ATS Tips ·
10 ATS Keywords Every Filipino VA Should Use
Applicant Tracking Systems score resumes based on keyword relevance to the job posting. If you're a Filipino virtual assistant applying to remote roles, using the right terminology isn't optional — it's often the deciding factor in whether your resume even reaches a human.
Here are ten keyword categories that consistently move the needle for VA applications, along with why they matter.
1. "Executive Virtual Assistant" (not just "VA")
Many clients search specifically for "Executive Assistant" or "Executive Virtual Assistant" roles. If your resume only says "VA," you may be missing matches for higher-paying positions.
2. "Calendar Management" and "Scheduling Coordination"
These two phrases are often searched separately by ATS software. Including both, where accurate, doubles your chance of a keyword match.
3. "CRM Software" plus the specific tool name
Don't just say "used CRM." List the actual tools: HubSpot, Salesforce, Zoho, GoHighLevel. ATS systems frequently search for exact tool names.
4. "Email Management" and "Inbox Organization"
Different job posts phrase this differently. Using both variations increases your match rate across postings.
5. "Project Management Tools" with names attached
Asana, Trello, ClickUp, Monday.com, Notion — name them explicitly rather than writing "familiar with project management software."
6. "Data Entry" and "Data Management"
These sound similar but ATS systems can treat them as distinct keywords. Include both if applicable to your experience.
7. "Social Media Management" broken into specifics
Instead of one vague line, separate: content scheduling, community engagement, analytics reporting, platform names (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn).
8. "Customer Support" and "Client Relations"
Clients searching for VAs sometimes use one term over the other. Cover both if your experience supports it.
9. "Bookkeeping" or "Basic Accounting Support"
If you have any experience with QuickBooks, Xero, or invoice processing, name the specific software — generic terms alone often underperform.
10. "Remote Team Collaboration"
This phrase signals to both ATS systems and human recruiters that you understand distributed work, time zone coordination, and async communication — a major concern for international clients hiring from the Philippines.
The Keyword Trap to Avoid
Stuffing keywords that don't reflect your real experience can backfire. ATS software is getting better at flagging unnatural keyword density, and a human recruiter will notice immediately if your resume doesn't match your interview answers.
The goal is accurate, specific language — not keyword spam.
Match Keywords to the Actual Job Post
Every job description uses slightly different terminology, which means there's no single "perfect" keyword list. The fastest way to tailor your resume for each application is running it through an ATS resume checker that compares your resume directly against the job posting and flags missing keywords in seconds.