Specific terms related to human resources and recruitment are strategically incorporated into resumes to improve their visibility to applicant tracking systems (ATS) and recruiters. Examples include words and phrases associated with specific skills, experience levels, software proficiency, and industry certifications (e.g., “performance management,” “talent acquisition,” “employee relations,” “SHRM-CP”).
Effective use of such terminology increases the likelihood of a resume being selected for further review. This practice has become increasingly important due to the widespread adoption of ATS software, which scans resumes for relevant terms before they reach a human recruiter. The evolution of recruitment practices has placed greater emphasis on data-driven processes, making strategic word choice a critical factor in job application success.