While there are a number of similarities to résumés written around the world, you should be aware of the distinctions within different countries. Your international job search will be that much more effective if you tailor your résumé to fit a given country’s standards: an appropriately-formatted résumé shows a potential employer in any country that you understand and can adapt to new practices appropriately.
In this blog series, we will explore résumé expectations and trends in nations around the world, beginning with the United States.
If you’re applying for a job in the U.S., the following résumé conventions apply:
Specifications
- Print your résumé (and CV) on 8 ½ x 11-inch paper (usually in a white or light cream color).
- Begin with your contact information, but include only name, address, phone number, and e-mail address.
- The following categories are common in American résumés: objective (or job title), summary of qualifications, job history (from most recent job to oldest, but only going back 10 to 15 years at most), education, and computer skills.
- Some résumés may also include information on pertinent training and professional affiliations.
- If you have work authorization for the U.S., include that information.
- Your résumé should be one page (preferred) or no more than two pages.
Do NOT include:
- A photograph
- Your birth date or age
- Your marital status
Finally, you may wonder about the difference between a résumé and a CV in the American context. Most job applicants in the U.S. will need a résumé. In the U.S., CVs predominate in academic or scientific fields, and are usually appropriate only for individuals with high levels of education (such as a PhD). A CV is at least three pages long and may include details about one’s master’s or PhD thesis/dissertation and other educational information, as well as any professional publications.