🇺🇸 Updated: 2026-10-20
How to write a US resume
A US resume is short and focused on results. Recruiters scan it in seconds and many companies first run it through an applicant tracking system (ATS), so clarity and keywords matter.
At a glance
| Length | 1 page (2 pages for senior roles) |
|---|---|
| Photo | No photo |
| Personal details | Name, phone, e-mail, city and state, LinkedIn; no age, marital status or nationality |
| Language | American English |
The rules that matter
One page
Keep it to one page unless you have more than about 10 years of relevant experience. Cut old or unrelated jobs first.
Results with numbers
Each bullet starts with a strong verb and shows impact: “Cut processing time by 30%”, “Managed a $200K budget”, “Trained 12 new staff”.
Match the job ad
Use the exact words from the job ad for skills and tools. ATS software looks for them before a human reads your resume.
Simple layout
One column, standard headings, no tables or text in images. Save as PDF unless the employer asks for Word.
No photo or personal data
US employers avoid photos, age, marital status and religion because of anti-discrimination rules.
Work authorization
If relevant, add one line: “Authorized to work in the US” or the visa you need (e.g. “Requires H-1B sponsorship”).
Foreign education
Name your degree in US terms and add the country: “Bachelor's degree in Nursing, Ege University (Türkiye)”. Mention a credential evaluation (e.g. WES) if you have one.
Section order
- Name and contact details
- Summary (2–3 lines)
- Skills
- Work experience
- Education
- Certifications and languages
Common mistakes
- More than one page for a junior role
- Photo or date of birth
- Duties without results
- Fancy two-column templates that ATS cannot read
- The same resume for every job
Tell it in your language, get a USA CV
Describe your experience in your own language, by typing or speaking. CV Fennec writes the CV in the format this country expects and shows you every line in your language. Free preview.
Create my CV →Questions
What is the difference between a resume and a CV in the US?
In the US a resume is the short 1–2 page document for most jobs. A CV is a long academic record used for research and university positions.
Do I need a cover letter?
Often it is optional, but a short tailored cover letter helps, especially when you are changing countries or careers.
Should I write my full address?
No. City and state are enough.
Other country guides
This guide in other languages
This guide describes common practice, not legal requirements. Always follow the instructions in the job ad if they differ.