Crafting an effective resume is your first step toward landing a job in the U.S. Unlike in many other countries, U.S. resumes are typically kept to one page unless you have extensive experience. A strong resume should be organized in reverse chronological order so that your most recent and relevant experiences are highlighted. Action verbs like "led," "managed," or "created" help bring your achievements to life, especially when paired with quantifiable results. For example, saying "Increased efficiency by 30% through process automation" makes a strong impact.

On the other hand, if you're considering academic or research positions, a curriculum vitae (CV) might be more appropriate. CVs are generally longer, spanning two or more pages, and provide comprehensive details on your education, research projects, publications, and presentations. Whether you're building a resume or a CV, keep in mind that U.S. employers prefer concise, focused documents that avoid personal details such as a photo, age, or marital status.

What makes a strong U.S. resume?

· One-page max (unless you have extensive experience).

· No personal information (photo, age, marital status, or nationality).

· Reverse-chronological order (list the most recent experiences first).

· Use action verbs to highlight accomplishments (e.g., 'Led a team of five to complete a project ahead of schedule.').

· Quantify results when possible (e.g., 'Increased efficiency by 30% by automating a process.').

· No need for references – employers ask later if needed.

What makes a strong U.S. CV?

· A CV is typically longer than a resume (2+ pages).

· Used mainly for academic, research, and scientific positions.

· Includes detailed sections on education, research, publications, and presentations.

· May include awards, fellowships, and affiliations.

· No strict page limit, but information should be relevant.

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