If all you're doing is applying through the company's HR web site, then you're right. Companies generally do perform a keyword search to find "qualified" resumes. However, this is generally a "low yield" approach that may - but usually doesn't - lead to a job.
A better approach is to identify the hiring manager and approach him/her directly through an approach called "networking". The effort required to do this may be greater, but the potential return is also much greater. Using this approach you don't need to worry about having "the right keywords" because HR won't be looking for people "with the right credentials"; they'll be contacting you because the hiring manager told them he wants to talk to you.