Resume
How to Write a Resume for US Employers (With a Simple Template)
Hiring managers in the US often spend less than a minute on a first read. A resume that is short, clear and focused on results gets the call. This guide covers the format that works for most jobs — from warehouse and driving roles to office positions.
The one-page structure
- Header: full name, phone number, email, city and state.
- Summary: two lines on who you are and the job you want.
- Experience: most recent first — title, company, city, dates, and 2–4 bullet points each.
- Skills: licenses (CDL, forklift, food handler), languages, tools and software.
- Education and certifications: short, at the bottom.
What to leave out
US resumes usually do not include a photo, date of birth, marital status, nationality or religion. Employers are not supposed to make hiring decisions based on these details, so including them only adds noise.
You also do not need "references available upon request" — employers will ask if they need them.
Write bullet points that show results
Start each bullet with an action verb and add a number where you can: "Loaded and unloaded 300+ packages per shift", "Trained four new team members", "Kept a 5-star customer rating over 1,200 deliveries". Numbers make your work concrete and believable.
Tailor it in five minutes
Before each application, read the job description and move the most relevant experience and skills to the top. If the listing asks for weekend availability or a specific license, make sure the resume says so clearly.
Copy-ready resume template (plain text)
FIRST LAST City, State · (555) 555-5555 · name@email.com SUMMARY Reliable [role] with [X] years of experience in [area]. Known for [strength 1] and [strength 2]. Available [full-time / part-time / weekends]. Authorized to work in the US. EXPERIENCE [Job title] — [Company], [City, State] [Month Year] – [Month Year] • [Action verb] [what you did] — [result or number, e.g. "loaded 200+ packages per shift"] • [Action verb] [what you did] [Job title] — [Company], [City, State] [Month Year] – [Month Year] • [Action verb] [what you did] SKILLS [Skill] · [Skill] · [Skill] · [Languages: English (conversational), Spanish (native)] CERTIFICATIONS / LICENSES [e.g. CDL Class A, ServSafe Food Handler, OSHA 10, forklift]
Strong action verbs by job type
| Job type | Verbs that work |
|---|---|
| Warehouse / moving | Loaded, picked, packed, inventoried, operated (forklift) |
| Cleaning / housekeeping | Maintained, sanitized, restocked, inspected |
| Restaurant / kitchen | Prepared, served, plated, trained, handled cash |
| Driving | Delivered, routed, inspected (pre-trip), maintained logs |
| Care work | Assisted, monitored, scheduled, supported |
Final check before you send
- One page, a font size of at least 10.5, and no photo.
- Phone number and email are correct and professional.
- Every job has dates (month and year).
- File name is “First-Last-Resume.pdf”.
This guide provides general information, not legal or financial advice. Rules can vary by state and city.