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Use AI to Identify Most Relevant Keywords for Each Target Job Application
In a world where Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) filter out up to 75% of resumes before a human ever sees them【https://www.jobscan.co/blog/ats-statistics/】, the ability to match the exact language a hiring manager uses is no longer optional—it’s essential. This guide shows you how to use AI to identify the most relevant keywords for each target job application, turn those insights into a laser‑focused resume, and automate the whole workflow with Resumly’s suite of free tools and premium features.
Why Keyword Precision Matters
When recruiters post a job, they embed core competencies, soft‑skill descriptors, and industry‑specific jargon that the ATS scans for. If your resume lacks those exact terms, the system flags it as a mismatch. Studies show that resumes that contain 80‑90% of the job‑specific keywords see a 30‑40% higher interview rate【https://www.glassdoor.com/employers/blog/ats-keywords/】.
Bottom line: The more precisely you align your resume language with the job description, the higher your chances of passing the ATS filter.
The AI‑Powered Keyword Identification Workflow
Below is a repeatable, step‑by‑step process you can run for every job you target. Each step includes a Resumly tool that automates the heavy lifting.
1. Harvest the Job Description
- Copy the full posting (including responsibilities, qualifications, and “nice‑to‑have” sections).
- Paste it into the Resumly Job‑Search Keywords tool – https://www.resumly.ai/job-search-keywords.
- Click Generate Keywords.
The AI extracts:
- Primary hard skills (e.g., Python, SQL, Agile)
- Soft skills (e.g., collaboration, problem‑solving)
- Industry buzzwords (e.g., digital transformation, cloud‑native)
2. Validate Against Real‑World Data
AI models can hallucinate. Cross‑check the output with two sources:
- LinkedIn job insights for the same role (look at the “Top Skills” section).
- Resumly Buzzword Detector – https://www.resumly.ai/buzzword-detector – to see which terms are over‑used and which are truly valued.
3. Prioritize Keywords by Impact
Not all keywords are equal. Use the Resumly Skills Gap Analyzer – https://www.resumly.ai/skills-gap-analyzer – to score each term:
- High‑impact: appears in both the job posting and at least 3 of the top 5 LinkedIn profiles for that role.
- Medium‑impact: appears in the posting but only 1‑2 external profiles.
- Low‑impact: appears only in the posting.
Create a priority list (High → Medium → Low). This list will drive the resume rewrite.
4. Rewrite Your Resume with AI Assistance
- Open the AI Resume Builder – https://www.resumly.ai/features/ai-resume-builder.
- Upload your current resume.
- Paste the priority keyword list into the “Target Keywords” field.
- Choose the “Tailor for ATS” mode.
Resumly’s engine will:
- Insert high‑impact keywords into the most relevant sections (e.g., Professional Summary, Work Experience).
- Re‑phrase bullet points to naturally incorporate medium‑impact terms.
- Ensure keyword density stays between 2‑4% to avoid ATS penalties.
5. Run an ATS Compatibility Check
After the AI rewrite, run the ATS Resume Checker – https://www.resumly.ai/ats-resume-checker.
- The report shows a match score (0‑100). Aim for 80+.
- It highlights any missing high‑impact keywords and suggests where to add them.
6. Polish the Cover Letter
A well‑crafted cover letter can reinforce the same keywords. Use the AI Cover Letter feature – https://www.resumly.ai/features/ai-cover-letter – and feed it the same priority list. The AI will weave the terms into a compelling narrative that mirrors the job description’s tone.
7. Automate the Application Process
Once your resume and cover letter are ready, the Auto‑Apply feature – https://www.resumly.ai/features/auto-apply – can submit them to supported job boards. Pair this with the Application Tracker – https://www.resumly.ai/features/application-tracker – to monitor status and follow‑up dates.
Checklist: AI Keyword Identification for One Job Application
- Copy full job description into Job‑Search Keywords tool.
- Export keyword list and cross‑check with LinkedIn insights.
- Run Buzzword Detector to filter out filler terms.
- Score keywords with Skills Gap Analyzer.
- Prioritize into High/Medium/Low categories.
- Upload resume to AI Resume Builder and input priority list.
- Generate ATS‑optimized resume.
- Validate with ATS Resume Checker (score ≥ 80).
- Create matching cover letter via AI Cover Letter.
- Submit using Auto‑Apply and log in Application Tracker.
Do’s and Don’ts
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Do use the exact phrasing from the job posting for high‑impact keywords. | Don’t over‑stuff keywords; keep readability natural. |
| Do verify each keyword with real‑world profiles (LinkedIn, industry reports). | Don’t rely solely on AI‑generated lists without validation. |
| Do maintain a balanced keyword density (2‑4%). | Don’t copy‑paste entire bullet points from the posting – it looks generic. |
| Do keep a master spreadsheet of keywords per target role for future reuse. | Don’t reuse the same resume for wildly different industries without re‑tailoring. |
Real‑World Example: Marketing Manager at TechCo
Job posting excerpt (simplified):
"We are seeking a data‑driven Marketing Manager with expertise in SEO, SEM, content strategy, and marketing automation. Must have experience with HubSpot, Google Analytics, and A/B testing. Strong leadership and cross‑functional collaboration skills required."
Step 1 – AI Keyword Extraction
Using the Job‑Search Keywords tool, the AI returns:
- High‑impact: data‑driven, SEO, SEM, content strategy, marketing automation, HubSpot, Google Analytics, A/B testing, leadership, cross‑functional collaboration
- Medium‑impact: campaign management, ROI analysis, brand storytelling
- Low‑impact: social media monitoring, email newsletters
Step 2 – Resume Rewrite Snapshot
Before:
- "Managed digital campaigns and improved website traffic."
After AI‑tailored:
- "Led data‑driven digital campaigns, optimizing SEO and SEM strategies that increased organic traffic by 35%. Utilized HubSpot and Google Analytics for A/B testing and marketing automation, delivering a 20% lift in lead conversion."
The revised bullet now contains seven high‑impact keywords, boosting the ATS match score from 58 to 87.
Integrating Resumly’s Free Tools for Ongoing Success
| Tool | How it Helps in the Keyword Workflow |
|---|---|
| AI Career Clock – https://www.resumly.ai/ai-career-clock | Predicts the best time to apply based on industry hiring cycles. |
| Resume Roast – https://www.resumly.ai/resume-roast | Gets a quick human‑style critique after AI optimization. |
| Career Personality Test – https://www.resumly.ai/career-personality-test | Aligns soft‑skill keywords (e.g., collaboration) with your natural strengths. |
| Interview Questions – https://www.resumly.ai/interview-questions | Generates interview prep questions that mirror the keywords you emphasized. |
| Buzzword Detector – https://www.resumly.ai/buzzword-detector | Flags overused buzzwords that could dilute your resume’s impact. |
| Job‑Search Keywords – https://www.resumly.ai/job-search-keywords | Core engine for extracting and ranking keywords from any posting. |
By cycling through these tools after each application, you create a feedback loop that continuously refines your keyword strategy.
Mini‑Conclusion: The Power of the Main Keyword
Use AI to Identify Most Relevant Keywords for Each Target Job Application isn’t a one‑time hack; it’s a repeatable system that leverages Resumly’s AI engine, data validation, and automation to keep your resume ATS‑ready for every opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many keywords should I include in my resume?
Aim for a keyword density of 2‑4%. For a typical 600‑word resume, that’s roughly 12‑24 occurrences of high‑impact terms.
2. Will the AI change my personal writing style?
The AI Resume Builder respects your voice by offering suggestions rather than full rewrites. You can accept, edit, or reject each change.
3. Can I use the same keyword list for multiple applications?
Only if the roles are very similar (e.g., multiple data analyst positions). Otherwise, run the extraction step for each posting.
4. How does Resumly’s ATS Checker score my resume?
It compares your document against the job description’s keyword set, evaluates formatting compliance, and checks readability using the Resume Readability Test – https://www.resumly.ai/resume-readability-test.
5. Is there a free way to test this workflow?
Yes! All the tools listed (Job‑Search Keywords, Buzzword Detector, Skills Gap Analyzer, ATS Checker) are free. The premium AI Resume Builder and Cover Letter features have a 30‑day trial.
6. What if the job posting uses uncommon terminology?
Use the LinkedIn Insights and Industry Reports to find the standard equivalents, then add both the original term and its common synonym to your priority list.
7. How often should I refresh my keyword database?
Review and update every 3‑4 months or whenever you notice a dip in interview callbacks.
8. Does the Auto‑Apply feature work on all job boards?
It currently supports major platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor. Check the Auto‑Apply page for the latest list – https://www.resumly.ai/features/auto-apply.
Take Action Today
- Visit Resumly’s homepage – https://www.resumly.ai – and sign up for a free account.
- Run the Job‑Search Keywords tool on a posting you’re eyeing.
- Follow the workflow above and watch your ATS match score climb.
- Use the Auto‑Apply and Application Tracker to stay organized and follow up promptly.
By consistently using AI to identify the most relevant keywords for each target job application, you turn the opaque ATS process into a transparent, data‑driven advantage. Your next interview could be just one keyword away.
