Glossary

Keyword Stuffing

Inserting many job-relevant keywords into a resume to game ATS matching. Detected by modern ATS.

Definition

The practice of inserting many job-relevant keywords into a resume (often as white text or hidden) in an attempt to game ATS keyword matching. Detected by all modern ATS platforms and visible to recruiters in scorecards. Actively harmful, not helpful.

Related terms

  • ATS (Applicant Tracking System) — Software used by employers to receive, parse, store, and filter job applications before any human review.
  • ATS Score — Heuristic measure of how well a resume will be parsed and matched by an Applicant Tracking System.
  • Scorecard — A recruiter-configurable set of keywords, requirements, and rubric items used by ATS platforms to score candidates.

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