US Style Resume (CV - Curriculum Vitae)

[SimonBelgium 49]

After looking at the topics from the last few months, I couldn't quite find anything regarding US style resumes

As we all know, different countries/regions, and different industries in the job market have different habits and work cultures.

Although the resume content itself (the actual qualifications, degrees and experience) is factual, the way you represent it, and structure it on the resume document can vary from country to country, and industry to industry.

My question is, what kind of information should there be, and what is "not done" on a US resume?

Is there any structure which is universally used in the US ?

Any pointers to professional resume writing agencies, or perhaps message boards, are welcome...

I have heard that cover letters are quite common in the US (They are non-existent in some industries in Europe), so any more info on their use and content are welcome too.

[agnesb 47]

There's tons of websites about resume writing inc. templates depending on style (functional, chronological, combination) or field/position. There's books about it, check your local library. Some institutions also offer free resume writing classes.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Off the top of my head:

Cover letter is used. Unprofessional not to have one. That is a chance to explain something about yourself that doesn't show in the resume, like what you achieved at your former jobs. "I am a hard-working professional etc. While at X job, I increased profit by X amount" etc. or whatever.

Keep resume to 1 page, unless person is a professional, high up, experienced mid to end of career type that really can't fit stuff on to one page.

Do NOT put age, marital status, etc.

Do not put every job ever had, put relevant and recent jobs. Tailor the resume for the job itself: show that you can do the job with your experience.

It's your choice whether to put education first or work experience. Put whichever is stronger.

If you have a bachelor's degree, no need to put high school age stuff on it.

References are only given when requested, not up front.

Good that you are thinking about this. Good luck!

[SimonBelgium 49]

At least in Europe, I've always been recruited through headhunters (recruitment agencies). This means they call me, not vice versa. I suppose in that case cover letters are not used?

Thanks for the answers so far ;-)

Edited June 2, 2014 by SimonAndKimberly

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

At least in Europe, I've always been recruited through headhunters (recruitment agencies). This means they call me, not vice versa. I suppose in that case cover letters are not used?

Thanks for the answers so far ;-)

The headhunter may ask you to supply a coverletter /resume to send over to the job in support of your application. But they will tell you what they want you to do.

Working with a recruiter is also a good way to get some feedback on your resume.