—starting with a feature unique to Skillogies.

a. Top-Experience section in your resume (Skillogies feature)

One of the best places to make keywords work for you is right at the top of your resume.

That’s why Skillogies introduced a dedicated Top-Experience section — a focused space where you can present three short, keyword-rich sentences that highlight your most relevant accomplishments. Positioned just above your profile summary, this section gives you a chance to lead with what matters most: the experience that directly matches the job. It’s your opportunity to bring high-impact phrases from the job description into context—clearly showing how your background aligns with the role.

Unlike your professional summary, this section is designed to:

• Put your most impactful, ATS-friendly keywords front and center
• Give recruiters an instant overview of what makes you a strong fit
• Provide a customizable space for tailoring each application with high-relevance phrasing

 
See example below →

b. Skills section with built-in experience tracking (Skillogies feature)

This is one of the most ATS-sensitive parts of your resume. It should be clear, well-structured, and aligned with the language used in the job description. Listing relevant technical and soft skills is important—but just naming them isn’t enough.

That’s why, in Skillogies, your skills section goes a step further. Each skill is automatically linked to the number of years of experience you have with it. This gives recruiters an immediate sense of your level of proficiency and helps them quickly understand where your strongest competencies lie.

Instead of a basic list, you get a structured, keyword-rich overview that highlights your expertise at a glance. It’s a simple but powerful way to turn keywords into evidence—and make your resume more convincing, both to systems and to people.

 
See example below →

👉 Ready to dig deeper? Jump to Part 2: How to find the right keywords and avoid mistakes