Crafting a Winning U.S. Style Resume: Dos and Don'ts for Australians
Moving to the USA is exciting, but diving into the American job market can feel like navigating a foreign city without a map. One of the first hurdles? Crafting a U.S.-style resume that actually stands out.
As an Aussie who’s lived and worked in the States, I know firsthand how different U.S. resume expectations can be compared to back home. To help you avoid common pitfalls, I’ve put together a practical guide of dos and don’ts for your U.S. resume, and if you want a complete, step-by-step version, check out my U.S. Resume Writing Guide for Australians. It’s packed with insider tips and ready-to-use templates to make your job search smooth sailing.
U.S. Resume Dos and Don’ts
U.S. Resume Dos
1. Tailor Your Resume for Each Job Application
Do: Customise your resume for each job you apply to. Highlight relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments that align with the job description.
Tip: Use keywords from the job listing in your resume. Many U.S. companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes, and matching keywords can help your resume pass the initial screening.
2. Keep a Clear and Professional Format
Do: Choose a clean and professional layout. Use a standard font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in a readable size (10-12 points). Ensure there is enough white space and consistent formatting throughout.
Tip: Use bullet points to make your resume easy to scan. Hiring managers often spend just a few seconds reviewing each resume.
3. Include a Professional Summary
Do: Start with a brief professional summary that encapsulates your experience, skills, and what you bring to the table. This should be 1-2 sentences long and tailored to the job you are applying for.
Tip: Focus on your most impressive achievements and relevant skills. This is your chance to make a strong first impression.
4. Highlight Accomplishments with Quantifiable Results
Do: Emphasise your accomplishments by providing specific examples and quantifiable results. Use numbers, percentages, and metrics to demonstrate your impact and to give your accomplishments context and impact.
Example: "Increased sales by 20% within six months by implementing a new marketing strategy."
5. Showcase Relevant Skills
Do: List relevant skills that match the job description. Include both hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (communication, teamwork, etc.).
Tip: Organise your skills in a dedicated section, and consider categorising them to make them easier to read.
6. Keep It Concise
Do: Aim for a one-page resume if you have less than 10 years of experience. For more experienced professionals, a two-page resume is acceptable.
Tip: Focus on your most recent and relevant experience. Remove outdated or irrelevant information.
7. Proofread Thoroughly
Do: Proofread your resume multiple times to catch any typos, grammatical errors, or formatting inconsistencies. Consider asking a friend or mentor to review it as well.
Tip: Use tools like Grammarly to help with grammar and spelling.
U.S. Resume Don'ts
1. Don’t Include Personal Information
Don’t: Avoid including personal information such as your age, marital status, religion, or a photo. This is not customary in the U.S. and can lead to potential biases.
Tip: Stick to your name, contact information, and LinkedIn profile link.
2. Don’t Use Unprofessional Email Addresses
Don’t: Using an unprofessional email address can make a bad impression. Avoid addresses that contain nicknames, numbers, or anything inappropriate.
Tip: Create a professional email address using a combination of your first and last name.
3. Don’t List Every Job You’ve Ever Had
Don’t: Including every job you've ever had, especially those that are not relevant to the position you're applying for, can clutter your resume.
Tip: Focus on the most relevant experiences from the past 10-15 years. Group earlier experience if necessary.
4. Don’t Use Generic Objectives
Don’t: Generic objectives like "Seeking a challenging position in a reputable company" are outdated and add little value.
Tip: Replace the objective with a professional summary that highlights your unique value proposition.
5. Don’t Lie or Exaggerate
Don’t: Misrepresenting your qualifications, experiences, or skills can backfire and harm your reputation.
Tip: Be honest and accurate about your accomplishments and skills. Authenticity is appreciated by American employers.
6. Don’t Use Jargon or Acronyms
Don’t: Avoid using industry-specific jargon or acronyms that may not be understood by all readers. More often than not, recruiters will be the first to review your resume, and these roles are not always familiar with industry-specific terms.
Tip: Write in clear, plain language. If you must use acronyms, spell them out the first time with the abbreviation in parentheses.
7. Don’t Neglect the Formatting
Don’t: Inconsistent formatting, poor spacing, and a lack of structure can make your resume look unprofessional.
Tip: My U.S. Resume Writing Guide for Australians includes templates that make formatting a breeze, so your resume looks polished and professional every time.
By following these dos and don’ts, you can create a compelling U.S.-style resume that showcases your qualifications and helps you stand out in the competitive American job market. Good luck with your job search!
Ready to Land Your Dream U.S. Job?
Creating a strong U.S.-style resume doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Follow these dos and don’ts, customise your resume for each application, and you’ll be well on your way to standing out in the competitive American job market.
For a complete walkthrough, including sample resumes, formatting tips, and a step-by-step guide tailored for Australians, grab my U.S. Resume Writing Guide here. Your American adventure and career await!
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