How to Write a US Resume: The Complete Guide

A US resume follows specific conventions that differ from CVs used in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East — and even from Canadian and Australian resumes. Getting the format right is important because many larger US employers use applicant tracking and recruiting systems. A simple, text-based resume helps those systems and recruiters find the evidence they need without assuming that any single ATS uses one universal scoring method.

Resume vs CV — the US distinction

In the United States, "resume" and "CV" are not interchangeable terms — unlike in much of the rest of the world. A resume is a concise, targeted 1–2 page document for most professional positions. A CV (curriculum vitae) is a comprehensive academic document used exclusively for academic, research, medical, and some government positions — listing every publication, grant, presentation, and appointment. Using "CV" when you mean "resume" signals unfamiliarity with American job market norms.

US resume format — the non-negotiables

What NOT to include on a US resume

US anti-discrimination law (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act) protects candidates from hiring decisions based on protected characteristics. Providing this information on your resume is unnecessary and potentially counterproductive:

• Photo — never
• Date of birth or age
• Marital status, gender, religion, or race
• Social Security Number — never on a resume
• Nationality or country of birth (work authorisation status is different — see below)
• Full home address — city and state only is standard and preferred for privacy

Include: Name, city and state (e.g. "Austin, TX"), phone, professional email, LinkedIn URL, and GitHub or portfolio URL for technical roles. If not a US citizen or permanent resident, include work authorisation status: "Authorized to work in the US (H-1B, valid through 2028)" or "Requires H-1B sponsorship."

US resume section by section

1. Header

Full name (larger font). City, State | Phone | Professional email | LinkedIn | GitHub/Portfolio (for tech roles).

2. Resume summary (2–4 lines)

Not an "objective statement" (outdated). A tightly written professional summary stating your role, years of relevant experience, strongest quantified achievement, and what you bring. Tailor for every application.

"CPA-licensed Financial Manager with 9 years in US healthcare and retail. Specializing in FP&A, management reporting, and ERP implementation. Reduced monthly close cycle from 14 days to 4 days via Oracle Cloud Financials implementation. Targeting a Controller or VP Finance role in a growth-stage healthcare organization."

3. Core competencies / Skills (6–12 keywords)

Use important vacancy terminology where it truthfully describes your experience. Some recruiter-search workflows use keyword matching, but natural synonyms and readable context still matter.

4. Work experience (reverse-chronological)

Company name, location (City, State), job title, dates (Month YYYY – Present). One-line scope sentence. Then use concise evidence-led bullets. Include USD amounts, percentages or measured outcomes only where genuine figures exist; otherwise use a specific factual description.

5. Education

Institution, degree, major, graduation year. GPA if above 3.5 and graduated within the last 5 years. Omit high school once you have a college degree.

6. Certifications and licenses

CPA (state license), PE (state license), PMP, AWS, Google Cloud, Salesforce, etc. Include issuing body and year.

7. References

"References available upon request" or omit entirely. Never include referee details on the resume.

Sources: BLS Employment Situation July 2026 (bls.gov); Forbes — Resume Format 2026 (August 2026); Robert Half 2026 Salary Guide; Merit America Resume Tips 2026; ResumeVera US Resume Format Guide (2026)