The US resume format, with a free builder
Employers in the United States expect a Letter-size resume with no photo and no personal details. This page covers what to include, then hands you the templates to write it in.
The US resume format at a glance
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
- Anything you would not want to be asked about in the interview
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. It is the standard size in North America, and an A4 page prints with the wrong margins.
How long should a US resume be?
One page early in a career, two for most people. Recruiters skim, so cut anything that does not support the application.
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.
