Essential Advice for International Applicants

A resume that matches U.S. standards increases the chances of getting noticed by employers and applicant tracking systems. Understanding what makes a resume U.S.-friendly is essential for anyone looking to work in the United States, whether they are new graduates, experienced professionals, or international candidates adjusting to a new job market.

The U.S. job market has particular expectations for resume style, format, and content. Adapting a resume to meet these expectations helps applicants present their skills and experience clearly to recruiters and hiring managers.

1) Use a clean, simple format without graphics or tables to ensure ATS compatibility

Employers in the U.S. often use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. These systems scan resumes for keywords and information, but they can struggle with complex formatting. To avoid errors, applicants should use a plain and straightforward layout.

Resumes should avoid graphics, photos, text boxes, and tables. These elements can prevent ATS software from reading the content properly. Instead, information should be organized using standard headings and bullet points.

A single-column format helps both ATS and human readers follow the document easily. Popular, readable fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman are recommended. Text size should typically be 10 to 12 points for clarity.

Formatting should rely on basic bold or italics rather than color or images. Margins should be consistent, and all sections should be clearly labeled. By keeping the resume simple and clean, applicants increase the chances their qualifications are accurately captured during the initial screening process.

2) Include a professional email address from Gmail, Outlook, or a personal domain

A professional email address is essential when applying in the U.S. job market. Employers expect to see an address that uses a reliable provider like Gmail or Outlook, or your own personal domain. These options show attention to detail and help ensure your message won’t end up in a spam folder.

It’s best to use an address made up of your first and last name, with minimal use of numbers or symbols. An example would be john.smith@gmail.com or jane.doe@outlook.com.

Avoid using outdated providers or addresses that include nicknames, hobby references, or informal language. These can appear unprofessional and may raise concerns about seriousness.

Using a domain that matches your professional brand or website, if available, can further demonstrate credibility. It also helps create a consistent image across your resume and online presence.

3) Write a concise professional summary highlighting your key qualifications

A strong professional summary is essential for U.S. resumes. It should quickly communicate the applicant's most relevant skills and experience to hiring managers.

The summary typically appears at the top of the resume, just below the contact information. It is best limited to two or three brief sentences.

Focus on specific qualifications that match the job posting. Use clear language that matches U.S. workplace standards. Highlight years of experience, core skills, and top accomplishments.

Avoid vague statements or unnecessary details. Stick to facts that demonstrate value to employers. Keywords from the job posting can improve visibility during the screening process.

Using bullet points is not typical for a professional summary. Full sentences make the summary easier to read and more formal. Tailoring this section for each application increases the chances of making a strong first impression.

4) Tailor your resume keywords to match each specific job description

When applying for jobs in the U.S., it is important to adjust your resume keywords to closely match each job description. Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes based on keywords. Missing the right keywords can cause a resume to be overlooked, even if the candidate has the right experience.

Applicants should carefully review the job posting and identify specific skills, qualifications, and job titles mentioned. Including these exact terms in the resume can improve the chances of passing ATS filters. However, keywords should always fit logically into the context of the resume.

It is also helpful to include both hard skills (like "data analysis" or "budget management") and relevant soft skills (such as "collaboration" or "communication") mentioned in the job listing. Customizing keywords for each application takes extra time but can lead to better results in the U.S. job market.

5) Quantify your achievements with metrics and specific data

U.S. employers often look for clear evidence of impact on a resume. Using numbers, percentages, or specific outcomes shows exactly how a candidate contributed to previous roles.

Instead of saying "improved sales," one can state "increased sales by 15% within six months." This provides a clearer picture of results and makes statements more credible. Metrics such as revenue growth, cost savings, or number of clients managed help employers see measurable value.

If exact numbers are not available, candidates can estimate reasonable figures based on available data. For instance, stating "supported a team of 10" or "handled up to 30 customer inquiries daily" gives recruiters a better sense of scope.

Even tasks that seem routine may have measurable elements. Quantifying workload, frequency, or efficiency improvements can strengthen otherwise generic statements. Adding data transforms general claims into solid evidence that stands out to hiring managers.

6) Use strong action verbs such as "managed," "led," and "developed"

A U.S.-friendly resume stands out when candidates use strong action verbs. Words like "managed," "led," and "developed" communicate active involvement and clear results. These verbs show what someone accomplished, not just what duties they had.

Hiring managers quickly notice resumes with concise, direct language. Action verbs can make each bullet point more impactful. For example, "Managed a team of five" is clearer than "Responsible for a team."

Avoid weak phrases such as "helped with" or "assisted in." Instead, choose terms that precisely describe achievements and contributions. Using strong verbs also aligns with the expectation in U.S. hiring practices for measurable outcomes.

If possible, pair strong verbs with specifics. For instance, "Developed a new workflow that improved efficiency by 20%." This approach shows both the action taken and the result achieved.

7) List only relevant skills and avoid unrelated personal information

Employers in the U.S. expect resumes to be focused and tailored to the job opening. Candidates should only list skills that are directly relevant to the specific role or industry. Including every possible skill can make a resume look unfocused and reduce its impact.

Unrelated work experience or skills can distract from key qualifications. For example, listing software skills not used in the target job or mentioning hobbies that have no connection to the employer’s needs is discouraged.

Personal details such as age, marital status, religion, or a photo should not be included. These details are unnecessary and could contribute to unintentional bias in the hiring process.

A concise resume that highlights the most relevant abilities and experiences is more likely to get noticed by recruiters. Candidates should review each item carefully and remove anything that does not directly support their application for the position.

8) Include contact details but omit sensitive information like marital status

A U.S.-friendly resume should include up-to-date contact information. This means the applicant’s full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile if available. These details usually appear at the very top of the document for easy reference.

It is not necessary to list personal details such as marital status, nationality, social security number, or religious beliefs. In fact, including such sensitive information can create privacy risks and may even cause bias in the hiring process.

Employers in the U.S. are focused on skills, experience, and qualifications, not on personal factors unrelated to the job. By omitting private details, applicants keep the document professional and relevant. Keeping only the necessary contact information ensures the resume meets U.S. standards and avoids unnecessary disclosures.

9) Use standard fonts like Arial or Calibri for readability

Using standard fonts such as Arial or Calibri ensures a resume is easy to read for both hiring managers and applicant tracking systems (ATS). These fonts display consistently across different devices and software.

Calibri is commonly used in professional documents and allows users to fit more content on the page compared to some other fonts. Arial is also widely accepted and recognized for its clean and modern appearance.

Employers in the U.S. expect resumes to follow familiar formatting. Choosing basic fonts helps avoid formatting errors and maintains a professional look.

Avoid decorative or unusual fonts, as they may not display correctly and can distract from the content. Sticking to straightforward fonts like Arial or Calibri supports clear communication and helps the resume get noticed for the right reasons.

Understanding U.S. Resume Standards

U.S. resumes have specific requirements that differ from those used in many other countries. Formatting, content, and length all play a role in making a resume suitable for American employers.

Key Differences From International Resumes

U.S. resumes focus on concise, targeted information relevant to the job. Unlike CVs commonly used abroad, U.S. resumes are typically one page for recent graduates or early professionals, and rarely exceed two pages even for experienced candidates.

Personal information such as date of birth, marital status, nationality, and a photo should not be included due to anti-discrimination laws. U.S. employers expect to see a brief summary or objective at the top, followed by clearly organized sections detailing work experience, education, skills, and certifications.

International resumes sometimes list publications, references, or detailed personal data, but these are omitted on U.S. resumes. Language should emphasize measurable achievements and action verbs, while omitting unnecessary details.

Common Formatting Conventions

Standard U.S. resumes use professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, sized between 10-12 points. Margins are usually set at 1 inch, but can be reduced slightly to fit more content. Bullet points are favored for listing accomplishments and responsibilities.

Contact information appears at the top without including a full address; city, state, phone, and email are sufficient. Sections are clearly labeled, and information flows in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent job or education first.

Graphics, tables, colors, and images should be avoided, as many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that cannot read complex formatting. Clean, left-aligned layouts improve readability and increase the chance of passing initial screening software.

Optimizing Language and Content

Clear and targeted language is essential for a resume built for the U.S. job market. Choosing precise terms and emphasizing adaptable abilities help applicants stand out to both human recruiters and automated tracking systems.

Preferred Terminology in the U.S. Job Market

In the U.S., resumes favor direct, action-oriented language. Avoid terms and formats more common in CVs or resumes from other countries, such as "Curriculum Vitae," "Personal Details," or including a photo. Use the term "Resume" and focus on essential sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Work Experience, Education, and Skills.

American employers expect concise bullet points starting with action verbs, such as managed, developed, analyzed, or improved. For example:

Not Preferred U.S. Preferred Responsible for Led Assisted with Collaborated on Involved in Executed

Be specific about results where possible, using measurable outcomes like "Increased sales by 15% within six months."

Highlighting Transferable Skills Effectively

Employers value skills that can apply across similar roles or industries. Transferable skills include communication, problem-solving, project management, and technical proficiency. Frame these skills through achievements rather than generic statements.

List skills relevant to the targeted role in a dedicated section, but also provide context in the work experience description. For instance:

Coordinated cross-departmental teams to deliver projects ahead of deadlines.
Utilized advanced Excel functions to streamline reporting processes.

Use U.S. English spelling and familiar industry terminology rather than local terms. For software or tools, use the names recognized in the American market. Avoid jargon that may not translate or be understood in the U.S. context.

9 Tips for Making Your Resume U.S.-Friendly