What is the US resume format? And how is it different from other formats?
The article delves into the basics one should know before submitting a resume for a job opening in the US.
US Resume Format
The US Resume is a lot similar to a CV. It is a short document that usually starts with the Heading, followed by Experiences, Education, and Skills.
Let us look at some of the generally followed formatting options for an American-style resume template.
- Make your resume 1-2 pages long.
- Use reverse chronological order to list your experiences; start with your most recent role.
- Keep 1.15 line spacing.
- Use 1-inch margins on all sides of the resume page.
- Use a clear, easy-to-read font (12 pt for the body).
- Leave some white space in the resume to give it a neat look.
What to Include in an American Style Resume Template
Let us now understand what needs to be included in a US resume format.
- Contact Details
Include your contact details in the header section of the resume. Add your name, email, contact number, and other relevant online portfolios here.
- Professional Summary
Your professional summary is a short, professional introduction of yourself. Focus on the relevant experiences that make you an ideal fit for the job. If you have little or zero working experience, write about the skills you possess and goals you wish to achieve in this new position.
- Experience
This is the most important section in a US format resume. Include the name of the company, its location, the employment dates, your specific role at the company, and finally a list of your major responsibilities and most impressive achievements.
- Education
Include your educational details here. If you are a seasoned professional, go with your highest relevant degree. If you are a fresh graduate, you may include your high school details. It is better to leave your GPA or grades if they do not match the US grading system.
- Skills
Take a look at the job description. Figure out the key skills they are looking for in an ideal candidate. If you have those skills, list them all. Make sure to mix your hard skills and soft skills to create a balance between them.
- Additional Sections
Apart from the above sections, you may add separate sections for
- Internships
- Awards and Honours
- Hobbies
- Certificates
- Languages
However, before adding any information, make sure it is relevant to the job and not something that will only waste your resume space.
What Not to Include in US Resume Format
Some things are better off without being included in an American-style resume template. Like,
- Personal Information
Things like your address, age, gender, religion, ethnicity, and other personal information should be removed from your resume. Anything like this spotted on your resume will lead to your disqualification from the recruitment process.
- Your Photo
Another big no-no is your photograph on a US resume. This might serve as a ground for discrimination in the recruitment process, and hence legally not allowed in the US.
- References
Never add references to your resume. This not only wastes precious space but also is quite unnecessary. If required, the recruiters will directly ask for the submission of the same during the recruitment process. So, even if you have some great references, there is no need to mention them in your resume.
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