3 key takeaways:
- Learn what the US resume format is and what it emphasizes
- Discover which key sections are included in a US or American resume
- Find out how Teal’s AI Resume Builder can help you write a US resume quickly and easily
When applying for jobs in the United States, your resume is your ticket to an interview—and often your only chance to make your case.
The US resume format is typically the best way to apply for American positions, as it matches what local employers typically expect. This format showcases specific achievements and quantifiable results rather than just listing job duties—making it more focused and strategic than a document containing your comprehensive career history.
Below, you'll learn exactly how to create a US-style resume, with detailed guidelines for each section, as well as templates and examples to help you turn your experience into an American resume.
What is the US resume format?
A US resume is a concise, professionally formatted document that highlights your most relevant achievements and skills. It is typically laid out in reverse chronological order. Unlike a federal resume, the US format is typically 1-3 pages long, focuses on quantifiable accomplishments over job duties, and uses a clean, professional layout.
Unlike longer CVs used internationally, this resume format emphasizes achievements that directly relate to the job you're applying for, listing your most recent experience first and highlighting skills and accomplishments that are most pertinent to the position.
How to write a U.S. resume
Creating an effective US resume requires understanding each key component and how they work together. Here's a step-by-step guide to building a resume that matches what American employers expect.
1. Choose your US resume format
Choosing the best resume format for your experience is crucial for effectively showcasing your qualifications. While reverse chronological is the most common type of US resume, there are three main types you can choose from:
- Chronological resume format: Standard format preferred by US employers—best for consistent work history and showing career growth
- Functional resume: Skills-focused format for career changers or large employment gaps
- Combination resume format: Blends both styles to highlight both relevant skills and experience, ideal for technical roles like SaaS that focus on tools and tech
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
3. Add your contact details
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. Here's what you should include:
- Full name
- Professional email address
- Phone number
- Location (city and state)
- LinkedIn profile URL (optional)
- Personal website or portfolio (if relevant)
4. Include 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.
Regardless of resume type, your Target Title section should be tailored to each specific job description, 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.
5. Write a strong professional summary
A strong resume summary can grab the attention of hiring managers and encourage them to read the rest of your resume.
Rather than using a resume objective, here’s how to write a good summary:
- 3-4 sentences highlighting your key qualifications
- Tailor to the specific job you’re applying for
- Include years of experience, key skills, and top achievements
- Use strong action verbs and job-specific keywords
Pro Tip: Not sure which keywords to include? Teal's Job Description Keyword tool pulls all relevant language from every unique job description so you know exactly what to include to make your resume relevant to the role.
6. Showcase relevant work experience
After your professional summary, you'll incorporate your Work Experience section. This is 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 resume format
- Include company name, job title, dates of employment, and location
- Use 3-5 bullet points per role to highlight achievements that are relevant to the job
- 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 (impact) and specific accomplishments
- Incorporate keywords that are relevant to the job
7. Include education
Your educational background 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:
- University degrees listed in reverse chronological order
- Institution name, degree earned, and graduation date
- Relevant coursework, academic achievements, or GPA if impressive (3.8 or higher) if you're a recent graduate
8. Focus on relevant 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:
- 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.
- Provide details: Include the name of the certification, the certifying body, and the date obtained.
- Use a consistent format: Make sure your certification entries follow a consistent format to maintain a professional appearance.
- Prioritize recent and advanced certifications: Highlight the most recent and advanced certifications at the top of this section to emphasize your current qualifications.
9. Showcase your skills
A well-crafted Skills section can set you apart from other candidates. Tailor your relevant skills list to the job requirements, emphasizing those most appropriate for 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.
10. Add optional sections to stand out
Including optional sections can improve your resume and make you stand out. If any of these are relevant to the position you're applying for and add value to your US resume, consider adding sections for:
- Projects
- Awards and Scholarships
- Volunteer work
- Leadership roles
- Publications
Best practices for an American resume format
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.
Here are a few resume tips to consider:
- Use a concise, achievement-oriented format: Highlight specific accomplishments and results to show your value prop clearly.
- 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.
- 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.
- Use strong action verbs: Start bullet points with action verbs to convey your contributions and impact effectively.
- 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.
- 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).
- Skip unnecessary personal details: Keep your resume focused by leaving out personal information (age, marital status, photos), references, or "references available upon request"—none of these are expected in US resumes.
US resume examples
See how these principles come together in real-world examples. Below are sample resumes across different experience levels and industries to help guide your own resume creation.
Example US resume
US resume example
US resume templates
Ready to build your US resume? Job seekers at any stage can start with these templates and customize it with their own experience.
Template US resume
Just replace the bracketed text with your details, following the format and sections below:
[Full Name] [City, State] [Professional Email] [Phone Number] [LinkedIn URL - optional] [Portfolio/Website - if relevant]
[Target Title]
Professional Summary [3-4 sentences highlighting your years of experience, key achievements, and relevant skills that match the job you're applying for]
Work Experience
[Company Name] | [Location] [Job Title] | [Start Date - End Date]
• [Achievement with metrics]
• [Achievement with metrics]
• [Achievement with metrics]
[Previous Company Name] | [Location] [Job Title] | [Start Date - End Date]
• [Achievement with metrics]
• [Achievement with metrics]
• [Achievement with metrics]
Education
[University Name] | [Location] [Degree] | [Graduation Date] [GPA if above 3.8 and recent graduate]
Certifications
[Certification Name] | [Issuing Organization] | [Date]
Skills
[Relevant technical skills] [Relevant soft skills]
Optional section examples (if relevant)
Projects
[Project Name]
• [Brief description and impact]
Awards
[Award Name] | [Date] [Brief description if needed]
US resume template
Here's what a US resume template looks like if you don't have any work experience.
Create a great US resume today
For job seekers, building a standout US resume is key to making a strong first impression in the United States.
By following best practices—like focusing on concise, achievement-oriented content, tailoring your resume for each job application, and maintaining a clean, professional resume layout—you can effectively showcase your qualifications and increase your chances of landing an interview in the United States.
Teal’s Resume Builder is designed to help you create a US resume format that aligns with these standards. With a comprehensive selection of sections, built-in guidance to help you every step of the way, ATS-friendly templates, and a Job Description Keyword Finder, you can ensure your resume aligns with each job you apply for.
