In the Gulf job market, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are used by nearly every employer to filter CVs before they reach human eyes. If your resume lacks the right keywords, it may never be seen—even if you’re qualified.
Top CV Keywords by Industry
Engineering & Construction
- Civil Engineer, Site Supervision, BOQ, AutoCAD, Revit, RCC Design, Safety Compliance
Administration & HR
- Office Management, HR Policies, Payroll, Recruitment, Employee Relations, Performance Appraisal
Hospitality & Tourism
- Guest Relations, Front Desk, Housekeeping, Concierge, Food & Beverage, Multilingual
IT & Tech
- Python, Java, SQL, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, AWS, Azure, DevOps, UI/UX Design
Logistics & Delivery
- Dispatch, Route Planning, Inventory, Fleet Management, Warehouse Operations, Delivery Tracking
Healthcare
- Patient Care, Clinical Support, Medical Records, DHA License, Infection Control, Nursing
How to Use Keywords Effectively
- Customize your CV for each job using keywords from the job description
- Place keywords in Career Summary, Experience, and Skills sections
- Use bullet points to highlight achievements tied to those keywords
- Avoid keyword stuffing—context matters
- Use ATS testing tools like Jobscan or ResumeWorded to check compatibility
FAQ’s
What are CV keywords?
They are specific terms or phrases that match job descriptions and help your CV pass ATS filters.
How do I find the right keywords?
Scan the job post and note repeated terms. Use tools like Jobscan to compare your CV with the listing.
Can I use keywords from multiple industries?
Only if your experience spans those sectors. Otherwise, tailor your CV to one role.
Should I repeat keywords?
Yes, but naturally. Use them in different sections without overloading.
Do Gulf recruiters care about soft skills keywords?
Yes. Include terms like teamwork, adaptability, leadership, and communication—especially for customer-facing roles.