How to Write a US Resume (Format, Templates & Tips)

We’ll help you navigate the US resume writing process from beginning to end, including how to format your resume and what mistakes to avoid.

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What is the US resume format?

In the US, the terms CV and resume are not used interchangeably. A resume is used to apply for all kinds of jobs, while a CV is only used to apply for positions in academia or research.

Most American resumes are written using a chronological resume format, which means that your work experience is listed in the order in which you held each job, with the most recent position at the top.

In addition to the chronological format, here are some other elements that define the US resume format:

• Length: 1-2 pages
• Structure: Contact info → Summary → Experience → Education → Skills
• Style: Clean formatting with consistent fonts and margins
• Content: Achievement-focused bullet points with metrics
• Tone: Professional but dynamic
• Omissions: No photo, age, marital status, or personal details

This format creates a focused, professional application that US hiring managers can quickly scan and evaluate.

What to include on a US resume

American employers look for specific information presented in a particular way. Below are the key sections that every US resume should contain:

1. Header

Create a strong first impression with a clean, well-formatted resume header.

Position it prominently at the top of the page and include only essential contact information:

• Full name (make it stand out with a larger font size)
• City and state (full street address isn’t necessary)
• Phone number
• Professional email address
• LinkedIn profile URL or professional website (optional)

2. Introduction

US resumes have a resume introduction placed at the top of the page, underneath the header.

The most common type of introduction is a resume summary. An effective resume summary should:

• Be 3-5 sentences long
• State your years of relevant experience
• Include 1-2 most impressive achievements with numbers
• Highlight key skills relevant to your target role

If you’re applying for an entry-level position, use a resume objective instead.

A summary looks backward at your professional accomplishments and skills, while an objective looks forward to how you plan to contribute to potential employers.

A resume objective allows you to showcase your education, skills, and professional goals — the strongest elements of your candidacy at this stage of your career.

3. Work experience

In your work experience section, list your job titles from most to least recent. Under each entry, include 3-5 bullet points that showcase your strengths.

Include quantifiable metrics wherever possible. Hiring managers look for evidence that you’ll be an effective employee, not just a list of previous job duties.

If you’re applying from abroad it’s especially important to have a compelling application to be able to compete with American candidates, because bringing in foreign talent is more complicated than hiring someone locally.

4. Education

The education section of a resume for a job in the US should provide a quick overview of your educational background. Include the following information:

• Name of your school or university
• Degree name/major
• Graduation year
• GPA (if it’s above a 3.5)

If your country’s education system doesn’t use GPAs (grade point averages), don’t worry about converting your grades. Employers care more about your degree and work experience, so having a GPA on your resume is optional.

5. Skills

Create a separate skills section on your resume. You don’t need to list every skill you have, only the ones that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for.

6. Optional additional sections

Depending on your background and target role, these additional resume sections can help set you apart from other candidates:

Keep in mind that these sections are optional. If they’re not relevant to the position you want, it’s better not to include them.

What not to include on a US resume

Finally, here are four things you shouldn’t include on your resume when applying for a job in the US:

1. Personal information: Employers don’t need to know about your sexual orientation, age, race, or religious beliefs. Employment discrimination based on these factors is illegal in the US, but it’s better to leave such information off your resume anyway.
2. Photo: It’s common in some countries to have photos on your resume, but not in the US.
3. Graphics: Graphics can distract from your achievements and make your resume harder to read.
4. Immigration status: Employers shouldn’t inquire about your citizenship or ask you to provide evidence of your employment eligibility before extending a job offer. However, if you want to make it clear that you’re applying from abroad (or mention that you don’t require employment sponsorship), write a cover letter that explains your circumstances.

US resume templates

Choose from these professional templates that follow standard US formatting conventions. Each layout is designed to present your qualifications clearly and effectively:

Elegant template

Download This Free Example

Easy Basic template

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White House template

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Additional tips for writing an American resume

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 spelling, changing your Google Docs or Word settings to American English can help you prevent mistakes.
• Limit your resume to one page: Keep your resume to one page to ensure hiring managers read it from beginning to end.
• Use simple language: Avoid the temptation to show off the full range of your vocabulary. Let your accomplishments speak for themselves and stick to simple, straightforward language.
• Write a targeted resume for each position: Look for resume keywords in the job ad to incorporate into your resume. This tells employers you’ve done your research and understand the needs of the company.