FoliumHow to write a resume for jobs in the United States
US employers expect a tight, achievement-focused resume: no photo, no date of birth, no marital status, usually one page early in your career and two at most. If your CV follows another country's format, Folium lets you hide the photo with one click, pick an ATS-friendly template and create an English copy of your existing CV.
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What a US resume usually includes
A typical US resume has:
- Contact details only: name, phone, email, city and state, and LinkedIn — no photo, date of birth, marital status or Social Security number.
- A short professional summary of two or three lines, tailored to the job.
- Experience in reverse-chronological order, with measurable achievements (numbers, results) rather than duties.
- One page early in your career, two at most, in American English, using the job ad's keywords.
Most US employers screen resumes with an applicant tracking system (ATS), so the keywords and a clean layout matter. A cover letter is often optional, but a tailored one helps you stand out. If you're applying from abroad, application forms usually ask whether you're authorized to work in the US or will need visa sponsorship.
How Folium helps with a US resume
| What US employers expect | In Folium |
|---|---|
| No photo | Hide the photo in any template with one click |
| A resume in English | “Translate CV” creates an English copy of your CV (free account) |
| An ATS-friendly layout | Real-text PDFs; Classic, Modern, Swiss or Harbor for strict systems |
| Keywords from the job ad | ATS checker with a match score (free account) |
| A tailored cover letter | AI draft from your resume and the job ad (free account) |
| PDF or Word | Both free, no watermark |
See also ATS-friendly resume templates and which countries expect a photo on a CV.
Build your US resume
ATS-friendly templates · photo off in one click · English copy · free
Start building — freeFrequently asked questions
Should I put a photo on a US resume?
No. US employers generally don't want a photo, date of birth or marital status on a resume, partly to avoid discrimination claims. In Folium, switch off “Show photo on the CV” for your US version; the photo stays saved for other applications.
Should my US resume be one page or two?
One page is standard for students and early-career candidates; two pages are fine with around ten years of relevant experience. Longer than two is rare outside academia.
What's the difference between a resume and a CV in the US?
A resume is the short document used for most jobs. In the US, “CV” usually means the long academic version listing publications, research and teaching.
Do I need a cover letter?
It's often optional, but when a job asks for one — or you want to stand out — send a short letter tailored to the role. Folium drafts one from your resume and the job ad with a free account.
Should I mention my visa or work authorization?
Application forms usually ask directly whether you're authorized to work in the US or need sponsorship, so answer honestly there. If you're already authorized, a short line such as “Authorized to work in the US” can help.