Tech job applications are among the most competitive for ATS keyword matching. Different tech roles require different keyword strategies. Here are curated keyword lists for major tech job categories.
Software Engineering
Programming Languages
Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, Java, C++, C#, Go, Rust, Ruby, Kotlin, Swift, PHP, Scala, R, MATLAB
Frameworks & Libraries
React, Angular, Vue.js, Next.js, Node.js, Express.js, Django, Flask, Spring Boot, .NET, Ruby on Rails, Laravel, FastAPI, TensorFlow, PyTorch
DevOps & Infrastructure
Docker, Kubernetes, AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Terraform, Jenkins, GitHub Actions, CI/CD, Linux, Nginx, Apache, Ansible, Prometheus, Grafana
Databases
PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, Redis, Elasticsearch, DynamoDB, Cassandra, Oracle, SQL Server, Neo4j, InfluxDB
Methodologies
Agile, Scrum, Kanban, TDD, BDD, microservices, REST API, GraphQL, version control, Git, code review, pair programming
Data Science & Analytics
Machine Learning, Deep Learning, NLP, Computer Vision, statistical analysis, data visualization, A/B testing, Python, R, SQL, Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Tableau, Power BI, Apache Spark, Hadoop, ETL, data pipeline, feature engineering, predictive modeling, regression, classification, clustering
Product Management
Product strategy, roadmap, user stories, sprint planning, stakeholder management, A/B testing, metrics, KPIs, OKRs, user research, wireframing, Jira, Confluence, Figma, customer discovery, go-to-market, PRD, competitive analysis, product-market fit, cross-functional collaboration
Cybersecurity
SIEM, SOC, penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, incident response, threat analysis, NIST, ISO 27001, OWASP, firewalls, IDS/IPS, encryption, network security, cloud security, compliance, risk assessment, malware analysis, forensics, CISSP, CEH, CompTIA Security+
UX/UI Design
User research, wireframing, prototyping, usability testing, design systems, Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, user flows, information architecture, accessibility, WCAG, responsive design, interaction design, visual design, design thinking, persona development
How to Use These Keywords
- Cross-reference with specific job descriptions — don't add all keywords
- Only include technologies you've actually used
- Place in Skills section AND naturally in Experience descriptions
- Use both full terms and abbreviations
- Prioritize keywords from the Required section of job postings
Analyze your tech resume: Run the ATS Checker with your resume and target job description to see which tech keywords you're missing.