Question 1

How long should a US resume be?

Accepted Answer

One page for professionals with 0-10 years of experience, two pages for those with 10+ years or extensive relevant accomplishments. Never exceed two pages unless you're applying for academic, medical, or executive positions where a CV format is specifically requested.

Question 2

Should I include an objective statement on my resume?

Accepted Answer

Most experienced professionals should use a resume summary instead. Objective statements are appropriate for recent graduates, career changers, or those with employment gaps who need to explain their career goals and context.

Question 3

What's the difference between a US resume and a CV?

Accepted Answer

In the United States, a resume is a brief (1-2 page) targeted document for corporate jobs, while a CV is a comprehensive academic document listing all publications, research, and teaching experience. Outside the US, "CV" often refers to what Americans call a resume.

Question 4

Do I need to include references on my resume?

Accepted Answer

No. References are provided later in the hiring process when requested. The phrase "References available upon request" is outdated and wastes valuable space.

Question 5

How far back should my work experience go?

Accepted Answer

Generally 10-15 years, unless older experience is directly relevant to the target role. For senior professionals, you can list earlier roles with just title, company, and dates without bullet points.

Question 6

Should my resume be a PDF or Word document?

Accepted Answer

Check the job posting for specific requirements. If not specified, PDF preserves formatting but some older ATS systems parse Word documents more accurately.

Question 7

How do I handle employment gaps on my resume?

Accepted Answer

Be honest and brief. You can use years only (2018-2020) instead of months to minimize small gaps, or include a one-line explanation for significant gaps: "Career break for family care" or "Freelance consulting"

Question 8

Can I use color on my US resume?

Accepted Answer

Minimal color (like a colored header) is acceptable for creative fields, but most professional resumes should stick to black text on white background for maximum ATS compatibility and professional appearance.

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