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ATS Keywords by Role (2026): Data Analyst, PM, Sales, Marketing

Keywords work best when they reflect real experience and show up in the right places (summary, skills, and proof bullets). Use this guide as a starting point, then mirror the exact language in your target job posting.

Last updated Apr 2026
How to use this guide

Build a “keyword pack” for your role, then place keywords where you have proof.

  1. Pick the closest role below and copy 8–12 keywords that match the job post.
  2. Add 2–4 keywords to Summary (only if true).
  3. Add the rest to Skills and, most importantly, to Experience bullets with metrics.
Important: ATS keywords aren’t magic. They’re just search terms. If you use a keyword, make sure the resume also contains evidence (tools used, scope, outcomes).

Data Analyst / BI Analyst

Show analysis + dashboards + decision impact.

Tools & platforms (often in postings)
SQLMicrosoft ExcelTableauMicrosoft Power BIAlteryxApache SparkMicrosoft SQL ServerMySQLAmazon Redshift
Work keywords recruiters search
dashboardingdata visualizationreporting automationstakeholder reportingdata qualityETLdata modelingKPIsforecastingA/B testing
Proof-bullet verbs
analyzedbuiltautomatedmodeledvalidatedoptimizedforecasted
Don’t keyword-stuff
  • List 15 tools you used once in a class.
  • Drop “SQL” only in Skills—include it in a bullet with what you queried and the outcome.
  • Use only acronyms. Include both once (example: “extract, transform, load (ETL)”).

Product Manager (PM)

Show roadmap judgment + cross-functional execution.

Core PM keywords
product strategyproduct roadmapprioritizationuser researchrequirementsPRDgo-to-market (GTM)product lifecyclestakeholder managementcross-functional collaboration
Execution keywords
AgileScrumbacklogMVPOKRsmetricsexperimentationlaunch
Proof-bullet verbs
definedprioritizedlaunchedalignedownedmeasurediterated
Don’t keyword-stuff
  • Claim “Agile” without showing what you shipped and how you measured it.
  • Use “stakeholder management” with no example (who + what trade-off + outcome).
  • Write a generic summary—mirror the exact product area (B2B SaaS, consumer, platform, etc.).

Sales (AE / SDR / Sales Manager)

Show pipeline motion + quota outcomes + customer value.

Systems & tools
SalesforceCRMHubSpotpipelineforecastingterritory planningsales enablement
Revenue keywords
quota attainmentARRMRRACVupsellcross-sellrenewals
Proof-bullet verbs
closedgeneratedqualifiednegotiatedexpandedrenewed
Don’t keyword-stuff
  • Use revenue acronyms without numbers (add at least one concrete metric).
  • Say “CRM” without naming the one you used (Salesforce, HubSpot, etc.).
  • List “negotiation” and “communication” only—sales roles need outcomes (pipeline, meetings, revenue).

Marketing (Growth / Digital / Performance)

Show channels + experiments + measurable outcomes.

Channel & platform keywords
Google AnalyticsGoogle AdsSEOcontent strategyemail marketingmarketing automationHubSpotMarketoWordPress
Measurement keywords
conversion rateCACLTVCTRCPLA/B testingattributionKPIs
Proof-bullet verbs
testedoptimizedgrewscaledsegmentedlaunchedanalyzed
Don’t keyword-stuff
  • List every channel—pick the 2–3 channels most relevant to the role.
  • Use “SEO” without mentioning what you improved (rankings, traffic, conversions).
  • Hide analytics inside tools only—include the metric that moved.

Sources

  • O*NET OnLine (U.S. Department of Labor): Business Intelligence Analysts — technology skills list (example tools: Tableau, Power BI, Spark, SQL). View source
  • O*NET OnLine (U.S. Department of Labor): Sales Managers — technology skills list (CRM and sales/marketing tools). View source
  • O*NET OnLine (U.S. Department of Labor): Marketing Managers — occupation summary and reported job titles (includes “Product Manager” as a reported title in this family). View source
  • O*NET OnLine (U.S. Department of Labor): Search Marketing Strategists — technology skills list (Google Analytics, Google Ads, marketing automation). View source