How to write a resume for US jobs
US hiring has its own unwritten rules — length, formatting, what to leave off entirely. Get them wrong and applicant-tracking software filters you out before a recruiter ever opens the file. Here's what US employers actually expect.
What US employers expect
One page, almost always
One page for most candidates, up to two only for senior roles with genuinely relevant history. Recruiters spend seconds on a first pass — length works against you, not for you.
No photo, no personal details
No photo, age, marital status, or date of birth. US hiring law generally prohibits considering these — including them can actually raise flags with cautious employers.
Reverse-chronological, always
Most recent role first. US recruiters expect this ordering by default; anything else reads as trying to hide a gap or a step down.
Bullets with numbers, not task lists
“Managed social media” says nothing. “Grew Instagram following 40% in 6 months, driving a 15% lift in inbound leads” gets shortlisted. Quantify wherever the underlying result is real.
Built for ATS, not just human eyes
Standard section headers (Experience, Education, Skills), no tables, no text boxes, no graphics-dependent layouts. Applicant-tracking software has to parse the text correctly before a human ever sees it.
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Frequently asked questions
Should a US resume be one page or two?
One page for most candidates, especially under 10 years of experience. Two pages is acceptable for senior or executive roles with genuinely relevant history to show — never pad a one-page resume to two just to fill space.
Do I need a photo on a US resume?
No — leave it out. US employers generally cannot consider age, appearance, or protected characteristics in hiring, so a photo is not expected and can work against you.
What's the difference between a resume and a CV in the US?
In the US, "resume" is the standard term for the 1-2 page document used for most job applications. "CV" (curriculum vitae) is reserved for academic, research, or medical roles and is typically much longer, listing publications and full academic history.
What file format should I submit — PDF or Word?
PDF, unless the job posting specifically asks for Word (some older ATS platforms parse Word more reliably). PDF preserves formatting exactly as you designed it across every device and screen.