Specific terms used in resumes, tailored for management positions, help applicant tracking systems (ATS) and recruiters identify qualified candidates. These terms often reflect skills, experience, and qualifications relevant to leadership roles, such as “strategic planning,” “budget management,” or “team leadership.” For instance, a project manager’s resume might include terms like “Agile,” “Scrum,” or “risk mitigation.”
Effective term selection significantly increases a resume’s visibility. Recruiters often search databases for specific terms related to open positions. A resume rich in relevant terminology has a higher likelihood of appearing in search results and progressing to the interview stage. Historically, matching specific criteria mentioned in job descriptions has been crucial. However, the increasing sophistication of ATS requires a strategic approach to term usage, emphasizing not only matching advertised criteria but also anticipating related skills and experiences valued by employers. This allows the resume to surface even in broader searches.