A strong US resume is concise, easy to scan and tailored to the job you want. Employers typically spend only a short time on the first review, so every section should quickly show relevant skills, achievements and experience.

Resume or CV?

For most private-sector jobs in the United States, employers ask for a resume rather than a full curriculum vitae. A CV is generally used for academic, research and some medical roles. Follow the wording in the job advertisement.

Use a familiar US resume structure

• Name and contact details
• Professional summary
• Relevant skills
• Professional experience
• Education and certifications

Place your most relevant information near the top. Unless a longer document is justified by extensive experience, aim for one or two pages. Do not include a photograph, age, marital status or other personal details that are not relevant to the role.

Match the language in the job posting

Applicant tracking systems and recruiters look for role-specific language. Identify the tools, qualifications and responsibilities repeated in the posting, then use the same accurate terms where they genuinely match your experience. Write naturally and never claim skills you do not have.

Turn duties into measurable achievements

Strong experience statements explain action and impact. Instead of “Responsible for customer service,” write “Resolved 30+ customer enquiries daily while maintaining a 96% satisfaction score.” Useful evidence includes revenue, time saved, team size, volume, quality, safety and customer outcomes.

Use US spelling and formatting

Use American English when applying to US employers. Keep dates, punctuation and headings consistent throughout the document. Use a professional email address, include your city and state if useful, and check that your phone number includes the correct country or area code.

Keep the design readable and ATS-friendly

Choose clear headings, comfortable spacing and an easy-to-read font. Avoid putting essential details in decorative graphics. Save your resume as PDF unless the employer requests DOCX, and use a descriptive filename such as Firstname-Lastname-Resume.pdf.

Final US resume checklist

• Tailored to one target role
• Uses accurate keywords from the advertisement
• Includes achievement-focused bullet points
• Contains no spelling or grammar errors
• Displays correctly on desktop and mobile

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