ATS Resume Keywords for Content Writer: Complete Keyword Guide
Landing a Content Writer role requires a resume loaded with the right keywords that ATS systems scan for. This guide provides a comprehensive list of ATS keywords categorized by hard skills, tools, soft skills, and certifications specifically for Content Writer positions. Using these keywords strategically will significantly improve your ATS score and interview callback rate.
Hard Skills Keywords for Content Writer
Hard skills are the most heavily weighted keywords in ATS scoring for Content Writer roles. These represent your core technical competencies and are typically listed as required or preferred qualifications in job descriptions.
Include these keywords in both your skills section and within your work experience bullet points. Contextual usage (showing the skill in action) is more powerful than just listing it. For example, rather than just listing 'SEO Writing,' write 'Built SEO Writing-based application that...'
- SEO Writing
- Copywriting
- Content Strategy
- Blog Writing
- Technical Writing
- Social Media Content
- Email Marketing Copy
- Editing/Proofreading
- Research
- Brand Voice Development
- Content Calendar Management
Tools and Technologies for Content Writer
ATS systems specifically look for tool and technology keywords because they indicate hands-on, practical experience. For Content Writer positions, familiarity with industry-standard tools is often a hard requirement.
List these tools in your skills section with specificity. Instead of just 'cloud computing,' list specific platforms like 'WordPress' and 'Google Analytics.' Many recruiters search the ATS database using specific tool names, so including them makes you discoverable.
- WordPress
- Google Analytics
- SEMrush
- Ahrefs
- Grammarly
- Hemingway Editor
- Canva
- HubSpot
- Mailchimp
- Google Docs
Soft Skills Keywords for Content Writer
While hard skills dominate ATS scoring for Content Writer roles, soft skills keywords are increasingly weighted by modern ATS systems. Many job descriptions specifically mention soft skills, and including them can differentiate you from candidates with similar technical profiles.
Don't just list soft skills—demonstrate them in your experience bullets. Instead of listing 'Creativity,' write an achievement that shows this skill in action.
- Creativity
- Attention to detail
- Deadline management
- Adaptability
- Research skills
- Storytelling
Certifications That Boost Content Writer ATS Scores
Professional certifications are high-value keywords for Content Writer positions. Many ATS configurations use certifications as screening criteria or score boosters. Including relevant certifications can add 5-10% to your overall ATS score.
List certifications with both the full name and abbreviation to catch both search patterns. Include the issuing organization and year obtained for completeness.
- HubSpot Content Marketing Certification
- Google Analytics Certification
- Copyblogger Certified Content Marketer
Example ATS-Optimized Bullets for Content Writer
Here are example achievement statements that effectively integrate multiple Content Writer keywords while demonstrating quantified impact. Each bullet contains 2-4 relevant keywords in natural context.
Notice how each bullet starts with an action verb, includes specific technologies or skills, and quantifies the result. This format simultaneously satisfies ATS keyword matching and impresses human reviewers.
- Produced 50+ SEO-optimized articles per month driving 300% increase in organic traffic
- Developed content strategy that generated 5,000+ qualified leads quarterly
- Created brand voice guide adopted across 4 content teams and 3 external agency partners
Pro Tips
Include at least 80% of the hard skills mentioned in the specific job description for Content Writer roles
Use both the full name and abbreviation for technical terms (e.g., 'Natural Language Processing (NLP)')
Place your strongest Content Writer keywords in your professional summary, skills section, and most recent job description
Mirror the exact phrasing from the job posting—if they say 'stakeholder management,' use that phrase
Include 2-3 certifications relevant to Content Writer to boost your ATS score by 5-10%
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Listing generic skills instead of specific Content Writer technologies and tools
Including keywords you can't actually demonstrate in an interview
Focusing only on hard skills and ignoring soft skills that Content Writer job descriptions emphasize
Using outdated technology keywords that don't match current job requirements
Not tailoring keywords to each specific job description