Writing a resume can be challenging, especially if you’re new to the U.S. job market. American employers have specific expectations for how resumes should look, what they should include, and how long they should be.

If you’re an international professional or recent immigrant, understanding the American resume format is key to getting noticed. A well-crafted resume summary and emphasis of related skills are necessary to present your credentials in the best light and attract employers’ attention. Using resume templates as an aid can prove to be the determining factor in successfully writing effective U.S. resumes because they assist with automating the formatting and adherence to the necessary standards and best practices.

Here in this guide, we’ll take you through how to compose a resume for American employers, define what is “ATS-friendly” on a resume, and give you practical tips for showcasing transferable skills.

Why U.S. Resumes Are Unique

American resumes are not just a straightforward enumeration of your work history. They are marketing materials that have to go through both human recruiters and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)—computer programs that search resumes for keywords before they can even be seen by the eyes of a hiring manager.

An effective resume summary can help create a positive first impression on hiring managers by highlighting your most important skills and experiences at the very beginning of your resume. While an American resume and curriculum vitae (CV) are both used to showcase the qualifications of an applicant, there are differences in format and length that job applicants must be aware of.

Here’s what makes U.S. resumes different from CVs or job applications in other countries:

• One-page limit: Most employers expect a 1-page resume, especially if you have fewer than 10 years of experience.
• No photo: U.S. resumes do not include photos or personal details such as age, gender, or marital status.
• Customized: Every resume should be tailored to the job you’re applying for, using keywords from the job listing.
• Action-oriented: American employers prefer resumes that highlight what you achieved, not just what you did.

It’s important to understand these cultural expectations, as it will help you avoid mistakes and make a strong first impression.

Step-by-Step: How to Write a Resume Template for U.S. Jobs

1. Begin with a Clean Header

Your resume must begin with your complete name and contact information, like your telephone number and professional email id for the ease of recruiters to connect with you for interviews. Providing your LinkedIn profile (if any) can further boost communication effectiveness. Never give your photo, date of birth, or address—they are not required and might even result in unconscious bias.

Example: Maria Santos [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | linkedin.com/in/mariasantos

2. Write a 3-Line Summary

The summary section is a short paragraph at the top of your resume. Think of it as your elevator pitch. A well-written resume summary, or resume summary statement, should include the job title you’re targeting, your top skills, and one or two achievements.

It is important to highlight your major skills and experiences to prospective employers for easy screening by hiring managers. Including relevant technical skills can also help make your resume more attractive to prospective employers.

You can use keywords from the job description to make your resume ATS-friendly.

Example:

Bilingual customer service professional with 5+ years in tech support. Skilled in problem-solving, CRM systems, and conflict resolution. Recognized for increasing customer satisfaction by 25% year over year.

3. Work Experience: Focus on Achievements in Reverse Chronological Order

Rather than listing job responsibilities, tell what you did in each position. Use action verbs such as “managed,” “developed,” or “increased.” Quantify where you can to indicate your contribution. Point out your skills in working across functions and your dedication to delivering superior customer service.

Example: Sales Associate – ABC Electronics, Mexico City2019–2022

• Increased monthly sales by 30% through the execution of a customer referral program
• Trained 4 new colleagues, onboarding improved by 40%
• Awarded “Top Seller” for 6 months in a row
• Partnered with cross-functional teams to automate sales processes and expand product offerings
• Maintained exceptional customer service, increasing customer satisfaction ratings by 20%

Although your experience is not in the U.S., you can demonstrate how your skills are relevant to American jobs. That’s why they are transferable skills for USA jobs.

4. Education: Convert Degrees to U.S. Equivalents

Having an ‘educational background’ part on a U.S. resume is important as it states your college or university qualification and lets employers know your credentials.

If you studied abroad, state your degree and institution clearly, but make a point of stating how it is the equivalent of a U.S. qualification. This informs employers regarding your background.

Example: Bachelor of Business Administration (equivalent to U.S. Bachelor of Business Administration), University of São Paulo – Brazil, Graduated: 2018

You do not have to include your GPA unless the employer requires you to do so. You may also include relevant coursework or certifications if they are relevant to the position. You must include a university degree towards the latter part of your resume, and never forget to include relevant certifications in your resume summary to highlight key skills and experience properly.

Cultural Tips for Writing Resumes in the U.S.

Knowing what American employers are thinking can assist you in making a competitive resume. Your resume must be job description-oriented, as it makes you more likely to clear Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and shows you are a good fit for the position.

Furthermore, the inclusion of hard and soft skills is important. Soft skills demonstrate your ability to work in a team and remain adaptable when confronted with different situations, which employers highly value. The right formatting guidelines are needed while writing a U.S. professional resume so that it is readable and professional, and also so that it will be clearly understood and meet local expectations. Some cultural tips to keep in mind are given below:

✅ Do:

• Use clear, direct language
• Highlight results and impact
• Include only relevant experience
• Keep the layout clean and easy to scan
• Include a skills section at the end of your resume to showcase both hard and soft skills relevant to the job, tailored specifically to match the job requirements.
• Use bullet points to highlight achievements and relevant accomplishments, making it easier for hiring managers to quickly grasp your qualifications.

❌ Don’t:

• Include personal info like age, religion, or marital status
• Add full addresses for you or your employers
• Use long paragraphs—stick to bullet points
• Copy-paste the same resume for every job
• Focus on the most relevant skills and avoid including irrelevant information
• Keep your resume concise; for entry-level positions, a one-page resume is perfectly acceptable

Relevant Skills and Transferable Skills for USA Jobs

If your work experience is from another country or in a different field, focus on transferable skills—abilities that apply across industries and cultures. Including both hard and soft skills in your resume is crucial. Hard skills demonstrate your technical capabilities, while soft skills reflect your interpersonal interactions and adaptability, which are highly valued by employers.

Market research is a key skill for developing and executing successful marketing campaigns, making it an essential component of your professional qualifications.

Examples of transferable skills:

• Communication (verbal and written)
• Time management
• Customer service
• Leadership
• Adaptability
• Problem-solving
• Project coordination

Strategic planning is also a crucial skill for marketing professionals, enabling them to manage teams and enhance business growth. These skills show that you’re ready to succeed in a new role, even if your past job wasn’t in the U.S.

How to List Education from Another Country

Many immigrants wonder how to list their international education on a U.S. resume. The key is to make it understandable and relevant. If your degree is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s or master’s degree, say so. Including your university degree towards the bottom of your resume can also be beneficial.

Additionally, including links to an online portfolio in your resume can showcase your personal work and professional presence beyond traditional resume content.

You may also want to:

• Use an evaluation service like WES to confirm U.S. equivalency
• Translate the name of the degree if necessary (e.g., Licenciatura = Bachelor’s Degree)
• Mention any relevant certifications or English-language training completed in the U.S. to showcase key skills and experiences effectively.

Final Thoughts: Your Resume Is Your First Impression

A great resume is your ticket to landing interviews—and your first step toward building a career in the U.S. If you’re an immigrant or international jobseeker, learning how to write a resume for U.S. jobs gives you a clear advantage.

Crafting a strong resume is crucial to enhance your chances of landing your dream job.

Focus on:

• Highlighting results, not just responsibilities
• Showing transferable skills
• Using an American resume format
• Avoiding cultural missteps
• Writing clearly and confidently
• Crafting a compelling professional summary
• Tailoring your resume to the job description

With the right resume, you can open doors and create new opportunities in your professional life, no matter where you’re from.