How to Make a US Resume (Format, Writing, and Best Examples)

A US resume is a concise document used for American job applications. The standard US resume is reverse chronological and typically between 1–2 pages long. It begins with contact information, followed by a summary or objectives section. The work experience and education sections go next, with the skills section last. Succeeding in the American job market requires a well-written resume that’s professionally formatted. 

Despite the 2024 US election results, the American dream is still possible and even considered a worthy endeavor, as discussed on Forbes. 

However, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and left scratching your head, worrying about if something is missing from your resume that American recruiters might expect. 

Whether you’re moving to the US, aiming for a US-based company, or you’re a US citizen trying to figure out the whole resume thing, you probably have plenty of questions. 

This guide has your back, answering your biggest questions and some you didn’t even know to ask. 

We’ll cover: 

• What to include (and skip) in a US resume. 
• How to create the perfect US resume step by step. 
• How to navigate the cultural quirks of job hunting in the US without pulling your hair out. 

The Ideal US Resume Example

See below for a professional US resume example with detailed notes on what each section should include and tips on how to personalize it for your own experience. 

What to Include and Avoid on a US Resume

Here’s a summary of what to include and avoid when creating a US resume:

• Include your contact details and any relevant social media links, but avoid unnecessary personal details such as your name and marital status. 
• Either provide a concise overview of your career using a summary section or a succinct objective statement showcasing your career goals. 
• Skip adding photos, references, and first-person language (I, we, you) on a resume.
• Add your work experience and educational qualifications from university.
• Provide an organized list of key skills in the skills section. 
• Don’t overdo designs — keep it simple, clean, and professional.

A resume for the US job market needs to be concise, focused on your accomplishments, and customized for the specific role. To stand out, make sure your application aligns with local expectations and steer clear of common resume mistakes. 

How to Format a US Resume 

The best US resume format is simple and minimal. It’s a formal document, so it should be neat, easy to read, and straight to the point.

This is how to format a US resume: 

• Start with your name and contact details at the top, then use clear section titles to make every resume section clear.
• Aside from your contact information, the core US resume sections include a professional summary or objective, work history, education, and skills. 
• Add extra sections like volunteer work, projects, and awards if relevant to the role and job description. 
• The most popular and standard layout is the reverse chronological resume, meaning you list your most recent job first and go backward. If you’re new to the job market, put your education section before your work experience and highlight any relevant coursework or academic achievements. 
• Go for professional, easy-to-read fonts like Arial or Calibri, with body text at 10–12 pt and headings at 14–16 pt. 
• Use single or 1.15 spacing with one-inch margins all around. 
• Stick to one-page resumes, but if you’ve got tons of relevant experience or achievements, go for a two-page resume. 
• Save your resume as a PDF to preserve its formatting and always proofread for typos or grammatical errors. 

For more formatting tips, check out our guide on The Best Resume Format. 

How to Create a US Resume Step-by-Step 

In short: start with contact details, including your name, phone, email, location, and LinkedIn profile. Write a concise objective or summary highlighting your skills, achievements, and goals. Detail your relevant work experience with action verbs and quantifiable results, and list your education, including honors and relevant coursework. Include a mix of hard and soft skills, focusing on those that match the job. Add extra sections like languages, projects, or awards, and always tailor your resume for each job by including key phrases from the job description for the best results. 

1. Start with your contact information

Your resume header should make it easy for recruiters to spot your contact details. 

• Put your full name in a bold, larger font — around 20–24 pt. 
• Add your phone number and a professional email address. Double-check it’s appropriate (no embarrassing email handles). 
• Include your city, state, and zip code (no street address). 
• Throw in an updated LinkedIn profile (don’t have one? Read about How to Make a Good LinkedIn Profile) or a professional portfolio (especially for creative or specialized roles). 

For more advice, explore our Resume Header Best Practices. 

2. Write a professional objective or summary 

Your resume objective or summary is the first thing recruiters see, so it’s your chance to pique their interest and make them want to learn more about you. 

Aim for two or three sentences that showcase your most relevant skills, experiences, and goals. Include measurable achievements (if you’ve got some), like “increased revenue by 20” or “managed a team of 15.” Tailor this section to the job you’re applying for by using keywords from the job description. 

If you’re new or changing careers, go for a resume objective. 

• Highlight transferable skills from other roles. 
• Throw in certifications or relevant training. 
• Show your enthusiasm to learn and contribute to the company. 

Here’s an example of an objective for a US resume: 

Motivated marketing graduate skilled in social media management, copywriting, and SEO optimization, with internship experience driving a 30% engagement increase. Eager to bring creativity and analytical skills to [Company Name] while growing in the marketing field. 

If you’re a seasoned professional, opt for a resume summary. 

• Emphasize your top skills and key achievements. 
• Mention your years of experience and industry expertise. 
• Talk about how you’ll add value to the company. 

Here’s a sample summary for a US resume: 

Results-driven sales manager with 7+ years of experience leading high-performing teams and exceeding revenue targets by up to 20%. Excited to bring leadership, strategic planning, and client relationship skills to [Company Name] to boost sales growth and team success. 

A well-crafted summary or objective sets the stage for the rest of your resume. If you need help writing yours, use our AI Resume Summary Generator. 

3. Detail your work experience 

Your work experience section is your career’s highlight reel — a chance to showcase your most relevant accomplishments and skills. If you’re applying from abroad, it’s even more crucial to make a strong impression since hiring international talent usually involves extra steps. 

• Begin with your most recent job and list your title, company, location, and employment dates. 
• Under each role, add 3–8 resume bullet points focusing on your responsibilities and achievements. 
• Start each bullet point with action verbs like “designed,” “coordinated,” and “implemented,” and customize your points to match the job description. 
• Use numbers to back up your achievements — data makes your impact clear. For example, “managed a team of 12, increasing productivity by 15%.” 
• Stick to roles from the last 10–15 years of your work history, prioritizing those that align with the position you’re after. (For more info, read: How Far Back Should a Resume Go?)
• No formal experience? Highlight internships, volunteer work, or any professional roles or projects. Emphasize transferable skills, like “Coordinated logistics for weekly food drives, ensuring smooth operations and on-time delivery.” Employers value what you can do, not just where you’ve worked. 

Here’s an example of a work history section for a US resume: 

Administrative Assistant
Bright Horizons Corporation, Chicago, IL
April 2017–Present
• Organized and maintained schedules for five executives, reducing scheduling conflicts by 30%.
• Streamlined office operations by implementing a new filing system, increasing efficiency by 20%.
• Coordinated travel arrangements for team members, ensuring cost savings of up to $5,000 annually.
• Prepared detailed reports and presentations, improving team productivity and decision-making.

Office Coordinator
Summit Legal Services, Atlanta, GA
August 2013–March 2017
• Managed client records and correspondence, ensuring a 100% accuracy rate in case documentation.
• Supervised office supply inventory and vendor negotiations, reducing supply costs by 15%.
• Assisted in onboarding new hires, improving employee integration and satisfaction scores.
• Scheduled and facilitated team meetings, maintaining a 95% on-time start rate.

Receptionist
City Medical Group, Miami, FL
January 2011–July 2013 
• Greeted and assisted up to 50 patients daily, providing excellent customer service and resolving issues efficiently.
• Handled multi-line phone systems, routing calls to appropriate departments and reducing wait times by 25%.
• Maintained confidential patient records in compliance with HIPAA regulations.
• Coordinated appointments, achieving a 10% increase in daily scheduling accuracy.

If you’re struggling to come up with bullet points, you can use Rezi AI Bullet Point Writer to generate sentences tailored to your background and target role. Alternatively, use Rezi AI Bullet Point Editor to rewrite existing sentences based on the best resume writing practices. 

4. Add your educational qualifications 

The education section on a resume should show how your studies set you up for success in the job you’re applying for. 

• Start with your highest level of education. Mention the degree, institution, location, and graduation year if you’ve graduated within the last ten years (or expected date if you’re still studying). 
• If you’ve earned a university degree, skip the high school details. 
• Highlight any honors like scholarships, Magna Cum Laude, or Dean’s List. 
• If you’re light on work experience, talk about classes or relevant coursework that align with the job, like “Public Speaking 101” or “Business Communication Foundation”. 
• If your degree title or grading system is specific to your country, avoid using abbreviations or unfamiliar terms. Describe your qualifications in terms that US employers can understand. 
• Add your GPA if it’s above 3.5 and when you’re a recent graduate. 
• Add certificates if you’ve earned any during your time as a student, but if you have multiple, you can add a dedicated “Certifications” section to list them. Make sure they’re recognized in the US and note if they require renewal. Some examples include First Aid & CPR, Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals, and HubSpot Content Marketing Certification. 

Here’s a sample of an education section for a US resume: 

Education

Master of Science in International Business
University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain | Graduated May 2023 
• Relevant Coursework: Global Marketing Strategy, International Finance, Cross-Cultural Management, Business Ethics 
• Capstone Project: “Expanding European Startups into the US Market” 
Bachelor of Arts in Economics
‍University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain | Graduated May 2020
• Matrícula de Honor (Highest Honors, awarded for top academic performance in specific courses) 
• Relevant Coursework: Microeconomics, Econometrics, International Trade, Business Law
• Senior Thesis: “The Impact of Tariffs on EU–US Trade Relations” 

Certifications
‍
• Project Management Professional (PMP) 
Project Management Institute (PMI) | Completed March 2023 (Renewal due in 2026)
‍• Digital Marketing Fundamentals
‍Google Digital Academy | Completed January 2022

5. List your hard and soft skills 

A strong mix of hard and soft skills shows employers you’re technically capable and a great team player. List these in the skills section, but make sure you’ve also provided examples of how you’ve used them in the work experience section. For instance, leading a team to finish a project ahead of schedule demonstrates leadership, teamwork, and time management. 

Focus on skills that match the job description to get past the company’s hiring software and grab the recruiter’s attention. 

Hard skills on a resume are the technical abilities gained through training or experience. They’re job-specific, measurable, and prove you can get the work done. 

Hard skills for US resumes: 

• Data entry 
• Research 
• Microsoft Excel (Advanced) 
• Accounting (QuickBooks, Excel for finance) 
• Technical writing 
• Supply chain management 
• Graphic design (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator) 
• Data analysis 
• Coding languages (Python, Java, SQL) 
• CRM software (Salesforce, HubSpot) 
• Digital marketing (SEO, SEM) 
• Web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) 
• Social media management 

Soft skills on a resume reflect how you interact with others and adapt to challenges. They’re equally important because they show employers you’ll fit in with the team and thrive in the workplace. 

Soft skills for US resumes: 

• Communication 
• Teamwork 
• Problem-solving 
• Leadership 
• Adaptability 
• Critical thinking 
• Creativity 
• Time management 
• Conflict resolution 
• Decision-making 
• Initiative 
• Attention to detail 
• Organization 
• Multitasking 
• Customer service 

For more tips, check out The Best Skills to Put on a Resume. 

6. Extra sections 

Adding extra sections to your resume can give it a little personality and help you stand out — but only if relevant. These typically go after the work experience section, with the skills section placed last.

• Languages. Being multilingual is a big plus, especially for roles in international companies or customer-facing jobs. List your proficiency level (native, fluent, intermediate, or basic). 
• Projects. Highlight any standout projects, especially those that demonstrate relevant expertise. Share what you accomplished, your role, and the impact of your skills. 
• Volunteering. Volunteer work shows you’re proactive and ready to take on responsibility. Emphasize leadership roles or transferable skills you picked up along the way. 
• Professional affiliations. Mention if you’re part of any professional organizations, as it shows you’re committed to your industry. Include the name of the organization or community, your role, how long you’ve been involved, and mention any notable contributions. 
• Awards and honors. Show off your achievements through scholarships, workplace awards, or industry recognition. 
• Hobbies and interests. If you’re applying to your first job and have no professional experience, relevant hobbies may show useful skills. Think photography (creativity), sports (teamwork), or coding (technical ability). 

7. Tailor your resume to the job description

Customizing your resume for each job is essential. Employers want to know you’ve read the job description and that you’re the perfect fit for their team. 

• Start with the job description. Look for key skills, qualifications, and phrases. These keywords tell you exactly what hiring managers are looking for. 
• Use keywords naturally. Sprinkle those key phrases throughout your resume where they make sense. This boosts your chances of getting past resume scanners and catching the hiring manager’s eye. 
• Make your experience count. Focus on work history and achievements that relate directly to the job. For example, if the role emphasizes customer service, prioritize relevant customer service roles, skills, and accomplishments. 
• Polish your summary or objective. Adjust it to highlight your most relevant skills and wins. Clarify that you meet specific company requirements.
• Refine your skills section. Only list skills you can prove. Your list should also align with the role. 
• Keep projects on point. Include relevant portfolios or projects. 

Tailoring your resume takes a little extra effort, but it’s worth it. A personalized resume not only shows you’ve done your homework, but it indicates that you’re the perfect fit and serious about the role. 

If you need help customizing your resume, Rezi AI Keyword Targeting can help by automatically scanning the job description and providing you with a list of resume keywords to include. 

What to Expect in the US Hiring Process 

In short: the US hiring process typically involves tailored applications, ATS screenings, interviews, background checks, and often salary negotiations. 

Your resume is polished and ready to go, and you’ve confirmed your eligibility to work in the US (if you haven’t, check the requirements at USCIS). Understanding the key steps of the hiring process can make the journey feel less overwhelming and help you feel more confident as you go through it. 

Job search and application 

Start by browsing job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, or company websites. For federal roles, USAJOBS is the go-to platform. Job postings usually outline what you need to submit — typically a resume, sometimes a cover letter. 

US companies often require online applications where you’ll fill out a form and upload your documents. To stay organized, keep track of your applications in a spreadsheet or notes app, logging job titles, companies, dates, and follow-ups. 

Screening 

After you hit submit, your resume will likely go through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) before reaching a recruiter. An ATS will scan your resume to determine if you qualify as a suitable candidate. To get past the ATS, match your resume to the job description by mentioning the same keywords, phrases, and qualifications. If shortlisted, expect a phone or video screening to discuss your qualifications and availability. 

Interviews 

It’s showtime. The first interview is often a phone interview or virtual chat, followed by in-person or panel interviews. Research the company’s history, values, and culture to ensure they’re a good fit for you too. Be ready to talk about your skills, experience, and how you’d add value. Practice answers to common interview questions, like “tell me about a time you solved a problem with a team.” 

Some roles may include tests, case studies, or technical assignments to evaluate your skills. 

Background checks and references 

Heads up — most employers will run background checks and contact your references. Make sure you’ve got their up-to-date contact details and they can vouch for your skills and work ethic. Some companies might also verify your education or review your social media profiles, so check that your online presence aligns with your application. 

Side note: it’s not necessary to include references on a resume, but you should be prepared to provide a written list upon request.

Job offer 

If all goes well, you’ll get a job offer, usually with a verbal confirmation, followed by a formal written offer with salary, benefits, and start date. Negotiating salary, vacation time, or perks is normal in the US — just keep it polite and professional. It might feel awkward, but it’s worth advocating for what you deserve. 

Cultural tips for job hunting in the US 

• Be on time. Punctuality leaves a great first impression at interviews and meetings. 
• Follow-up. Send a quick thank-you email after an interview to show appreciation and enthusiasm for the role. 
• Network. Build connections on LinkedIn or attend industry events — it’s a key part of job hunting in the US. 
• Stay engaged. Ask thoughtful questions during interviews, showing interest in the company and role. 
• Talk salary. When negotiating your job offer, it’s perfectly okay to discuss pay expectations — be confident when talking about it. 

Summary

Here’s a recap of the most important points to remember when making a US resume: 

• Use American English spelling (“color” instead of “colour”) and avoid spelling mistakes. 
• Leave out personal details like age, gender, marital status, religion, or ethnicity. 
• Avoid including a photo, references, or visa status unless required. 
• Provide your full name, phone number, email, city, and state (no street address). 
• Write a concise objective or summary highlighting key skills, achievements, and goals tailored to the job. 
• List jobs in reverse chronological order, emphasizing accomplishments with measurable results. 
• Mention academic qualifications and educational credentials.
• Highlight hard and soft skills relevant to the job, focusing on those that match the job description. 
• Limit the resume to one page (two pages for extensive experience). 
• Use a clean, simple format with professional fonts and avoid graphics or fancy formatting that may confuse Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). 
• Customize your resume for each application by using keywords from the job description.

FAQ 

What are the best things to write about on an American resume? 

Focus on what matters most for the job — your experience, skills, and achievements. Start with a strong summary or objective, then use your work experience to show your impact, backed up by numbers. Include your education, certifications, key technical and soft skills, plus any volunteer work or projects that show you’re a great fit. 

Should I use the usajobs resume builder for an American resume?

Yes, you can definitely use the USAJobs resume builder for federal job applications. It’s designed to meet the specific requirements of federal resumes. But for private-sector roles, skip it — tools like our AI Resume Builder are more suited. 

What is an ATS-friendly American resume?

An ATS-friendly resume is one that’s optimized to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems, which employers use to filter resumes. These systems scan resumes to see whether you meet their essential job description criteria and hiring standards. To ensure your resume passes, use simple formatting, avoid graphics or tables, and include job-specific keywords. 

How is an American resume different from a British CV?

The structure and content of American resumes and British CVs are quite similar, but there are a few key differences. US resumes use American English and the imperial system, while British CVs follow British English spelling and often the metric system. Education grading also varies: 

• A GPA of 3.7–4.0 is equivalent to a First Class (1st) in the UK. 
• A GPA of 3.3–3.6 is an Upper Second Class (2:1). 
• A GPA of 2.7–3.2 is a Lower Second Class (2:2). 
• A GPA of 2.0–2.6 is a Third Class (3rd). 

How do I Americanize my resume?

Remove unnecessary personal details like your photo, marital status, or age. Add your US phone number and address if you have one. Use American spelling (“organize” instead of “organise”) and convert your educational details to the US equivalents. 

Is there a difference between American resumes and American CVs?

Yes — in the US, a resume is short and focused (one or two pages), highlighting your experience and skills for a specific job. A CV is much longer, often used in academia or research, and includes a full career history, publications, and awards. 

How far back should a resume go? 

Generally, no further than 10–15 years of relevant experience is ideal. If you’ve been working for a while, only highlight the most important roles. For entry-level jobs, just focus on your recent experience — it’s perfectly fine to have a one-page resume. 

Should I put US citizen on my resume? 

No need, unless the job specifically asks you to mention US citizenship or work authorization (like government roles) on your resume. Most employers assume you’re a US citizen, so focus on showcasing your skills and experience. 

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