Software developer resume keywords that get past the ATS

Developer resumes are heavily keyword-screened because so much of the role maps to specific, searchable technologies. A strong engineer can still be filtered out if the resume doesn't name the stack the posting asks for. Here's what matters — use only what you've actually worked with.

Programming languages

The most-screened terms: JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, Java, C#, C++, Go, Ruby, PHP, Swift, Kotlin, SQL. Match the posting exactly — if it says "TypeScript," list TypeScript specifically, not just "JavaScript." List the languages you can genuinely work in.

Frameworks and libraries

Highly searchable: React, Angular, Vue, Node.js, Express, Django, Flask, Spring, Spring Boot, .NET, Rails, Next.js. These are strong ATS signals — name the ones you've built with, ideally in the context of what you shipped.

Cloud, infra, and DevOps

Increasingly required: AWS, Azure, GCP, Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform, CI/CD, Jenkins, GitHub Actions, microservices, REST APIs, GraphQL. Cloud and CI/CD terms are common gatekeepers now — include the ones you've used.

Databases and data

Common screens: PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, Redis, SQL, NoSQL, Elasticsearch. If a role is data-heavy, these matter more — surface the ones you know.

Practices and methodologies

Beyond tech: Agile, Scrum, TDD (test-driven development), unit testing, code review, version control, Git, object-oriented programming (OOP), design patterns. These show how you work, and postings screen for them too.

How to use them without stuffing

Don't list every technology in existence — mirror the specific posting's stack for things you've genuinely done, and show them in context ("Built X with React and Node, deployed on AWS"). A skills section plus evidence in your bullets is the combination that reads well to both the ATS and a human reviewer.

The honest check

Before applying, confirm your resume names the stack the posting screens for — and that you actually match the seniority and core requirements. If a role wants deep experience in a stack you've barely touched, keywords won't bridge that; a role closer to your real experience is a better use of your time.