How to write a US-style resume: 10 rules
CV habits from abroad don't always work in the US. Photos, age, length and content: the resume format American employers expect.
Amerikailanlar Ekibi · Oct 31, 2026 · 2 min read · Türkçe oku
Contents
A US resume is shorter and more results-focused than a CV in most other countries. Recruiters often scan one in seconds, so every line has to earn its place.
1. No photo
US resumes don't include a photo. Because of anti-discrimination rules, many employers prefer applications without one.
2. No age, marital status or religion
Leave out date of birth, marital status, children, religion and nationality. Only job-related information belongs on a resume.
3. Aim for one page
With under 10 years of experience, one page is enough. More experienced? Two pages at most.
4. Contact details at the top
Name, city and state (no full address needed), phone, email and your LinkedIn profile if you have one.
5. Write a short summary
Two or three sentences: who you are, how many years of experience you have, and your strongest skill.
6. Show results, not duties
Instead of "Handled customers," write "Served 80+ customers a day and cut complaints by 30%." Start each bullet with a strong verb: Managed, Built, Increased, Trained.
7. Reverse chronological order
Your most recent job goes first. For each: title, company, city and country, dates and 3–5 bullets.
8. Explain experience from abroad
US employers may not know your previous company. Add a short note, such as "one of Türkiye's three largest textile exporters." If your degree has been evaluated for US equivalency, say so.
9. Highlight your languages
Speaking Turkish and English is a real advantage in customer service, sales, healthcare and logistics. Write "Languages: Turkish (native), English (fluent)."
10. Tailor it to every job
Use keywords from the job post. Many companies screen resumes with software first, and a resume without the right words can be filtered out. Send it as a PDF.
Common mistakes
- Typos. Have someone proofread before you send it.
- "References available upon request." It's no longer needed.
- Colorful, table-heavy designs that screening software can't read.
Resume ready? Browse jobs on Amerikailanlar, where employers are looking for Turkish speakers.
Frequently asked questions
Should a US resume have a photo?+
No. US resumes leave out photos, age and marital status.
How long should a US resume be?+
One page with under 10 years of experience, two pages at most otherwise.
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