Top 100 CV Keywords to Make Your CV Stand Out

  |  James Innes
     

CV keywords are your secret weapon to beat those sneaky Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and make recruiters say, “Wow, this candidate’s a keeper!” Whatever stage of your career, and whatever the job you're searching for, the right words can transform your CV from “meh” to “must-hire.”

In this guide from The CV Centre, we’ll share our top 100 CV keywords for job applicants, show you how to use them, and help your CV stand out faster for the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and human recruiters alike.

 

Table of Contents

 

How to Find the Right CV Writing Keywords for Your Role

In 2025, professional CV words are more critical than ever. ATS systems are getting smarter, filtering out CVs that lack relevant keywords. Hiring managers, swamped with applications, skim for specific terms that signal a candidate’s fit.

Using the right keywords shows you speak the industry’s language, whether you’re in tech, marketing, or healthcare. They also help you rank higher in applicant pools, making your CV stand out in a competitive job market. Keywords aren’t just buzzwords - they’re your ticket to getting noticed and landing interviews.

So, how do you find the right ones to include?

Analysing Job Descriptions for Key CV Words

Start by dissecting the job description. Highlight skills, qualifications, and job responsibilities mentioned, like “project management” or “data analysis.” These are your key CV words. Look for repeated terms or phrases under “requirements” or “preferred skills.”

If the ad emphasises “team leadership,” include that exact phrase in your CV. Tailor your language to mirror the job title. That way, your CV aligns with what the employer seeks, and there's no room for doubt in their mind.

CV Keywords = Dream Jobg

Researching Industry-Specific CV Writing Words

Dive into industry trends to uncover CV writing words. For tech roles, terms like “cloud computing” or “DevOps” are in vogue. In marketing, “SEO” and “content strategy” dominate. Read industry blogs, job boards, and company websites to spot buzzwords. Join LinkedIn groups or forums to see what skills professionals in your field highlight. This research will mark you out as an expert in your field from the outset, making you a relevant candidate, which is particularly vital if you have limited experience.

Using Tools to Identify CV Writing Key Words

Tools like Jobscan or Resunate can help identify CV writing key words. Upload your CV and the job description to these platforms - they’ll highlight missing keywords and suggest terms to add, like “stakeholder engagement” or “Agile methodology.” Free tools like Google Trends can also show trending skills in your industry. These tools make keyword research a breeze, so your CV is ATS-ready and recruiter-friendly.

 

Top 100 CV Keywords to Boost Your CV

Below are 100 CV keywords divided into five categories, each with 20 keywords.

General Professional CV Words for Any Industry

  • Communication, Skill
  • Leadership, Skill
  • Teamwork, Skill
  • Problem-Solving, Skill
  • Adaptability, Skill
  • Time Management, Skill
  • Analytical, Skill
  • Detail-Oriented, Skill
  • Collaboration, Skill
  • Organizational, Skill
  • Managed, Action Verb
  • Developed, Action Verb
  • Implemented, Action Verb
  • Achieved, Action Verb
  • Improved, Action Verb
  • Coordinated, Action Verb
  • Delivered, Action Verb
  • Facilitated, Action Verb
  • Optimised, Action Verb
  • Streamlined, Action Verb

Examples of CV Words for Tech and IT Roles

  • Cloud Computing, Skill
  • Cyber Security, Skill
  • DevOps, Skill
  • Machine Learning, Skill
  • Data Analysis, Skill
  • Software Development, Skill
  • Network Security, Skill
  • Agile Methodology, Skill
  • Full-Stack, Skill
  • API Integration, Skill
  • Programmed, Action Verb
  • Engineered, Action Verb
  • Debugged, Action Verb
  • Deployed, Action Verb
  • Configured, Action Verb
  • Automated, Action Verb
  • Integrated, Action Verb
  • Tested, Action Verb
  • Monitored, Action Verb
  • Secured, Action Verb

Examples of CV Words for Marketing and Creative Roles

  • SEO, Skill
  • Content Strategy, Skill
  • Digital Marketing, Skill
  • Social Media, Skill
  • Branding, Skill
  • Graphic Design, Skill
  • Copywriting, Skill
  • UX/UI Design, Skill
  • Campaign Management, Skill
  • Market Research, Skill
  • Designed, Action Verb
  • Created, Action Verb
  • Launched, Action Verb
  • Promoted, Action Verb
  • Analysed, Action Verb
  • Engaged, Action Verb
  • Amplified, Action Verb
  • Visualised, Action Verb
  • Curated, Action Verb
  • Influenced, Action Verb

Examples of CV Words for Finance and Business Roles

  • Financial Analysis, Skill
  • Risk Management, Skill
  • Budgeting, Skill
  • Forecasting, Skill
  • Stakeholder Engagement, Skill
  • Strategic Planning, Skill
  • Business Development, Skill
  • Cost Reduction, Skill
  • Compliance, Skill
  • Investment Strategy, Skill
  • Evaluated, Action Verb
  • Audited, Action Verb
  • Negotiated, Action Verb
  • Forecasted, Action Verb
  • Mitigated, Action Verb
  • Enhanced, Action Verb
  • Aligned, Action Verb
  • Reported, Action Verb
  • Consolidated, Action Verb
  • Advised, Action Verb

Examples of CV Words for Healthcare and Education Roles

  • Patient Care, Skill
  • Clinical Research, Skill
  • Curriculum Development, Skill
  • Instructional Design, Skill
  • Health Promotion, Skill
  • Special Education, Skill
  • Evidence-Based Practice, Skill
  • Classroom Management, Skill
  • Public Health, Skill
  • Counselling, Skill
  • Trained, Action Verb
  • Educated, Action Verb
  • Assessed, Action Verb
  • Supported, Action Verb
  • Administered, Action Verb
  • Mentored, Action Verb
  • Documented, Action Verb
  • Guided, Action Verb
  • Advocated, Action Verb
  • Rehabilitated, Action Verb

 

How to Use CV Keywords Effectively in Your CV

Too much to digest? Never fear! We're going to show you how to integrate these effectively.

Incorporating Keywords in Your Personal Statement

Weave keywords into your personal statement to make it impactful and ATS-friendly. For a marketing role, you might write: “A creative professional with expertise in SEO and content marketing, I’ve launched campaigns that amplified brand visibility by 20%.” This naturally uses “SEO,” “content marketing,” and “launched,” aligning with the job description.

Use data when advertising your content marketing skills

Don’t just list keywords - blend them into a compelling narrative that highlights your goals and strengths. For example, if applying for a tech role, you could say: “Passionate IT graduate skilled in cloud computing and DevOps, eager to deploy solutions that enhance system efficiency.” This keeps your statement authentic while ensuring ATS picks up on “cloud computing,” “DevOps,” and “deploy.” Tailor each statement to the job, showing you’re the perfect fit without sounding like a keyword robot, as a human will check your CV eventually!

Adding Key CV Words to Your Skills Section

List key CV words in your skills section with context to show their relevance. Example: “Skilled in Agile methodology and API integration, with a proven ability to streamline software development processes.” This uses “Agile methodology,” “API integration,” and “streamline” without overstuffing. Be specific - don’t just say “communication”; say “Proficient in communication, facilitating stakeholder engagement in cross-functional teams.” This adds “facilitating” and “stakeholder engagement,” making your CV more targeted.

For a finance role, you might include: “Expert in budgeting and risk management, consistently mitigating financial risks.” This incorporates “budgeting,” “risk management,” and “mitigating.” Keep your skills section concise, using bullet points for readability, enabling each keyword to tie to a real talent you possess.

Using CV Writing Words in Your Work Experience

Incorporate CV writing words into your work experience by describing achievements with action verbs and skills. Example: “Managed a team of 10 to deliver a £500k project, improving efficiency by 15% through optimised workflows.” This uses “managed,” “deliver,” “improving,” and “optimised,” highlighting your impact. For a marketing role, you could write: “Designed and launched a digital marketing campaign, boosting engagement by 25% through targeted SEO strategies.” This includes “designed,” “launched,” “engagement,” and “SEO", all derived from a previous job!

Focus on measurable results to add credibility - numbers like “25%” or “£500k” make keywords more powerful. If you lack formal experience, use volunteer roles or projects: “Coordinated a charity event, engaging 100+ attendees and raising £2,000.” This uses “coordinated,” “engaging,” and “raising.” If your keywords fit naturally, matching the job description’s language, you'll show that you’re the ideal candidate.

Optimising Your Education Section with Keywords

Add keywords to your education section to make it relevant, especially for recent graduates. Example: “MSc in Business Administration, University of Warwick, 2019–2021, focused on financial strategy and stakeholder engagement.” This includes “financial strategy” and “stakeholder engagement,” tying your education to the role. For a tech role, you might write: “BSc in Computer Science, University of Manchester, 2018–2021, with coursework in machine learning and data analysis.” This uses “machine learning” and “data analysis.”

Highlight projects or achievements: “Developed a machine learning model as part of a dissertation, achieving 90% accuracy.” This adds “developed” and “achieving.” Even if your degree isn’t recent, include relevant coursework or skills gained: “BA in Psychology, University of Leeds, 2010–2013, focused on organisational behaviour, enhancing team collaboration skills.” This incorporates “organisational behaviour” and “collaboration.” Tailoring your education section means it supports your application, especially if you're a recent graduate or a career changer.

 

Optimising Your CV for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

To pass ATS, match keywords exactly to the job description. If the ad lists “data analysis” as a requirement, use that phrase: “Conducted data analysis to identify trends, boosting monthly sales by 10%.” This means the ATS can recognise your CV as a match, increasing your chances of reaching recruiters.

Avoiding Keyword Stuffing Pitfalls

Don’t overstuff keywords - it makes your CV look unnatural and can flag it as spam. Instead of repeating “team player” five times, use it once with context: “Proven team player, collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals.” Balance keywords with natural language to keep your CV readable for humans.

 

Examples of CV Words in Action: Before and After

Here are some ways that using the right language can transform your CV and land you that dream job!

Personal Statement Transformation with Key CV Words

Before: “I am a motivated individual looking for a tech role.”

After: “Motivated IT professional skilled in cloud computing and DevOps, eager to deploy innovative solutions that enhance system efficiency.”

The 'after' version uses “cloud computing,” “DevOps,” and “deploy,” making it ATS-friendly and specific.

Skills Section Revamp with CV Writing Words

Before: “Good at communication and teamwork.”

After: “Proficient in communication and collaboration, with a track record of facilitating team projects and stakeholder engagement.”

This adds “collaboration,” “facilitating,” and “stakeholder engagement,” aligning with job requirements.

Demonstrate your teamwork with evidence

 

Integrate Keywords Naturally with The CV Centre

Mastering CV keywords can feel like a high-stakes game of chess. Which ones should I include? How do I present them? The right keywords make your CV a shining star, passing ATS with flying colours and catching recruiters’ eyes in those crucial few seconds.

From finding the perfect CV writing keywords to weaving them naturally into your personal statement, skills, and experience, this guide has given you the tools to shine. But if you’re still worried your CV might be playing hard to get, The CV Centre is here to help.

Our expert team will make sure your keywords are spot-on, ATS-friendly, and recruiter-ready, all while keeping your CV as polished as a freshly minted degree.

Get a free CV review today and let us work our magic!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Keywords in my CV?

CV keywords are specific terms from job descriptions, like “project management” or “SEO,” that help your CV pass ATS and attract recruiters. They match your skills to the role, boosting visibility. In 2025, using keywords is not optional; it's essential.

How Many CV Keywords Should I Use in my CV?

Use 10–15 CV keywords based on the job description for optimal results. Include terms like “data analysis” or “team leadership” naturally across sections. Avoid overstuffing to maintain readability. This balance helps your CV pass ATS filters while appealing to recruiters.

Can I Use the Same CV Writing Keywords for Every Job?

No, no, no! You should tailor CV writing keywords for each job application. For a tech role, use “cloud computing”; for marketing, include “SEO.” Customising keywords means your CV aligns with specific job requirements, standing out from the lazy applicants who rely on copy and paste for each application.

Where Should I Place Professional CV Words in my CV?

Place professional CV words in your personal statement, skills, work experience, and education sections for maximum impact. For example, in achievements, write: “Led teamwork initiatives, boosting productivity by 15%.” This uses “teamwork” and “boosting” naturally.

How do I know if my CV keywords are working?

You’ll know your CV keywords are working if you’re getting more interview requests or positive feedback from recruiters. Use tools like Jobscan to compare your CV with job descriptions - high match rates indicate effective keywords. If applications aren’t progressing, revisit the job ad, and adjust your CV writing keywords accordingly. If you're still in doubt about how to beat the hiring process, ask us! We've been doing this for 25+ years!

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