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Introduction
In the competitive field of software quality assurance (SQA) and testing, recruiters rely on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes based on specific keywords. If your resume doesn’t include the right QA test keywords, it may never reach a hiring manager. This guide will help you understand the importance of QA test keywords, how to use them strategically, and which ones to include to make your resume an ATS friendly resume and stand out.
For an in-depth look at SQA resume examples, check out our QA Test Resume Example.

Why QA Test Keywords Matter in Your Resume
Many companies use ATS software to scan and rank resumes based on relevant keywords. These keywords are typically derived from the job description and industry-specific requirements. Including the right QA test-related keywords ensures that:
- Your resume passes ATS filters and reaches recruiters.
- It demonstrates expertise in key QA methodologies, tools, and frameworks.
- You align your resume with industry best practices and job expectations.
For more insights on crafting an SQA resume, read our detailed guide on SDET and SQA resumes.
Types of QA Test Keywords to Include
To optimize your resume, you should focus on three primary types of QA test keywords:
1. Hard Skills Keywords
These are specific technical skills and tools used in software testing.
Examples:
- Automation Testing: Selenium, TestNG, Appium, WebDriver, Playwright
- Manual Testing: Test Cases, Regression Testing, Functional Testing, UAT
- Performance Testing: JMeter, LoadRunner, Stress Testing, Scalability Testing
- API Testing: Postman, REST Assured, GraphQL Testing
- Security Testing: OWASP, Penetration Testing, Vulnerability Assessment
- CI/CD & DevOps: Jenkins, GitHub Actions, Docker, Kubernetes
2. Soft Skills Keywords
Employers also look for non-technical skills that showcase your ability to work effectively in a team.
Examples:
- Problem-Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Collaboration
- Communication Skills
- Analytical Thinking
- Attention to Detail
3. Industry-Specific Keywords
These keywords align with industry standards and methodologies.
Examples:
- Agile, Scrum, Kanban
- Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
- Test-Driven Development (TDD), Behavior-Driven Development (BDD)
- Shift-Left Testing, Continuous Integration
Where to Place QA Test Keywords in Your Resume
Strategic placement of keywords improves ATS rankings and enhances readability for recruiters.
✅ Resume Summary:
- “Experienced QA Test Engineer proficient in Selenium, API Testing, and Agile methodologies to deliver high-quality software.”
✅ Skills Section:
- List tools, methodologies, and frameworks in a bullet-point format for quick ATS recognition.
✅ Work Experience:
- Incorporate action-oriented phrases with keywords.
- Example: “Designed and executed automation test scripts using Selenium and TestNG to reduce manual testing efforts by 40%.”
✅ Certifications & Training:
- Example: “Certified in ISTQB Foundation Level, Agile Testing, and Performance Testing with JMeter.”
Common QA Test Keywords for Your Resume
Below is a list of commonly used QA test keywords categorized for resume optimization.
Automation Testing Keywords
- Selenium, WebDriver, Cypress
- TestNG, JUnit, NUnit
- Playwright, Appium, Robot Framework
Manual Testing Keywords
- Test Cases, Test Plan, Bug Tracking
- Regression Testing, Functional Testing, UAT
- Test Management, Jira, Quality Center
Performance Testing Keywords
- LoadRunner, JMeter, K6
- Stress Testing, Scalability Testing
- Bottleneck Analysis, Performance Monitoring
Security Testing Keywords
- OWASP, Penetration Testing
- Ethical Hacking, Vulnerability Scanning
- API Security, SQL Injection, XSS
How to Customize QA Test Keywords for Each Job Application
Every job posting has specific keywords that employers prioritize. Here’s how to tailor your resume:
- Analyze the Job Description: Identify recurring keywords (e.g., “Selenium,” “Agile,” “Test Cases”).
- Match Keywords Strategically: Incorporate them organically throughout your resume.
- Avoid Keyword Stuffing: Maintain readability while optimizing for ATS.
- Use Synonyms & Variations: Example: “Automation Testing” vs. “Test Automation.”
Conclusion
Using the right QA test keywords in your resume can significantly increase your chances of landing a job. By strategically placing relevant technical, soft skill, and industry-specific keywords, you can optimize your resume for ATS while making it appealing to hiring managers.
To ensure your resume is fully ATS-optimized and ranks higher in recruiter searches, try our ATS Resume Checker. This tool analyzes your resume and provides instant feedback on how well it is optimized for QA test roles.
If you need assistance building a professional QA resume, try KudosWall’s AI Resume Builder to generate an ATS friendly resume in minutes.
🚀 Start optimizing your QA resume today! Download ATS Score Checker (Chrome Extension) today!


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