Which keywords should I include in my CV?

Verified by expert panel

The most important keywords come directly from the job posting — not from generic lists. Proceed as follows: highlight all skills, tools, and qualifications that appear multiple times or prominently in the listing. These are your mandatory keywords. Then add synonyms and related terms (ESCO taxonomy Q014 shows alternative job titles). LinkedIn Skills on the Rise 2025 lists the most sought-after skills by category. A common mistake: only entering keywords in the 'Skills' section — ATS weights keywords higher when they appear in the context of work experience. Objection per AGG Section 1: CVs optimised purely for keywords can lead to unfair screening results — use keywords authentically and only if you actually possess the competency.

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