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Product Management Resume Action Words and Keywords

Blog Author: Productside Marketing

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When you submit your resume online, the chances are very high that it is going to be scanned electronically by software that is looking for keywords selected by the recruiter or hiring manager.

Even if you’re the perfect candidate, without the keywords in your resume, the software will likely discard it.

Be sure to scan the job posting for software and skills the job requires and include them in your resume.

Power up your resume with action words that describe your experience. Did you “work on” a product or did you “own” the product? Did you “attend” tradeshows or “present” at tradeshows?

We developed a great list of Action Words to help you power-up your resume. These are included in our larger package of Free Resources – click the button below to download these resources, so you can give your resume a fighting chance against the scanning bots!

 

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About The Author

Productside Marketing

We’re the team behind the headlines, webinars, and memes that make product management sound as fun as it actually is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Keywords are critical because most resumes are screened by applicant tracking systems before a human ever sees them. These systems look for specific skills, tools, and experience defined by recruiters. Without the right keywords, even highly qualified product managers may be filtered out automatically.
Applicant tracking systems scan resumes for relevant terms tied to the job description, such as methodologies, tools, and responsibilities. If your resume lacks these terms, the system may rank it as a poor match. Optimizing language increases visibility and improves the likelihood of reaching a hiring manager.
Action words describe your contributions clearly and decisively, helping hiring managers understand your level of ownership and impact. Using strong verbs like “led,” “owned,” or “launched” communicates responsibility and results more effectively than passive phrases, making your product management experience sound credible and compelling.
Product managers should analyze each job posting carefully and mirror the language used for required skills, tools, and responsibilities. Including relevant product management terminology, frameworks, and technologies demonstrates alignment with the role and improves compatibility with resume scanning software used in hiring processes.
Yes, improving resume wording can significantly increase interview opportunities. Clear action-oriented language combined with relevant keywords helps resumes pass automated screening and stand out to recruiters. This increases the likelihood of your experience being recognized as a strong match for the role.

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