How to add software tools on your digital marketing CV to pass the ATS

Software is your resume keyword

In digital marketing, your proficiency with tools like HubSpot, Google Analytics, and SEMrush is not just a skill, it's a non-negotiable keyword. When recruiters use the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to screen applications, they search specifically for these platform names and acronyms.

The ATS rule and where to list your tools

Do not confine your software skills to a single list at the bottom of your CV. They must appear in three strategic locations for maximum ATS impact:

1. The dedicated skills section (The list)

• Format: Create a clear section titled "Digital Marketing Tools," "Technical Competencies," or "Software Proficiency."

• The acronym rule: Always list the full name first, followed by the acronym, if applicable (e.g., Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Google Tag Manager (GTM)).

• The proficiency level: Use simple, clear terms (Expert, Proficient, Familiar) instead of icons or graphs, which confuse the ATS.

2. The professional summary (The hook)

• Mention 2-3 of your most critical tools here, especially if they are core requirements for the job.

• Example: "Results-driven Digital Marketing Specialist proficient in HubSpot CRM and Google Ads, with a track record of optimizing conversion funnels."

3. The work experience section (The proof)

• This is where you prove you didn't just take a course, you used the tool to generate results.

Quantifying your tool proficiency (The ROI formula)

The ATS and the recruiter are looking for Return on Investment (ROI), not just presence. Transform generic usage into measurable achievements:

The critical match: eliminating keyword gaps

Recruiters often search for very specific tool keywords. If they search for "Ahrefs" and you only wrote "SEO Tools," the ATS will flag you as less relevant.

• Check the Job Description: Tailor your CV's software list exactly to the tools mentioned in the job posting.

• The time-saving solution: Manual keyword comparison for every application is exhausting and error-prone. You need a dedicated tool to automate this process.

Stop Leaving Keywords on the Table! The easiest way to ensure every crucial software keyword is present and properly formatted is to use a specialized checking tool:

Upload your CV and the specific Job Description to the mafiro CV Tool. It instantly compares your software list against the job requirements, gives you an ATS score, and offers actionable feedback on missing keywords.

In the competitive field of digital marketing, your software skills are your currency. By strategically listing, quantifying, and integrating tools like HubSpot, Google Ads, and SEMrush across your CV, and by utilizing a dedicated tool like mafiro to verify your ATS score, you transform your application into a highly relevant and irresistible candidate profile.