CV keywords
Software Engineer CV keywords that get past the filters in 2026
Most software engineer CVs are not rejected by a person. They are filtered before a person ever sees them because the first screen does not carry the words the role is scanned for.
This is not about stuffing keywords. It is about making sure scope, verbs, and proof are visible in the top third of the page, where the reading actually happens.
You can also rehearse this role with a free mock interview built from your CV and the job advert.
Start a free mock interviewThe 20 terms to check first
Use these as a checklist, not a script. A CV that reads like a keyword list fails for a different reason.
Action verbs that score
Three bullet rewrites
Weak
Worked on web applications.
Stronger
Built React and Node.js features, added API tests, and reviewed pull requests so releases shipped with fewer regressions.
Weak
Fixed bugs in the platform.
Stronger
Debugged production issues using logs and database traces, identified root causes, and shipped fixes with clear test coverage.
Weak
Helped improve performance.
Stronger
Optimized slow database queries and frontend rendering paths, improving page load and keeping performance visible in release checks.
Check your current CV
If you want to know which of these your current CV is missing, paste it into the free CV Signal Score. If the gaps are real, start the $39 concierge. We find fit roles, tailor your CV and cover note, and queue each application for review. You apply.
Score my CV freeThen use the free mock interview to practice answers for the same role before you apply.
Start a free mock interviewFAQ
Should every keyword appear on my CV?
No. Add only the terms you can prove with real work. Forced keywords make a CV weaker.
Where should these words appear?
Put the most important terms in the top third, then prove them again in your strongest recent bullets.
Do recruiters search for exact titles?
Often, yes. If your title is unusual, include the common market title nearby so the search still finds you.