U.S. Resume Format: Best Practices, Examples, & Tips
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What to Expect
- The chronological resume format is the most common U.S. resume format and works well for most job seekers.
- A standard U.S. resume typically includes contact information, a professional summary, work experience, skills, and education.
- U.S. resumes are generally one or two pages and use a clean, professional layout with clear section headings and consistent formatting.
- American resumes generally don’t include photos or personal details, such as age, marital status, or Social Security numbers.
- U.S. resumes should use American English and emphasize qualifications that are relevant to the position.
If you’re applying for jobs in the United States, following the standard U.S. resume format can help employers quickly understand your qualifications. American resumes are concise, tailored to the job, and focused on relevant skills, experience, and achievements.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to format a U.S. resume, what information to include and leave out, and how to tailor your resume to meet American employer expectations.
What Is the U.S. Standard Resume Format?
There are three standard U.S. resume formats: chronological, functional, and combination. The best format depends on your experience level, career history, and unique circumstances.
Chronological resumes work well for candidates with steady work histories, functional resumes emphasize skills over work experience, and combination resumes can work well for career changers.
The most common American resume format is the chronological resume, which highlights relevant work experience in reverse-chronological order.
For all three layouts, there are a few key formatting elements to keep in mind:
- Stick to one to two pages in length. If you create a two-page resume, make sure you have enough relevant content to justify the second page.
- Use U.S. letter-size paper (8.5” x 11”). Use single or 1.15 line spacing and standard 1-inch margins on all sides.
- Choose a professional resume font, such as Arial, Helvetica, or Times New Roman. Use a 10- to 12-point font size for body text and a 14- to 16-point font size for headers.
- Incorporate bolding, italics, and color consistently. For instance, if one header is bolded, every header should be bolded.
- Include clear section headings and ample white space between sections to ensure your resume is easy to scan.
Our best resume templates incorporate all of these formatting elements to ensure your resume is polished and professional. Here’s an example U.S. resume template:
A U.S. resume is similar to a European curriculum vitae (CV) but differs in length and formatting. Explore everything you need to know about CVs vs resumes to learn more.
What to Include in Your U.S. Resume
U.S. resumes follow a standard structure to highlight your experience, skills, and qualifications in a scannable format. When you’re writing your resume, include these key sections:
Header With Your Contact Information
Your U.S. resume should start with a clear resume header that includes your contact information so employers can reach out to schedule an interview.
You can use our Resume Builder, which provides U.S. resume templates featuring a variety of header options crafted according to U.S. best practices.
When you apply for a job in the U.S., include a U.S. phone number on your resume if you have one. If you don’t have a U.S. phone number, mention your country code and any necessary international dialing codes so that employers can easily contact you.
Include your full name, professional email address, phone number, and city and state. You can also add a relevant LinkedIn profile or professional portfolio.
Here’s an example:
WINSTON WRIGHT
555-555-5555 | winston@email.com | West Des Moines, IA | sampleportfolio.com
Tailored Professional Summary
Most U.S. resumes feature a profile or resume summary at the top that briefly details the key qualifications that make you uniquely suited for the role.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when writing a summary for a U.S. resume:
- Highlight your unique value in three to five concise sentences that summarize your experience, strengths, and the type of role you’re targeting.
- Use American English spelling and grammar conventions. For instance, use “color” instead of “colour” or “center” instead of “centre.”
- Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description when they fit naturally and accurately reflect your skills and experience.
- Avoid first-person pronouns and passive voice to keep your summary direct, confident, and aligned with U.S. resume standards.
- Use clear, impactful language that emphasizes results and skills while avoiding unnecessary jargon or overly complex phrasing.
Here’s an example of an effective professional summary:
Digital marketing specialist with five years of experience developing SEO, content, and social media strategies. Proven track record of increasing organic website traffic, improving search rankings, and generating qualified leads. Skilled in Google Analytics, search engine optimization, content strategy, and cross-team collaboration.
Work Experience in Reverse-Chronological Order
The work history section is the primary focus of the U.S. standard resume format. List your past roles starting from your most recent or current role and working backward.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when crafting your work history section:
- Start each bullet point with strong action verbs and maintain consistent verb tense throughout each section. For instance, use the present tense for a current role and the past tense for prior roles.
- Maintain parallel structure by using consistent patterns of words or phrases in a sentence or a series of sentences (e.g., “Developed marketing strategies, conducted market research, and analyzed customer data.”).
- Whenever possible, use numbers and figures to describe accomplishments on your resume (e.g., “Implemented a new lead generation strategy, resulting in a 40% increase in qualified leads and a 15% increase in conversion rates.”).
- Use active language throughout your resume (e.g., “Launched and managed a new project, resulting in a 20% increase in productivity.”).
- Only include roles that are relevant to the position you’re applying for. For example, if you’re writing a software engineering resume, you may choose to omit experience like waitressing or dog walking since it doesn’t relate to your target role.
Here’s an example of an effective work history entry on a U.S. resume:
Digital Marketing Specialist
BrightWave Media | Des Moines, IA
January 2023–Present
- Develop and execute SEO and content strategies, increasing organic website traffic by 35% year over year.
- Manage social media campaigns across three platforms, growing audience engagement by 28%.
- Analyze website and campaign performance in Google Analytics to identify opportunities to improve conversions.
- Collaborate with content, design, and sales teams to launch integrated marketing campaigns and generate qualified leads.
An essential element of a U.S. resume is that it should be tailored to the job you’re applying for. A targeted resume incorporates keywords from the job description, increasing the chances of passing applicant tracking systems (ATS) and impressing hiring managers.
Tailoring a chronological resume to the specific job you’re applying for is crucial, as it showcases your most relevant experiences and achievements while demonstrating that you understand the employer’s needs.
—Dr. Jasmine Escalera, Career Expert
You can also use our ATS Resume Checker to identify common issues, such as missing keywords or a lack of measurable achievements.
Job-Relevant Skills
Include a dedicated resume skills section that highlights hard and soft skills aligned with the job description. Use bullet points so employers can quickly scan your qualifications. Here’s an example:
SKILLS
- Google Analytics
- HTML and CSS
- Technical writing
- Social media management
- Search engine optimization
- Cross-team collaboration
Remember to tailor your skills section to the specific job requirements and consider the skills that will make you stand out as an international candidate who brings unique experiences and perspectives to the table. Here are a few considerations when writing the skills section of your U.S. resume:
- Feature job-relevant skills. Research the specific skills that are in demand in the U.S. job market for your target role and include those that align with your experience and qualifications.
- Include a variety of skills. Feature a blend of hard skills and soft skills to demonstrate that you have a range of abilities and are adaptable to different work environments. Refer to the sample resume formats on this page for inspiration.
- Avoid jargon. Be mindful of using cultural references or jargon that may not be familiar to U.S. employers. Keep your language clear, concise, and focused on the skills and qualifications directly relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Employers look for candidates who have the skills needed to do the job they’re hiring for. They also want someone who fits in well on the team and with the company. This is where transferable skills come in handy. Showing that you have transferable skills related to the role you’re applying for increases a hiring team’s confidence that you won’t only succeed in the role but thrive at the company.
—Toni Frana, Career Expert
Educational Background
Your U.S. resume should feature an education section that lists your college or university degree(s). If you graduated more than 10 years ago, consider removing your graduation date unless the employer specifically requests it.
Unless you’re a recent high school graduate with no college or higher education, it’s generally unnecessary to include information about your high school education.
Here’s an example education section for a U.S. resume:
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Drake University | Des Moines, IA
Optional Resume Sections
There are several optional sections that you can include on a U.S. resume, depending on your skills, experiences, and the job you’re applying for. Here are some examples:
- Certifications and licenses: A list of any certifications or licenses you’ve earned that are relevant to the job you’re applying for
- Relevant projects: Projects that demonstrate job-related skills, initiative, and measurable accomplishments
- Awards and honors: A list of any awards or honors you’ve received, such as scholarships, academic awards, or recognition from your previous employers
- Volunteer experience: Information about any volunteer work you’ve done, including the organization, your role, and the dates of your involvement
- Professional memberships: Any professional organizations you belong to, including the name of the organization, your role, and the dates of your membership
The sections you choose to include should apply to the job and highlight your related skills, strengths, and experience. See our guide, What to Put on a Resume, for more guidance on choosing the right sections.
What to Leave Off a U.S. Resume
Leave photos, sensitive personal information, references, identification numbers, and unnecessary graphics off a standard U.S. resume.
U.S. resumes generally focus on professional qualifications rather than personal characteristics and should exclude personal details that aren’t relevant to your qualifications. For example:
- A headshot or picture of yourself: While including a headshot is standard practice in some countries, it’s uncommon and generally discouraged in the United States.
- Graphics or complex design elements: These might prevent your resume from passing ATS (see How to Make an ATS-Friendly Resume for additional guidance).
- References from past colleagues or managers: These can be provided if requested during the interview process.
- Personal information: Leave off your age, marital status, ethnicity, religion, or political affiliations.
- Your full street address: You don’t need to include anything beyond your city and state (and your zip code, if you choose to include it).
- Personal identification numbers: Keep your Social Security number, driver’s license number, or passport number private.
- Immigration status or sensitive documentation: Don’t include passport details, immigration documents, or other sensitive identification information on your resume.
If you want to clarify that you’re applying from a different country or explain your employment sponsorship needs, you can write a cover letter to provide additional context.
U.S. Resume Example
Take a look at the U.S. resume example below to see what a standout American resume looks like. We also recommend exploring our professional resume examples for real-world U.S. resume samples across job titles, industries, and circumstances.
This is a strong example of what a resume should look like and how to effectively showcase your qualifications and stand out in a competitive job market.
It follows best practices, such as listing work history in reverse-chronological order and incorporating value propositions into the summary. The education section is relevant and focused, and the skills section provides a quick snapshot of the candidate’s abilities.
Although not all employers in the U.S. require a cover letter, it’s generally a good idea to include one to expand on your resume and detail why you’re a great fit. Use our Cover Letter Generator to craft a compelling cover letter in minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Use a chronological resume format and stick to one or two pages.
- Don’t include personal information, such as your age, gender, or marital status.
- Tailor each section of your resume to the job that you’re applying for.
- Maintain a consistent format, and don’t include a headshot or complex graphics.
- Include a summary statement at the top that describes your unique value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What format do U.S. jobs use for resumes?
Most U.S. jobs use the chronological resume format, which lists your most recent position first and works backward through your employment history. This makes it easy for employers to see your career progression. A functional or combination format may work better if you have limited experience, employment gaps, or are changing careers.
What should a U.S. resume look like?
A U.S. resume should have a clean, professional layout with clearly labeled sections, consistent formatting, and plenty of white space. Use a readable 10- to 12-point font, 1-inch margins, and a simple design without unnecessary graphics or photos. Most U.S. resumes are one or two pages and list work experience in reverse-chronological order.
What is the seven-second rule for resumes?
The seven-second rule refers to the idea that recruiters may spend only a few seconds initially scanning a resume before deciding whether to keep reading. Make your resume easy to scan with clear headings, concise bullet points, relevant keywords, and a prominent summary. Place your most relevant experience and accomplishments where employers can find them quickly.
How long should a U.S. resume be?
A U.S. resume should generally be one to two pages. Recent graduates and job seekers with less experience can typically use a one-page resume, while experienced or senior-level candidates may need two pages to showcase relevant qualifications and achievements. Some fields, including academia, medicine, science, law, and government, may request a CV instead.
Should a U.S. resume include a headshot?
A U.S. resume typically shouldn’t include a headshot. Although photos are common on resumes in some countries, they’re not usually expected in the United States. Generally, don’t include a headshot unless the employer or application specifically requests one.
Should I include references on my U.S. resume?
No, you generally shouldn’t include references on a resume unless the employer specifically requests them. U.S. employers typically ask for references later in the hiring process, so including them on your resume can take up valuable space that would be better used to showcase your relevant skills, experience, and accomplishments.
Does the U.S. use CVs?
Yes, CVs are used in the U.S., primarily for positions in academia, research, medicine, and other fields that require a detailed record of academic and professional achievements. For most U.S. jobs, employers expect a one- or two-page resume instead. If an employer specifically requests a CV, follow the application instructions and learn how to make a CV rather than submitting a standard resume.
How We Reviewed This Article
Since 2012, we have helped more than 11 million job seekers. We want to make your career journey accessible and manageable through our services and Career Center’s how-to guides and tips. In our commitment to bring you a transparent process, we present our Editorial Process.
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U.S. Resume Format
Elizabeth is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and a member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches. She is committed to helping job seekers navigate the job market and succeed in their careers.
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