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Backend Developer ATS Keywords

Include these keywords in your CV to pass Applicant Tracking Systems and increase your chances of getting seen by recruiters.

Technology

Which keywords should a Backend Developer CV include?

Use the exact words from the job advert first: applicant tracking systems match terms, not meanings. For Backend Developer roles the essential ones are Node.js, Python, SQL, PostgreSQL, REST APIs. Put them in your profile, skills list and experience bullets, written as they appear in the advert, and only where they are true for you, in an ATS-friendly CV template.

As of October 2026. Updated .

9Essential
7Recommended
2Nice to Have

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Essential Keywords

Must have

These keywords are critical for Backend Developer roles. Missing these may result in automatic rejection.

Node.jsPythonSQLPostgreSQLREST APIsDockerAWSGitUnit Testing

Recommended Keywords

Should have

Including these keywords will strengthen your application and improve your ranking.

JavaMongoDBGraphQLMicroservicesRedisCI/CDAgile

Nice to Have

Bonus

These keywords can differentiate you from other candidates if you have the experience.

KubernetesMessage Queues

Keywords by Category

Technical Skills

Node.jsPythonSQLREST APIsUnit TestingMessage QueuesJavaGraphQLMicroservices

Tools & Software

PostgreSQLDockerAWSGitKubernetesMongoDBRedis

Methodologies

CI/CDAgile

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How to Use These Keywords

1

Integrate Naturally

Weave keywords into your achievement statements rather than listing them separately.

2

Match the Job Description

Use the exact phrasing from the job posting when it matches your experience.

3

Include Variations

Use both acronyms and full terms: "Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)"

4

Prioritise Relevance

Only include keywords that genuinely reflect your skills and experience.

Backend Developer CV FAQs

Include both SQL (PostgreSQL, MySQL) and NoSQL (MongoDB, Redis) databases you know. Add keywords like "database design", "query optimisation", "indexing", and "data modelling" to show depth.
Absolutely. AWS is most common, followed by Azure and GCP. Include specific services (EC2, S3, Lambda, RDS) rather than just the platform name. This shows practical experience.
Include "REST API", "GraphQL", "API design", "authentication", "OAuth", and "JWT". Also mention "microservices" and "API documentation" if applicable to your experience.
Include "Docker", "Kubernetes", "CI/CD", "Jenkins" or "GitHub Actions", and "infrastructure as code". Even basic DevOps knowledge is valuable for backend developers.

Related Roles

Full Stack DeveloperTechnology→Engineering ManagerTechnology→DevOps EngineerTechnology→Frontend DeveloperTechnology→Software EngineerTechnology→Technical LeadTechnology→

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3 Word templates, a tailoring guide and keyword sheets for 40 UK roles. £12, instant download.

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