U.S. Standard Resume Format

The US resume format is a structured and concise way to present your professional qualifications to potential employers.

Employers in the United States prefer a clear, easy-to-read document that highlights key capacities at a glance.

In this article, we’ll explore the essential components of the American style resume, including proper structure, formatting tips, and best practices.

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What is the US resume format?

Unlike a CV, which provides an extensive career history, an application in the United States is typically one to two pages long and emphasizes relevant skills, experience, and successes tailored to the job.

How to write an a resume in US?

1. Select the appropriate structure

Choosing the right USA resume format depends on your background. The three primary types are:

Reverse Chronological

Best for: Professionals with a stable work history.

• Lists occupations in reverse order.
• Effectively highlights growth and accomplishments.
• Preferred by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Recommended for:

• Candidates with a consistent record.
• Individuals searching within the same industry.

Functional

Best for: Career changers or those with employment gaps.

• Focuses on competences.
• Groups abilities into categories.
• Can help downplay gaps but may not be as ATS-friendly.

Recommended for:

• Recent graduates.
• Professionals transitioning to a new field.

Combination (Hybrid)

Best for: Applicants with diverse backgrounds.

• Balances technical skills and work experience.
• Showcases core competencies first, followed by employment details.

Recommended for:

• Senior executives with leadership roles.
• Freelancers or consultants with multiple projects.

2. Essential sections

A well-crafted US resume should include the following parts:

Header

This section provides your basic contact information.

Avoid providing personal details such as age or marital status.

John Smith
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Email: john.smith@gmail.com
LinkedIn: /in/johnsmith

Opening statement

• Summary: A brief, 2-3 sentence about your career highlights. Best suited for those with a proven track record.

Results-driven marketing professional with 7+ years of experience in developing successful digital marketing strategies. Proven expertise in SEO, PPC campaigns, and social media marketing. Consistently increasing client ROI by up to 40%. Seeking to leverage expertise in data analytics and digital marketing to drive business growth at a leading technology company.

• Objective: A short statement about your goals and what you hope to achieve in your next role. Ideal for students or those changing spheres.

Recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, seeking a full-time software engineering position. Eager to apply strong programming and problem-solving skills to a dynamic software development team.

Experience

This is one of the most important sections of the American resume format, listing your positions in reverse chronological order.

Give the following information for each role:

• Job title
• Company name
• Location
• Dates of employment
• Responsibilities and achievements

Be sure to highlight accomplishments using action verbs and quantifiable results.

Digital Marketing Manager | Google Inc. | Mountain View, CA | June 2018 – Present

• Spearhead the development of a multi-channel digital marketing strategy, resulting in a 35% increase in product adoption across key markets.
• Manage a marketing budget of $250,000, optimizing ad spend to achieve a 20% increase in ROI.
• Lead a team of 5 marketers, collaborating on SEO, content, and PPC campaigns to drive 50% growth in web traffic.

Marketing Specialist | Microsoft Corporation | Redmond, WA | March 2015 – May 2018

• Designed and implemented email campaigns that increased click-through rates by 22%.
• Coordinated social media campaigns that boosted engagement by 40%.
• Managed paid search campaigns using Google Ads, improving lead generation by 25%.

Education

Define your formal academic history.

Bachelor of Science in Marketing | University of Southern California (USC) | Graduated: May 2014

• GPA: 3.9/4.0
• Relevant coursework: Digital Marketing, Consumer Behavior, Marketing Research
• Dean’s List (2012-2014)

Skills

This section should list both hard and soft skills relevant to the job.

• Hard skills: Teachable abilities like software proficiency, technical skills, or language fluency.
• Soft skills: Behavioral attributes like leadership, communication, and problem-solving.

• Google Analytics, Facebook Ads Manager, Microsoft Excel, WordPress, HTML/CSS
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Content Management Systems (CMS), PPC Advertising
• Leadership, Time Management, Analytical Thinking, Problem-Solving, Communication

Additional Sections

This data can further demonstrate your qualifications, depending on the job requirements:

These blocks are optional but can help differentiate you from other candidates.

Volunteer Marketing Coordinator | Habitat for Humanity | Los Angeles, CA | January 2017 – Present

• Develop social media marketing strategies, increasing brand awareness by 30%.
• Coordinate fundraising events, raising over $50,000 for affordable housing projects.

"Employee of the Year" | Google Inc. | 2021

• "Top 30 Under 30 Marketers" | Marketing Week | 2020
• Dean’s List | University of Southern California | 2012-2014

3. Formatting guidelines

• Use plain fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Choose a size between 10-12 points. For your name, make it slightly larger (14-16 points).
• Set the margins to 1 inch on all sides. Add space between sections for a cleaner look.
• For listing accomplishments, utilize bullet points instead of long paragraphs to break up text.
• For individuals with less than 10 years of experience, a one-page US resume is ideal.
• Apply action-oriented verbs to describe your contributions (e.g., “led,” “developed,” “achieved,” “managed,” “improved”).
• Include numbers or percentages where possible to illustrate your successes.
• Avoid slang or overly informal language. Do not write first-person pronouns ("I," "me," "my").
• Don’t rely on overused phrases such as "hardworking," "team player," or "good communicator."
• Ensure consistent alignment for job titles, company names, and dates.
• Customize your document for each application by integrating keywords from the job posting.

This approach guarantees a polished, easy-to-read document that meets U.S. hiring standards, enhancing the chances of securing an interview.

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US resume template

Your Full Name
Your Address (Optional) Phone: Number
Email: Your Email LinkedIn: URL (Optional)
Portfolio: Your Website (Optional)

Professional Summary

A brief paragraph (2-3 sentences) summarizing your skills, experience, and the role you're seeking.

Skills

• Skill 1
• Skill 2
• Skill 3
• Skill 4
• Skill 5

Professional Experience

Job Title

Company Name | Location

Start Date – End Date

• Responsibility/achievement 1
• Responsibility/achievement 2
• Responsibility/achievement 3
• Responsibility/achievement 4

Job Title

Company Name | Location

Start Date – End Date

• Responsibility/achievement 1
• Responsibility/achievement 2
• Responsibility/achievement 3
• Responsibility/achievement 4

Education

Degree Title

University Name | Location

Graduation Date: Month, Year

• GPA
• Relevant Coursework
• Honors

Certifications (Optional)

• Certification Name – Issuing Organization | Date
• Certification Name – Issuing Organization | Date

Languages (Optional)

• Language: Proficiency Level
• Language: Proficiency Level

Volunteer Work (Optional)

Role Title

Organization Name | Location

Start Date – End Date

• Responsibility/achievement 1
• Responsibility/achievement 2

Awards (Optional)

• Award Name – Organization | Year
• Award Name – Organization | Year

Projects (Optional)

Project Title

• Project Description and your role
• Any measurable outcomes

United States resume format examples

American resume template

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Example of resume for USA

Lucy Paro
Portland, ME 04101
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Email: lucy.paro@gmail.com

Professional Summary

Compassionate and dedicated healthcare professional with experience in patient care, medical administration, and operations. Proven ability to streamline processes, improve patient satisfaction, and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to deliver optimal care.

Skills

• Patient Care & Support
• Medical Records Management
• Healthcare Operations & Administration
• HIPAA Compliance & Privacy Standards
• Team Leadership & Collaboration
• Customer Service & Patient Advocacy
• Clinical Procedures & Protocols
• Medical Billing & Coding (CPT, ICD-10)
• Electronic Health Records (EHR) Systems
• Health Promotion & Education

Experience

Healthcare Coordinator

MaineHealth | Portland, ME

June 2019 – Present

• Coordinate patient care across multiple departments, ensuring timely and accurate scheduling, referrals, and follow-up appointments.
• Improve patient flow by reducing wait times by 15% through effective team management and communication.
• Manage patient records using Epic Systems EHR software, maintaining strict adherence to HIPAA regulations.
• Train and mentor a team of 5 junior healthcare staff, improving efficiency by 20%.

Medical Office Administrator

Family Medicine | Portland, ME

March 2015 – May 2019

• Managed front-office operations including appointment scheduling, patient check-ins, insurance verification, and billing.
• Reduced patient billing errors by 25% through detailed reviews of claims and timely submission to insurance companies.
• Assisted in patient care by preparing medical charts, taking vitals, and supporting physicians during office procedures.
• Ensured that all patient interactions followed the highest standards of confidentiality and customer service.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Mercy Hospital | Portland, ME

January 2012 – February 2015

• Provided direct care to patients, including daily living assistance, wound, and mobility support.
• Monitored patient vitals and reported changes to healthcare teams for timely intervention.
• Assisted with patient education on managing medications, chronic conditions, and recovery strategies.
• Developed positive relationships with patients and families, contributing to improved patient satisfaction scores.

Education

Associate Degree in Healthcare Administration

Southern Maine Community College | South Portland, ME

Graduated: May 2014

Certifications

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) – State of Maine | June 2025
• Medical Billing and Coding Specialist – AAPC | July 2024
• CPR and First Aid Certified – American Heart Association | March 2023

Languages

• Spanish: Conversational
• French: Basic

Volunteer Work

Care Coordinator

Homeless Shelter | Portland, ME

January 2018 – Present

• Coordinate with local healthcare providers to ensure timely medical attention for homeless residents.
• Conduct outreach programs to educate at-risk populations on available healthcare services.

Awards and Honors

• Employee of the Year | MaineHealth | 2021
• Patient Care Excellence Award | Portland Family Medicine | 2018

U.S. resume format template

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US resume sample

Elizabeth B. Allen
New Britain, CT 06051
Phone: (555) 987-6543
Email: elizabeth.allen@gmail.com

Professional Summary

Highly analytical and results-oriented finance professional with experience in financial analysis, budgeting, and investment management. Strong background in corporate finance, financial reporting, and data analysis with a proven track record of driving cost savings and optimizing financial performance.

Core Competencies

• Financial Reporting & Analysis
• Budgeting & Forecasting
• Investment Management & Strategy
• Data Analysis & Financial Modeling
• Risk Management & Compliance
• Corporate Finance
• Financial Software: Excel, SAP, QuickBooks, Tableau
• Profit & Loss Analysis
• Strategic Financial Planning
• Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)

Professional Experience

Senior Financial Analyst

Aetna, Inc. | Hartford, CT

June 2019 – May 2025

• Led monthly financial reporting and analysis for the healthcare division, identifying key trends and providing actionable insights that resulted in a 10% reduction in operating costs.
• Prepared financial forecasts and annual budgets, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and growth targets.
• Streamlined financial reporting processes, reducing report preparation time by 20% through automation and process optimization.
• Provided guidance to junior analysts, improving departmental efficiency and financial reporting accuracy.

Financial Analyst

General Electric (GE) | Fairfield, CT

April 2015 – May 2019

• Conducted in-depth financial analysis for strategic initiatives, contributing to the company’s $500M acquisition deal.
• Assisted in the preparation of quarterly and annual financial reports, ensuring compliance with GAAP and regulatory standards.
• Worked closely with the finance team to improve cash flow management, reducing working capital by 15%.

Junior Financial Analyst

Pratt & Whitney | East Hartford, CT

July 2013 – March 2015

• Supported senior analysts in budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis for a division generating $400M in annual revenue.
• Prepared and presented detailed financial reports for senior management, highlighting trends and performance metrics.
• Streamlined month-end closing procedures, improving the turnaround time for financial reporting.

Education

Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance

University of Connecticut | Storrs, CT

Graduated: May 2017

• GPA: 3.9/4.0
• Relevant Coursework: Corporate Finance, Investment Analysis, Financial Derivatives, Business Strategy
• Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society

Bachelor of Science in Finance

Central Connecticut State University | New Britain, CT

Graduated: May 2013

Certifications

• Chartered Financial Analyst Level II Candidate – CFA Institute | Expected 2025
• Financial Risk Manager – Global Association of Risk Professionals | March 2021
• Certified Financial Planner – Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards | January 2020

Volunteer Work

Financial Literacy Educator

United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut | Hartford, CT

January 2023

• Conducted workshops on personal finance, budgeting, and debt management for low-income families.
• Collaborated with local businesses and financial institutions to provide resources and support for financial education programs.

US resume format template

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the U.S. resume format is a crucial tool in presenting your qualifications to potential employers.

By following the appropriate structure, you can craft a document that aligns with the expectations of US employers.

Remember, a well-organized and tailored application not only reflects your abilities but also demonstrates your attention to detail.

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