Résumé format guide
How to write a résumé for the US
US recruiters skim fast and expect a tight, achievement-led résumé. Personal details that could reveal age, family status or origin are left out entirely, and most applications pass through an ATS first — so a single-column layout with standard headings matters.
At a glance
- Called
- Résumé
- Length
- 1 page (up to 2 if senior)
- Paper
- US Letter (8.5 × 11 in)
- Photo
- Leave it out
- Date of birth, marital status
- Never include
- Spelling
- American English (optimize, color)
- Languages
- Plain level (native, fluent, professional)
The rules recruiters in the US expect
- One page if you have under ~10 years of experience; two at most.
- No photo, age, date of birth, marital status or nationality — anti-discrimination rules mean many recruiters discard résumés that include them.
- US Letter paper (8.5 × 11 in) and US spelling (optimize, color, analyze).
- Lead bullets with an action verb and a measurable result.
- Skip “References available upon request” — it’s assumed.
Leave these out
- Photo
- Date of birth or age
- Marital status or children
- Nationality or religion
- “References available upon request”
Applying from abroad?
Recruiters’ first question is whether you can legally work there. Answer it on the first page — for example “Authorized to work in the US” or “Requires H-1B sponsorship”. Write your phone number with the country code, and put your target city in your location (“Relocating to New York”).
Check your résumé against the rules for the US
Free ATS check with local conventions — spelling, personal details, length and keywords.
FAQ
Should I put a photo on my résumé in the US?
No. In the US, photos are generally left out to avoid discrimination concerns, and some recruiters discard résumés that include one.
How long should a résumé be in the US?
1 page for most candidates; up to 2 if you have 10+ years of relevant experience.
How do I show my work status as an international applicant?
Add one clear line near the top, for example "Authorized to work in the US" or "Requires H-1B sponsorship". It answers the recruiter’s first screening question before they have to ask.
Should I use US or UK spelling?
American spelling (optimize, organization, color) — and be consistent throughout.