US Resume Format: Tips and Examples for 2024

A well-crafted US resume isn't just a formality—it's your ticket to standing out and landing that coveted position. Just listing job duties won't make you memorable; you need to spotlight your specific achievements, demonstrate your impact, and quantify your successes. Understanding the intricacies of the US resume format can set you apart, whether you're an experienced pro or just getting started.

Below you'll learn the essential elements of a US resume and how to craft each section with precision You'll also find great examples to help you create a standout resume.

Looking to create a US resume? Teal's free resume maker was built to do just that. Try it today!

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Understanding the US resume format

Creating a resume tailored to the US job market involves understanding some key elements that distinguish it from other international formats.

Here are the primary characteristics:

• Concise and focused: US resumes are usually 1-3 pages long.
• Achievement-oriented content: Highlighting accomplishments is essential.
• Professional layout: A clean and professional appearance is preferred.
• Reverse chronological format: Work experience is most commonly listed from most recent to least recent in reverse chronological order.
• Relevant skills and accomplishments: Emphasis is placed on skills and achievements pertinent to the job.

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Standard sections in a US resume

A typical US resume includes the following sections:

1. Contact Information
2. Target Title
3. Professional Summary
4. Work Experience
5. Education
6. Certifications
7. Skills
8. Optional Sections (e.g., projects, awards and scholarships, volunteer work, leadership roles, publications)

If you're a recent graduate, you can include your academic background with details on degrees earned, institutions attended, and relevant coursework, if applicable. An expansive version of an Education section is more common in other formats like in CV Education sections.

Pro Tip: Unlike some resume builders, every section you need for a complete, comprehensive US resume is part of Teal's platform (along with built-in, step-by-step guidance so you know exactly what you need in each one).

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How to create a US resume

Crafting a standout resume is crucial for capturing the attention of hiring managers in the US job market. Here are some key tips to help you create a resume that highlights your strengths and sets you apart from other candidates.

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1. Choose the right resume format

Selecting the appropriate resume formatting is crucial for effectively showcasing your qualifications. The three main types are:

• Chronological (most common)
• Functional (skills-based)
• Combination (hybrid of chronological and functional)

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When to use each format:

• Chronological: Ideal for those with a consistent work history in a particular field. This is the most popular resume format and highlights your career progression (and is preferred by most US hiring managers and recruiters).
• Functional: Best for career changers or individuals with gaps in their employment history. It focuses on your skills and accomplishments rather than the timeline of your work experience.
• Combination: A hybrid resume format blends chronological and functional elements. Perfect for industries that focus heavily on tools and tech as well as work experience (like SaaS), allowing you to highlight relevant skills alongside your work history.

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2.  Opt for a clean design

The visual presentation of your resume is important. A cluttered resume can draw attention away from your achievements and skills.

Follow these design guidelines for good readability:

• Use a clean, professional font (e.g., Poppins, Roboto, Open Sans)
• Set font size between 10-12 points for body text
• Use 0.5 to 1-inch margins
• Incorporate white space for readability
• Use bullet points for easy scanning
• Stick to a consistent formatting style throughout

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Leverage resume templates

Using a resume template can save time and ensure a professional look.

• Benefits of using templates: Templates offer consistency, professional design, and compatibility with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
• How to customize templates to stand out: Personalize templates by adjusting colors, fonts, and layout to reflect your personal brand while keeping it professional.
• Recommended resources for professional templates: Many online platforms provide customizable templates (like Teal's ATS-friendly resume templates) that adhere to US resume standards.

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3.  Include an accurate Contact section

Your Contact section is the first thing employers see, it's also how they reach you to schedule an interview. Because of this, these details should be up-to-date and accurate.

Your Contact section should include:

• Full name
• Professional email address
• Phone number
• Location (city and state)
• LinkedIn profile URL (optional)
• Personal website or portfolio (if relevant)

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Tips for a professional Contact section

• Avoid using nicknames
• Use a professional email format (e.g., [email protected])
• Ensure all information is up-to-date and accurate

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4. Add a target title

Your target title isn't about stating your last job title. It's about showing you understand the job you're applying for.

Your Target Title section should be tailored to each specific job application, meaning it may change for every job.

One of the first things a recruiter searches for in the ATS is the name of the position they're trying to fill. Including a target title that matches this makes it easier for them to find your resume.

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5. Write a strong professional summary

A strong resume summary can grab the attention of a hiring manager and encourage them to read the rest of your resume.

Here’s how to craft an effective summary:

• 3-4 sentences highlighting your key qualifications
• Tailor to the specific job you’re applying for
• Include years of experience, key skills, and most notable achievements
• Use strong action verbs and job-specific keywords

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6. Showcase relevant work experience

After your professional summary, you'll incorporate your Work Experience section. Your work history is the heartbeat of your resume. It’s where you make your case and show potential employers what you’re truly capable of.

Here’s how to present it in the most compelling way:

• List jobs in reverse chronological order
• Include company name, job title, dates of employment, and location
• Use 3-5 bullet points per role to highlight key resume achievements that align with the job you're applying for
• Start with strong action verbs (e.g., "Spearheaded," "Implemented," "Optimized")
• Use the PAR (Problem-Action-Result) method to structure your achievements
• Focus on quantifiable results and specific accomplishments
• Incorporate keywords that are relevant to the job

For example:

"Implemented a new customer service protocol, reducing response times by 30% and increasing customer satisfaction scores from 85% to 95%."

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7. Include education

Your Education section provides context for your qualifications and can be especially important for recent graduates or those with limited work experience. Here’s how to present it effectively:

• Degrees listed in reverse chronological order
• Institution name, degree earned, and graduation date
• Relevant coursework, academic achievements, or GPA if impressive (3.5 or higher) if you're a recent graduate

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Education section for recent graduates

• Place education before work experience if you're a recent graduate or have limited professional experience
• Include relevant projects, thesis work, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate skills applicable to the job
• Highlight academic honors, scholarships, or leadership roles in student organizations

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8. Certifications

Certifications help you further align your credentials with the qualifications employers are looking for.

Here are best practices for including certifications in your resume to demonstrate your expertise:

1. Keep it relevant: List certifications that are pertinent to the job you’re applying for to show you have the specific skills and knowledge required.
2. Provide details: Include the name of the certification, the certifying body, and the date obtained.
3. Use a consistent format: Make sure your certification entries follow a consistent format to maintain a professional appearance.
4. Prioritize recent and advanced certifications: Highlight the most recent and advanced certifications at the top of this section to emphasize your current qualifications.

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9. Showcase your skills

A well-crafted Skills section can set you apart from other candidates. Tailor your skills list to the job requirements, emphasizing those most relevant to the position.

While a Skills section is valuable for showcasing your hard skills, it's also important to sprinkle them throughout your resume (alongside soft skills) to show how you achieved impact.

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10. Add optional sections to stand out

Including optional sections can improve your resume and make you stand out in a crowded field. If any of these are relevant to the position you're applying for and add value to your US resume, consider adding sections for:

1. Projects
2. Awards and Scholarships
3. Volunteer work
4. Leadership roles
5. Publications

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Tailoring your US resume for each application

One of the most important aspects of a US resume is customizing it for the job you're applying to. A tailored resume shows you have the skills and qualifications for a specific job. Incorporating the right information also helps your resume get found by recruiters searching the ATS for specific experience.

Follow these steps to ensure your resume resonates with each job application:

1. Analyze the job description
   • Identify key requirements and qualifications
   • Extract relevant keywords and phrases
2. Customize your resume content
   • Adjust your professional summary to align with the role
   • Highlight relevant achievements (with impact) in your work experience
   • Emphasize skills that match the language of the job requirements
3. Compare your resume to the JD
   • Use Teal's Match Score feature to compare your resume against the job description.
   • Improve your alignment by following the keyword suggestions

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Common mistakes to avoid in US resumes

While highlighting your skills and experience is important, it's equally essential to avoid common mistakes that can detract from your application.

To ensure your resume makes a strong impression, steer clear of these pitfalls:

• Including personal information (e.g., age, marital status, photo)
• Using a resume objective statement
• Including references or "References available upon request"
• Listing every job you've ever had
• Using passive language or clichés
• Neglecting to proofread for errors

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US resume examples for different career stages

Entry-level US resume template

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Mid-career professional US resume sample

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Executive-level US resume example

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Optimizing your US resume for 2024 job market trends

The job market is evolving, and staying ahead of the curve is crucial. Here’s how to tailor your resume for 2024’s trends to stand out:

Incorporate remote work experience

As remote work becomes more prevalent:

• Highlight virtual collaboration skills
• Demonstrate adaptability and self-motivation
• Showcase achievements in remote or hybrid work environments

Example: "Led a remote team of 10, increasing productivity by 20% through effective virtual communication and project management."

Emphasize digital literacy and tech skills

In an increasingly digital workplace job seekers like you can focus on:

• Showcase proficiency in relevant software and tools
• Highlight experience with digital transformation initiatives
• Demonstrate ability to learn and adapt to new technologies quickly

Example: "Implemented a new CRM system, resulting in a 25% increase in sales efficiency."

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Best practices for a winning US resume

Creating a good US resume involves some guidelines to ensure it aligns with modern standards. A well-crafted US resume connects your previous experience to the job you're applying for in a clean format that hiring managers and recruiters are familiar with.

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Here are a few tips to consider:

1. Use a concise, achievement-oriented format: Highlight specific accomplishments and results to show your value prop clearly.
2. Customize your resume for each application: Tailor your resume to emphasize relevant skills and accomplishments that match the job posting, showing your right fit for the role.
3. Maintain a clean and professional design: Ensure your resume is well-organized, with clear headings and bullet points, using a professional font to make it easy to read.
4. Use strong action verbs: Start bullet points with action verbs to convey your contributions and impact effectively.
5. Incorporate relevant keywords: Include industry-specific keywords and phrases from the job description so recruiters are able to find your resume when searching the ATS.
6. Keep your resume up-to-date: Regularly update your resume with recent achievements, skills, and experiences to ensure it accurately reflects your qualifications (and so you're never left scrambling when you find an opportunity).

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Create a US resume with Teal

Building a standout US resume is key to making a strong first impression. By following best practices—like focusing on concise, achievement-oriented content, tailoring your resume for each job application, and maintaining a clean, professional layout—you can effectively showcase your qualifications and increase your chances of landing an interview.

Teal’s Resume Builder is designed to help you create a US resume that aligns with these standards. With a comprehensive selection of sections, built-in guidance to help you every step of the way, and tools like Match Scoring to ensure your resume aligns with each job you apply for, Teal can help you build your resume seamlessly.