When applying for actuarial positions today, your resume isn’t just a list of qualifications—it’s the gatekeeper between you and an interview. Most employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to sift through hundreds, sometimes thousands, of applications. These systems scan resumes for keywords and phrases that match the job description, filtering out those that don’t align. So, how can you make sure your actuarial resume not only survives these automated filters but also shines through to catch a recruiter’s eye? The answer lies in optimizing your resume with targeted keyword strategies designed specifically for ATS.
First off, it’s important to understand that ATS software looks for very specific signals in your resume. It scans for keywords related to skills, qualifications, certifications, and experience that directly relate to the job description. If your resume lacks these keywords or phrases, it risks being discarded before a human even glances at it. Here are five proven keyword strategies to help your actuarial resume pass ATS filters and increase your chances of landing interviews.
1. Customize Your Resume for Each Job Application
One of the biggest mistakes I see candidates make is sending out the same generic resume for every actuarial job. ATS systems are designed to compare your resume against the specific job description you’re applying for. That means tailoring your resume’s keywords to match the language of each job posting is essential. For example, if the job description emphasizes “risk modeling,” “data analytics,” and “Excel VBA,” you want those exact phrases in your resume—not just synonyms or vague descriptions.
Take the time to highlight relevant skills, certifications, and experiences mentioned in the job ad. If the employer is looking for experience with “SAS programming,” don’t just say “statistical software”; say “SAS programming” explicitly. This fine-tuning tells the ATS you’re a strong match, increasing your resume’s ranking and likelihood of review by a hiring manager[1][2].
2. Use Standardized and Recognized Job Titles
ATS algorithms often scan job titles to quickly classify and assess candidates. If you use creative or non-standard titles like “Data Wizard” or “Risk Guru,” the system might not recognize your role as relevant. Instead, stick to industry-standard job titles such as “Actuarial Analyst,” “Junior Actuary,” or “Risk Analyst”.
This doesn’t mean you should lie about your position, but frame your title in a way that clearly reflects the role and responsibilities in recognized terms. For example, if your official title was “Senior Statistical Consultant,” but your role was primarily actuarial work, consider adding “(Actuarial Analyst)” after it or explaining the function clearly in your resume. This simple adjustment can help your resume get past ATS filters that expect standard job titles[1].
3. Incorporate Relevant Action Verbs with Quantifiable Achievements
While keywords are vital, how you present your experience also matters. ATS and recruiters respond well to strong action verbs that demonstrate initiative and impact, such as “developed,” “implemented,” “analyzed,” and “streamlined.” For example, instead of saying “Responsible for data analysis,” say “Analyzed large datasets using R and Python to improve risk assessment models by 15%.”
Adding quantifiable results makes your resume stand out to both ATS and humans. Numbers provide concrete evidence of your contributions and help the system recognize important skills related to measurable outcomes. For actuaries, phrases like “reduced claim processing time by 20%,” “improved forecast accuracy,” or “led a team of 5 analysts” signal valuable achievements[1].
4. Include Both Technical Skills and Soft Skills with Keywords
Actuarial roles require a blend of technical expertise and communication skills. ATS looks for keywords in both categories. Make sure your resume lists specific actuarial software and programming languages such as Excel, VBA, SAS, R, Python, SQL, and actuarial modeling tools like Prophet or MoSes. Don’t just say “proficient in software” — be explicit about which programs you know.
Equally important are soft skills that appear in the job description, such as “communication,” “team leadership,” “project management,” or “problem solving.” Including these keywords demonstrates you have the interpersonal abilities employers seek. Many ATS rank candidates higher if they show a balance of technical and soft skills relevant to the job[5].
5. Avoid Fancy Formatting and Use ATS-Friendly File Types
You might have a beautifully designed resume with graphics, tables, or unique fonts, but most ATS software cannot read these properly. Stick to a simple, clean format with standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman, and avoid headers, footers, tables, images, or unusual characters. Use bullet points for lists but avoid symbols or special characters that might confuse the system.
Also, save your resume in a .doc or .docx format rather than PDF or JPG, since some ATS cannot parse PDFs correctly. If you want to be extra safe, the older .doc format is usually the most universally readable. Keeping your file simple ensures all your keywords and content are accurately read by ATS[2].
To bring this all together, here’s a practical example of how you might optimize a section of your actuarial resume:
Before (Generic):
- Responsible for analyzing insurance data
- Used Excel and statistical software for reporting
- Communicated results to the team
After (Optimized for ATS):
- Analyzed insurance claim data using Excel VBA and R, improving risk assessment accuracy by 12%
- Developed predictive models with SAS to forecast policy renewals
- Presented complex actuarial analyses to cross-functional teams, enhancing decision-making processes
Notice how the optimized version uses specific software names, strong action verbs, quantifiable results, and keywords tailored to common actuarial job descriptions.
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind:
- List your actuarial exams clearly, including passed and in-progress ones (e.g., “Passed SOA Exam P and FM; Exam C scheduled for next session”). ATS often look for these to verify your qualification level[5].
- Use consistent terminology throughout your resume; for example, don’t switch between “modeling” and “modelling” or “data analysis” and “data analytics.” Consistency helps ATS match your resume to the job posting.
- Include a skills section that highlights key technical tools and soft skills, using bullet points with precise keywords. This section acts as a keyword “hub” for the ATS.
- Remember that while optimizing for ATS is crucial, your resume must still be compelling and readable for humans. Balance keyword inclusion with clear, engaging language that reflects your unique experiences.
Statistics show that approximately 75% of resumes never reach a human recruiter due to ATS filtering. Given this, putting in the effort to optimize your actuarial resume with targeted keywords and ATS-friendly formatting isn’t just smart—it’s necessary to get noticed in today’s competitive job market.
By customizing each application, using standardized job titles, incorporating strong action verbs with results, listing both technical and soft skills explicitly, and keeping your formatting simple and clean, you’ll dramatically improve your chances of passing automated filters and moving closer to that coveted interview call.
Approach your resume like a living document that evolves with each job application. Think of it as your personal marketing tool, carefully crafted to speak the ATS’s language while showcasing your actuarial expertise authentically. This way, you’re not just hoping your resume gets read—you’re making sure it will.