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

What is the US resume format?

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 employers can quickly scan and evaluate.

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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:

Header

Start your resume with a clean, well-formatted 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)

Introduction

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

An effective resume summary should:

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

Here’s an example of a resume summary:

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 show your strengths.

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

Having a compelling application is especially important when applying from abroad, as bringing in foreign talent is more complicated than hiring someone locally.

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 (optional if it’s above a 3.5)

Skills

In your resume’s skills section, list the skills you have that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for.

List technical skills, specific tools, and any skills mentioned in the job listing.

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, leaving them off your resume is best.

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, so leave this information off your resume.
2. Photo: Never include a photo on your resume 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 template

Download This Free Example

White House template

Download This Free Example

Additional tips for writing an American resume

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.
• Try to stick to one page: Format your resume with care by keeping everything on one page. If you have to go onto a second page, adjust the formatting to fill up more of the second page and avoid having only a few lines of text spill over.
• 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.