Resume and CV guide for United States

United States employers usually ask for a resume — commonly written as “Resume”. What that document looks like locally differs from the generic advice you will find elsewhere, so the details below describe practice in United States specifically.

At a glance

• Document: Resume (resume)
• Typical length: 1 page (up to 2 for senior roles)
• Date format: MM/DD/YYYY
• Phone format: +1 415 555 0132
• Photo: generally left out
• Page size: US Letter (8.5 × 11 in)
• Most common language of application: en

Length expectations in United States

Keep it to one page unless you have ten or more years of directly relevant experience.

Photos

Leave the photo out. Name, city and contact details are enough, and adding a photo can work against you with larger employers.

Professional summary

Write three or four lines that name your role, your experience level and one or two measurable strengths.

Education

Reverse chronological. Recent graduates may put education above experience; experienced candidates should not.

Work experience

Lead each bullet with a strong verb and finish with a number wherever you genuinely have one.

Format and delivery

US Letter paper, month/day/year dates, and a phone number written with the country code if you are outside the US.

Common sections used in United States

• Summary
• Experience
• Education
• Skills
• Projects
• Certifications
• Volunteer

General career guidance based on common practice — not legal, immigration or hiring compliance advice. Expectations vary by employer, industry and seniority.

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