US Resume (Format, Tips & Examples for 2024)

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If you’re applying for a job in the US, you’ll need to submit a resume that meets US application standards.

As a foreigner, though, you may have little to no idea what a US resume is and how you should write one to land the job. 

Even as an American, you might need to dust off your knowledge on the US resume. 

Unless you’re a resume expert, you probably don’t know what’s the best format for a US resume, or what’s the correct page length. 

But worry not! This article is here to teach you all there is to know about writing a convincing US resume.

Here’s what we’re going to cover: 

  • US Resume Specifics 

Step-By-Step Guide to Build Your US Resume

  • Formatting Your US Resume

What NOT To Include in Your US Resume

Ready? Let’s dive in! 

US Resume Specifics

There are a few specific things you need to know when it comes to the US resumes, but let’s start off with the most important: 

The term US resume is equivalent to the European CV. 

Both are one-page documents that summarize your relevant experiences, tailored for a specific job you’re applying for.

Additionally: 

  • The common length of a US resume is between 1-3 pages. If you are a recent graduate or someone with less than 5 years of relevant work experience, a one-page resume is enough, whereas if you are a seasoned professional, you can go for 2. In rare cases, you can do 3, but that’s rarely encouraged. 
  • Standard American English is preferred. For the most part, this means dropping those extra “U”s that UK English uses (e.g. “color” instead of “colour”). 
  • Leave out personal information , such as marital status, birthday, gender, photo, number of children, age, religion, personal identification numbers, and ethnicity/country of origin, as they can be grounds for discrimination.
  • Don’t include references in your US resume unless the employer specifically asks you to.
  • Don’t list English as a foreign language in your US resume (unless English isn’t your foreign language).
  • Don’t list your GPA, SAT, TOEFL, or ACT scores on your US resume unless otherwise stated. More often than not, the recruiter doesn't care.  

Now that you know the specifics of a US resume, it’s time to start writing one. 

Not sure where to start? 

Below is a step-by-step guide to building the perfect US resume, starting with: 

#1. Choose the Right Format 

The most popular US resume format is the chronological format (also known as the reverse-chronological format). 

This format is widely preferred by recruiters, and for a good reason—it puts the focus on your work experience by starting with your most recent job and making your way back. 

The reverse-chronological format looks like this:

reverse chronological us resume format

99% of the time, we recommend using the reverse-chronological resume format, as both US and international recruiters are used to it.

Want to learn more about different resume formats ? Check out our article.

#2. Follow These Formatting Tips

Making sure your US resume looks professional and is reader-friendly is just as important as what it contains. 

Here are some essential formatting tips to perfect your US resume: 

  • Make sure your US resume is divided into clear, separate sections. 
  • Use 1-1.15 line spacing.
  • Keep your US resume length between 1-2 pages. Only go for a third page if you are a seasoned professional with plenty of relevant work experience.
  • Use a professional but easy-to-read resume font . 
  • Opt for ample white space to make your resume easier on the eye.
  • Use the "US Letter" size (8.5 x 11 inches) when saving your PDF (instead of A4). In Novorésumé's editor , for example, you can switch this from "Layout" in the top menu. 

us letter format for resume

...Or Use a Resume Template 

No matter what format you choose, using a standard text editor like MS Word to create your US resume will be a pain. 

You have to choose the right font, adjust the margins, order your sections the right way, and make sure the end result looks good & easy to follow…

All this can take hours of your time before you can even start filling your resume with content!

Want to skip all the hustle?  

Use a resume builder. With just one click, you can choose out of 8+ resume templates and start building your resume instantly!

Our resume builder is fast, easy, and most importantly, the end result looks absolutely stunning.

See for yourself! Here's an example of our resumes saved in the US Letter format: 

us resume example

Choose one of these templates and tailor it to your needs! 

#2. List Your Contact Information 

Once you’ve picked the resume format (or template), it’s time to start filling in the contents.

The first thing on your US resume should be your contact information , which includes:

  • Name and surname
  • Phone number (US phone number, that is)
  • Address (City and State)

Optionally, you can also include links to a personal website, online portfolio, or even LinkedIn profile, but make sure to check if they are up to date and present you in the best light.

#3. Express Yourself in Your Resume Profile

Your resume profile is a short, introductory paragraph of your career or your professional goals. 

Depending on how it’s written, a resume profile is also known as either a resume summary or objective .

  • Resume Summary , or a 2-3 sentence summary of your career.
  • Resume Objective , or your motivation for getting into a new field (the goal of your resume, if you wish).

If you’re a seasoned professional with several years of experience, you should use a resume summary to highlight your experience and achievements. 

On the other hand, if you’re at the start of your career or if you’re changing industries, opt for a resume objective , as it’s less about work experience and more about skills or goals.

Your resume profile must be brief and to the point. Preferably, it should be between 2-3 sentences and urge the hiring manager to read the rest of your resume. 

Here’s an example of a well-written resume summary: 

  • “Marketing manager with 4+ years of experience in a corporate environment. Good eye for design, with experience in creating marketing materials with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Canva. Intermediate copywriting skills, having worked on the company website, flyers, and several other content pieces.”

job search masterclass novoresume

#4. Add Your Work Experience 

Unless you’re a recent graduate, your work experience section is the most important part of your resume, as it shows your past accomplishments and responsibilities. 

This section commonly includes the following: 

  • Job Title/Position , so that the recruiter scanning your application knows right away you have the relevant experience for the job. 
  • Company name and location . In some cases, especially if your previous employer isn’t as well-known, you may also want to add a brief company description. 
  • Dates employed in the mm/yyyy format. 
  • Accomplishments and responsibilities , which make up the core of each work entry. Depending on your field and years of experience, you want to list either responsibilities or achievements, in bullet points. 

Here’s a concrete example: 

work experience on a resume

Now there’s one thing to list your work experience and an entirely different thing to write a work experience section that’ll help you stand out from a pool of hundreds of applicants.

Here are a few tips to achieve the latter:

  • List your achievements when possible and use action words to mention your responsibilities. 
  • When describing your achievements or responsibilities, follow this formula : “accomplished [X] as measured by [Y] by doing [Z]” (or, start with a verb, numerically measure what you accomplished, provide a baseline for comparison, and detail what you did to achieve your goal.)
  • Add 4-6 bullet points for your most recent position and fewer as you go back in time.
  • Even if you’re a senior professional with many years of experience, don’t go back further than 15 years. The recruiter doesn’t care what you’ve been up to so long ago.
  • Tailor your resume to the job description. Read the job ad you’re applying for and identify the top experiences or skills listed. Then, make sure that your US resume includes the ones you’re qualified for.

#5. Include Your Education

Your education comes underneath the work experience section in your US resume.

Here are the essentials of how this section needs to be formatted and what to include there:

  • Program Name. E.g.: “B.A. in Business Administration”
  • University Name. E.g.: “Penn State University”
  • Years Attended. E.g.: “08/2008 - 06/2012”

Here’s how this looks like in practice:

B.A. in Business Administration

NYC State University

08/2016 - 05/2019

  • Magna Cum Laude
  • Minor in Finance 

Finally, here are some tips and tricks on how to get this section done right:

  • If you lack work experience, place your education section right on top of your resume. This way, you’ll put more emphasis on your academic background than your lack of experience.
  • Add courses that are relevant to the industry you are applying to in case you lack work experience (e.g. Design & Layout, for a Graphic Designer position).
  • Mention your latest educational entry on top. E.g. Master’s Degree goes on top of a B.A. which goes on top of your high school degree. 
  • If you have a university degree, don’t mention your high school degree at all. 

#6. Emphasize Your Strengths in Your Skills Section

Another staple of a US resume is the skills section. This includes all the know-how that makes you the perfect candidate for the job. 

There are two types of skills you want to include: 

  • Hard skills , or measurable abilities. Here is where you include skills like Photoshop or Microsoft Office. 
  • Soft skills , or personal skills. They include a combination of people skills, communication skills , interpersonal skills , career attributes, etc. 

Keep in mind, though, that a strong skills section doesn’t consist of every skill you ever acquired.

The recruiter doesn’t care about your skills in Photoshop if you’re applying for a job as an accountant.

Rather, they specifically care about the skills that’ll make you a top-performer at the job you’re applying for.

So, go through the job ad you’re applying for and pinpoint the exact skills that are required for the role.

Then, make sure that your US resume mentions the same skills (as long as you possess the skills, of course).

Additionally, make sure to include both soft skills and hard skills into your skills section, as recruiters value applicants we have some of both.    

For example:

skills on a us resume

#7. Include These Additional Sections

Already included all the sections we’ve mentioned so far but still have some space in your US resume?

You can include some of these optional sections: 

  • Internships
  • Hobbies and interests
  • Volunteer experience
  • Certifications and awards
  • Publications

Keep in mind that these sections aren’t as important as the ones we’ve covered before. You’re not going to get hired just because you’re into creative writing as a hobby.

That said, these sections do help the recruiter pick between equally capable candidates.

Meaning, someone with work and volunteering experience is more likely to get hired than someone who only has work experience to show for.  

Equally important to remember are all the things you should NOT include in your US resume:

  • Personal information, such as marital status, birthday, gender, photo, number of children, age, religion, personal identification numbers, and ethnicity/country of origin, because they can be grounds for discrimination. 
  • Authorization to work in the US, which includes your Social Security Number or immigrant status. By law, only after making you an offer can employers ask if you’re eligible to work in the US. 
  • References. Including references on a US resume is not standard practice. If the employer is interested, they will ask for them. 

Key Takeaways 

If you’re applying for a job in the US, you’ll need to submit a US resume. Here are the main points this article covered on the topic: 

  • The US resume is equivalent to the European CV.
  • The common length of a US resume is 1-2 pages and standard American English is preferred over British English. 
  • The most popular format for a US resume is the chronological format. 
  • Format your US resume to 1-1.15 line spacing and clear and separate sections, as well as use professional and readable fonts. 
  • Don’t include in your US resume: personal information such as your age, ethnicity, or gender, authorization to work in the US, and references. 

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  • Career Development

US Resume Format: How to Write and Best Practice Examples

us resume format

13 min read

A man sits in a lofty room next to a window at a wooden table, with sun streaming through the window down on to him and the room. He is working on his laptop.

Are you a foreign national applying for your first job in the US? If so, did you know that the standard US resume format often differs from requirements in other countries? Therefore, you'll want to use the appropriate US resume format to increase your chances of landing a job.

Or maybe you’re a US citizen, searching for your first or next work opportunity. In that case, ensuring your resume is up to par with current US resume formatting requirements is worth the effort.

Regardless of which scenario represents you, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we'll go over the information you need to include on a resume in the US, information you should never include, and best practices to present your information in the best possible light. Tips on how to write your resume, with a sample resume template, are also included to help increase your chances of getting a job in the United States. 

What are the different US resume format options?

There are  three primary types of US resume formats :

The traditional reverse chronological format 

The strategic functional layout

The best-of-both worlds hybrid resume

All of these options include similar information, but with a different layout. This piece will focus on the  reverse chronological resume format , which is the most common and familiar format used in the US.

What to include on a US resume

Here’s the basic information a hiring manager or employer in the US is looking for on your resume:

Name and contact information

Work experience

Qualifications

Generally, the work experience section will make up the majority of your resume when using a reverse chronological format, unless you have little to no work experience. In that case, your education section will take center stage.

You can optimize your resume with keywords tailored to the job position you’re applying for. For more information on what your resume needs to include, check out these resources:

How Long Your Resume Should Be ?

Good Skills to Put On Your Resume

What Does Relevant Experience on a Resume Mean?

What not to include on a US resume

There are several types of information you should exclude from your resume if you want to be a competitive applicant in the US. Don't include any of the following, unless specifically directed otherwise by the employer: 

Personal details . These include your date of birth, gender, religion, country of origin, ethnicity, marital status, or identification numbers, such as your social security number. US employers don’t need or want to see this information during the application stage, since it can lead to discrimination and confidentiality concerns. 

A headshot. Including a photo raises another discrimination issue by identifying your sex, and potentially your age and ethnicity. It also takes up valuable room on your resume that’s better used to describe your suitability. Only provide a headshot or photo if asked to do so, or if you're in a profession that requires it, like entertainment or the performing arts. 

Your full address. Stick to the city or location of where you live, plus the state. Street names or numbers provide too much information and take up space unnecessarily. 

Country prefix. You should include a phone number on your resume, though only if it’s a 10-digit US number. Include your area code but not the country prefix. Example: (555) 555-5555.

References. Only include references if the job posting specifically instructs you to provide them. Most employers will ask for references later in the hiring process if they want them.

Exam scores. Including your ACT, SAT, GMAT, TOEFL, or other test scores on your resume is not standard practice. Hiring managers are more interested in your experience and education.

Resume best practices for US applications

Now that you know the basics of what to include and what not to include for US employers, it's time to dive into some US resume formatting best practices. 

Layout flow

The standard US resume begins with your name and contact information at the top. From there, you'll include your headline, professional profile, core competencies / skills, work experience, education, and certifications, typically in that order. Depending on your circumstances, you may add specialized content, like volunteer experience, awards, publications, and organizational affiliations. 

Formatting standards

Margins, line spacing, font size, font type, and resume length are all considerations to ensure you meet US resume formatting guidelines.

Margins should be set at minimum of a half-inch at the top and bottom and three quarters of an inch on the sides, with the maximum being one inch all around.

Use between 1.15 and 1.5-point line spacing between text and double lines after headings. 

The font you choose should be easy to read. Georgia, Arial, Lato, Helvetica, Cambria, and Calibri are all good resume font options. 

Make the text easy to read. Use a font size of 10 to 12 point for the content that falls under each section of your resume. Titles and headers should be around 14 to 16 point font. 

Use a resume template that already has the formatting set up.

Regarding length, your resume should be  one to two pages in length ,  maximum. If you're early in your career, stick to one page. If you're an experienced professional, two pages is acceptable. Only in rare instances should your resume ever be longer than two pages. You might be able to get away with three pages if you're applying for a high-level senior or executive role, have been asked to list all your past work experience in detail, or are applying for jobs where longer resumes are expected, like academic positions or US federal government jobs.  

Template selection

The template you choose should be modern and ATS-friendly. Simple is best when it comes to the style of your resume. Black and white is standard and it's best to use bullet points with plenty of white space. Resumes with dense sections of content can frustrate the reader, reducing your chances of landing an interview. Avoid using graphics on your resume unless you're in an industry that warrants it, like fashion or graphic design. Even then, be mindful of an employer's  applicant tracking system (ATS) scans .

Employers use applicant tracking systems to streamline the hiring process. One capability of an ATS is rank job applicant resumes. If you want to get your resume to rank highly:

Avoid using designs, images, tables, charts, and fancy designs - clean, simple, and concise is best

Avoid acronyms and spell out abbreviations, so that you maximize the number of keywords in your resume

Send your resume file as a Word or PDF document with standard 8.5 X 11 sizing

Use an ATS-friendly resume template, like one of the 200 examples of  downable ATS-compatible templates  available on ZipJob

Only include information that’s relevant to the job you're applying for

Optimize your resume with keywords relevant to your target role

Keyword inclusion

Keywords not only help your resume to rank highly if it’s scanned by an ATS, but also grab the reader's attention to show you're a viable candidate for the job. Identify keywords to incorporate by reviewing the job posting and looking for the skills and phrases that align with your competencies and past achievements. 

Don’t keyword stuff. Keywords should be included so they’re part of the natural flow of your resume. 

Content development

US hiring managers are looking for the potential value you can add to the organization. Regardless of your titles or positions, you must show what you bring to the table. You want the reader to be able to easily and quickly view your abilities and accomplishments that represent your potential to succeed. 

When developing content for your resume:

Focus on experience and achievements that directly relate to the position you're seeking.

Use numbers to quantify achievements. Quantifiable data is a way to show, rather than tell the hiring manager what you're capable of. It allows them to visualize your potential in the role. For example, "Developed new process to collect customer satisfaction data, increasing customer response rates by 15%” is more informative and intriguing than "Developed process to collect customer satisfaction data."

Use American English with zero spelling or grammatical errors.

Be honest and accurate. Getting caught in a lie can mean losing out on the opportunity or even having an offer rescinded.

Omit details that don't support or add to the narrative.

How to write a resume for US employers

Now it's time to create the perfect US resume to land an interview. Below are five steps with examples to help you along the way. There’s also a full resume template to refer to at the end, so you can see the correct US resume format and flow discussed in each section. 

1. Provide your contact information

The first thing recruiters and hiring managers should see on your resume is your contact information, which includes:

First and last name

City and state

Phone number

Email address

LinkedIn URL

For example:

Phoenix, AZ | 555.555.5555 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/name/

You can opt to leave off the  LinkedIn URL . Alternatively, you can include a URL to your online portfolio or professional website. If you provide a URL, only choose one (LinkedIn is most common) and be sure the page is current and represents you well. 

2. Include a compelling headline and professional profile

The next section of your resume will include your headline and professional profile, sometimes referred to as a summary statement or professional summary. The headline highlights your job title or focus. The professional profile is a brief introduction that emphasizes your key accomplishments and skills and how you can add value to the organization. The goal of your profile is to grab the recruiter or hiring manager's attention and entice them to continue reading your resume.  

Here's an example:

Senior Marketing Director

Dedicated and ambitious marketing and communications leader with a keen understanding of market dynamics that impact regional, national, and international advertisers. Proven record of success in penetrating new market segments and steering account development, with more than 20% revenue growth over two quarters and a 30% increase in accounts in one year. In-depth knowledge of integration best practices across content types and mediums. Expert in creating successful brand strategies for organizations ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500s.

3. Highlight your skills and core competencies

Adding a  core competencies section  to your resume is another way to emphasize that you have the knowledge base to get the job done right. A list of core competencies can grab the attention of hiring managers and also help your resume to rank highly with an ATS. 

As a staple of any good resume, there are two types of skills you can highlight in this section:

Hard skills are the technical skills you possess and can be specific to particular jobs. Microsoft 365, typing, and AutoCAD are examples of hard skills. 

Soft skills are the personal skills you have. They’re necessary to succeed at most jobs and can be transferred between roles and sectors Interpersonal skills, effective communication, and creativity are examples of soft skills.

Some choose to include a core competencies or skills section at the bottom of their resume. However, it’s best to include your list of skills below your profile summary and above your work section so it’s one of the first things the reader sees. Additionally:

Tailor your core competencies list for each job posting. Be sure to include the ones you possess that are outlined in the job description.  

Keep your list short and focused, with about 8 to 10 skills included. 

As an example, an Accounting Specialist might include the following core competencies on their resume:

Certified Public Accountant | QuickBooks | Accounts Receivable | Research | Team Leadership | Accounts Payable | Collections | Customer Service | Tax Accounting | Risk Assessment

4. Showcase your work experience

Unless you have little to no work experience, the work experience section of your resume is most important. In this section, you tell your story and highlight your achievements. The typical US resume format includes the following work details:

Job title. The job title is listed first, allowing the reader to quickly see the positions you've held and how they're relevant to the job. 

Company name and location. List the company name and location below the job title. It's also an option to include a brief one-line summary of what the company does below the company name, if it isn't a well-known organization. 

Dates you held the position . Include the years you held the position to the right of the job title. 

Remit. Include a brief overview of the remit of the role.

Accomplishments. The core part of each job entry you include is the list of accomplishments and achievements. List about five to seven accomplishments for each position held. 

 Here are some pointers for completing the work section of your resume:

Tailor your resume to align with the job description. Review the job description carefully and ensure that any skills and accomplishments you have that meet the job requirements are included on your resume. 

Use powerful action verbs at the beginning of each achievement listed and use different verbs throughout. Led, developed, created, managed, stewarded, designed, built, devised and modeled are examples of strong action verbs. 

The standard is to include 10 to 15 years of work history. The employer is most concerned about recent work history and accomplishments, so there’s no need to go back more than 15 years. 

5. Include your education

Your education follows the work experience section unless you're a recent graduate or have minimal work experience. In that case, your education will come before the work section. Regardless, the essentials to include in the education section are:

Degree title

University name

Graduation year

You might choose to include honors, like Magna Cum Laude, and any minors you achieved, as well. Here’s an example:

Master of Art in Film and Media Production

New York State University, 2022

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration , Minor in Psychology

West Virginia University, Magna Cum Laude, 2020

If you don't have a college degree, you'll include your high school diploma or GED, for example:

High School Diploma

Philippi Colts High School, 2015

When listing a GED, list it as one of the following:

General Education Development Diploma

GED – High School Equivalency Diploma

Consider these tips when completing your education section:

If you have a college degree, don't mention your high school diploma or GED

List your most recent degree first when you have more than one degree

List relevant licenses and certifications below your degree

US resume format example

Group Product Manager resume sample after ZipJob's certified professional resume writer optimized the document for applicant tracking systems, employers, and hiring managers.

Create a US resume that sets you apart

Knowing how to format a resume for a job search in the US is half the battle. Now that you know the best practices and steps to create a resume based on US resume formatting guidelines, you can focus on producing a resume that sets you apart from other applicants. 

Want to ensure you have a resume that will land you a job in the United States? Why not submit your resume for a  free review  today? 

Recommended reading:

The Complete Guide to Listing Remote Work on Your Resume

What Does Relevant Experience on a Resume Mean? (+ Tips)

Best Email Subject Lines When Sending a Resume (+ Examples)

Ronda Suder, Professional Writer

With a drive to foster safety and expand possibilities through writing, performing, and working with others, Ronda brings 25 years of combined experience in HR, recruiting, career advice, communications, mental and behavioral health, and storytelling to her work. She’s a certified career coach and holds a Master’s in Human Resources, a Master’s in Film and Media Production, and a Master’s in Counseling and Development. As a writer, she’s covered topics ranging from finance and rock mining to leadership and internet technology, with a passion for career advice and mental-health-related topics. When she’s not at her computer, Ronda enjoys connecting with others, personal growth and development, spending time with her beloved pooch, and entertainment through movies, television, acting, and other artistic endeavors. You can connect with Ronda on  LinkedIn  and through her  website .

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USA CV Tips & Format Requirements

Applying for a job in the United States? This guide has the tips, examples, & format requirements needed to write the perfect USA CV. Create your VisualCV today!

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How to Format a US Resume?

To format a resume for jobs in US, select the right resume format based on your work experience. Once you choose a resume format type, fill it with information relevant to the job that you are applying for.

The most popular resume formats in US are:

  • Reverse chronological resume format
  • Combination resume format
  • Functional resume format

Reverse Chronological Resume Format for USA

If you are an experienced professional applying for relevant jobs in the US, we would recommend that you use a reverse chronological format.

Here’s a reverse chronological American resume format example:

reverse chronological resume for usa

Combination Resume Format for America

Trying to build a US resume that is more focused on displaying diverse skills? Maybe you want to show a hiring manager how your past skills and work experience is transferable to the job you are applying for.

Here’s what a combination resume format looks like:

combination resume example usa

Functional Resume Format for US Jobs

Are you someone who has very little or no experience? A functional resume format could just be what you need. With this resume format, it is easier for candidates in the US to display their skills to cover for the lack of experience.

Here’s a functional US resume format example:

functional resume example usa

USA Resume Formatting Tips for 2022

The top resume formatting tips to follow while writing a resume for an American job are:

  • Select the right resume format based on your work experience.
  • Keep the length of your resume to 1 page if you have less than 15 years of experience. A two page resume is acceptable if the total work experience exceeds 15 years.
  • Use a professional font. Use a serif font for building a traditional US resume and a sans-serif font for a modern US resume.
  • Make sure the resume sections have sufficient margins on all sides.
  • Use either 1 or 1.15 as your line spacing.

What to Avoid in a US Resume?

Avoid the following mistakes in a US resume:

  • Adding photo to a US
  • Adding personal information like gender, SSN, religion, age, or nationality.
  • Adding your entire address to your resume.
  • Eligibility to work within the United States should not be listed on your resume.
  • References on a resume are generally not required and only add clutter to it.
  • Adding unprofessional email e.g. [email protected].

American Resume Requirements

In America, the term ‘resume’ is much more common than ‘CV’ - in fact, these terms refer to two different things. A ‘CV’ usually refers to a long, detailed document for academics and jobs in academia. In all likelihood, this is not what you will need when applying for a job in America - a simpler, two page resume will do.

Browse our gallery of resume examples here.

USA CV Image

How do I write a US resume?

To write a US resume, consider the following golden rules:

  • Keep the length of your resume to a maximum of two pages.
  • Add the following to your resume: contact details, work history, resume summary/objective, skills and certifications.
  • Customize your resume for each job you apply to.
  • Add the right set of keywords to pass the ATS

US Resume Tips and rules:

Length: In most cases, two pages is sufficient for your US resume. A one page resume will do if you graduated within the past few years, and a three page resume is acceptable for very experienced job seekers, but be careful - “The longer your resume is, the less likely an employer is to see the parts you want them to see,” according to Alison Green at Ask a Manager . Unless you are very certain, keep it to two pages.

Language: Use standard American English when writing your American resume. Drop those extra U’s: it’s ‘color’ and ‘labor’, not ‘colour’ or ‘labour’.

CV or Resume: In the United States, the term ‘resume’ is more common than ‘CV’. ‘CV’ usually refers to a longer academic document that contains much more information than a regular resume.

Resume template: Browse through our gallery of USA resume templates .

US Resume Format, Order and Layout:

Photo: Most experts recommend that you don't include a picture of yourself on your resume. Your appearance is not relevant to your skills and abilities, and including a picture distracts from the content of your resume and opens the door for discrimination . In fact, some companies will reject resumes with photos outright to avoid any accusations. This rule of thumb has exceptions, however; be sure to do your research before making your decision. If you are applying to a more creative role - perhaps in film, graphic design, or the performing arts - a professional picture may help you to stand out and build your personal brand. Use your discretion when deciding if a CV picture is right for each application.

Personal Information: It is important to include your name, address, phone number, and email address. You can also include a link to your LinkedIn or other social media, but only if you are completely certain that these profiles will present you as professional and hireable. Be sure that any online profiles are up to date and reflective of your goals and professionalism.

Personal Summary: A summary of your qualifications separate from your work experience is optional, but for experienced job seekers it is a great way to provide a snapshot of your history and skillset. According to Lily Zhang at The Muse , summary statements are “usually best for more experienced professionals with years of experiences to tie together with a common theme.” This section should be short and punchy - sell yourself in as little space as possible.

Work experience: Write your work experience in reverse-chronological order, with your most recent position at the top. When writing your work experience, focus on your achievements rather than your responsibilities, highlighting quantifiable information whenever possible. Your work history should be tailored to suit the job you are applying to - use keywords from the job posting, but only if you can back up your claims.

Education: Your educational achievements should also be listed in reverse-chronological order. If you are a recent graduate you can include your GPA, but only if it is high and only if it is relevant to the job. Once you have more years of work experience, your GPA becomes less important.

How to Convert an Indian Resume to an American Resume

To convert an Indian resume to an American resume, follow these steps:

  • Change your resume format to either: Chronological, functional or hybrid resume format. The first are a lot more popular in the U.S. as compared to the later.
  • Indian resumes follow British language and writing conventions - Instead switch to US grammar and writing conventions. Make sure your resume is easy to read. Avoid using difficult words and expressions that are uncommon in America.
  • Reduce the length of your resume summary section. Add your top skills, number of years of work experience and top relevant achievements in it.
  • Remove any pictures from your resume to convert it into an American resume.
  • List a US City, State along with an American phone number. Apart from your email, remove your Indian contact information.
  • Make your resume one page if your work experience is less than 15 years.

And, that’s it! Your Indian resume is now converted to an American resume.

How to Convert an European Resume to an American Resume

To convert your European resume to an American resume, follow these steps:

  • Reduce your European resume. While descriptive and long resumes work in the EU, American resumes are usually one page for candidates with less than 15 years of work experience.
  • Remove all personal information that’s usually common such as date of birth, marital status, and nationality. In the US, due to anti-discrimination law these details are not required. Furthermore, an ATS might reject a resume that has personal information on it.
  • Reduce focus on skills and extracurricular activities. In American resumes, work experience and accomplishments take the priority.
  • European resumes are a bit more detail oriented when it comes to the education section. Remove anything that’s not an achievement from your education section to convert it.
  • Remove any references that you have on your resume.
  • Remove photo (if you have any) from your resume.

Customize Your USA Resume for Each Job

Spray and pray job application using the same generic resume without customization isn’t the best job search strategy in the US. Customize the following in your resume based on each job that you apply to:

  • Work history - show relevant skills and experience to the job.
  • Summary - shape your resume to show that would make the US based employer feel that you are the perfect candidate for the job.
  • Stand out by customizing your skills section to show only relevant or stand out skills.
  • When it comes to projects or portfolio, keep it relevant to the role.
  • Finally, pick relevant keywords from the job description and add them to your resume

How to Write a Fresher Resume Format for USA

As a fresher in USA, a good resume format would include:

  • Header with a resume objective customized for American jobs.
  • Education - include your GPA only if it is more than 3.7.
  • Skills - include relevant skills only.
  • Projects - list your top projects.
  • Certification - if your target job requires certifications, list them with the date till they are valid.
  • Avoid using reverse chronological resumes.

How to Write a H1B Resume for USA

To write a H1B resume, follow the American resume formats listed above. Showcase achievements and highlight skills using the STAR framework. While creating your resume don’t put a picture, avoid listing personal details, and H1B status.

Contact Information Template for Your US Resume

In every US resume, it is expected that a candidate would list the following contact information:

  • Email Address
  • Phone Number
  • Address (usually in a city, state format)
  • LinkedIn Profile
  • Personal Website or Portfolio
  • Professional Social Media Profiles

Example Contact Information Template for Resume

[First Name Last Name], [Phone Number], [Email Address], [City, State/Province, Country]

Example Contact Information Template for Your US Resume with LinkedIn

[First Name Last Name], [Email Address], [Phone Number], [LinkedIn Profile URL], [City, State/Province, Country]

How to List Work Experience on Your American Resume

To list work experience on your American resume follow these steps:

  • Start with your most recent job and work backwards.
  • Include the job title, company name, location, and dates of employment.
  • Use bullet points to describe your job duties and accomplishments, starting each bullet point with an action verb.
  • Focus on your most relevant experience and skills for the job you are applying for.
  • Use quantifiable data to illustrate your achievements, such as the number of projects you completed or the amount of revenue you generated.
  • Use keywords and phrases from the job description to make your resume more relevant to the job.
  • Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements, such as how you improved a process or solved a problem.
  • Keep your bullet points concise, clear, and easy to read, using short phrases or sentences.
  • Use past tense for previous jobs and present tense for your current job.
  • Customize your work experience section for each job you apply for, highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to the job.

How to List Education on Your US Resume

How to list education on an experienced candidate’s us resume.

  • Start with your latest degree and work backwards.
  • Include institution name, degree, field of study, and graduation date.
  • List additional relevant coursework, certifications, or training in a separate section.
  • Consider adding a high GPA or academic honors.
  • Keep your education section concise and relevant to the job.
  • Emphasize how your education prepared you for the job by highlighting skills and knowledge gained.
  • Customize the education section for each job by highlighting relevant education and training.

How to List Education on an Entry-Level Candidate’s US resume

  • Start with your most recent degree and work backwards.
  • Add a high GPA or academic honors if applicable.
  • Highlight relevant coursework or projects if you lack work experience.
  • Emphasize how your education prepared you for the job.
  • Include internships or volunteer work in a separate section.
  • Use industry-specific keywords and bullet points to make the section concise and relevant.
  • Customize the education section for each job.

How to List Skills on Your USA Resume

To list skills on your USA resume:

  • Create a separate section for your skills and list your skills in it.
  • List your skills in summary and work experience sections of your resume. Do so by showing the situations you faced and the skills you used to solve the problem.

There are several ways to list skills on your US resume. Let’s take a look at a couple of them.

Skills on Your US Resume in a Bullet List

If your US resume has a lot of empty space, this is a good way to list your skills. Here’s an example of how to list:

Skills on Your US Resume Without a Bullet List

To list your skills on your US resume without a bullet list, add them with either a comma or a tab on your resume.

An example would to list skills would be: Skill 1, Skill 2, Skill 3, Skill 4, Skill 5, Skill 6, Skill 7, …

How to List Certifications on Your US Resume

To list a certification on your US resume:

  • List it in your resume’s header e.g. PMP Certified Project Manager
  • Create a separate section for certifications and list them. While listing certifications, list the issuing authority, dates from which the certificate is valid and list an expiration date (if any).

Other sections:

Skills: A list of skills is a great way to supplement your work history. It is a simple and readable way to give an idea of what you excel at.

Volunteer experience: Relevant volunteer experience looks great on a resume. If your volunteer experience is particularly robust, you can include it in your work experience section instead.

References: It is not necessary to include your references on your resume. Simply supply them when asked by an employer.

Conclusion:

A straightforward two page resume is the way to go in America. Strong, active language, achievement-focused work history, and a robust skill set will impress recruiters and employers all across America.

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COMMENTS

  1. US Resume Format (American Style Resume Template) - Zety">US Resume Format (American Style Resume Template) - Zety

    Format. The most popular resume format in the US in the reverse-chronological format which puts the focus on your professional work experience. Alternatives include the functional resume format and combination resume format. Standard US resumes are one page long.

  2. US Resume (Format, Tips & Examples for 2024) - Novorésumé">US Resume (Format, Tips & Examples for 2024) - Novorésumé

    The most popular format for a US resume is the chronological format. Format your US resume to 1-1.15 line spacing and clear and separate sections, as well as use professional and readable fonts. Don’t include in your US resume: personal information such as your age, ethnicity, or gender, authorization to work in the US, and references.

  3. Resume Formats for 2024 [8+ Professional Examples]">Best Resume Formats for 2024 [8+ Professional Examples]

    As featured in * We’ll help you figure out which resume format will instantly show hiring managers you’re a great fit, and provide plenty of resume templates you can download and use for free. 4 sample resume formats to use for your job hunt. Making a resume is hard enough without having to worry about organizing it.

  4. US Resume [Format & Free Sample]">How to Write a US Resume [Format & Free Sample]

    Now that you know what a US resume looks like, here are a few tips to help guide you as you put your resume together: Choose the right formatting – A standard American resume has ½”–1” margins and a font size of 10-12pt. Use American spelling – Remember to use American spelling when writing your US resume. If you’re used to British ...

  5. US Resumes: Best Practices, How To Write and Examples">US Resumes: Best Practices, How To Write and Examples

    Formatting. For a standard resume, include half-an-inch to one-inch margins on all sides. It's best to keep your document on a single page if you're in the early stages of your career. Two or three pages are appropriate if you have extensive experience, especially with technical or higher-level roles.

  6. Resume Format: Templates & Examples (2024) - Zety">Best Resume Format: Templates & Examples (2024) - Zety

    1. Reverse-Chronological Resume Format. The reverse-chronological resume is the most popular resume format. Using it, you list your relevant work experience, starting with the most recent one. You continue to list your positions and achievements going backward, placing them in reverse chronological order.

  7. US Resume Format (American Style Resume Samples)">US Resume Format (American Style Resume Samples)

    The format of resumes in the US presents information in reverse-chronological order, meaning you start with your most recent job and work backwards. Most American resumes begin with a heading statement, followed by sections on experience, education, and skills.

  8. US Resume (Format, Template + Examples)">How to Make a US Resume (Format, Template + Examples)

    Choosing a US resume format. Adding contact info to your header. Summarizing your career. Laying out a job history section. Highlighting your education. Filling your resume with skills. Optimizing for keywords. Including a cover letter.

  9. Resume Format: Best Tips and Examples (Updated) | ZipJob">USA Resume Format: Best Tips and Examples (Updated) | ZipJob

    There are three primary types of US resume formats: The traditional reverse chronological format. The strategic functional layout. The best-of-both worlds hybrid resume. All of these options include similar information, but with a different layout.

  10. USA CV Tips, Format Requirements, & Examples | VisualCV">USA CV Tips, Format Requirements, & Examples | VisualCV

    The most popular resume formats in US are: Reverse chronological resume format. Combination resume format. Functional resume format. Reverse Chronological Resume Format for USA. If you are an experienced professional applying for relevant jobs in the US, we would recommend that you use a reverse chronological format.