It can be hard to write a resume that stands out, especially if you’re applying for jobs in the United States. The U.S. job market values clear, concise, and well-organized resumes highlighting relevant experience, skills, and achievements. We’ll show you how to make a resume in the American style that stands out to hiring managers and recruiters in this guide.
Step 1: Include Your Contact Information
Your contact information should be easy to find and placed at the top of the resume.
- Full Name: Use your full legal name — no nicknames.
- Phone Number: A U.S. phone number is preferred. If you’re international, ensure your country code is included.
- Email Address: Use a professional email (preferably Gmail, Outlook, etc.). Avoid using outdated or informal email providers.
- LinkedIn Profile or Portfolio: Include the link if you have a LinkedIn profile or portfolio.
For Example:
- John Doe Phone: (123) 456-7890
- Email: john.doe@email.com
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johndoe Portfolio: johndoeportfolio.com
Step 2: Write a Professional Summary
A professional summary is a brief (2-3 sentence) overview of your qualifications and career goals. This section should demonstrate why you are a good fit for the job you are applying for. Example: “Detail-oriented marketing professional with 5 years of experience in digital marketing. a proven record of increasing brand visibility and website traffic. Seeking to leverage expertise in SEO and social media to help a forward-thinking company grow.”
Step 3: Highlight Your Work Experience
List your work experience starting from your most recent job. Focus on achievements and responsibilities that demonstrate your skills and qualifications. Use bullet points for easy reading.
- The title of your job is your title.
- Company Name: Include the full company name and location (city, state).
- Employment Dates: Write them in the format “Month/Year – Month/Year.”
- Achievements and Responsibilities: List 3-5 key duties and accomplishments for each role, emphasizing measurable results (e.g., “Increased sales by 20%”).
Example:
- Marketing Specialist XYZ Corp, New York, NY January 2020 – Present
- Developed and implemented SEO strategies, increasing website traffic by 25% in 6 months.
- Managed social media campaigns across Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, resulting in a 15% increase in engagement.
Step 4: List Relevant Skills
You can demonstrate your expertise in job-relevant areas in the skills section. Be sure to list both hard skills (e.g., software proficiency, data analysis) and soft skills (e.g., communication, problem-solving).
Example:
- SEO Optimization
- Marketing on Social Media * The Word, Excel, and PowerPoint programs from Microsoft * Data Analysis (Google Analytics)
- Highly Effective Communication Skills
Step 5: Add Education Details
In the U.S., it’s common to list your highest level of education first. Include the name of the institution, degree earned, and graduation year.
Example:
Bachelor of Science in Marketing
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Graduated: May 2018
Optional Sections,
Step 6 You can also add additional sections
Add additional sections to your resume that will make it stand out, such as:
- Certifications: List any relevant certifications (e.g., Google Analytics, Microsoft Certified).
- Volunteer Work: If applicable, include any volunteer experience.
- Awards or Accomplishments: If you’ve received any professional recognition, include it here.
- Languages: List your language abilities if you speak more than one language.
Step 7: Keep It Concise and Easy to Read
A U.S. resume should be no longer than one page for entry-level positions and up to two pages for more experienced professionals.
- Avoid long paragraphs and unnecessary details.
- Use bullet points because smaller paragraphs are harder to read.
- A Clear, Professional Font: Use Calibri, Times New Roman, or Arial as your primary font. Font size should be between 10-12 pt.
- Avoid Providing Personal Information: Your age, gender, marital status, and photo are not required in the United States.
Pro Tip: Before submitting your resume, always proofread it. A well-polished resume shows attention to detail and professionalism.