Resume format by country: what to include and what to leave out
Recruiters read resumes quickly, and many companies run them through ATS software first. The safest format anywhere is a clean, single-column resume with standard headings. Here is what to include, what is optional and what changes from country to country.
The sections, in order
Most professionals do well with this order:
- Name and contact details: phone, email, city and a LinkedIn link.
- Summary: two or three lines about your strongest skills and results.
- Experience: newest first, with job title, company, city and dates.
- Education: degree, school, year and your grade if it helps.
- Skills: tools and abilities that match the job post.
- Projects and certifications: add these if they strengthen your case.
Photo and personal details
In the US, Canada, the UK and Australia, leave out your photo, date of birth, marital status and nationality: employers avoid them to prevent bias. In parts of Europe, Asia and the Middle East, a photo and a few personal details are still normal. Follow the norm of the country you apply to, and add them only when the job post or form asks.
A closing declaration line such as “I hereby declare that the above information is true” is expected on some forms and unnecessary on most resumes. Include it only when asked.
How long should it be
One page is right for freshers and people with up to about 5 years of experience. Two pages are fine for longer careers, as long as the second page carries real content.
Layout choices that help
Small choices make a resume easier to read and safer for software.
- Use a normal font such as Arial, Calibri or Georgia at 10 to 12 points.
- Use standard headings like Experience and Education, not creative names.
- Keep dates in one format, such as Jun 2021 to Present.
- Save as PDF unless the employer asks for Word.
- Avoid text boxes, tables and images for important text.
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Keep reading
- How to write a resume that gets shortlistedA step-by-step guide for job seekers: what to include, what to leave out and how to order it.
- How to make your resume ATS-friendlyWhat applicant tracking systems do, how they read your resume and how to avoid common formatting mistakes.
- Resume for freshers: how to write one with no experienceHow to build a strong first resume from projects, internships, college work and skills.