The CV maker opens with the Compact résumé template and these rules already set. No sign-up, nothing uploaded, real PDF.
Open the CV makerThe rules at a glance
Each rule links to its source. "Common practice" means no official source says it.
| Length | One to two pages CareerOneStop |
|---|---|
| Work history | About the last 10 years, unless older experience is specifically relevant US Dept of Labor |
| Photo | Leave it off US Dept of Labor |
| Leave out | Height, weight, race, age, gender, marital status, number of children US Dept of Labor |
| Format | Chronological (newest first) is preferred by employers; combination also works US Dept of Labor |
| ATS | No headers or footers, tables only for a skills list, no images or charts US Dept of Labor |
| Keywords | Use the job description's keywords, both the long form and the acronym US Dept of Labor |
Sections, in order
- Name and contact. Name, phone, email and LinkedIn in the body of the page, not in a header. City and state are optional.
- Summary. Two or three lines with your role, years of experience and strongest result. (Common practice.)
- Experience. Newest first. Each job: title, employer, city, dates and 3–5 bullets that start with a verb and include a number.
- Education. Degree, school and year.
- Skills. A short list using the job ad's words.
Tips
- Put your name on each page if the résumé runs to two pages (CareerOneStop).
- Federal government résumés are a different, longer format. Follow the USAJOBS instructions for those (DOL).
- Avoid functional (skills-only) résumés. The DOL notes employers don't always like them because they hide dates and employers.
FAQ
Should a US résumé have a photo?
No. The Department of Labor's workshop lists a photo as something to avoid.
Is a US résumé one page?
One to two pages (CareerOneStop). One page is common for under about five years of experience. (Our advice.)
How far back should a résumé go?
About 10 years of work history (DOL), unless the employer asks for more or older work is specifically relevant.
Will ATS read a PDF?
The DOL says to use the file type the application asks for. CVora's PDFs contain real text that ATS software can read, but upload a Word file if the job asks for one.
Sources
Checked 26 October 2026. Hiring conventions change and employers differ. Where rules vary, check the job advert and the official source.