US Resume Format: Length, Sections and What to Leave Out
American recruiters expect a resume, not a CV: usually one page, focused on results and free of personal details. Here is how to format one, and why a European-style CV can hurt your chances in the US.
Resume or CV? In the US, it matters
In the United States a resume is a short, targeted summary of your experience for a specific job. A CV (curriculum vitae) is a long, complete academic record used for research, teaching and medical positions. Unless you are applying for an academic role, send a resume.
One page or two?
One page is the norm for candidates with under ten years of experience and for most career changers. Two pages are acceptable for senior professionals whose recent experience genuinely needs the room. Recruiters often spend only seconds on a first scan, so a tight page that puts results up front usually beats a longer one.
What to leave out
No photo, date of birth, age, marital status, nationality, religion or gender. US employers avoid this information because federal anti-discrimination law forbids using it in hiring decisions, and many will discard a resume that includes a photo rather than risk an accusation of bias.
You also do not need a full street address: city and state are enough. Leave out "references available upon request", hobbies that say nothing about the job, and an objective statement that only says you want a job.
The sections, and how to write them
Header: name, phone, email, city and state, LinkedIn and (if relevant) a portfolio or GitHub link. Summary: two or three lines on your role, years of experience and strongest skills. Experience: reverse chronological, with job title, company, location and dates, then three to six bullet points.
Each bullet should start with a strong verb and show impact: "Reduced onboarding time from 3 weeks to 9 days by building a self-serve training portal" rather than "Responsible for onboarding". Finish with skills and education; recent graduates can move education to the top.
Getting through the ATS
Most US companies filter resumes through an applicant tracking system before a person sees them. Use a single-column layout, standard headings like "Experience" and "Education", and the exact skill names from the job description where they honestly describe your experience. Save as PDF unless the posting asks for Word.
Frequently asked questions
Should a US resume have a photo?
No. Photos are not expected in the US and many employers discard resumes that include one to avoid discrimination concerns.
Is a two-page resume acceptable in the US?
Yes for senior candidates with over ten years of relevant experience. For most other applicants, one page is preferred.
What is the difference between a resume and a CV in the US?
A resume is a one- to two-page summary for business jobs; a CV is a full academic record used for research, teaching and medicine.
Do I need a cover letter for US jobs?
Often it is optional, but a short tailored letter helps when you are changing careers, relocating or applying to a smaller company.