The US resume format, with a free builder
Start with Letter paper, no photo and no birth date or nationality. These are suggested defaults for applications in the United States, not requirements for every employer. Follow the job posting and adjust the template as needed.
The US resume format at a glance
Letter paper, usually one or two pages. US resumes normally omit a photo, age, marital status and nationality; focus on relevant achievements.
Paper
Letter
Photo
No photo
Personal details
No date of birth or nationality
Length
One page, or two when they earn their place
- A short summary, then your work history with dates, most recent first
- The skills that match the posting, near the top where they are read
- Results with numbers: how much, how many, how fast
- Education and certifications, as far as they serve the role
- Date of birth, marital status and nationality
- A photo — employers in the United States do not expect one
- Salary expectations, reasons for leaving and references
- Information unrelated to the role; describe your experience accurately
Templates that follow the US resume format
Letter paper, no photo and quiet type: these designs are ordered for applications in the United States.
US resume questions
Does a US resume need a photo?
No. Photos are left off a US resume to avoid discrimination. Add one only if an employer asks for it.
What paper size is a US resume printed on?
Letter is the suggested starting size for this market. Follow any format requested by the employer. When printing, match the PDF and printer paper sizes to avoid scaling or clipping.
How long should a US resume be?
For many non-academic roles, one or two focused pages work well. Academic CVs and some applications need different lengths; follow the posting.
Which language should a US resume be written in?
English or Spanish. Follow the language of the job posting — it is the one the people reading you work in.
Ready to make your next application?
Open a template and start typing. The first PDF is free, and so are the ones after it.
