Resume Glossary: ATS and Resume Terms Explained A to Z

Last updated: 21 September 2026 · By the Asuraa Team

What is a resume glossary?

A resume glossary is a list of the terms used in resume writing and applicant tracking, defined in plain language. This one covers 25 terms Indian job seekers meet, from ATS and resume parsing to hybrid resume and CV.

Definitions come from ResumeAdapter's ATS glossary, the University of Texas career service, Wikipedia's résumé article and Pika Resume's glossary. Two of these are resume-tool vendors, so their wording may reflect their products.

Lines marked "For you" are our own editorial suggestions. For hiring-side terms such as CTC and notice period, see our recruitment glossary.

Which resume formats are there?

There are three main formats, and Wikipedia describes them as follows. The table adds a short editorial note on when each may fit.

Freshers with little experience usually keep the reverse-chronological structure and lead with education and projects. See how to make an ATS-friendly resume for the layout.

Resume glossary: ATS and resume terms from A to Z

Action verb

An action verb is a strong, specific verb that opens a resume bullet, such as led, built, reduced, launched or negotiated. ResumeAdapter defines it this way, and Pika describes it as a verb that says what you personally did.

For you: start each bullet with one, and avoid "responsible for".

Source: ResumeAdapter and Pika Resume.

Applicant tracking system (ATS)

An ATS is software employers use to collect, parse, search and rank job applications before a human reviews them. ResumeAdapter gives this definition, and the University of Texas says it compares your resume with the position description and ranks candidates.

For you: design for both software and people.

Source: ResumeAdapter and University of Texas.

ATS-friendly resume

An ATS-friendly resume is formatted so software can read it. ResumeAdapter lists standard headings, a single-column layout, no text trapped in images, tables, headers or footers, and a common font.

For you: keep the layout plain and test it by copying the text into a text editor.

Source: ResumeAdapter.

ATS score

An ATS score estimates how closely your resume matches a specific job description, usually as a percentage. ResumeAdapter defines it this way, and Pika adds that scores are tool-specific and do not guarantee real-world results.

For you: treat a score from any tool as a rough guide. Our AI resume reviewer gives ATS-compatibility feedback and keyword gaps against a job description.

Source: ResumeAdapter and Pika Resume.

Bullet point

A resume bullet point is a single line inside an experience or project entry that describes one thing you did and the outcome. Pika suggests the pattern of action verb, action and quantified result.

For you: keep each bullet to one idea, and lead with the result where you can.

Source: Pika Resume.

Career gap

A career gap is a period between formal jobs. Pika defines it as any period longer than about three months and suggests a transparent one-line explanation for longer gaps.

For you: state the reason briefly, such as study, caregiving or a health break, and mention any learning or projects during the time.

Source: Pika Resume.

Career objective

A career objective is a short statement, usually one or two lines, of the role you are seeking. Pika notes it is considered outdated for experienced candidates but can suit entry-level applicants and career changers.

For you: see how to write a resume objective to decide whether you need one.

Source: Pika Resume.

Cover letter

A cover letter is a one-page narrative document that explains why you want a specific role and what you would contribute. Pika gives this definition, and it goes with the resume when an employer asks for one.

For you: write one only when the posting asks for it or you have something specific to add.

Source: Pika Resume.

Curriculum vitae (CV)

A CV serves a similar purpose to a résumé, and Wikipedia says the term is used in EMEA and Asian countries while résumé is used mainly in the US and some other regions. It adds that the distinctions vary by location.

For you: in India, employers often use the words interchangeably, so follow the instructions in the job post. Our guide to resume vs CV in India explains more.

Source: Wikipedia.

Functional resume

A functional resume is organised around skills instead of job titles. Wikipedia says it was used by career changers or to cover employment gaps or de-emphasise unrelated titles, and that its use is declining.

For you: a hybrid format usually shows skills without hiding your timeline.

Source: Wikipedia.

Hybrid resume

A hybrid resume, also called a combination resume, merges the functional and chronological approaches. Wikipedia says it opens with a profile or summary before listing experience in order, which helps candidates with gaps or varied short assignments.

Source: Wikipedia.

Job description (JD)

A job description is the posting that lists a role's responsibilities, required skills and qualifications. ResumeAdapter uses the abbreviation JD.

For you: it is your main source of keywords, so read it line by line before you tailor your resume.

Source: ResumeAdapter.

Keyword matching

Keyword matching is how an ATS scores your resume against a job description by comparing the skills and phrases in the posting with the language in your resume. ResumeAdapter gives this definition.

For you: use the posting's wording where it truthfully describes your skills.

Source: ResumeAdapter.

Keyword stuffing

Keyword stuffing is cramming a resume with repeated keywords to game the match score. ResumeAdapter defines it this way, and Pika lists hidden text and unnatural repetition as examples.

For you: use each relevant term where it fits naturally, and never hide text.

Source: ResumeAdapter and Pika Resume.

Knockout questions

Knockout questions are pre-screening questions on an application that can auto-reject you before your resume is read. ResumeAdapter gives this definition.

For you: answer them accurately and read each one carefully, for example on work authorisation, location or notice period.

Source: ResumeAdapter.

Professional summary

A professional summary is a short block at the top of a resume that tells the reader who you are professionally. Pika describes it as three to five lines including role, impact and a differentiator.

For you: see how to write a resume summary.

Source: Pika Resume.

Quantified achievement

A quantified achievement is a resume bullet that includes numbers, such as percentages, counts, durations or rankings. Pika says numbers help recruiters compare candidates.

For you: use figures you can defend in an interview, and label estimates as estimates.

Source: Pika Resume.

Resume (résumé)

A résumé is a summary of your education, skills and experience used to apply for jobs. Wikipedia says it is typically limited to one or two pages.

For you: aim for the shortest version that proves you fit the role.

Source: Wikipedia.

Resume length

Resume length is how many pages a resume runs. Wikipedia says résumés are typically limited to one or two pages in standard contexts.

For you: freshers can usually fit everything on one page.

Source: Wikipedia.

Resume parsing

Resume parsing is the automated extraction of structured fields, such as name, contact details, employers, job titles, dates, skills and education, from an uploaded resume. ResumeAdapter defines it this way, and Pika notes that parsers look for predictable layouts and section headings.

For you: use plain headings and keep contact details in the main body.

Source: ResumeAdapter and Pika Resume.

Resume tailoring

Resume tailoring is customising your resume for each job by aligning your summary, skills and bullets with that posting's keywords. ResumeAdapter gives this definition.

For you: keep one master version and adjust it for each application.

Source: ResumeAdapter.

Reverse-chronological resume

A reverse-chronological resume lists work history from most recent to oldest. Wikipedia calls it the most popular format, and the University of Texas recommends a chronological structure.

For you: it is a safe default for most applications, including freshers listing education and projects.

Source: ResumeAdapter, Wikipedia and University of Texas.

STAR method

The STAR method structures an achievement as Situation, Task, Action and Result. Pika says a compressed version can make a strong single-line resume bullet.

For you: also useful for interview answers.

Source: Pika Resume.

Tables, columns and graphics

Tables, columns and graphics are design elements the University of Texas says can stop ATS software interpreting your qualifications accurately. It also lists LaTeX-coded resumes and resume design websites such as Canva among formats to avoid.

For you: build the resume in a word processor with one column and plain headings.

Source: University of Texas.

Transferable skills

Transferable skills are skills developed in one industry or role that apply to another. Pika says they are especially important for career changers, who should translate them and not hide their original context.

For you: name the skill, then give an example of using it.

Source: Pika Resume.

What do most resume glossaries get wrong?

Most resume glossaries sit inside tool marketing, so their definitions can bend towards the product. These are the gaps we tried to close.

• They mix in unsourced statistics. We left out percentages that no source we opened could support.
• They present scores as facts. An ATS score is tool-specific and not a guarantee of a callback.
• They skip the action. A definition helps more when it says what to do about it.
• They ignore context. Terms such as CV and resume length vary by country and employer, so read each job post.

FAQ

What is the difference between a resume and a CV?

Wikipedia says the two serve similar purposes, with CV used in EMEA and Asian countries and résumé mainly in the US, though the distinctions vary by location. In India the words are often used interchangeably, so follow the job post's instructions on length and content.

What is an ATS score?

An ATS score estimates how closely your resume matches a specific job description, usually as a percentage, according to ResumeAdapter. Pika adds that scores are tool-specific and do not guarantee real-world results. Use one as a rough guide to keyword gaps and formatting, not as a pass or fail.

What does ATS-friendly resume mean?

An ATS-friendly resume is formatted so applicant tracking software can read it. ResumeAdapter lists standard section headings, a single-column layout, no text trapped in images, tables, headers or footers, and a common font. Plain formatting also reads well for the person who sees it next.

What is resume parsing?

Resume parsing is the automated extraction of structured fields such as name, contact details, employers, job titles, dates, skills and education from an uploaded resume. Complex layouts can cause errors, so use plain headings and put contact details in the main body of the document.

What is keyword stuffing on a resume?

Keyword stuffing is cramming a resume with repeated keywords to game the match score, according to ResumeAdapter. It reads badly to a human reviewer. Use the terms from the job description where they accurately describe your skills, and place them naturally in your summary, skills and bullets.

What is a hybrid resume?

A hybrid resume, also called a combination resume, opens with a profile or summary and then lists experience in order, according to Wikipedia. It can help candidates with employment gaps, varied short assignments or relevant earlier experience, and it shows skills without hiding your timeline.

Final thoughts

Resume terms are easier to use once you know what each one asks of you. Keep the layout plain, use the job post's wording truthfully, and treat any score as a guide.

To check your resume against a real job description, try the AI resume reviewer on asuraa.in. Hiring-side terms such as CTC and notice period are in the recruitment glossary.