Which sections should a US resume include?
Most resumes include contact information, relevant experience, education and skills. A focused summary, projects or certifications can be useful when they add role-relevant evidence.
The order should help the reader find the strongest evidence. A recent graduate may give education and projects more space; an experienced applicant may lead with work.
Which formatting creates avoidable risk?
Important text inside images, complex multi-column reading order, unusual icons without labels and dense tables can make extraction less predictable. Decorative elements should never be the only carrier of information.
Use consistent dates, ordinary bullet characters, sufficient contrast and a font size a person can read comfortably.
What personal information should be omitted?
An ordinary US employment resume should not include a Social Security number, birth date, marital status or photograph. Do not expose protected or financial information.
Location can usually be stated at a useful level without a complete street address. Follow employer instructions and authoritative US guidance for special applications.
Common questions
Is PDF or Word better?
Follow the employer's instruction. Both can work when generated cleanly; always review the exported file.
Can I use two columns?
A simple layout is safer for extraction. If using columns, test the reading order and keep critical evidence in ordinary text.
Should a resume include references?
Usually not unless requested. Preserve space for role-relevant evidence.
Should I include a full home address?
Usually a city and state or region is sufficient. Do not expose unnecessary personal information.