Resume keyword checker: see a job’s keywords and which your resume already uses.
Resume keywords are the tools, skills, qualifications and terms of the trade that a job description names: Tally and GST for an accountant in Mumbai, Python and Kafka for a backend engineer in London. Paste a posting below and this free resume keyword checker lists every one it recognises, grouped, and marks which your resume already uses. Having the word is not proof of the skill, so add a keyword only for work you have done.
The posting's keywords
Paste a job description, or try an example, to see its keywords.
How the resume keyword checker reads a posting.
Five rules, applied the same way every time. There is no AI and no score: the same posting always gives the same keywords.
1. It reads the job, not the advert around it
Benefits, the company's pitch, application instructions and listing details such as "Location: Pune" or "Industry Type" are skipped, so "health insurance" in the perks is never reported as a skill. The role's own description stays in, because it often names the stack.
2. It finds keywords by name, under any spelling
A list of several hundred tools, methods, qualifications and terms, Indian and international, with the spellings people use: Tally ERP and Tally Prime are Tally, Postgres is PostgreSQL, GSTR 3B is GSTR-3B. Short names are read carefully: Java is not JavaScript, and "react" is a skill only as React.
3. It catches names it does not know
Words shaped like a tool or a standard, such as CamelCase names (PagerDuty), acronyms (TNNMC) and coded names (IEC 61131), are listed on their own as found by pattern, so a gap in our list never hides a skill from you.
4. It marks what is optional
A keyword under "Nice to have", or in a line that says "is a plus" or "preferred", is marked nice to have. "GNM / B.Sc Nursing" and "Power BI or Tableau" are read as either-or, so having one counts for both.
5. It reads your resume's wording honestly
A keyword counts when your resume names it, under any spelling. It does not count when the only mention says you have not used it ("no Kafka experience"). A keyword found only in your skills list is flagged, because a list is a claim and a bullet is evidence.
What it cannot tell you
It compares words. It cannot tell whether you can do the work, how well or for how long, and an employer’s screening software may read your resume differently. Use it to find the terms you left out by accident. Job match checks each requirement against what your resume shows.
The four kinds of resume keyword, and where each belongs.
The checker sorts every keyword into one of these groups, because each kind goes in a different place on a resume.
Tools and software
Named software, languages and platforms: Tally Prime, SAP FICO, Excel, Python, Salesforce, AutoCAD, Epic. Recruiters search for these by name, so spell them the way the posting does, including the module (SAP FICO, not just SAP).
Skills and methods
What you do with the tools: bank reconciliation, month-end close, A/B testing, CI/CD, lesson planning, cold calling. Each one belongs in a bullet that says what you did and what changed.
Qualifications, certifications and languages
B.Com, CA Inter, PMP, ACCA, BLS, QTS, a nursing council registration, Hindi. These are facts: you hold them or you do not. Never add one you do not have; a background check will find it.
Domain terms
The words of the trade: GST, TDS and the Companies Act in Indian accounting, IFRS and VAT in the UK, PCI DSS in payments, CBSE and GCSE in schools, CSAT and AHT in support. They show you know the field. Use them where your work touched them.
Two resumes checked against real-looking postings.
Both people and postings are fictional. The counts are the checker's own output for the examples you can load above.
Ananya, a B.Com fresher in Pune, applying for a junior accountant job in Mumbai
11 of 18 keywords appear in the resume.
- Not in the resume:
- bookkeeping, GSTR-3B, GSTR-2B, vendor reconciliation, month-end close, SAP FICO (nice to have).
- Only in the skills list:
- GST, bank reconciliation.
What to do with it
- She prepared GSTR-1 working sheets but has never filed GSTR-3B, reconciled GSTR-2B, kept a full set of books or worked on a month-end close, so those stay off her resume. They are the questions to prepare for, along with SAP FICO, which the posting lists only as a plus.
- She did reconcile 150 vendor invoices against purchase orders. That is vendor reconciliation, so her bullet can use the posting's words: "Did vendor reconciliation for 150 invoices in Tally Prime and found 12 duplicates worth Rs 3.2 lakh."
- GST and bank reconciliation are only in her skills list. Her GSTR-1 bullet already shows GST work, so it can say so: "Prepared GSTR-1 working sheets for the GST returns of 8 clients."
- M.Com is not missing: the posting accepts B.Com or M.Com, and she has a B.Com.
Daniel, a backend engineer with five years of Python, applying for a payments role in London
11 of 19 keywords appear in the resume.
- Not in the resume:
- event streaming, Kafka, Terraform, observability, OpenTelemetry, Prometheus, PCI DSS (nice to have), compliance (nice to have).
- Only in the skills list:
- AWS, Docker.
What to do with it
- He has not used Kafka, Terraform, OpenTelemetry or Prometheus. Adding them would not survive the technical interview, so he leaves them out and applies on the Python, PostgreSQL and payments work the posting asks for first.
- His structured logging and Grafana dashboards are observability work, so that bullet can use the posting's word: "Improved observability of the booking flow with structured logging and Grafana dashboards."
- AWS and Docker are only in his skills list, but his EKS migration ran on AWS in containers. "Moved four services from EC2 to Kubernetes on AWS (EKS), with Docker images built in GitHub Actions" shows both, if that is what happened.
- PCI DSS and payments compliance are marked nice to have, so their absence matters less than the required stack. If his payment-retry work was audited for PCI DSS, the bullet can say so.
How to add keywords to your resume without inventing anything.
Six rules that keep a resume easy to find and true in the interview.
Use the posting's spelling for work you have done
If the job says PostgreSQL and you wrote Postgres, write PostgreSQL once. If it says "accounts payable" and you wrote "vendor payments", use its phrase where it is accurate.
Put the keyword where the work happened
In the bullet about that job, with what you did and the result: "Cut month-end close from 6 days to 4 by automating bank reconciliation in Excel." A keyword in a bullet shows the skill; the same word in a list only claims it.
Keep the skills section short and true
List the tools and methods you would be happy to be questioned on. On Naukri, the Key skills field and your resume headline are searched as well, so name the same few there.
Do not stuff or hide keywords
Repeating a keyword, or hiding words in white text, reads as a trick to the recruiter who opens your resume. Name each keyword where it is true, once or twice.
Leave out what you have not done
A missing keyword is a gap to explain, a skill to learn, or a sign the job is not the right fit. It is not a word to add. Your cover letter can say how you would close the gap.
Check each posting on its own
Two jobs with the same title can ask for different tools. A resume adjusted for one posting can miss the next one's keywords, so paste each job description in turn.
A keyword sits best after a strong verb and before a number. The action verbs checker helps with the first, and for Naukri, the headline checker shows where two or three keywords fit in one line.
Resume keywords for 22 common roles, India and global.
The terms postings for each role commonly name. Use them to read a posting you have, not as a list to copy: paste the real job description above for its own keywords, and add only what you have done.
Accountant (India) resume keywords
Indian accounting postings are mostly about GST and TDS compliance done in Tally, with Excel for everything around it. Freshers are asked for the same returns by name.
- Tools and software:
- Tally, Excel, VLOOKUP, pivot tables, SAP FICO, Zoho Books
- Skills and methods:
- bookkeeping, bank reconciliation, vendor reconciliation, accounts payable, accounts receivable, month-end close
- Qualifications, certifications and languages:
- B.Com, M.Com, CA Inter, CMA
- Domain terms:
- GST, GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, GSTR-2B, TDS, e-way bill, Companies Act
Accountant (UK, US and elsewhere) resume keywords
Outside India the same job is ledger work in cloud accounting software under IFRS or US GAAP. UK postings add VAT and Making Tax Digital; US postings ask for a CPA more often.
- Tools and software:
- Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, NetSuite, Excel
- Skills and methods:
- general ledger, accounts payable, month-end close, accruals, variance analysis, financial reporting, payroll
- Qualifications, certifications and languages:
- ACCA, CIMA, AAT, CPA
- Domain terms:
- IFRS, US GAAP, VAT, Making Tax Digital
Software engineer (backend) resume keywords
Backend postings name a language, a framework, a database and where it all runs. Java shops and Python shops ask for different sets, so read the posting's own list closely.
- Tools and software:
- Java, Python, Go, Spring Boot, Node.js, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Redis, Kafka, Docker, Kubernetes, AWS
- Skills and methods:
- REST API, Microservices, system design, unit testing, CI/CD
- Qualifications, certifications and languages:
- B.E.
Frontend developer resume keywords
Frontend postings name the framework and the language around it, then the testing tools. Accessibility and page speed now appear by their standards' names.
- Tools and software:
- JavaScript, TypeScript, React, Next.js, HTML, CSS, Tailwind CSS, Redux, Jest, Playwright, Figma
- Skills and methods:
- server-side rendering, accessibility, REST API, unit testing
- Domain terms:
- WCAG, Core Web Vitals
Data analyst resume keywords
Most analyst postings ask for SQL and Excel, then one BI tool. Python with pandas is often listed as a plus rather than a must.
- Tools and software:
- SQL, Excel, Power BI, Tableau, Python, pandas, Looker Studio, Google Sheets
- Skills and methods:
- data analysis, data visualisation, statistics, A/B testing, ETL
- Qualifications, certifications and languages:
- Bachelor's degree
- Domain terms:
- data warehouse
DevOps or cloud engineer resume keywords
DevOps postings are lists of tools: a cloud, infrastructure as code, containers, a CI system and monitoring. Each one is usually asked for by name.
- Tools and software:
- AWS, Azure, GCP, Terraform, Ansible, Docker, Kubernetes, Helm, Jenkins, GitHub Actions, Prometheus, Grafana, Linux, Bash
- Skills and methods:
- CI/CD, observability, incident response
QA or test engineer resume keywords
Testing postings in India split manual and automation work and name the framework for each. ISTQB is the certificate they usually name.
- Tools and software:
- Selenium, Java, TestNG, Cypress, Postman, Rest Assured, JIRA
- Skills and methods:
- manual testing, automation testing, regression testing, API testing, test cases, Agile
- Qualifications, certifications and languages:
- ISTQB
Digital marketing resume keywords
Marketing postings name ad platforms and analytics tools, then the channel work and the numbers you will be judged on.
- Tools and software:
- Google Ads, Meta Ads, Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, Google Search Console, HubSpot, Semrush, WordPress
- Skills and methods:
- SEO, keyword research, on-page SEO, content marketing, email marketing, social media marketing, paid search, A/B testing
- Domain terms:
- ROAS, CTR, CPC
Sales and business development resume keywords
Sales postings ask for a CRM by name and for the stages of the sale you have run, from lead generation to closing.
- Tools and software:
- Salesforce, Zoho CRM, HubSpot, LinkedIn
- Skills and methods:
- lead generation, cold calling, product demos, negotiation, key account management, pipeline, forecasting
- Qualifications, certifications and languages:
- MBA, BBA
- Domain terms:
- B2B, SaaS, quota
HR and recruitment resume keywords
Indian HR postings ask for PF, ESIC and POSH by name; UK postings ask for employment law and CIPD; US postings for SHRM. The recruiting steps are the same everywhere.
- Tools and software:
- Naukri, LinkedIn, Workday, Keka, Darwinbox, Excel
- Skills and methods:
- recruitment, sourcing, screening, onboarding, payroll, employee engagement, performance management
- Qualifications, certifications and languages:
- MBA, CIPD, SHRM
- Domain terms:
- PF, ESIC, POSH, employment law
Customer support resume keywords
Support postings name the help-desk tool and the metrics you are measured on. International process roles in India also ask for the languages by name.
- Tools and software:
- Zendesk, Freshdesk, Salesforce, Intercom
- Skills and methods:
- customer support, inbound calls, outbound calls, ticketing
- Qualifications, certifications and languages:
- English, Hindi
- Domain terms:
- CSAT, NPS, AHT, FCR, SLA
Office administration resume keywords
Admin postings name the office software first, then the routine the role keeps running: data entry, reports, travel and supplies. Indian postings often add typing speed and a second language.
- Tools and software:
- MS Office, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Google Workspace
- Skills and methods:
- data entry, MIS, travel bookings, vendor management, petty cash, typing speed
- Qualifications, certifications and languages:
- English, Hindi
Staff nurse resume keywords
Nursing postings ask for the qualification, the registration and the life-support certificates first. In India that is GNM or B.Sc Nursing with a state council; in the UK, NMC registration.
- Tools and software:
- HIS, EHR, Epic
- Skills and methods:
- patient care, vitals, medication administration, IV, wound care, triage, infection control
- Qualifications, certifications and languages:
- GNM, B.Sc Nursing, BLS, ACLS, nursing council registration, RN, NMC
- Domain terms:
- ICU
Teacher resume keywords
School postings name the board and the teaching qualification: CBSE or ICSE with B.Ed and CTET in India, GCSE and Key Stage 3 with QTS or a PGCE in England.
- Tools and software:
- Google Classroom, smart class, Microsoft Teams
- Skills and methods:
- lesson plans, assessments, formative assessment, classroom management, differentiated instruction
- Qualifications, certifications and languages:
- B.Ed, CTET, TET, QTS, PGCE
- Domain terms:
- CBSE, ICSE, IB, IGCSE, GCSE, Key Stage 3, safeguarding
Civil or site engineer resume keywords
Site postings ask for the drawing and planning software, then the site work itself: estimates, bar bending schedules and quality checks against the codes.
- Tools and software:
- AutoCAD, Revit, STAAD Pro, ETABS, Primavera, MS Project
- Skills and methods:
- site supervision, quantity estimation, bar bending schedule, BOQ, quality checks, site safety
- Qualifications, certifications and languages:
- B.E., Diploma
- Domain terms:
- RCC, IS codes
Mechanical design engineer resume keywords
Design postings name the CAD package first, then drawing standards and analysis. GD&T and FMEA appear by those names.
- Tools and software:
- SolidWorks, CATIA, Creo, AutoCAD, ANSYS
- Skills and methods:
- 3D modelling, drafting, GD&T, tolerance stack-up, FEA, DFMEA
- Qualifications, certifications and languages:
- B.E.
- Domain terms:
- sheet metal, injection moulding
Electrical engineer (plant or building) resume keywords
Maintenance and site postings name the equipment you will keep running and the controls you will program: panels, generators, PLC and SCADA, with safe working asked for by name.
- Tools and software:
- AutoCAD, PLC, SCADA, HMI, Siemens, Allen-Bradley
- Skills and methods:
- preventive maintenance, electrical safety
- Qualifications, certifications and languages:
- B.E., Diploma
- Domain terms:
- HT/LT panels, DG sets
Project manager resume keywords
Project postings ask for a method, a tracking tool and a certificate. PMP is the one most named; PRINCE2 is common in the UK.
- Tools and software:
- JIRA, MS Project, Confluence, Asana, Excel
- Skills and methods:
- project management, Agile, Scrum, stakeholder management, risk management, budgets
- Qualifications, certifications and languages:
- PMP, PRINCE2, CSM
- Domain terms:
- SOW
Product manager resume keywords
Product postings name the documents you write and the analytics you read, more than any one tool.
- Tools and software:
- JIRA, Figma, Amplitude, Mixpanel, SQL
- Skills and methods:
- roadmap, user stories, PRD, user research, A/B testing, OKRs
- Domain terms:
- SaaS, B2B
Graphic designer resume keywords
Design postings name the Adobe tools, and in India CorelDRAW for print. Figma and Canva now appear for social and web work.
- Tools and software:
- Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, CorelDRAW, Figma, Canva, After Effects
- Skills and methods:
- typography, print production, UI design
Financial analyst resume keywords
Analyst postings ask for modelling and the methods behind it, and often for a charter or a CA.
- Tools and software:
- Excel, Power BI, SAP
- Skills and methods:
- financial modelling, DCF, valuation, variance analysis, budgets, forecasting, financial reporting
- Qualifications, certifications and languages:
- CFA, CA, MBA
Supply chain and operations resume keywords
Operations postings ask for an ERP module by name, the planning work and an improvement method, with Lean or Six Sigma certificates as a plus.
- Tools and software:
- SAP MM, Excel, Kinaxis
- Skills and methods:
- demand planning, inventory management, vendor management, S&OP, Lean, Six Sigma
- Qualifications, certifications and languages:
- Green Belt
- Domain terms:
- supply chain, logistics, 3PL
What are resume keywords?
The words in a job description that name what the job needs: tools such as Tally or Python, methods such as bank reconciliation or A/B testing, qualifications such as a B.Com or PMP, and terms of the trade such as GST or PCI DSS. Recruiters search applications for these words, and readers scan for them.
How do I find the keywords in a job description?
Paste the whole posting into the checker on this page. It lists every keyword it recognises, grouped, with how often each is named and whether it is required or nice to have. Read the requirements yourself as well: a duty described in a sentence, such as "you will reconcile vendor ledgers", may not use the keyword's exact name.
Do applicant tracking systems scan resumes for keywords?
Many employers keep applications in an applicant tracking system (ATS), and recruiters can search it by keyword. How each system filters or ranks resumes differs and is not published, so no checker, this one included, can tell you whether yours will be shortlisted. Using the posting's words for work you have done makes your resume easier to find and quicker to read.
Is this an ATS score?
No. It counts which of the posting's keywords your resume names. It does not score your resume, predict a shortlist or judge whether you can do the job. Job match, also free, checks each requirement against what your resume shows.
How many keywords should a resume have?
There is no right number. Name every tool, method and qualification from the posting that you genuinely have, once or twice, in the place you used it. Required keywords matter more than the nice-to-haves.
Should I add keywords I do not have?
No. A keyword is a claim, and interviews test claims. If a required keyword is missing because you have not done the work, mention the nearest thing you have done, learn it, or address it in your cover letter.
Where should keywords go on a resume?
In your experience bullets first, next to what you did with each one. Then in a short skills section and, for the two or three that matter most, in your summary or headline. On Naukri, the Key skills field is searched as well.
Why does it say a keyword is only in my skills list?
Because a skills list is a claim and a bullet is evidence. If you have used the tool, a line such as "Reconciled 40 bank accounts each month in Tally" shows it in a way a list cannot.
Is my resume stored?
No. The check runs in your browser and sends what you paste nowhere. If you upload a file, our server reads it to get its text, which comes straight back to your browser. Signed in, the file is also saved to your Documents; otherwise it is not kept.
Does the checker use AI?
No. It uses a fixed list of several hundred keywords with their spellings, and the rules described on this page. The same posting and resume always give the same result.
Get a free review of your whole resume.
Keywords help a resume get found. The free review reads each bullet for what it shows, in about a minute.