us resume standard format

US Resume (Format, Tips & Examples for 2024)

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:

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. 

...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: 

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.”

#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: 

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:

#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

13 min read

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

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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5 US Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Your US resume must immediately grab the attention of the employer. It should highlight your most relevant experiences and skills. Ensure your US resume is clear and concise, making it easy for hiring managers to see your value. Tailor it to the job you're applying for, so your fit for the position is undeniable.

All resume examples in this guide

Resume Guide

US resume format

US resume experience

Skills on a US resume

Education and certifications

Resume summary or objective

Additional sections

Key takeaways

Anyone aiming to work in the United States or with US-based companies has to master the format and style of a US resume. International applicants often find it challenging to transition from the application procedures common in their home countries ( mainly involving  CVs ), to the US-style resume. Additionally, US citizens must maintain an updated resume to quickly capitalize on job opportunities.

While resumes and CVs share similarities globally, differences in format, length, and content tailored to industry standards are essential in the US.

American resumes have extra requirements that can mean the difference between getting hired or getting your resume tossed to the side without a second glance.

This guide will help you write a job-winning resume  that fits all the US resume standards. Here’s what we’ll cover:

• The importance of adapting your work experience to American recruitment standards and how it simplifies your job search.
• Tips for optimizing your resume with strategic keyword usage.
• Essential sections to include in your resume and additional sections that can strengthen your application.
• How to effectively present your skills in a US-format resume.
• Strategies for selecting the right content for your resume to ensure it’s concise, relevant, and engaging.

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Let’s dive in.

How to format your resume for the US job market

Compared to European CVs, American resumes are shorter (up to 2 pages)  and easier to scan. In her book The Culture Map , Erin Meyer explains that the United States is a low-context culture where "good communication is precise, simple, and clear. Messages are expressed and understood at face value."

We can safely say that these communication specifics carry over into the professional context. If you’re coming from abroad and have a work visa, all you need to do is transfer your experience and achievements to a document that's well-organized and easy to understand.

The first step is to choose the right format for your US resume .

Types of US resumes

In the United States, the resume structure largely depends on how you prefer to list your work history. This will be defined by your level of experience. Below are the three most common formats  in a resume:

• Reverse chronological resume : This is the most traditional and commonly used resume format. It lists your work experience in reverse chronological order , starting with your most recent job at the top. It’s the best choice for those with a strong work history and progressive career growth in the same field. It’s also recruiters’ favorite as it allows them to see your career trajectory and longevity in particular roles or industries.
• Functional resume : Also known as a skills-based resume , this format focuses on your skills and abilities rather than your chronological work history. It's particularly useful for people who are changing careers, have gaps in their employment history, or are entering the workforce for the first time. The functional resume emphasizes what you can do and what you have learned, rather than where and when you worked.
• Combination (hybrid) resume : The hybrid layout  combines elements of both the chronological and functional resumes. It starts with a section that highlights your skills and accomplishments (similar to a functional resume) followed by a detailed work history in reverse chronological order. This format is beneficial for those who want to showcase specific skills while also detailing their work history.

Hybrid resumes are best fitted for fields like IT, engineering, science, graphic design, or marketing. They allow you to highlight your practical or technical skills at the forefront.

US resume design

Below are some other crucial components for the overall readability of your document. Again, the idea of clear messaging and precision should be reflected in your entire resume.

• Applicant tracking systems (ATS) .  90% of recruiters use ATS  to scan applicants’ resumes for keyword counting. ATS checks how many keywords from the job description can be found within your resume, thus filtering out unqualified candidates. This implies that you might have what it takes to get the job, but if you don’t manage to show it on your resume, you can get dismissed by a machine.
• Resume margins: Consider margins as the frame of your professional portrait. The ideal margin size  is between 0.5 and 1 inch on all sides. You can play around with this to fit in your content, but be careful. Narrower margins will make your resume look cramped, while a larger size can indicate you don’t have much to say.
• Resume font : Another factor contributing to visual hierarchy, resume fonts  are one of the easiest ways to direct and maintain recruiters’ attention on your resume. The best fonts are Lato, Rubik, Arial, Bitter, and PT Serif, size 10-12 pt. They can pass ATS scanners successfully, which is a big concern for today’s job seekers.
• Resume templates : Most people don’t have the time to build a resume from scratch on a word processor. Ready-made templates  are a great way to create your professional resume, as they’re already optimized for machine and human scanning. All you need to do is decide how to complete them. Enhancv has a range of templates—single-column, double-column, modern , traditional , and creative —that can suit any type of job or taste.
• Resume length : In the United States, the one-page resume  is the preferred format. Two-page documents are reserved for seasoned candidates and C-level executives, but for all other cases, one page should be enough to communicate your strengths clearly and concisely.
• Contact information : Place your details in the resume header  and include your name, professional title, email address, a link to your LinkedIn profile or your portfolio, and US phone number. The header can easily go wrong if you put your high-school email address or if you provide a generic title (e.g. Marketing Specialist instead of, say, B2B Marketing Strategist). Your contact information should be as specific and professional as the rest of your resume.
• Resume photo in the US : We advise you to not put your picture on your resume  unless specifically requested. This is done to avoid discrimination and bias. Additionally, photos may confuse ATS scanners as some graphic elements would.
• US letter size: Don’t confuse it with the standard A4 print setting. The US letter size  is 8.5 x 11 inches and can be pre-determined from the template setting on Enhancv’s resume builder.
• File  formatting and naming convention:  It’s best to save your resume as a PDF  to maintain formatting consistency across different devices and platforms. Name your resume file  clearly. Use your full name followed by your title and the word 'resume'. For example, 'AnnaSmith_Architect_Resume.pdf'. This helps hiring managers easily identify and retrieve your file from hundreds of applications.

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Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s sum up what are the essential elements of a resume when looking for a job in the United States.

The top sections on a US resume

• Professional experience detailing your past roles and achievements.
• A skills section that lists core competencies relevant to the job you’re applying for.
• Education and certifications highlighting relevant academic and professional qualifications.
• A professional summary or objective showcasing your career highlights and skills.
• A projects section showing specific projects related to the role.

Any of these sections should be adapted to the specifics of the role you’re targeting and the job you’re applying for. Of course, you can add or prioritize sections that you think are relevant, just make sure you stay direct and to the point. Don’t hesitate to kill your darlings if what you’re writing doesn’t match the job requirements.

What recruiters want to see on your resume

• Relevant job experience to verify capability in similar roles.
• Specific skills that are essential for performing key job functions.
• Educational background that supports the technical knowledge required for the role.
• Certifications that are industry-recognized and pertinent to the job.
• Achievements that demonstrate past success and potential for impact.

Before we dive into each must-have section separately, let’s outline what you shouldn’t include in a US resume:

What NOT to include in your US resume

• Personal information : Details about your date of birth, social security number, gender, nationality, religion, and marital status can lead to biases.
• A headshot : Unless you are applying for a job where your appearance is directly relevant (e.g., acting, modeling), a photo is unnecessary and can lead to discrimination.
• Salary information:  This can be discussed during the interview.
• References:  Employers will ask for them if needed.
• Authorization to work in the US : This is required after you receive a job offer.

How to write your US resume experience section

The biggest challenge when crafting your experience section  is deciding what to include and what to leave out. For many candidates with extensive experience, this can be very frustrating, but the solution is simple:

Feature only those experiences that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

First, research the job description and highlight keywords that indicate the main responsibilities , skills, certification requirements, and overall applicant profile. Then, consider which of those you can relate to and make sure you transfer the same words onto your resume.

The work experience section is a great place to feature major keywords, but don’t limit yourself to just this part of the document. Your whole resume should be strategically populated with terms that will make recruiters nod with appreciation.

Here’s the basic resume experience format:

• Organization name
• Optional: a short description of the company, especially if it’s a startup or an NGO
• Employment dates and location
• 3-6 bullet points describing your duties and achievements, packed with quantified results.

Look at a resume sample of a well-written experience section:

• • Directed the development and market launch of three electric vehicle models, resulting in a 40% market share increase.
• • Implemented cutting-edge battery technology that extended vehicle range by 25% and reduced charge times by 20%.
• • Negotiated key partnerships with technology providers to enhance vehicle connectivity and autonomous driving capabilities.
• • Oversaw a team of 150+ engineers and developers, fostering a culture of innovation and rapid product iteration.

What’s good about those experience entries?

• Action verbs : Each entry starts with an action verb  that enhances the candidate’s profile of someone who drives change within their sector.  
• Buzzwords : Carefully selected industry-specific words  are a strategic way to boost your application (e.g. market share increase, cutting-edge battery, a culture of innovation). Use those in small doses, as putting too many can backfire.
• Quantified   achievements : 3 out of 4 entries provide specific examples of measurable outcomes. This is something you should aim for in your entire resume. Simply listing skills and achievements won’t cut it. Instead, build your credibility by providing concrete evidence for your experience.

Experience is not what happens to you; it's what you do with what happens to you.

Aldous Huxley

How to quantify impact on a US resume

An effective resume doesn’t leave recruiters guessing. That’s why, you should provide numbers , percentages, and measurable outcomes whenever possible. Below you can find a few ideas on how to do that:

• Include percentage revenue growth achieved under your leadership to demonstrate impact on profitability.
• Detail cost savings through efficiency improvements with specific percentages to show financial stewardship.
• Mention customer base expansion figures to illustrate successful market penetration.
• Highlight the increase in market share to show competitive advancement.
• Quantify the reduction in process times to emphasize efficiency gains.
• Report specific figures on capital raised during funding rounds to underline financial acumen.
• State the exact number of patents filed under your guidance to reflect innovation capabilities.
• Provide the numerical increase in shareholder value to showcase business growth impact.

The same applies to entry-level roles or internship candidates . Learn more in the following section.

How to list skills on your American resume

The key skills for a US resume in 2024 are largely shaped by the current job market. Factors like the post-COVID landscape, ongoing global conflicts, and potential economic downturns are significantly influencing employment opportunities.  

A recent article in Reader’s Digest  highlights this shift: “From tech jobs to health care opportunities to eco-friendly careers, the list is diverse in terms of interests, skills, and education requirements. [...] But according to the experts, they’re recession-proof careers, and some of them are even jobs that might make you a millionaire.”

So, what are the 10 most wanted jobs in the US right now and how do they define the most in-demand skills? Here’s a breakdown.

• Data Scientist : Businesses across various sectors need professionals who can analyze complex data sets to inform decision-making processes.
• Cybersecurity Specialist : With increasing digital transactions and data, the demand for cybersecurity experts to protect against threats is critical.
• Registered Nurse : The healthcare industry continues to experience a robust demand for nurses due to an aging population and the ongoing global health challenges.
• Medical Technologist : Professionals who can handle patient samples and maintain laboratory equipment are crucial in the healthcare field.
• Truck Driver : The logistics and delivery sectors are growing, necessitating more drivers as online shopping becomes increasingly prevalent.
• Translator :  As businesses operate on a global scale, the need for skilled translators to bridge communication barriers is significant.
• Physical Therapist :  An increasing number of individuals seeking rehabilitation services makes this a rapidly growing field.
• Software Developer :  The tech industry's expansion drives the demand for developers to create and maintain software solutions.
• Digital Marketing Specialist :  With the rise of digital commerce, experts in digital marketing are crucial for businesses to reach their target audiences effectively.
• Financial Advisor :  Economic uncertainties have led to a heightened need for professional financial planning and advice.

Based on these insights, we’ve compiled a list of the top technical skills  that you can include in your resume.

The best hard skills for your US resume

• Data analysis
• Project management
• Software development
• Cloud computing (AWS, Azure)
• Machine learning
• Cybersecurity
• Database management (SQL, NoSQL)
• Business intelligence (BI) Tools
• Web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
• Mobile app development (iOS, Android)
• Network administration
• CAD Software
• Financial modeling
• CRM software (Salesforce)
• ERP systems (SAP, Oracle)
• Artificial intelligence
• Blockchain technology
• Graphic design software (Adobe Creative Suite)
• Video editing software
• Automation tools (Ansible, Puppet)

Technical skills are part of the hard skills  group and are normally displayed in a dedicated section on your resume. Make sure you list those that are highly relevant to the position you’re applying for.

Unlike hard skills, which you acquire through training and work experience, soft skills  are developed through communication with others. However, remember that they’re best demonstrated when actually implied and supported with evidence.

For instance, instead of listing problem-solving and teamwork in an isolated section, you can showcase these skills in your experience entries. Like so: “Managed project timelines and coordinated with cross-functional teams to align project goals with business objectives, successfully delivering the project 2 weeks ahead of deadline and under budget by 15%.”

Below are some of the top skills that American recruiters appreciate on a resume:

The best soft skills for your US resume

• Communication
• Adaptability
• Problem-solving
• Conflict resolution
• Team collaboration
• Time management
• Attention to detail
• Emotional intelligence
• Persuasiveness
• Accountability
• Active listening
• Decision-making
• Interpersonal skills
• Stress management
• Cultural awareness
• Negotiation skills

How to list your education and certifications on a US resume

When creating the education section  of your US resume, focus on relevance and only include details pertinent to the job you're applying for. Here you can mention any ongoing or incomplete educational pursuits to demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning . This approach keeps your resume clear and organized and showcases your qualifications effectively for potential employers.

Education should be listed in reverse chronological order, beginning with the most recent qualifications and following this order:

• Degree or certification obtained
• Name of institution
• Graduation date or expected completion.
• GPA  if it's notably high, or honors received (optional)
• Relevant coursework demonstrating your contributions

This is how a registered nurse’s education section can look:

• • Specialized in pediatric care and completed relevant clinical rotations at UCSF Medical Center.

When listing certifications on a US resume , you should keep in mind two things. Firstly, they need to be relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Secondly, if you’re an international applicant for a US job, be cautious of the following:

• Recognition and equivalency : Verify that your certifications are recognized in the United States or have an equivalent that is appreciated by US employers.
• Accreditation : Ensure that the institution or organization that granted your certification is accredited or recognized by relevant US authorities. This can significantly impact the credibility of your qualifications.
• Translation and conversion : If your certification is not in English, it should be professionally translated. Also, consider converting any metrics (like grades or scores) to a format familiar to US employers.
• Currency and validity : Indicate if your certifications are current, especially for roles that require up-to-date knowledge and skills. Some certifications require periodic renewal or continuing education, which should be clearly mentioned.

Next, list the certifying body and the date, and make sure current certifications are highlighted, especially if they require renewal.

Here are some of the most widely recognized certifications you can see on American resumes.

The best certifications for a professional US resume

• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)
• SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)

Enhancv’s resume builder  offers the flexibility to customize your resume by adding and organizing sections as you prefer. If you have more than two certifications that are relevant to the job you're targeting, it's wise to allocate a specific section for them on your resume. This approach is appreciated by both applicant tracking systems ATS and recruiters.

How to write your US resume summary or objective

You might wonder why we leave this section for the end of each guide. It’s simple. It’s best to write your resume summary or objective when you’ve finished putting together your experience and training background. This allows you to quickly summarize the key points of your career and adjust them to the specific role you’re applying for.

So, what’s the difference between a resume summary and an objective statement?

In the United States, there are two types of personal statements  that provide employers with a brief overview of your qualifications and career goals.

The resume objective is 1-3 sentences long and focuses on how you’re going to add value to the specific job or company you’re applying for. It’s more suitable for candidates with less than 3 years of experience, career changers, and individuals with large career gaps.

Here’s an example of a resume objective for an aspiring professional translator.

Here’s why this is a good resume objective:

• Sentence 1 : The objective starts by framing the candidates’ profile. It clearly states a specialization in Spanish to English translations, highlighting the candidate’s specific expertise .
• Sentence 2 : It aligns the graduate’s educational background and certification with their career aspirations , demonstrating relevance to professional goals.
• Sentence 3:  By expressing a desire to contribute  to the success of a specific, well-regarded firm, the objective showcases the candidate’s intention to apply their skills in a meaningful and impactful way, appealing to potential employers looking for dedicated professionals.

Resume summaries  differ slightly in that they provide more room—up to five sentences—to detail your key skills, achievements, and contributions to past employers. They also serve as an excellent platform to highlight notable successes or certifications, particularly those mentioned in the job description.

Let’s look at a well-written data analyst’s resume summary.

Now, let’s see what makes it a good summary:

• Use of strong adjectives and action verbs:  The summary starts with detail-oriented , an adjective that sets a professional tone  and highlights a crucial skill for a data analyst. Action verbs like leveraging , analyzed , developed , and creating , show proactive involvement in key projects and tasks.
• Quantified metrics: The summary includes specific, quantified achievements such as increased revenue by 15% year-over-year . They provide concrete evidence of the candidate's impact and capability.
• Key skills and certifications:  It mentions proficiency in SQL, Python, and Tableau, which are critical tools for a data analyst. The mention of an "Advanced Data Science" certification from IBM further strengthens the candidate’s qualifications.
• Absence of personal pronouns:  The summary avoids the use of personal pronouns , which helps maintain a professional and focused tone. This style is often preferred in resume writing as it directs attention to the candidate's skills and achievements without personal bias.
• Comprehensive yet concise:  This comprehensive approach ensures that a potential employer quickly grasps the candidate’s qualifications and potential value to the organization.

No matter how far in your career you are, make sure you write a concise and specific personal statement.

Additional sections to include in a US resume

We talked a lot about the importance of being direct and specific when crafting a resume in the United States. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t include any further sections that are relevant to the position you’re applying for. Here are a few suggestions:

• Languages : Proficiency in multiple languages  can be a significant advantage in many roles, especially in international companies or in customer service positions.
• Projects section : Particularly for roles that involve project management or software development, a projects section  can showcase specific examples of what you have accomplished, detailing the scope and the outcome of the projects.
• Hobbies and interests : While not always necessary, this section can help humanize you as a candidate and possibly connect on a personal level with the hiring manager.
• Volunteer work : This can prove your commitment to community, your leadership skills, and your willingness to take on responsibilities outside of professional work.
• Professional affiliations and memberships : Being part of professional organizations  can show your engagement in the industry and your ongoing commitment to professional development.
• Publications : If you have authored or contributed to professional publications , listing these can enhance your credibility and establish you as an expert in your field.
• Awards and honors : Including any relevant awards or recognitions  you have received can highlight your excellence and competitiveness in your field.

Understanding the nuances of US resume standards is crucial for both international applicants and US citizens seeking to optimize their job prospects. Here are the key takeaways from our comprehensive guide on mastering the US resume format:

• Adapt to American standards : Tailoring your experience to meet American recruitment criteria simplifies the job application process and increases your visibility among recruiters.
• Optimize with technology : Utilize strategic keyword usage to ensure your resume stands out and aligns with the job description, increasing your chances of being noticed.
• Include essential sections : Insert vital resume sections such as professional experience, skills, and education. Adding sections like certifications and projects can further enhance your resume by showcasing relevant qualifications and achievements.
• Avoid specific elements : There are things you should not put in your US resume, such as a photo, detailed graphics, fancy fonts, or personal information. This is done to ease ATS scanning and avoid discrimination.

Looking to build your own US resume?

• Resume Examples

Should You Include Irrelevant Experience on Your Resume?

A guide to leaving your job on your terms, how to write a 'thank you' email after interview, best resume layout: 9 examples and templates that recruiters approve, how to send a career fair follow-up email [samples included], quitting your job without another one lined up: pros and cons.

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How to format a resume

Your resume could contain the most impressive skills and experience in the world…

But if it’s not formatted correctly, it could still get rejected .

Recruiters and hiring managers are busy people, who see tons of resumes every day – so you need to present the information in a clear and digestible way.

This guide will show you everything you need to know about resume formatting from layout to font-size and more.

Follow these tips to create an eye-catching resume that will land you plenty of job interviews.

Resume templates 

Formatting your resume correctly is key to making a good first impression with a potential employer. This means taking all of the following factors into consideration:

• Font – You’ll want to use a professional, clean font to make your resume easy to read.
• Color scheme – While you can pick a color other than black, it’s best to stick with muted color schemes, such as green, navy, or blue, to keep the document looking professional.
• Page margins – In general, keeping your page margins to one inch on each side will keep your resume professional-looking and give you plenty of space for content
• Resume length – Your resume should always be around two pages long, to provide enough detail without boring readers.
• Split the page up – To enhance the readability of your resume, it’s a good idea to split up the sections in your resume.
• Clearly defining sections – Clear section titles, horizontal borders , line-spacing and bullet points can all help define your resume sections and make it easy for recruiters to skim-read.
• Structuring jobs – This means separating roles, responsibilities, and achievements for each of your roles.
• Resume heading – Create an attractive heading that gets recruiters’ attention and provides easy access to your contact details.
• Document – To make sure it’s easy to find and read, save your resume in a PDF or Microsoft Word document, with a professional-sounding document name.

Example resume formats

Check out some examples of professional resume formats below for guidance and ideas.

Your font could be decisive in whether a recruiter can even read your resume or not. To make your resume attractive, readable, and legible, try to stick to the following tips:

In general, you should opt for a simple and clean font for your resume.

Fonts such as Arial, Helvetica, Calibri, Times New Roman, Cambria and Baskerville are all clear, professional fonts that you can use for free when you create your resume on Microsoft Word.

Elaborate fonts should be avoided because they can be tricky to decipher at times.

The reason you’re going to want to keep your resume font basic is simple: the readability of your resume is one of the most important – if not the most important – factors at play when sending off your resume to potential employers.

Recruiters receive hundreds of resumes every day, so anything that is difficult to read might get skipped over.

Stick to 10pt to 14pt font on your resume in the body of the text.

This is important for two reasons: one, you want to make sure that your resume is readable. And secondly, anything bigger is going to limit the space on your resume – you might find it difficult to squeeze in all your important achievements and previous roles.

You don’t always need to stick to black for your resume color, but you should ensure that the text contrasts the background of the document.

You can switch things up by opting for a dark grey shade, or navy blue, or a very dark green. The key is to ensure that the color remains readable and doesn’t require endless squinting.

Black text on a white background is the safest bet to provide a pleasant reading experience.

The only way to make a mistake here, is by choosing a color that is unreadable against the page.

Color scheme

Your color scheme needs to be easy-on-the-eye an look professional.

To achieve this look, you’re going to want to avoid anything too bright, wacky, or unprofessional looking; the pinks, reds, yellows, and oranges can sit this one out.

However, using a muted dark shade (for example, navy, sage, or dark green) can actually make your resume look more interesting and unique, while remaining professional and easy to read.

The key is ensuring that your text remains readable, and that the color scheme isn’t a distraction.

Take a look at some of our examples below if you want to get an idea of what makes a good color scheme (and what makes a bad one!)

Page margins

While this may not have been something you’d considered when it comes to writing your resume , your page margins are incredibly important when it comes to formatting.

You want your resume to appear professional and well-written, without cutting off important space for your accomplishments and work history.

So, what’s the best page margin for a resume?

Typically, narrow page margins of around one inch are best for resumes. This gives the document a clean look, while ensuring that you have maximum space to include important, key information about your work history and skills.

Take a look at some of our example images below:

Quick tip: Formatting a resume to look professional can be difficult and time-consuming. If you want to create an attractive resume quickly, try our quick-and-easy Resume Builder and use one of their eye-catching resume templates.

Resume length

The length of your resume is another factor that can have a big impact on whether you get hired or not.

Ideally, you should be aiming for two pages for your resume . One page will work if you don’t have much experience.

If it’s too short, you’ve probably not included enough information.

If it’s too long, you run the risk of important information being skipped over when busy recruiters are skim-reading it.

Remember that recruiters do not spend long looking at your resume when they first see it, so keep yours concise.

Split the page up

Your resume can’t just be one long block of text; and if it is, you can be guaranteed that the recruiter or hiring manager will pass directly onto the next one.

Your resume needs to be readable, so splitting up important information into sections is key to getting your message across.

You should split your resume up into the following sections:

• Resume heading . The top of the resume, where you include your personal details, such as your email address, phone number, and full name.
• Resume summary . The summary is your resume’s introductory paragraph to reel recruiters in.
• Key skills . Here, you should highlight a list of your most valuable skills to employers.
• Career summary . Beginning with your most recent role, this is where you’ll highlight your job history.
• Education and other qualifications . Your grades from high school, college and grad school will go here, where applicable.
• Additional  (optional). This section isn’t necessary for all resumes, but you can include hobbies and interests, or anything else that is relevant to your target jobs

Clearly defining sections

Aside from splitting up your resume into sections, you’ll also want to make it easy for recruiters to find the info they need, by clearly defining each section.

You can do this by;

• Adding borders to divide sections
• Enlarging heading font so that it stands out above body text
• Bolding your subheading s (such as job titles) to define sub-sections

By clearly defining the sections of your resume, you’re breaking down complex information into bitesize, easily readable, and easily memorable information.

As already mentioned, recruiters and hiring managers are often seeing hundreds of resumes a day. If you go out of your way to make your resume enjoyable and easy to read, you’ll more easily get into the recruiter’s good books.

Have a look at the example image below for ideas on how to clearly define each section on your resume:

Structuring jobs

If you want the information on your resume to be understood by  a recruiter, it’s essential to structure your jobs into three sections:

• The job outline
• Your responsibilities
• key achievements

Nobody enjoys reading a big unbroken paragraph of text, so it’s essential to structure your roles in a more digestible way.

By splitting up these key factors in your jobs history, it will be much easier for the recruiter to retain important information and be impressed by your achievements. Here’s what you should include for each section:

• Outline – This section should simply outline the overall goal of role was within the company, and what department or area of the organisation you worked in.
• Responsibilities – This section should include a summary of your day-to-day activities and duties within the organization, who you liaised with, who you reported back to, what functions you were responsible for etc.
• Achievements – This is the part of your resume that you should focus on the most – show off to a potential employer your value as an employee. Highlight your achievements and successes, preferably using quantifiable data such as numbers, sales figures, etc.

See also: How to right algin dates on your resume

Resume heading

Your heading is going to be the first thing the recruiter notices about your resume, so it’s a good idea to make sure it’s formatted correctly and structured professionally. Typically, an effective resume heading will include your full name, phone number, location, and email address. You don’t need to add your physical address; this makes your heading appear too cluttered and will take up too much space. Just include the city or location where you’re professionally based.

You can add icons to your resume heading to save space and make it look more professional, for example, a phone icon and an email icon.

Don’t forget to save some space underneath your resume profile to separate your heading from your other resume sections. White space on a resume really isn’t a bad thing: it helps declutter the text and doesn’t overwhelm the reader with an endless stream of information.

Should you use a photo?

Whether or not you use a photo on your resume is entirely up to you, although some industries (for example, entertainment industries) might require that you include a professional photograph when applying to work for their organisation.

However, for most jobs in the US, a photo on your resume isn’t mandatory, nor necessary. In fact, many experts advise against using a photograph on your resume, as it may lead to unwanted bias or discrimination in the hiring process.

If you are going to use a photo on your resume, make sure it’s a professional one. No selfies – your photograph should include your head and shoulders against a uniform background (preferably white), and you should be wearing professional work clothes. If you can’t get a professional headshot done, you can take a photo against the wall in your home and remove the background using an editing app.

Document type

Once you’ve finalized your resume and proofread it for the fourth time, it’s time to save it in a word document or as a PDF file. Don’t save your resume as an editable Google doc – you want to send something that is downloadable to a computer, so a recruiter can hang onto your resume if they’re interested in your profile.

For your resume to be memorable and easily found, make sure that you don’t save it as a generic name like “ resume draft 5.doc ”.

When it comes to naming your resume document, make sure you name it something that identifies you easily.

The best name for your resume document is your full name – accurately capitalized – followed with ‘Resume’ – this makes it easier for a recruiter to search for your saved resume on their PC or laptop.

For example “ Fred Benson Resume.doc “.

In general, formatting your resume is easy when you get the hang of how to layout and section it correctly.

The key is to remember that readability is your number one aim with any resume you create: getting it read by the recruiter is half of the work.

By following the above tips, you’re sure to improve your response rate and finally bag that interview.

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:

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:

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:

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.

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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Land your dream job with free, customizable resume templates. Showcase your potential to recruiters and stand out from other candidates with a professional template. Whether you're applying to corporate positions or creative roles, go with a sleek design or show your creativity with bold colors .

Resumes don't need to look boring—add flair to your professional experience with a creative resume template. There are plenty of resume designs to choose from, like simple resume templates and modern resume templates. Each resume template is fully customizable in Microsoft Word , so you can personalize each design element and add your own text. Using a template also makes it easier to customize your resume for each position you apply to.

Print out as many copies as you'd like or download the template for free to share digitally when applying online. These professional resume templates are perfect for any stage of life or career. Whether you're a high school student, actor, or seeking a career in nursing, you can find any format for any job type.

There are also a variety of free CV (Curriculum Vitae) templates to choose from. A CV is often longer than a resume and contains an in-depth look at your education and professional accomplishments. Like our resume templates, these CV templates are also customizable in Word.

Remember, your next job is only a template away! Once you've customized your resume, explore free cover letter templates to help you land the job.