resume samples for international students in usa

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Developing an effective resume highlighting your qualifications for the position for which you are applying is crucial in a successful job or internship search. Your resume is a marketing tool that displays your education, skills, experiences and accomplishments for a specific position.  The Feller Center resume resources  include helpful resources to help you write your US-style resume.

Resume Resources

International student resume example.

International Students:  Resume Example

International students often ask what information to include on the resume they will share with US employers. Your goal should be to highlight the experience you have that is relevant to the position to which you are applying. The tips below address the questions that international students typically have when preparing their resumes. Refer to the attached resume sample for an example of how the tips are applied.

Steps to developing a US resume:

• Work through the Resume Basics module that provides tips for crafting an effective resume in regard to both content and formatting. 
• Draft a resume using what you learned from the module and by reviewing the resume resources on the Feller Center's website.
• Get feedback on your resume. You may schedule an appointment with a Career Advisor in the Feller Center or the University Career Center. Alumni mentors in Terrapins Connect have also volunteered to review resumes. 

Overseas Experience or Education

If including overseas experience or education in your resume, it is helpful to provide a frame of reference for the prospective employer. For example:

• 2nd largest digital marketing firm in China
• #1 ranked engineering program in Switzerland

Resume Example - Construction Notes

Your name is usually the first thing that jumps out to recruiters.  It is important to list your name as it looks on legal documents, but if you have “adopted” an English first name, indicate this in parentheses at the top of your resume. If Americans have found your name difficult to pronounce, you may include the phonetic spelling beneath your name.

The Personal Summary is an optional section.  Here you might highlight your language and cultural fluency, as well as any qualifications that relate directly to the position you are seeking.

There are some major differences between American resumes and resume formats from other countries. Items in the Education Section (see the example above) are listed in reverse chronological order.  Start with your degree in progress.  If you have received degrees from other higher education institutions, you can list those after your University of Maryland degree information. If you list degrees from foreign institutions, provide a frame of reference (e.g. “equivalent to a two-year college”) when possible.  This will help recruiters understand the type of institution you attended.  If you decide to include a GPA from a foreign institution, make sure to convert the number to be consistent with the 4.0 GPA scale commonly used in the US.

Often your resume is the first impression an employer has of your skills and experience when considering you for an internship or other position. Employers determine what you will bring to the workplace by evaluating the skills and qualifications on your resume as they relate to the position for which you are applying.  Account for the variety of ways in which you have learned about American workplace culture by detailing your experiences working and/or volunteering at US organizations.

If you are an English language learner, highlight your ability to communicate in English throughout your resume.  Display how you are actively practicing your English skills to improve your oral and written communications.

Remember to check out the many other resume examples on the Feller Center website as well!

Resume vs. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

In the US, an undergraduate resume is typically one page in length and highlights your relevant qualifications for a specific position. A CV, however, is one and a half to two pages for an  undergraduate  and may be even longer for  graduate students . It is a detailed overview of your academic background and accomplishments. Use a CV when applying to academic or research positions.

Writing Support

Every resume you submit should be free of spelling or grammatical errors. In addition to having a Career Advisor (the Feller Center offers frequent  appointments ) review your resume, seek a quick review from members of your support network at UMD who are native speakers of English. Signing up for an  English Language Partner  is another option; your conversation partner may be able to help with English grammar. Additional writing resources include the  Writing Center , the  Graduate School Writing Center  and the  Purdue Online Writing Lab.

US-culture guide to resume dos and don’ts:

• A US resume includes:
• A US resume DOES NOT include:
• Personal information such as full name and contact information (cellphone & email)
• Links to personal website, blog, or LinkedIn profile (optional)
• Education (highest degree first)
• Relevant coursework (optional)

Relevant experiences in addition to formal internships or jobs:

•    research experiences
•    course/independent projects
•    student leadership & volunteering
•    skills (language, computer, etc.)

Personal information such as:

• Marital status
• Race/ethnicity
• Home country, International permanent address, or   Immigration status
• English as a language skill
• Grammatical or spelling errors
• TOEFL or SAT scores

Cover Letters

A well-written cover letter is an important partner to your resume for an internship or job application in the US. It is your opportunity to show that you are an ideal candidate for the position by expanding on select experiences on your resume, making connections to the position, showing passion and interest in the position, career field and employer, and demonstrating your clear and concise written English skills.

Cover Letter  examples and tips. 

Writing Resources

Similar to a resume, every cover letter you submit should be free of spelling or grammatical errors. Drafting it in Word to benefit from the spell check features of that program, proofreading out loud, and printing it before reviewing your cover letter again are some best practices. It is a good idea to have a career advisor review it. BSOS Undergraduate students may schedule an appointment with the Feller Center, and graduate students may meet with the University Career Center for individual  appointments .

If you aren’t fluent in English, seek a quick review of your cover letter from members of your support network at UMD who are native speakers of English.

• Signing up for an English Language Partner is another option; your conversation partner may be able to help with English grammar.
• Additional writing resources include the UMD Writing Cente r , the Graduate School Writing Center and the Purdue Online Writing Lab.

How to prepare an American resume as an international student

When seeking an internship or job in the US as an international student, preparing an American resume is essential to successfully obtaining employment. Every university and college has a preferred template that they like their students to follow. Consider consulting your career office for your institution-specific resume template and formatting advice as you read this article.

Developing a strong US format resume will highlight your education, skills and experiences to US employers and increase your chances of landing competitive roles. Even if you already have a resume, it may differ significantly from what is expected in the US. For example, American resumes generally include less personal information than other nations, contain no photos and test scores, and may differ in their format and content.

Resumes can be used for on-campus jobs, internships, full-time jobs, volunteer opportunities, and even networking and informational calls and events. Every job you apply to will require you to send in a resume, so it is important that your resume’s content and format fits what is expected from US employers.

Resume content

A resume’s content can differ based on what industry or role one is applying to, but US format resumes all typically include several standard sections of content.

• Personal Information: US resumes usually have a page header that includes one’s full name, cell phone number, and email. Some resumes also include a home address, city, personal website, or LinkedIn profile link.
• Education: Your school’s name, location, degree, area of study, and dates attended are the essential pieces to list. You may also want to include your GPA, relevant coursework, or awards and honors achieved, if space permits. Different countries can have different degrees and university-related terms, so be as clear as possible and avoid abbreviations. Additionally, do not list a high school or unnecessary educational information.
• Relevant Experience: In this section, you want to list your most relevant past work experiences, such as internships and jobs. Most relevant experience sections focus on full-time and part-time jobs, internships, and co-ops, but you can also add research experience, student leadership, volunteering, and independent projects. This section is usually the largest, and should include concise but valuable information on each of your past experiences.
• Skills and Interests: Most US resumes include this section, where you can feature technical skills applicable to the role you are applying to. You can also add any international experiences and languages. Some undergraduate students also include several of their interests and hobbies if space permits, as this can add more personality to one’s resume. However, this is not a priority, and transferable skills should be listed first.

Resume format

A resume should be formatted in a way that is organized and easy-to-read. Standard US resumes are usually only one page long, so it is important to keep your resume’s content concise. 

Additionally, US resumes follow a reverse-chronological format, which puts your most recent experience at the top of each section. For example, if your education section includes multiple institutions, you would put the most recent one attended at the top. Similarly, in your relevant experience section, your most recent job or internship should be listed first.

US style resumes should be written in standard American English rather than British English. In terms of font, most US resumes are formatted in a classical font like Times New Roman, Garamond or Cambria. It is also important to have the right font size, with most resumes using 11-12 point font size; this way, you can include detailed information while also keeping the resume easily readable.

Final thoughts

Creating an effective US format resume will highlight your education, skills and experiences to US employers, and increase your chances as you apply to jobs, internships, or research projects. As you search for employment, Interstride’s portal can help you apply for jobs and internships that are hiring international students. Simply log in to have its resources available.

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USA CV Tips & Format Requirements

Applying for a job in the United States? This guide has the tips, examples, & format requirements needed to write the perfect USA CV. Create your VisualCV today!

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How to Format a US Resume?

To format a resume for jobs in US, select the right resume format based on your work experience. Once you choose a resume format type, fill it with information relevant to the job that you are applying for.

The most popular resume formats in US are:

• Reverse chronological resume format
• Combination resume format
• Functional resume format

Reverse Chronological Resume Format for USA

If you are an experienced professional applying for relevant jobs in the US, we would recommend that you use a reverse chronological format.

Here’s a reverse chronological American resume format example:

Combination Resume Format for America

Trying to build a US resume that is more focused on displaying diverse skills? Maybe you want to show a hiring manager how your past skills and work experience is transferable to the job you are applying for.

Here’s what a combination resume format looks like:

Functional Resume Format for US Jobs

Are you someone who has very little or no experience? A functional resume format could just be what you need. With this resume format, it is easier for candidates in the US to display their skills to cover for the lack of experience.

Here’s a functional US resume format example:

USA Resume Formatting Tips for 2024

The top resume formatting tips to follow while writing a resume for an American job are:

• Select the right resume format based on your work experience.
• Keep the length of your resume to 1 page if you have less than 15 years of experience. A two page resume is acceptable if the total work experience exceeds 15 years.
• Use a professional font. Use a serif font for building a traditional US resume and a sans-serif font for a modern US resume.
• Make sure the resume sections have sufficient margins on all sides.
• Use either 1 or 1.15 as your line spacing.

What to Avoid in a US Resume?

Avoid the following mistakes in a US resume:

• Adding photo to a US
• Adding personal information like gender, SSN, religion, age, or nationality.
• Adding your entire address to your resume.
• Eligibility to work within the United States should not be listed on your resume.
• References on a resume are generally not required and only add clutter to it.
• Adding unprofessional email e.g. [email protected].

American Resume Requirements

In America, the term ‘resume’ is much more common than ‘CV’ - in fact, these terms refer to two different things. A ‘CV’ usually refers to a long, detailed document for academics and jobs in academia. In all likelihood, this is not what you will need when applying for a job in America - a simpler, two page resume will do.

Browse our gallery of resume examples here.

How do I write a US resume?

To write a US resume, consider the following golden rules:

• Keep the length of your resume to a maximum of two pages.
• Add the following to your resume: contact details, work history, resume summary/objective, skills and certifications.
• Customize your resume for each job you apply to.
• Add the right set of keywords to pass the ATS

US Resume Tips and rules:

Length: In most cases, two pages is sufficient for your US resume. A one page resume will do if you graduated within the past few years, and a three page resume is acceptable for very experienced job seekers, but be careful - “The longer your resume is, the less likely an employer is to see the parts you want them to see,” according to Alison Green at Ask a Manager . Unless you are very certain, keep it to two pages.

Language: Use standard American English when writing your American resume. Drop those extra U’s: it’s ‘color’ and ‘labor’, not ‘colour’ or ‘labour’.

CV or Resume: In the United States, the term ‘resume’ is more common than ‘CV’. ‘CV’ usually refers to a longer academic document that contains much more information than a regular resume.

Resume template: Browse through our gallery of USA resume templates .

US Resume Format, Order and Layout:

Photo: Most experts recommend that you don't include a picture of yourself on your resume. Your appearance is not relevant to your skills and abilities, and including a picture distracts from the content of your resume and opens the door for discrimination . In fact, some companies will reject resumes with photos outright to avoid any accusations. This rule of thumb has exceptions, however; be sure to do your research before making your decision. If you are applying to a more creative role - perhaps in film, graphic design, or the performing arts - a professional picture may help you to stand out and build your personal brand. Use your discretion when deciding if a CV picture is right for each application.

Personal Information: It is important to include your name, address, phone number, and email address. You can also include a link to your LinkedIn or other social media, but only if you are completely certain that these profiles will present you as professional and hireable. Be sure that any online profiles are up to date and reflective of your goals and professionalism.

Personal Summary: A summary of your qualifications separate from your work experience is optional, but for experienced job seekers it is a great way to provide a snapshot of your history and skillset. According to Lily Zhang at The Muse , summary statements are “usually best for more experienced professionals with years of experiences to tie together with a common theme.” This section should be short and punchy - sell yourself in as little space as possible.

Work experience: Write your work experience in reverse-chronological order, with your most recent position at the top. When writing your work experience, focus on your achievements rather than your responsibilities, highlighting quantifiable information whenever possible. Your work history should be tailored to suit the job you are applying to - use keywords from the job posting, but only if you can back up your claims.

Education: Your educational achievements should also be listed in reverse-chronological order. If you are a recent graduate you can include your GPA, but only if it is high and only if it is relevant to the job. Once you have more years of work experience, your GPA becomes less important.

How to Convert an Indian Resume to an American Resume

To convert an Indian resume to an American resume, follow these steps:

• Change your resume format to either: Chronological, functional or hybrid resume format. The first are a lot more popular in the U.S. as compared to the later.
• Indian resumes follow British language and writing conventions - Instead switch to US grammar and writing conventions. Make sure your resume is easy to read. Avoid using difficult words and expressions that are uncommon in America.
• Reduce the length of your resume summary section. Add your top skills, number of years of work experience and top relevant achievements in it.
• Remove any pictures from your resume to convert it into an American resume.
• List a US City, State along with an American phone number. Apart from your email, remove your Indian contact information.
• Make your resume one page if your work experience is less than 15 years.

And, that’s it! Your Indian resume is now converted to an American resume.

How to Convert an European Resume to an American Resume

To convert your European resume to an American resume, follow these steps:

• Reduce your European resume. While descriptive and long resumes work in the EU, American resumes are usually one page for candidates with less than 15 years of work experience.
• Remove all personal information that’s usually common such as date of birth, marital status, and nationality. In the US, due to anti-discrimination law these details are not required. Furthermore, an ATS might reject a resume that has personal information on it.
• Reduce focus on skills and extracurricular activities. In American resumes, work experience and accomplishments take the priority.
• European resumes are a bit more detail oriented when it comes to the education section. Remove anything that’s not an achievement from your education section to convert it.
• Remove any references that you have on your resume.
• Remove photo (if you have any) from your resume.

Customize Your USA Resume for Each Job

Spray and pray job application using the same generic resume without customization isn’t the best job search strategy in the US. Customize the following in your resume based on each job that you apply to:

• Work history - show relevant skills and experience to the job.
• Summary - shape your resume to show that would make the US based employer feel that you are the perfect candidate for the job.
• Stand out by customizing your skills section to show only relevant or stand out skills.
• When it comes to projects or portfolio, keep it relevant to the role.
• Finally, pick relevant keywords from the job description and add them to your resume

How to Write a Fresher Resume Format for USA

As a fresher in USA, a good resume format would include:

• Header with a resume objective customized for American jobs.
• Education - include your GPA only if it is more than 3.7.
• Skills - include relevant skills only.
• Projects - list your top projects.
• Certification - if your target job requires certifications, list them with the date till they are valid.
• Avoid using reverse chronological resumes.

How to Write a H1B Resume for USA

To write a H1B resume, follow the American resume formats listed above. Showcase achievements and highlight skills using the STAR framework. While creating your resume don’t put a picture, avoid listing personal details, and H1B status.

Contact Information Template for Your US Resume

In every US resume, it is expected that a candidate would list the following contact information:

• Email Address
• Phone Number
• Address (usually in a city, state format)
• LinkedIn Profile
• Personal Website or Portfolio
• Professional Social Media Profiles

Example Contact Information Template for Resume

[First Name Last Name], [Phone Number], [Email Address], [City, State/Province, Country]

Example Contact Information Template for Your US Resume with LinkedIn

[First Name Last Name], [Email Address], [Phone Number], [LinkedIn Profile URL], [City, State/Province, Country]

How to List Work Experience on Your American Resume

To list work experience on your American resume follow these steps:

• Start with your most recent job and work backwards.
• Include the job title, company name, location, and dates of employment.
• Use bullet points to describe your job duties and accomplishments, starting each bullet point with an action verb.
• Focus on your most relevant experience and skills for the job you are applying for.
• Use quantifiable data to illustrate your achievements, such as the number of projects you completed or the amount of revenue you generated.
• Use keywords and phrases from the job description to make your resume more relevant to the job.
• Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements, such as how you improved a process or solved a problem.
• Keep your bullet points concise, clear, and easy to read, using short phrases or sentences.
• Use past tense for previous jobs and present tense for your current job.
• Customize your work experience section for each job you apply for, highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to the job.

How to List Education on Your US Resume

How to list education on an experienced candidate’s us resume.

• Start with your latest degree and work backwards.
• Include institution name, degree, field of study, and graduation date.
• List additional relevant coursework, certifications, or training in a separate section.
• Consider adding a high GPA or academic honors.
• Keep your education section concise and relevant to the job.
• Emphasize how your education prepared you for the job by highlighting skills and knowledge gained.
• Customize the education section for each job by highlighting relevant education and training.

How to List Education on an Entry-Level Candidate’s US resume

• Start with your most recent degree and work backwards.
• Add a high GPA or academic honors if applicable.
• Highlight relevant coursework or projects if you lack work experience.
• Emphasize how your education prepared you for the job.
• Include internships or volunteer work in a separate section.
• Use industry-specific keywords and bullet points to make the section concise and relevant.
• Customize the education section for each job.

How to List Skills on Your USA Resume

To list skills on your USA resume:

• Create a separate section for your skills and list your skills in it.
• List your skills in summary and work experience sections of your resume. Do so by showing the situations you faced and the skills you used to solve the problem.

There are several ways to list skills on your US resume. Let’s take a look at a couple of them.

Skills on Your US Resume in a Bullet List

If your US resume has a lot of empty space, this is a good way to list your skills. Here’s an example of how to list:

Skills on Your US Resume Without a Bullet List

To list your skills on your US resume without a bullet list, add them with either a comma or a tab on your resume.

An example would to list skills would be: Skill 1, Skill 2, Skill 3, Skill 4, Skill 5, Skill 6, Skill 7, …

How to List Certifications on Your US Resume

To list a certification on your US resume:

• List it in your resume’s header e.g. PMP Certified Project Manager
• Create a separate section for certifications and list them. While listing certifications, list the issuing authority, dates from which the certificate is valid and list an expiration date (if any).

Other sections:

Skills: A list of skills is a great way to supplement your work history. It is a simple and readable way to give an idea of what you excel at.

Volunteer experience: Relevant volunteer experience looks great on a resume. If your volunteer experience is particularly robust, you can include it in your work experience section instead.

References: It is not necessary to include your references on your resume. Simply supply them when asked by an employer.

Conclusion:

A straightforward two page resume is the way to go in America. Strong, active language, achievement-focused work history, and a robust skill set will impress recruiters and employers all across America.

Copyright © 2024 Workstory Inc.

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Resume Writing Center

It’s important to put the work into your resume or curriculum vitae (also known as a CV) when applying for a job as this is what will land you the interview – and get your foot in the door. The hiring company will not only want to know that you are a qualified candidate, but that you will excel in the role and be a good fit for the position.

The InternationalStudent.com Resume Writing Center provides you with all the resources you will need to write the perfect resume, CV, and cover letter. With sample resumes, resume writing tips and help on writing a resume cover letter, all the information is contained here.

For international students it can be very hard to know what to include, what not to include, how to follow up interviews with letters....the list is endless. We have compiled all the information you need to know so that you can construct the perfect resume!

Please visit each section below for more information about your application:

Writing Tips Power Word Lists Keywords on Resumes Cover Letter Guide Cover Letter Design Follow up tips Resume Samples Common Resume Mistakes

Looking for more resources? Check out the following for more information on finding and landing the job of your dreams:

Work Study in the US

Are you looking for a job while studying in the US? It is possible – and we’ll show you how in our Work Study section where we’ll look at visa restrictions, employment opportunities, and how to work with your school to get the correct authorization.

Student Job Search

Finding a job is not easy, which is why our Student Job Search can help you find work outside your home country. Whether you are looking for employment or an internship, we’ve got you covered and will help you along with way.

Work in the USA

If you are not from the US, then there are many important differences that you should be aware of when it comes to both cultural and procedural know-how. Learn more about the application procedure, management culture, and more!

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First-Time Resume-Writing Tips for International Students

Looking for a first job can be difficult enough, but when you are a foreign student, it can be a truly daunting task. Not only are there often language barriers to deal with, there is also the resume. It may be that in their countries, resumes are written differently than they are in the US. If you are an international student, you will need to learn about how to format a US standard resume. Here are some tips that will help you write your first US resume.

• Keep it Short – Potential employers don’t want to read a book. They want the facts, and they want them fast. Try to put everything on a single page. If someone opens it and sees more than one page, they might not even bother looking at it because they don’t want to spend that much time reading one resume when they have hundreds or even thousands to go through.
• Edit, Edit, and Edit Some More – You need to make sure that your resume is completely free of errors. Before you submit a resume to any company, check it to ensure that it has no spelling or grammatical errors, and that the format is correct. To know for sure that you have no mistakes, get a friend, or even one of your professors to look it over before you submit it anywhere.
• Know What Not to Put In – There are some things that you should never include in a resume. These include photos, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, and other personal information. Employers are not legally allowed to ask for any of this information, and you are not obligated to provide it. Also, don’t include test scores. These don’t reflect your actual skills.
• Include a Cover Letter – Your cover letter introduces you, and tells potential employers who you are and what you are looking for. You don’t need to create a full biography. Your cover letter should be no more than three to four short paragraphs. Go online to find a good cover letter guide to learn more about creating a cover letter that is going to get noticed.

How to Write a Resume

There are certain things that you need to include in a resume, and an order or format that you need to follow. Employers expect to be able to find certain information in certain spots, and they don’t want to have to search for anything in a resume. This is why there is a format that most people follow when creating resumes. Here is a quick rundown of how to format your resume, and what you should include .

• Length – Keep it to 1-2 pages.
• Fonts – Keep it simple. Accepted resume fonts include Times New Roman and Arial, size 11-12. Avoid italics, underlining, shading, bolding, etc. (unless of course you are applying for an artistic position and you want to show off your creativity).
• Margins – These should be ¾-inch to one-inch on both sides.

What to Include

• Contact Info – Include your name, mailing address, telephone numbers (home and mobile), email address, etc.
• Objective – This tells the employer what you are looking for, but it is not mandatory as it can be included in your cover letter.
• Skills Profile – Highlight your best three to five qualifications that make you a good candidate for the job.
• Education – Talk about honors and awards you have received.
• Experience – Discuss all job experience, both paid and unpaid.
• Extra-Curricular Activities – List any school activities (high school and college), club memberships, leadership roles, etc.
• Awards and Professional Memberships – This is the section where you discuss any awards you have won, and all of your professional memberships, including your role and duties.
• Interests – Tell employers the things you are interested in, such as sports, entertainment, etc.
• References – Do not list references on your resume. Instead, add “References available upon request”, and be prepared to show them during your interview.

Jane Hurst is a content writer and editor from San Francisco. Follow her on Twitter .

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US Resume (Format, Tips & Examples for 2024)

If you’re applying for a job in the US, you’ll need to submit a resume that meets US application standards.

As a foreigner, though, you may have little to no idea what a US resume is and how you should write one to land the job. 

Even as an American, you might need to dust off your knowledge on the US resume. 

Unless you’re a resume expert, you probably don’t know what’s the best format for a US resume, or what’s the correct page length. 

But worry not! This article is here to teach you all there is to know about writing a convincing US resume.

Here’s what we’re going to cover: 

• US Resume Specifics 

Step-By-Step Guide to Build Your US Resume

• Formatting Your US Resume

What NOT To Include in Your US Resume

Ready? Let’s dive in! 

US Resume Specifics

There are a few specific things you need to know when it comes to the US resumes, but let’s start off with the most important: 

The term US resume is equivalent to the European CV. 

Both are one-page documents that summarize your relevant experiences, tailored for a specific job you’re applying for.

Additionally: 

• The common length of a US resume is between 1-3 pages. If you are a recent graduate or someone with less than 5 years of relevant work experience, a one-page resume is enough, whereas if you are a seasoned professional, you can go for 2. In rare cases, you can do 3, but that’s rarely encouraged. 
• Standard American English is preferred. For the most part, this means dropping those extra “U”s that UK English uses (e.g. “color” instead of “colour”). 
• Leave out personal information , such as marital status, birthday, gender, photo, number of children, age, religion, personal identification numbers, and ethnicity/country of origin, as they can be grounds for discrimination.
• Don’t include references in your US resume unless the employer specifically asks you to.
• Don’t list English as a foreign language in your US resume (unless English isn’t your foreign language).
• Don’t list your GPA, SAT, TOEFL, or ACT scores on your US resume unless otherwise stated. More often than not, the recruiter doesn't care.  

Now that you know the specifics of a US resume, it’s time to start writing one. 

Not sure where to start? 

Below is a step-by-step guide to building the perfect US resume, starting with: 

#1. Choose the Right Format 

The most popular US resume format is the chronological format (also known as the reverse-chronological format). 

This format is widely preferred by recruiters, and for a good reason—it puts the focus on your work experience by starting with your most recent job and making your way back. 

The reverse-chronological format looks like this:

99% of the time, we recommend using the reverse-chronological resume format, as both US and international recruiters are used to it.

Want to learn more about different resume formats ? Check out our article.

#2. Follow These Formatting Tips

Making sure your US resume looks professional and is reader-friendly is just as important as what it contains. 

Here are some essential formatting tips to perfect your US resume: 

• Make sure your US resume is divided into clear, separate sections. 
• Use 1-1.15 line spacing.
• Keep your US resume length between 1-2 pages. Only go for a third page if you are a seasoned professional with plenty of relevant work experience.
• Use a professional but easy-to-read resume font . 
• Opt for ample white space to make your resume easier on the eye.
• Use the "US Letter" size (8.5 x 11 inches) when saving your PDF (instead of A4). In Novorésumé's editor , for example, you can switch this from "Layout" in the top menu. 

...Or Use a Resume Template 

No matter what format you choose, using a standard text editor like MS Word to create your US resume will be a pain. 

You have to choose the right font, adjust the margins, order your sections the right way, and make sure the end result looks good & easy to follow…

All this can take hours of your time before you can even start filling your resume with content!

Want to skip all the hustle?  

Use a resume builder. With just one click, you can choose out of 8+ resume templates and start building your resume instantly!

Our resume builder is fast, easy, and most importantly, the end result looks absolutely stunning.

See for yourself! Here's an example of our resumes saved in the US Letter format: 

Choose one of these templates and tailor it to your needs! 

#2. List Your Contact Information 

Once you’ve picked the resume format (or template), it’s time to start filling in the contents.

The first thing on your US resume should be your contact information , which includes:

• Name and surname
• Phone number (US phone number, that is)
• Address (City and State)

Optionally, you can also include links to a personal website, online portfolio, or even LinkedIn profile, but make sure to check if they are up to date and present you in the best light.

#3. Express Yourself in Your Resume Profile

Your resume profile is a short, introductory paragraph of your career or your professional goals. 

Depending on how it’s written, a resume profile is also known as either a resume summary or objective .

• Resume Summary , or a 2-3 sentence summary of your career.
• Resume Objective , or your motivation for getting into a new field (the goal of your resume, if you wish).

If you’re a seasoned professional with several years of experience, you should use a resume summary to highlight your experience and achievements. 

On the other hand, if you’re at the start of your career or if you’re changing industries, opt for a resume objective , as it’s less about work experience and more about skills or goals.

Your resume profile must be brief and to the point. Preferably, it should be between 2-3 sentences and urge the hiring manager to read the rest of your resume. 

Here’s an example of a well-written resume summary: 

• “Marketing manager with 4+ years of experience in a corporate environment. Good eye for design, with experience in creating marketing materials with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Canva. Intermediate copywriting skills, having worked on the company website, flyers, and several other content pieces.”

#4. Add Your Work Experience 

Unless you’re a recent graduate, your work experience section is the most important part of your resume, as it shows your past accomplishments and responsibilities. 

This section commonly includes the following: 

• Job Title/Position , so that the recruiter scanning your application knows right away you have the relevant experience for the job. 
• Company name and location . In some cases, especially if your previous employer isn’t as well-known, you may also want to add a brief company description. 
• Dates employed in the mm/yyyy format. 
• Accomplishments and responsibilities , which make up the core of each work entry. Depending on your field and years of experience, you want to list either responsibilities or achievements, in bullet points. 

Here’s a concrete example: 

Now there’s one thing to list your work experience and an entirely different thing to write a work experience section that’ll help you stand out from a pool of hundreds of applicants.

Here are a few tips to achieve the latter:

• List your achievements when possible and use action words to mention your responsibilities. 
• When describing your achievements or responsibilities, follow this formula : “accomplished [X] as measured by [Y] by doing [Z]” (or, start with a verb, numerically measure what you accomplished, provide a baseline for comparison, and detail what you did to achieve your goal.)
• Add 4-6 bullet points for your most recent position and fewer as you go back in time.
• Even if you’re a senior professional with many years of experience, don’t go back further than 15 years. The recruiter doesn’t care what you’ve been up to so long ago.
• Tailor your resume to the job description. Read the job ad you’re applying for and identify the top experiences or skills listed. Then, make sure that your US resume includes the ones you’re qualified for.

#5. Include Your Education

Your education comes underneath the work experience section in your US resume.

Here are the essentials of how this section needs to be formatted and what to include there:

• Program Name. E.g.: “B.A. in Business Administration”
• University Name. E.g.: “Penn State University”
• Years Attended. E.g.: “08/2008 - 06/2012”

Here’s how this looks like in practice:

B.A. in Business Administration

NYC State University

08/2016 - 05/2019

• Magna Cum Laude
• Minor in Finance 

Finally, here are some tips and tricks on how to get this section done right:

• If you lack work experience, place your education section right on top of your resume. This way, you’ll put more emphasis on your academic background than your lack of experience.
• Add courses that are relevant to the industry you are applying to in case you lack work experience (e.g. Design & Layout, for a Graphic Designer position).
• Mention your latest educational entry on top. E.g. Master’s Degree goes on top of a B.A. which goes on top of your high school degree. 
• If you have a university degree, don’t mention your high school degree at all. 

#6. Emphasize Your Strengths in Your Skills Section

Another staple of a US resume is the skills section. This includes all the know-how that makes you the perfect candidate for the job. 

There are two types of skills you want to include: 

• Hard skills , or measurable abilities. Here is where you include skills like Photoshop or Microsoft Office. 
• Soft skills , or personal skills. They include a combination of people skills, communication skills , interpersonal skills , career attributes, etc. 

Keep in mind, though, that a strong skills section doesn’t consist of every skill you ever acquired.

The recruiter doesn’t care about your skills in Photoshop if you’re applying for a job as an accountant.

Rather, they specifically care about the skills that’ll make you a top-performer at the job you’re applying for.

So, go through the job ad you’re applying for and pinpoint the exact skills that are required for the role.

Then, make sure that your US resume mentions the same skills (as long as you possess the skills, of course).

Additionally, make sure to include both soft skills and hard skills into your skills section, as recruiters value applicants we have some of both.    

For example:

#7. Include These Additional Sections

Already included all the sections we’ve mentioned so far but still have some space in your US resume?

You can include some of these optional sections: 

• Internships
• Hobbies and interests
• Volunteer experience
• Certifications and awards
• Publications

Keep in mind that these sections aren’t as important as the ones we’ve covered before. You’re not going to get hired just because you’re into creative writing as a hobby.

That said, these sections do help the recruiter pick between equally capable candidates.

Meaning, someone with work and volunteering experience is more likely to get hired than someone who only has work experience to show for.  

Equally important to remember are all the things you should NOT include in your US resume:

• Personal information, such as marital status, birthday, gender, photo, number of children, age, religion, personal identification numbers, and ethnicity/country of origin, because they can be grounds for discrimination. 
• Authorization to work in the US, which includes your Social Security Number or immigrant status. By law, only after making you an offer can employers ask if you’re eligible to work in the US. 
• References. Including references on a US resume is not standard practice. If the employer is interested, they will ask for them. 

Key Takeaways 

If you’re applying for a job in the US, you’ll need to submit a US resume. Here are the main points this article covered on the topic: 

• The US resume is equivalent to the European CV.
• The common length of a US resume is 1-2 pages and standard American English is preferred over British English. 
• The most popular format for a US resume is the chronological format. 
• Format your US resume to 1-1.15 line spacing and clear and separate sections, as well as use professional and readable fonts. 
• Don’t include in your US resume: personal information such as your age, ethnicity, or gender, authorization to work in the US, and references. 

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International Resume Writing Tips

How to write an American resume and what to avoid

The purpose of an american resume, general guidelines for an american resume, the structure of an american resume, things to avoid in an american resume, american resume: final thoughts, how to write a british cv when applying for a job in the united kingdom, the british cv, short format british cv, additional british cv advice.

If you are going for a job abroad and wonder whether international hiring managers have different expectations, you would be right to ask the question. 

While the recruitment process will ask many of the same questions and request the same information in every country, some of the terminology can be confusing.

There are also a few subtle differences within certain countries, so let's explore some international resume writing tips in more detail.

This blog discusses the most common types of international resume rules, challenges, and tips, including:

• International resume introduction
• Why it matters to customize your resume for certain countries or cultures
• American resume
• the British CV
• Asian resume

Spanish resume

Russian resume.

• Writing a CV when English is your second language

Depending on the location of the job you’re applying for, you may want to understand more about an international resume. For example, if you are applying for a job in the United Kingdom, the United States, or Asia there are specific rules to follow and customs that are expected of job applicants. The same is true for Russia or Spain.

Another challenge is if languages like English or Spanish are your second language, then there are aspects of creating an international resume that should be followed in order to improve your chances of getting an interview.

Employee satisfaction affects how well a company can attract and retain top talent. Using Great Place to Work's annual list of the "World's Best Multinational Workplaces" this graphic charts how companies rated from 2011 to 2019

International resume introduction & writing a resume for international jobs

The first thing that you should do when applying internationally is to understand the expectations.

An international resume isn't so much a format, but rather a strategy to follow for aligning your resume with the local expectations and resume standards. The key to writing for an international audience is understanding more about expectations — what format do they prefer, do they want it translated, do they require references, a professional photo, or a portfolio?

There’s no one-size-fits-all strategy for an international resume, so be sure to check out the specifics below, do your research, and don't be afraid to ask locals for advice.

Tone is also very important depending on which country you’re applying in. For instance, American-style resumes are expected to be more self-promoting, whereas in other countries, like China, you’re expected to be more modest.

International resume tip — More than any other resume, if you’re applying to a foreign country you need to be clear on your resume about your nationality, visa status, and language abilities. Whereas this isn’t important if you’re applying in your own country, this is critical information for international resumes.

What are some tips for a good resume? The most important tip for a resume is to tailor it towards the role that you are applying for. Every sentence and achievement has to add to your case that you are the person for this specific job. The more irrelevant details there are, the less attention an employer will pay to what else is there.

The American resume

Modern American resumes are now done digitally, typically found in PDF or Microsoft Word format in order to easily upload and email.

Some people believe that an American style resume can only be one page, but that’s not necessarily true. If you have more than 5-7 years of relevant experience or are in an executive function, your resume should be two pages .

The most common form of American resume is the chronological resume , which follows along a structured style starting with your most recent position.

An American resume typically follows the format of:

• Personal information
• Professional summary statement
• Work history (in reverse chronological order)
• Hobbies (optional)
• Certifications (optional)
• References (optional)

American resume tip — Make sure to understand the power of keywords . Many hiring processes and applications in the United States now involve the use of an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) . An ATS helps employers organize and screen the hundreds of candidates who usually apply. Companies with high volumes of candidates use their ATS to automatically screen candidate resumes looking for certain keywords and phrases.

Rules, examples, and tips for writing an American resume when applying for a job in the United States. Convert your CV to an American resume following these resume tips and templates for the USA.

While most of the world uses a CV when looking for a job, in America the document most commonly used is a resume.  An American resume differs from a CV in that it is a summary of a person’s work history, skills, education and other items an employer may be interested in.  A CV , in the American sense, is very detailed and chronicles the person’s entire career with details about their achievements, publications, education and other items that are relevant to the job they are applying for. For the rest of the world, a CV is the same as an American Resume.

The only exception to using a resume in America is if you are applying for a job that is in either a technical or academic field. In these cases, you would default to a longer American CV.

In this guide, we will discuss the following critical components of writing an American resume:

• Differences between a resume and a CV
• The purpose of a resume
• How to organize
• Formatting an American resume
• What items you should and shouldn’t include.
• The individual components of an American resume
• How to optimize your resume

When creating a resume, keep in mind its purpose. A resume will not get you a job, rather it is intended to generate enough interest in you to get you invited to an interview .  Surveys indicate that recruiters spend about 6 seconds reviewing a resume. Therefore, it is important that you capture the reader’s attention quickly and make the resume interesting enough so that they will want to continue reading it.

A good way to determine how much of your resume a recruiter will read before they decide about you is to fold the first page in half. This is the most important real estate on your resume, and you need to use it to communicate your qualifications as concisely and clearly as possible.

What are the 4 C's of resume writing?

• Creativity. Every job requires you to make something from nothing every now and again.
• Communication. Getting stuff done with others needs excellent oral and written communication.
• Collaboration. Knowing how to achieve results as a team is key to so many careers.
• Critical thinking. Every problem has multiple solutions - finding the right one is rarely simple.

An American resume is constructed on Letter size, 8.5”x11” paper, in the portrait orientation. Modern American resumes are now done digitally, and are typically found in PDF format in order to easily upload and email.

Typically American resumes are either 1 to 2 pages, based on the length of your career .  New graduates or people with limited experience can easily use just one page to describe their qualifications. People with more experience may need two or even three pages to cover their complete job history, accomplishments , education, skills, and certifications.

A CEO will have a much longer resume than an intern . Simple as that.

When considering the content to include in your resume, a good guideline to follow is that if the information isn’t relevant to the job you are interested in then it should not be in your resume. Employers hire people for one of four reasons.

• You will make them money
• You will save them money
• You will save them time
• You will fix a problem

Keep these in mind when you are writing your resume. Another tip is to include some type of metric (i.e., $, #, %) in every 2-3 sentences. This captures the reader's attention and helps them recognize your contributions, with the assumption that you can do the same for them. There’s nothing worse than a recruiter reading some generic statement, like “Contributed to overall department success and team collaboration.”

What does that mean? What did you contribute and what were the results? What specifically did you do to promote teamwork ? Be as specific as possible.

You can find resources that will help you when writing your resume across the internet. These will provide you with  examples of effective resumes and  templates you can follow while constructing your resume.

Contact Information — The first thing in your resume should be your name and contact information. This should be at the top of the page , should be large enough to be easily seen, and should contain the following.

• Telephone number where you can best be reached, usually your mobile
• E-mail address — preferably your first & last name @ domain.com – don’t use cute or funny emails
• LinkedIn profile

Do not include a home address or links to your other social media pages. You can either put this information on the top of the first page or, better yet, include it as a heading so that it will show up on all the pages

Title — The next part of your resume is the title. This should be the same as the position you’re applying for. It lets the recruiter know exactly what position you’re interested in and sets the tone as they are reviewing the resume.

Summary — It is good to start your resume with a 2 to 3 sentence summary if your skills, experience, or education related to the job you’re applying for. This allows the recruiter to quickly recognize your qualifications and encourages them to read the remainder of the resume.

Professional Experience — You then turn to your employment experience . The section will contain details about the jobs you have worked at during the last 10 to 15 years.  Even if you have more experience, this is all you need to include because anything prior to this is either no longer relevant or has already been discussed in other job descriptions. The jobs should be detailed in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent first.

When listing your jobs, include:

• Position or title
• Employer – Location (City, State) – Dates Employed (Month/Year – Month/Year)

You then provide a 1 to 2 sentence summary of your responsibilities and major achievements. This is followed by 3 to 4 bullets that describe significant achievements, key contributions, or specific duties related to the position you’re applying for. If your job title is self-explanatory, then you can skip the 1 to 2-sentence summary and focus on the bullet points.

Skills — After your experience, you can list your skills relevant to the job. These are usually bulleted in the side column of the resume. Modern resumes will display skills in a way that won’t increase the size of your resume and be visually appealing to the hiring manager. Check out this resume for a Financial Advisor as an example.

Include both hard skills related to the job and soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and leadership. The hard skills are usually stated in the job description as requirements. The soft skills enhance your qualifications and distinguish you from other applicants.

Education — You’ll next describe your formal, informal, and continuing education . Start with the most advanced degree and work backward listing other degrees . If your formal education occurred some time ago, you can start with recent certifications you have been awarded or informal training you have that enhances your qualifications for the job.

When detailing your education, list:

• Degree attained (i.e., MBA, BS, AS) and your major and any minors
• The school or institution attended
• Additional activities such as clubs, athletic teams, publications, major projects or internships

Make sure you also include information about any continuing education courses , or certifications you have received, and which are relevant to the job you are applying for.

Hobbies — This is an important section of your resume, and you should be adding them in. Hobbies show the hiring manager more about your personality and personal life, and can also help develop a connection between you and the hiring manager. List out any achievements linked to your hobbies, and provide a little bit of detail instead of blandly listing a one-word hobby.

By listing your personal interests on your resume, you can add a personal touch about what makes you you. In this article, we’ll discuss why it’s sometimes advisable to list interests on your resume.

What are the 3 F's of resume writing?

• Form. Format and style your resume so that it is easy to read and digest.
• Function. Make the resume functional by keeping it relevant and not going back too far in time .
• Effectiveness. An effective resume includes everything to help a hiring manager make their decision.

Items you should not include in your resume are:

Personal information : Examples of these are age, gender, race, or family status. Employers cannot ask about these due to restrictions related to job discrimination. Putting them in your resume could disqualify you from being interviewed, or waste the recruiter's time who reads them.

References : Unlike CVs that are used throughout the world, American resumes do not typically include references. If an employer needs references prior to hiring you, they will request them after you have progressed through the interview process and are being considered as one of the final candidates.

Writing an effective American resume is easy if you follow the guidelines provided. You need to write with the purpose of convincing the employer you can contribute to helping them achieve their business objectives. The objective is to create enough interest in you to incent the recruiter to invite you to an interview.

Following the recommended format and structure of an American resume makes it easy to read and provides a flow. Using the valuable space at the top half of the first page to summarize your qualifications is critical. This gets the balance of the resume read and increases your chances for an interview. Including metrics throughout your resume will keep it interesting and help the employer understand how you can help them to “make money, save money or save time.”

Avoid any mention of personal information in a resume. This may result in automatic rejection, even though you may be one of the better candidates for the job. You should also not include references. These aren’t expected in America and will be requested later in the interview process if the employer needs them.

Finally, remember to write your American resume keeping the job requirements in mind. Any content that isn’t relevant to these may distract the reader from your key message and shouldn’t be included.

Which are red flags on a resume? There are certain things on any resume that may make a hiring manager stop reading immediately. Be careful if your resume contains the following:

• Too many long (and unexplained) employment gaps
• Typos, mistakes, grammatical and formatting errors
• Lack of career progression or evidence of job hopping
• Too much personal information seems unprofessional
• A career path that doesn't fit the vacancy in question
• Inconsistency between your resume and LinkedIn profile

Every country is different! Here is a comprehensive guide that includes tips, tools, and examples for writing an amazing British CV.

Tips, tools, and examples for writing a British CV that lands an interview. If you're looking for a job in the UK, the expectations are slightly different than other countries—there are specific rules to follow with a British CV, and we cover all of them in this comprehensive guide.

As mentioned, the British use CV to denote the same as the U.S. resume. In academic circles (in both countries) CV can also be used to denote a longer form documents with lots of information about your education and professional experience, including additional training, papers you’ve written, conferences you attended, projects you’ve been involved in, and other details which demonstrate your qualifications.

British CV tip — Include references in your CV when applying for jobs in the UK, but don't include their contact details as this goes against data protection legislation. 

If you are looking for work in the UK, a CV will be a key part of your job search process. Any document you use to detail your qualifications is called a Curriculum Vitae, or CV. This also applies to most of Europe and even the Middle East.

Let's keep it simple.

A CV in the UK is the equivalent of a resume in the United States. 

It may have one or two pages, and all of the sections that you would expect in a resume should be present. This is not the academic document that Americans call a CV. In this comprehensive guide, we will show you how to write an effective British CV that helps you land an interview, by outlining:

• An introduction to the British CV
• The components of a British CV
• The short form British CV
• Additional advice when drafting your CV

If you want to tell your ‘life story’ with lots of details about your education and professional experience, including additional training, papers you’ve written, conferences you attended, projects you’ve been involved in and other details which will demonstrate your qualifications, then you should opt for the long format, or detailed CV.

This document can be as long as necessary to include the details of your life which are applicable to the position you are applying to. Keep in mind that modern job applicants bring in over 200 applicants, and hiring managers spend about 7 seconds reviewing each application. So choose a CV carefully, because the time you have to impress the hiring manager is limited.

The content of the long format CV will include the following:

• Name − full name, title, degree (e.g. Ph.D., etc.)
• Contact information - phone, email, LinkedIn profile, personal web page (no social media or home address)
• Summary − a brief description of what you have achieved in your education and profession
• Academic qualifications − your academic qualification; degree(s) (descending, with most advanced first). Include key courses studied, GPA , papers written, studies performed
• Additional training – work-related instruction or courses, conferences attended
• Additional knowledge − skills you have acquired as part of your profession
• Soft skills − collaboration, communication, teaming, etc.
• Languages – native plus any foreign languages you are fluent in, if applicable
• Software tools − applications you use in your profession (Microsoft, Google, CRM tools, etc.)
• Operating system platforms − Windows, Mac, Linux
• Database management system – Oracle, SAP, Siebel
• Experience breakdown − summarized explanation of your experience – employers, title, dates, location, role, and a brief (1-2 sentence) summary of responsibilities
• Achievements – any significant achievements in professional life
• Awards and honors
• A declaration − stating all information provided about the applicant as true
• References – 2-3 references with names, titles, organization, phone, email and the role they played in your professional career (i.e., manager, customer, peer)

The short format or business CV should be 1-2 pages long (A4 format). It only consists of facts, dates, and numbers. The reasons for applying and a summary of your skills which qualify you for the position can be detailed in a cover letter . Remember, recruiters only spend 7 seconds reviewing this type of resume before deciding about your qualifications, so you want to capture their interest.

The content of this type of British CV is:

• Personal information – Name, phone, email, LinkedIn URL and location (not an address)
• Professional summary – key skills, experience, and soft skills aligned with the job you are applying for
• Working experience – title, employer, location, and dates, starting with the most recent job. Include a brief description of the role, followed by a bulleted list of contributions and achievements for each position
• Formal education & training - university, dates, and places, but no grades or courses
• Languages, skills, proficiencies related to the job you are applying for

Both types of CVs include your personal information, education and qualifications, work experience, interests and achievements, skills, and references. The additional information in the long format CV provides details important to recruiters and hiring managers in professions where specific coursework, publications , software skills, and other, more detailed experience and education and work experience is key to selecting a candidate.  Make sure you provide as much detail as possible when constructing a long format CV.

Also, you should always tailor your CV to the job you are applying for. Use a modern but professional format . Few if any graphic elements; these aren’t effective and will confuse Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

It is important to consider including references in your CV when applying for a position in the UK. Employers expect these and a significant majority of them take the time to contact the references you provide. It’s best to provide at least 2 references. As an alternative, you can write "references available on request."

Prior to adding someone's name and information to your CV, you should contact the person to ask their permission to use them as a reference. It is also considerate of you to provide them with a copy of your CV and discuss your job search objectives with them. Remind them of what you did when you worked together and discuss a few contributions you made while there.

The Asian resume

Similar to the long-form British CV, resumes in Asia tend be longer than the traditional American and European resume. The best practices here are to include all the information you normally would: personal information, contact details, work history, academics, skills, languages, and references.

But, you should also include a professional photo. Unlike the United States where it's common to add a photo to your resume only in certain industries, in Asia it is generally expected that you include a photo across every industry. Also include two copies of your resume — one in English, and another in the native language of that country.

Resumes in Asia are expected to be more personal in nature, where you will include your age, gender, marital status, interests , nationality, and visa status. As with a long-form CV, you should expect to be more detailed about your skills and work experience than you would in a short-form American style resume.

Asian resume tip — Even if you don’t know the native language, showing some cultural knowledge and sensitivity by including some wording or greeting will always be appreciated.

What are the three main types of resumes?

• Reverse-chronological. Lists work experience in reverse order with the more recent job first.
• Functional . A resume that focuses on functional skills, with only employers and employment dates listed.
• Combined . An initial section for function skills with a normal chronological work experience afterwards.

Spanish resumes are similar to British ones, but require you to be more clear about your language abilities . This should be front and center in your resume.

If Spanish is your second language, be sure to use templates and examples designed for a Spanish-speaking audience. Generally, Spanish resumes are 1-2 pages and include the following information:

• Contact information
• A professional summary
• Education and GPA information — both high school and post-secondary
• Work experience in bullet points
• Skills and languages (be clear about your native language)

Spanish resume tip — It is important to have someone who is a native speaker read over your resume before you send it to an employer to ensure there are no grammatical or language errors.

Russian resumes are similar to resumes in Europe, in that they include all the basic information such as contact details, a professional summary, work history, education, skills, languages, and references.

Here are a few additional tips for writing a resume to apply for a job in Russia:

• Do not exceed 2 pages in length.
• Place the education section above work experience—this is a common expectation in Russia.
• As with most other countries, it is suggested to list your work experience in reverse chronological order.
• It is common to send along a translated version of your resume with a cover letter to Russian companies or an English version to an international company working within Russia.
• Unless requested, do not include references on your Russian resume.

Russian resume tip — Photos are not required or encouraged when submitting a resume in Russia. Unless it’s specifically requested, do not include a photo.

Writing a resume or CV when English is a second language

Writing an international resume is challenging enough, so writing a resume or CV in English when you're not a native speaker makes it even more difficult. To begin writing your resume in English, you should gather all relevant information so you are well organized. This includes:

• A copy of your current CV in your native language
• Any additional information you need to update your CV
• A description of the job(s) you are applying for so you can understand the types of language and keywords used
• An English dictionary, thesaurus, and / or Google Translate
• Templates to work with or a resume builder

Once you have all these resources, you can start translating. Check out resume examples for inspiration and research to find the right language and wording to use. Make sure to include the keywords that you collected in the job description you are applying for.

Writing a CV in English is different than writing a CV in your native language. English has several nuances that you must be aware of and the sentence structure is often different than what you are used to. However, once you are aware of these differences it is easy to translate your current CV into English.  

Writing resumes for different cultures and countries

What’s good for the UK, isn’t necessarily correct for the US, and what’s best practice in Russia, may not go over well in China. Find out as much about the local job application preferences as possible before you use an international resume to apply to a job.

If at all possible connect with a native person in your industry and ask them for feedback on your resume before you send it to an employer. It's even better if you can connect with a local person in your industry who speaks your native language too. Most often local residents are more than happy to help you get acclimated to a new job market and welcomed to their country.

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International Resume CV for Students: 18 Tips

How to write a perfect international student resume.

Every year, America’s leading universities attract thousands of international students. They come to receive a world-class education, and some of them stay to make it in the United States. If you’re one of those students, note that in addition to excellent high school grades and your ambitions you’ll need to make some preparations as well. In particular, you’ll need an up-to-date American resume that is required both as a part of university program application and to apply for local jobs.

However, you’ll want to make sure that your resume adheres to the North American standards of resume writing. And these standards might be different from those in your home country. Today, our creative resume writers share resume tips for job seekers looking to create their first resume.

Our professional resume writing service can create you a resume that will secure you a competitive advantage over your peers. A talented resume creator of Resumeperk.com can write you the US resume that will highlight your strengths, ambitions and academic successes.

Professional resume writing tips for creating an American resume

1. one page is your perfect resume length  .

As a rule, one page is enough for a student resume. The US universities and employers don’t feel like receiving long and unnecessarily detailed resumes. If you are an experienced manager looking to obtain the MBA, you can extend the resume to two pages. Longer won’t be accepted by the admissions committees.

2. Ask your university for resume samples

Some universities have their own guidelines for writing a resume. Ask them for a template and follow the example. If your target school has no specific requirements, create a general student resume and include all mandatory sections.

3. Keep the formatting neat and professional

American resumes are flexible and allow using color, charts, and graphic elements. However, if you write a resume for university, it’s better to create a plain black-and-white resume with neat formatting and clear structure. Make the resume subheadings visible at a glance and use bullet points to list your awards or job responsibilities.

4. List any work experience you have

Even if you’re just out of high school and haven’t had a full-time job, think of any other experience which might qualify as jobs. If you worked as a waiter, cleaner or babysitter on weekends to earn some cash, do include it in your resume. American employers value all kinds of working experience . If you helped your father with family business, that’s even better – you must have learned many valuable skills that deserve being mentioned on a resume.

5. Show off your skills, achievements and experience

In the American culture, it is acceptable and even encouraged to brag about your skills and accomplishments on a resume. If you had a job relevant to your major, won a prestigious student award in your home country or did sports in high school, don’t be shy to show off your background. These details might make a lot of difference for getting you accepted.

6. Attach a matching cover letter

Your resume should be accompanied by a cover letter which is written especially for a university or a job posting.  Use a cover letter to show your motivation for applying and persuade the reader that you make a perfect fit for the program or employment. How you end a cover letter also matters – check out our tips here: https://resumeperk.com/blog/how-to-end-a-letter-10-examples--what-to-avoid .

7. Edit with utmost attention

American employers and committees frown upon typos, grammar errors and poor English in writing. Unprofessional, weak writing can ultimately close doors for you as it shows lack of your attention to detail. After you’ve written a resume, proofread it for several times and run through a spell checker to exclude occasional mistakes. Or, if you are very serious about getting in, hire a native English editor. Our PhD editor can fix all minor and advanced writing mistakes and help you sound like a native speaker.

What to include in your English resume: 11 tips + Infographic

If you are a German, French or Indian student looking to get accepted in the American university, follow the tips below to create a resume according to the American standards. You can use the same structure to write a resume for employment or even to launch freelancing career .

1.  Name and contact information

This one is pretty obvious, isn’t it? Your name and contact detail go first in the resume. Avoid putting the word ‘Resume’ at the top of the page. In the US, contact information is restricted to one phone number, permanent local address and an email.

2.  Objective and headline

Although this section isn’t mandatory, we strongly recommend that you use it. Add the name of the program you are applying for or the name of the job.

3.  Details about your education

In the student resumes Education section goes first. Include the detailed information about the educational background that you already have, including relevant coursework, school or university projects, academic honors and awards. Focus on the information which is most relevant for your target university.

4.  Work experience

If you have work experience, both full-time or part-time, don’t just list what your duties were. Focus on the results you’ve delivered for your previous employer and how you exceeded the expectations.

5.  All relevant experiences you have

If you have no formal work experience, focus on extracurricular activities, volunteering, student organizations, and more. Be specifically detailed about them if you had a leadership role – universities prefer students who have leadership traits. Briefly outline your responsibilities and contribution at each of these positions.

6.  Context for your overseas experience and education

Both universities and employers might not be aware of the most reputable organizations and schools in your home country. So, it’s helpful to provide a frame of reference in your resume. Adding statements as “The #1 technical university in Poland” or “The 2nd biggest bank in France” will add value to your home experience.

7.  Skills and language proficiencies

It will do you a lot of good to list all your skills and competencies separately on a resume. As a student, you can list proficiency with software, any hard skills and language proficiency (except for English language).

8.  Quantifiable accomplishments

American employers value accomplishments and results in a resume. So, if you had had any specific achievements at work or as a volunteer or leader of student organization, add these accomplishments with figures.

9.  Keywords

Companies in the US use applicant tracking software that searches for specific words and phrases in candidates’ resumes. When writing a resume for a job, read the job posting and highlight the names of qualifications and skills required – these are most likely keywords . Add them into your resume to pass the automated selection.

10.  Hobbies

If you have a relevant hobby, add this section to your resume as well. Note that such things as cooking, cycling and dancing aren’t good examples unless you have reached good results in them.

11.  Reference list

Don’t make references a part of your resume. Add a separate page called ‘References’ and list people who can recommend you, including their name, position, company, phone number, and email. It’s better to use local references or list people who have a good command of English.

If you seek more advice on writing an American resume, read the guide from our writers on writing a resume for high school graduates .

Examples of what to avoid in American resume

Certain things that are necessary to include in a resume in your culture might not be appropriate for North American resumes . Here are the top things you should leave out:

• Such personal information as age, gender, marital status and ethnicity is not included in American resumes. It is assumed that all people have equal rights for university admission or a job.
• Picture – unless you apply for a performance arts specialty or a job, don’t use a picture.
• Salary information, including how much you were paid on the previous positions or your salary expectations. In the US, compensation is discussed during an interview.
• English language as a skill, including level of proficiency or TOEFL score. Since you are applying for an English language university, your English proficiency is assumed.
• First person pronouns. The US resumes are written in the third person without any pronouns.
• Too bright and ‘funny’ formatting. Resume is a professional document and should look accordingly. A bit of color is acceptable, but not when it’s a university application.

A resume should present your strengths and qualifications in a concise way. With the help of the above tips, you’ll find it easier to update your international resume in accordance with the American standards of resume writing. Keep the writing style professional, put your education and professional achievements in focus, and show your perfect English writing skills to impress the admissions committee or the local employer. Speaking about employment, if you are looking for your first job in the US, take a look at how to answer weird interview questions you might be asked.

Want an international student resume that looks really professional?

Hire the best resume-writing services.

A resume writing process is an essential task, especially if you are writing your first resume. In this case, you might lack some required skills to perform a highly professional resume or cover letter. That is why our resume writing services offer assistance for international students looking for a dream job. Catch the attention of a hiring manager by using a professionally written resume written in accordance with your job description, standards, and requirements. Forget about scary applicant tracking systems - an optimized work history completed by our resume services will pass the selection! Choose one of the resume packages on our website and you will stand out among other job applicants. The job search is a tough process itself, so let yourself relax a bit and order a great resume from professionals. A professional writer will have your current resume reviewed or will create a fresh entry-level resume. Just create your personal website account and place an order, check out the sample resumes, and prepare to receive an excellent resume or curriculum vitae! A strong resume will bring you more interviews and help you to achieve your career goals.  Your perfect resume will be visually appealing, and keyword optimized and may include additional services like cover letter writing or LinkedIn profile writing. Quick turnaround times and high quality are guaranteed!

When you’re writing your first resume for work and study in the US, it might be heard to comply with all the rules. In this case, an outside perspective of a resume professional can go a long way for the success of your application. At Resumeperk com, we offer a free resume review service. Send us your resume using ‘Contact us’ form, and an expert resume writer will send you a detailed critique, pointing out at its strengths and what should be corrected.

At our website you can also receive a personal help building a resume . A native English resume copywriter will create a brand-new resume for you that meets the local standards and will increase your chance of being accepted. We have cheap prices for resume assistance and offer student resumes for sale with a 15% discount.

Our experienced writers can create a powerful resume suitable for each position. However, you may also request a specific resume depending on the job you are applying for, thus it will be tailored individually for your profession:

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11 Resume Writing Tips That Work

Your CV needs to stand out among hundreds of applicants. And with these resume writing tips, it will.

Your resume is the first thing hiring managers look at when you apply for a job—that is why it is important to make sure yours shines. Using the right language and formatting, and including the right talking points, can lead to an interview or even a job offer. Follow our resume writing tips for college students and give yourself the best possible chance for landing that job or dream internship. 

1. Find a Resume Template That Works for You 

Finding a good resume template is easy—Google and Microsoft Word are great places to start. Look for an example that fits your personality and your experience. Be consistent with the style you choose, whether it be bullet points or short paragraphs, and use the same formatting throughout your resume or CV.  

2. Summarize Your Qualifications 

Start your resume with a summary of who you are, what your professional track is, and why you are qualified for this job or internship position . Think of the qualifications summary as a three-sentence cover letter. Recruiters often appreciate knowing a little bit about you beyond your experience. Having trouble creating a summary? A career action plan will make writing a resume easier by giving you a better idea of your strengths and qualifications. 

3. Use Action Verbs 

Action verbs—as opposed to linking or helping verbs—are great for communicating responsibility on a resume. Be careful, though, because most experiential bullet points on resumes start with the same set of action verbs, words such as led, handled, or managed. Find creative ways to express your professional responsibilities to help you stand out from the crowd. Try acted as, coordinated, organized, or other synonyms. 

4. Use Numbers Wherever Possible 

Try to quantify your experience wherever you can when writing a resume—it gives the recruiters a sense of the volume and scope of your work. And it shows you can back up your claims with data, something many managers look for. How did you contribute and how much did you contribute? For instance, interning at an IT desk sounds more impressive when you have served over 100 people a day or caught an error that saved the company $50,000.  

5. Do Not Hide Your Education 

Most professional resumes list work experience above schooling. However, if you are still a student, then university is your primary responsibility and should feature prominently on your resume. Include your school’s name, your major, and your GPA. You should also consider listing any scholarships or accolades you have received as a result of your studies. 

6. Start with Relevant Work History 

If you are still in school or just graduated, you might not have much professional experience that is directly related to your prospective position. That is OK—you are not applying for a senior role and are probably not expected to have years of related work history. Align skills you have used in other jobs to the position you are applying to. Include internships, other entry-level jobs, volunteering positions, research projects, and anything else that is relevant. 

7. Focus on Your Achievements and Leadership Experience 

It is OK if your experience does not relate directly to the role, especially if you can list examples of how you were a leader. You can also include your professional, sports, or scholastic achievements. Extracurricular activities and joining a campus club —like being captain of your varsity basketball team or belonging to the debate club—show that you are a team player and know how to lead.  

8. Do Not Forget to Include Your Extracurriculars  

Are you on the swim team? In the chess club? Do you volunteer at a local shelter or regularly participate in some other form of community service? If you do not have the professional experience necessary to fill your resume, include your other activities. Show the recruiter how these activities and interests align with the role requirements in the job description. 

9. Include a Skills Section 

Many hiring managers are checking to see if you have the computer skills required to complete the job. Include the computer languages, applications, and platforms that you have experience with, especially when these tools apply directly to the role. If you have taken any classes or hold any certifications—such as the free Google Analytics Academy certifications—make sure you include those credentials, too. 

10. One Page Is Enough 

Many college students will probably have trouble filling a single page with their work history. If you find yourself running longer than one page, then you should consider editing your resume down to fit. While a one-page resume is not a strict rule—you can go longer if you have the experience to make it work—it is enough for the majority of job applicants. And remember, writing a great cover letter helps you tell the rest of your story and explain your “why me” to the hiring manager.

11. Do Not Forget to Proofread

Last but not least, make sure you read through your resume several times before submitting any job applications. A typo, bad grammar, or inconsistencies can be a red flag for hiring managers in fields where attention to detail is important. Ask a family member or friend to take a look, as well as someone in your university’s career service department. 

As a college student, finding great ways on how to write a resume can be challenging, but there is more to a resume than just work experience. Creating a clear picture of who you are, what relevant experience you have, and why you are the best candidate for the position are the ingredients to a great resume. Concentrating on these CV or resume writing tips will help you put your best foot forward when applying for a job. 

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Resumes and Curriculum Vitae (CV)

The purpose of your resume is to get an interview. In thirty seconds or less, most employers decide whether or not to consider applicants for employment, so your resume's content must be clear, concise, and compelling.

Tailor your resume to the specific position for which you are applying and present your most relevant skills, experience, and achievements. To stand a chance, make sure that your resume is free of misspellings and grammatical errors.

Resume Formats

Chronological.

The most common format, a chronological resume, lists your education and experience in reverse date order, with your most recent information first. It is best used when your employment history shows growth and development, you are seeking to stay in the same field, the name of your most recent employer is an asset, and prior job titles are particularly impressive.

A functional or transferable skills resume allows the candidate the opportunity to highlight skills and experience that are relevant to the employer, rather than chronologically listing their work history. This style is typically used by those who are changing careers or who have gaps in their employment history.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A curriculum vitae (CV) is more extensive than a resume and is primarily used when applying for teaching or research opportunities. To differentiate between the two, consider your target careers.

In the world of academia and scientific research, a CV is the standard job search document. The CV differs from a traditional resume in that it lists publications, professional presentations, classes taught, and other relevant academic information. While resume length is limited to one or two pages, the CV can grow with your career. Undergraduate students just beginning their academic or research careers may choose to build upon their traditional resume by adding undergraduate research, significant academic papers, publications, or presentations. You can try this free online CV builder to get started.

The term curriculum vitae (CV) can also be used when applying for positions abroad. Research your target country and its employment terminology to determine CV expectations. If possible, speak to a recruiter to better understand the country's culture and employment expectations.

Unless an employer specifically requests your publication and/or presentation history, then the employer is likely looking for a traditional resume.

This format includes the same content as a resume, as well as information required for Federal applications, such as your social security number, country of citizenship, position details, high school credentials, salary history, and references. Your employment history, education, and related training and skills should be listed in reverse chronological order and your content should emphasize specific results. To create one uniform resume that includes all of the information required by government agencies, use the USAJOBS Resume Builder . Note: you must first log in to or create an account with USAJOBS to access the resume builder.

Infographic

An infographic resume is a visual timeline that details your work history and professional skills and illustrates who you are as a candidate. Infographic resumes often contain images, data/charts, text, and color that describe your experience and expertise in a visual way. Infographic resumes are appealing in certain industries and to many employers because they are a representation of your creative skills. Some of these industries include public relations, marketing and graphic design. It's important to note that most non-profits, government agencies, and positions on Capitol Hill will not accept this style of resume.

You can create an infographic resume entirely on your own or use online tools that assist you in building one. Several applications including Canva , Poster My Wall , and Kinzaa offer free tools that allow you to create dynamic infographic resumes.

While many employers find infographic resumes appealing, it is important that you create a traditional resume as well.

Sections & Headers

General guidelines exist so that employers can quickly and easily find key information on your resume; however, you may include personal touches through your layout and content so that your unique qualifications stand out.

Contact Information

Required details include your full name; current address; primary phone number, which is most likely your cell; and e-mail address. If you have a professional Web site that features work samples, you may include the URL. If you are abroad and use Skype, you may include your Skype number so that employers can easily communicate with you.

Objective, Profile, Summary Statement

This section is optional and is most effective when you know the specific industry or type of work that interests you, or when you are transitioning from one career to another. If you include it, clearly and concisely state your career goal or summarize your professional experience so that employers immediately know what you seek.

Begin with the most recent degree you are pursuing or have earned and list additional degrees in reverse chronological order.

Include your institution and its location by city and state; degree level; major, minor, or concentration; and the month and year of graduation, or anticipated completion. If you have studied abroad, include the institution and its location, academic term, and concentration.

Scholarships, academic awards and other honors can be included in this section or listed separately. Relevant courses, class projects, and independent studies can also be included and often help bolster credentials if you have less relevant work experience.

Emphasize relevant experience that you have gained through part- and full-time employment, paid and unpaid internships, volunteer positions, and leadership positions with student organizations. If your experience naturally breaks into two distinct categories - related and other - create separate headers and list your experiences accordingly.

For each entry, list the organization and its location by city and state, position title, and employment dates (month / year). Craft concise statements - not full sentences - and use strong verbs and specific details to describe your actions and results.

Demonstrate to employers how you applied select knowledge, skills, and abilities to achieve desired outcomes. If possible, quantify your results to convey the scope and significance of the project.

Most employers spend less than a minute when reviewing resumes so it is essential to make your skills as clear as possible to employers. Skills can be separated into sub-headings that include:

• Language Skills: If you are fluent or proficient, you should indicate so in parenthesis next to the name of the language listed (eg. Spanish (Fluent)).
• Computer Skills: Include any software and/or programs you've worked with and highlight your ability to run analytics with various social media platforms and/or content management systems.
• Special Skills: Include specialized skills you've honed professionally and/or academically such as policy analysis, training and facilitation, conflict mediation, or public speaking skills.
• Leadership and/or Community Activities: List your degree of involvement with college and community activities. Your activities can provide evidence that you have key skills that will benefit you on the job. Holding an office in a sorority, participating in student organizations, taking part in a theater production, or playing on a sports team all offer you the chance to show an employer that you have leadership, teamwork, communication, and other important skills.

Training, Certifications, Licenses

If you have successfully completed trainings or earned certifications or licenses that relate to your career goal, name the section accordingly and include key details.

Activities & Professional Associations

Through a description or a list of your accomplishments, extracurricular activities, or professional associations, employers begin to learn about your interests, motivations, and skills. For all leadership positions held, list the organization's full name, your position title, membership dates, and a brief description of your key accomplishments. For involvement as a member, list the organization's full name, membership dates, and activities in which you have participated that relate to your career objective.

Frequently Asked Questions

No two resumes are alike. In fact, everyone has something different to offer an employer. If you're wondering how to present your unique experience, don't panic. Review answers from your career advisors to these frequently asked questions.

How long should it be?

The length of your resume depends on how much relevant experience you have. Generally, undergraduate students, and occasionally grad students, have just enough information to fill one page. If you have a significant amount of experience that is of interest to an employer, then two pages are appropriate. Keep in mind that employers will only read your second page if your first page captures their attention.

Should I include information from high school?

It depends on your year in college and the amount of experience you have. If you are a freshman or sophomore, you may include your high school information, but as you progress through college and gain additional experience and skills, your high school achievements become less relevant to employers.

Should I include my GPA?

The importance of GPAs varies according to industry and occupation. If your GPA is 3.5 or higher, you should include it. If your GPA in your major is higher than your overall GPA, you may indicate both, listing your major's GPA first. If you choose to include your GPA, be sure that it is accurate because you may be asked to verify it later in the hiring process.

I've worked part-time and during the summer, but I'm not sure that my experience is relevant to the position I want. Should I include it anyway?

In most cases, yes. Through every experience, you develop "transferable skills" that you can use in future positions. Think about the skills required for the position that you seek and then describe how you demonstrated those skills in previous positions. Examples of transferable skills include written and verbal communication, research, planning, organization, problem solving, and customer service.

How proficient do my computer or language skills have to be in order to include them?

If you are confident that you can fulfill the duties of the position with your existing skills, include them on your resume. Do not inflate your abilities, but rather describe them as basic, intermediate, or advanced.

Should I include references on my resume or state that they're available upon request?

Generally, no, you do not need to include references on your resume. Employers expect you to have references and typically request a list once you advance to the interview stage.

Carefully choose references that think highly of you and are more than willing to recommend you for employment. Read more about references .

Should I use the same resume to apply for different positions?

No. The most effective resumes are tailored to specific employers or positions and highlight knowledge, skills and experiences that directly relate to the qualifications and duties of the position you seek. Do your research and include keywords that employers will recognize as they quickly scan your resume.

How do I create a resume from scratch?

The quickest and easiest way to create a resume is to use the Career Center's templates, found in the sidebar of this page, which you can tailor for your degree program or career objective.

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) Sample *
• First and Second Year Undergraduate Template *
• Upperclassmen Template *
• Graduate Student Template *
• Mid-Career Professional Template *
• Chronological Samples
• Functional Sample
• Federal Format

Accessing Templates in Google Drive

*Note: to use these templates, either download the file and edit in Word, or select "Open in Google Docs" and then File>Make a copy to save your own copy. You do not need to request access to edit the original document

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Sample Resumes

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Here are more than a dozen great examples of resumes and CVs geared towards different interests and industries.

Be sure to check out more than one, different resume formats:.

• 1 Resume 2 Ways — Functional & Chronological
• Sample Undergraduate Student CV
• Sample Graduate Student Resume
• Sample Graduate Student CV

Industry-Specific Resumes:

• Sample Arts/Media/Marketing Resume
• Sample Consulting/Business Resume
• Sample Health Resume
• Sample Law/Government/Policy Resume
• Sample Non-profit/Social Justice/Education Resume 1
• Sample Non-profit/Social Justice/Education Resume 2
• Sample Physical/Life Science Resume
• Sample Climate/Conservation/Sustainability Resume
• Sample Tech/Data/Gaming Resume

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The Division of Student Life acknowledges the Coast Salish people of this land, the land which touches the shared waters of all tribes and bands within the Suquamish, Tulalip, and Muckleshoot Nations. Student Life is committed to developing and maintaining an inclusive climate that honors the diverse array of students, faculty, and staff. We strive to provide pathways for success and to purposefully confront and dismantle existing physical, social, and psychological barriers for minoritized students and communities. We engage in this work while learning and demonstrating cultural humility.

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International Student Resume & CV Trends (CSU)

Unlike some areas of the world, in the US, resume and CV are not the same things. This document is helpful for international students to identify the differences between a resume and CV, and receive tips on formatting and guidelines.

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• CV / Curriculum Vitae , Resume

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Career Interests

Related resources.

Tech Resume Guide (CSU Career Center)

Get your dream job in the tech industry by viewing this resume example.

Structural Engineers Association of Colorado (SEAC)

Find a community of structural engineers right here in Colorado.

American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE)

Find out about careers related to energy policies and environmental issues as it relates to African Americans and other minorities. Visit The American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) website!

Built in Colorado

Start your career in a startup or tech company in Colorado through the Built in Colorado website.

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Undergraduate’s student resume samples