Finding the right resume format and real examples can help job seekers feel more confident as they apply for jobs in the United States. This guide offers 15 up-to-date US resume examples for 2025, making it easier to create a resume that meets current standards.
Each example is created with common hiring practices in mind, so readers can see what works in different industries. With this practical guide, anyone can update their resume to fit employer expectations today.
1) Chronological Resume Format
The chronological resume format is the most common choice for job seekers in the United States. It lists work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent job. This structure helps employers quickly spot career growth and steady work history. To build this type of resume, candidates should include job titles, company names, locations, and exact employment dates for each position. Bullet points are used to describe job tasks and successes.
RoboApply makes creating a chronological resume simple. Its AI resume builder, grammar checker, and ATS resume optimizer guide users through each step, helping them land more interviews. If preferred, job seekers can also use this detailed guide on chronological resumes.
Example Chronological Resume:
Sarah Johnson
Los Angeles, CA | (555) 123-4567 | sarah.j@email.com
Professional Summary
Reliable administrative assistant with 5+ years of experience supporting executive teams. Skilled in scheduling, communication, and document management.
Work Experience
Administrative Assistant
Global Solutions Inc, Los Angeles, CA
June 2021 – May 2025
- Managed executive calendars and travel
- Organized meetings and prepared reports
- Handled phone and email correspondence
Receptionist
GreenTech Corp, Los Angeles, CA
April 2019 – May 2021
- Answered and directed calls
- Coordinated office supply orders
- Maintained visitor log and greeted clients
Education
Associate of Arts, Business Administration
Los Angeles Community College
Graduated: 2018
Skills
Microsoft Office, Scheduling, Data Entry, Customer Service
This example shows clear job titles, dates, duties, and education in easy-to-scan sections. Users can copy and customize this format, then let RoboApply’s resume checker review their document for best results.
2) Functional Resume Format
A functional resume puts the focus on skills and abilities instead of job history. This format is especially useful for people changing careers, recent graduates, or anyone with gaps in employment. By leading with skill categories, it allows job seekers to showcase what they can do, rather than where they have worked. RoboApply’s AI resume builder makes it much easier to create a functional resume by suggesting skill-based sections for any profession.
This format usually starts with a summary, followed by grouped skill sections. Work history is included later and often just lists the employer name, job title, and dates. This helps keep attention on skills, not on work gaps or unrelated jobs. For a detailed breakdown and comparison, check this functional resume guide.
Below is a complete, ready-to-use functional resume example. Job seekers can copy and tailor it for their own applications:
Jane Smith
123 Main Street
City, State 12345
(555) 555-1234
jane.smith@email.com
Summary
Hardworking administrative professional with strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills. Experienced in office management, customer service, and software troubleshooting.
Key Skills
• Office administration
• Data entry and analysis
• Customer service
• Scheduling and calendar management
• Microsoft Office Suite
Professional Experience
ABC Company, Administrative Assistant, 2022-2024
XYZ School, Office Volunteer, 2021-2022
Education
City College, Associate in Business Administration, 2020
A functional resume can help shift the focus to key strengths. RoboApply’s resume grammar checker and ATS resume score optimizer make sure every section is clear, error-free, and ready for applicant tracking systems.
3) Combination Resume Format
A combination resume puts equal focus on both skills and work experience. This format is great for people who want to show their key strengths while also proving a solid job history. It works well for career changers or those with strong skills from different roles.
With a combination resume, the top section lists important skills. Each skill usually includes one or two bullets to show proof, such as a result or achievement from a previous job. After listing skills, applicants add a work history in reverse-chronological order.
If someone is using a resume builder like RoboApply, they can easily use a combination resume by choosing the relevant template. RoboApply’s AI resume builder will guide them to add strong skill statements and arrange their work history properly for ATS systems. For more explanation and examples, check out this combination resume guide.
Below is a complete combination resume example:
Jane Smith
Chicago, IL | (555) 555-7890 | janesmith@email.com
Key Skills
- Project Management: Led a team of 10 to deliver projects under budget and ahead of schedule.
- Digital Marketing: Managed campaigns with a 200% ROI across Google and social platforms.
- Team Leadership: Trained and mentored four new hires, improving team productivity by 30%.
Work Experience
Digital Marketing Specialist, ABC Corp
June 2021 – May 2025
- Launched and managed digital campaigns, increasing sales by 40%.
- Improved website traffic with targeted SEO strategies.
Marketing Coordinator, XYZ Solutions
January 2018 – May 2021
- Supported project rollouts and tracked campaign metrics.
- Helped develop new content for social media and email.
Education
B.A. Marketing, University of Illinois
Graduated 2017A resume in this format helps the job seeker stand out by highlighting both skills and employment history. Using RoboApply, users can quickly create and customize this layout to fit their own background. More tips and current templates can be found in this combination resume format overview.
4) Professional Summary Writing
A professional summary sits at the top of the resume. It gives a quick snapshot of a person’s key skills and experience to grab the attention of hiring managers right away.
To craft a good summary, focus on work accomplishments, main strengths, and career goals. Use clear language that shows what makes the candidate stand out. Keeping it between 2-4 sentences is best.
Here’s an effective full-length example a user can copy and adjust:
Results-driven marketing specialist with over 5 years of experience creating successful digital campaigns for retail brands. Skilled in content creation, data analysis, and project management. Recognized for boosting online engagement by 40% using innovative social media strategies. Ready to use expertise to drive growth at a fast-paced, customer-focused company.
When building a professional summary, RoboApply can help by offering AI-powered writing suggestions based on the user’s actual work history and skills. RoboApply’s summary editor also features a grammar checker and ATS optimization tips to help improve clarity and visibility in job searches.
For more tips and ideas from other resume summary professionals, users can also check out these curated sample summaries to find the best fit for their industry.
5) Contact Information Placement
Contact information should always appear at the very top of a US resume. This makes it easy for hiring managers to quickly find how to reach out after reviewing your credentials. The key details to include are full name, phone number, professional email, city and state, and a LinkedIn profile if available.
Make sure the contact section stands apart from the resume body. Most candidates use a slightly larger or bold font for their name, followed by contact details in a simple line or short block. This tidy approach not only looks professional but fits the latest US resume standards for 2025.
Don’t add unnecessary details like street addresses, multiple phone numbers, or personal websites unless they strengthen your application. A neat, focused contact block is best. RoboApply includes an easy-to-use template for placing this section correctly, so users can avoid common mistakes.
Example of strong contact information placement:
John Smith
(555) 123-4567 | john.smith@email.com
New York, NY | linkedin.com/in/johnsmith
Most resume tools make this step simple, but RoboApply goes further by helping check for errors and missing information with its AI resume builder and grammar checker. This ensures your resume is always up-to-date and applicant tracking system (ATS) friendly.
Following proven formatting keeps your contact details clear, readable, and ready for fast recruiter response. For more on correct contact information, see detailed guides like How to List Contact Information on a Resume.
6) Reverse-Chronological Work History
The reverse-chronological format is the most common way to organize a work history section. It lists jobs starting with the most recent position at the top and then moves backward to older roles. This format helps employers quickly see a candidate’s career growth and recent experience. For anyone applying to jobs in the US, a reverse-chronological work history is usually preferred by recruiters and most online application systems.
RoboApply can automatically generate a reverse-chronological work history based on your latest roles and optimize the format to pass applicant tracking systems. This structure makes it easy for hiring managers to review your most relevant achievements first. For more details about this format, you can also review what makes up a reverse-chronological resume.
Here is a full-length, plain-text example of a reverse-chronological work history section you can copy and modify for your own resume:
Work Experience
Marketing Manager
ABC Company, Chicago, IL
June 2022 – Present
- Led a team of 5 to launch digital marketing campaigns, increasing website traffic by 40%.
- Developed content strategy, contributing to a 25% growth in social media followers.
- Managed a $50,000 marketing budget to deliver on project milestones.
Marketing Coordinator
XYZ Solutions, Chicago, IL
March 2019 – May 2022
- Coordinated email campaigns to boost customer engagement by 18%.
- Tracked and reported on key metrics using analytics tools.
- Assisted with event planning and client outreach.
Intern, Marketing Department
Green Leaf, Chicago, IL
June 2018 – February 2019
- Supported senior marketers in creating promotional materials.
- Researched industry trends for the team’s presentations.
This format puts your most recent and most impressive experiences first, making key achievements easy for employers to spot. RoboApply can help you generate, format, and optimize your work history so you always showcase your experience in the best possible way.
7) Skills Highlight Section
A skills highlight section helps employers quickly see what a candidate can do. It lists both hard and soft skills so hiring managers can tell if someone matches the job requirements. Skills are best shown in a clean, bulleted list or simple columns at the top or near the start of the resume.
Job seekers should choose skills that fit the position they want. For example, if a job requires data analysis, listing “Excel,” “Tableau,” or “Data Interpretation” will stand out. RoboApply recommends using its AI resume builder to select top skills for each job, and its resume grammar checker to phrase skills professionally.
An effective skills section may look like this:
Skills
- Project Management
- Data Analysis
- Microsoft Excel
- Problem Solving
- Team Collaboration
- Written Communication
- Time Management
Candidates should match their skills to keywords in the job listing. This boosts their chances with applicant tracking systems (ATS). RoboApply’s ATS resume score optimizer can help identify and highlight these important keywords.
It is important to update the skills list for each job application. By using tools like RoboApply, candidates can tailor their skills quickly and apply more efficiently. For more detailed tips on resume skills, see the advice on top skills for 2025.
8) Education Details Formatting
Education details should be listed clearly on a resume to help employers find what they need fast. Include the degree, the name of the school, the city and state, and the date you graduated or expect to graduate. If you are currently in school, add “Expected” before your graduation date.
Keep formatting simple. Avoid using odd fonts, colors, or designs that make the section hard to read. Stick with bullet points or standard text, and make sure the most recent education is on top.
For each entry, use a structure like this:
Degree Name, Major (if any)
School Name, City, State
Month Year – Month Year (or Expected Month Year)
Example:
Bachelor of Science in Biology
University of Texas, Austin, TX
August 2021 – May 2025
If you earned honors, scholarships, or a strong GPA, you can list those under education as a separate line. This helps highlight achievements important to the job. More tips on what to include can be found in this guide about listing education on a resume.
RoboApply helps users format education sections with AI that checks for mistakes and ensures everything is clear and professional. The tool also suggests strong placements for awards or honors in the education section, saving time and reducing stress.
9) Achievements and Certifications
Adding achievements and certifications to a resume helps job seekers show real results and extra skills. This section can highlight awards, training, major milestones, or professional licenses. Recruiters often look for these details to see what sets a candidate apart from others.
Always list achievements with specific facts or numbers. Good examples include meeting sales goals, completing projects ahead of schedule, or receiving company awards. Certifications show a person’s dedication to learning and staying current in their industry.
RoboApply recommends keeping this section clear and focused. Use bullet points for easy reading. Start each bullet with an action verb and include details such as the award’s name, the certifying body, and the date earned. For best results, check your resume using RoboApply’s resume grammar checker and ATS score optimizer.
Example of a strong Achievements and Certifications section:
Achievements and Certifications
• Increased annual sales by 18% through targeted outreach campaign, 2023
• Completed Google IT Support Professional Certificate, Coursera, May 2024
• Awarded “Employee of the Month” for outstanding customer service, March 2023
• Certified Project Management Professional (PMP), PMI, August 2022
• Led project team to deliver new product launch two weeks ahead of schedule, 2024
For more tips and a longer list of achievement examples to include, review trusted resume guides.
10) Use of Action Verbs
Action verbs in a resume quickly show employers what a candidate has accomplished. Strong action words make job duties and achievements sound more impressive and help each point stand out. Using action verbs also helps the resume pass applicant tracking systems (ATS) that often look for specific keywords.
Start bullet points with words like “managed,” “designed,” “led,” “developed,” or “improved.” These verbs clearly show what the applicant did, rather than just describing responsibilities. For example, instead of saying “responsible for projects,” it is stronger to write “managed multiple projects from start to finish.”
When building a resume, RoboApply recommends trying different action verbs for each skill or experience. Use their AI resume builder and ATS score optimizer to see if better verbs can help improve readability and ranking. RoboApply makes it simple to swap in action verbs so each section makes an impact.
Here is a short snippet to demonstrate an effective use of action verbs:
Managed a team of five sales associates, developed new training procedures, and increased monthly sales by 18% through targeted customer outreach.
Applicants can find hundreds of action verbs to fit their needs. Many job boards, such as Indeed and ResumeWay, offer lists of action verbs for resumes to help applicants get started. It is a best practice to update old phrases with action verbs before submitting a resume for each new job.
11) Bullet Point Structuring
Bullet points make resumes easy to scan and help highlight key achievements and responsibilities. They keep information organized, clear, and direct. Each bullet should start with a strong action verb and focus on specific results or tasks.
A good structure for bullet points is: action verb + what was done + result or outcome (if possible). Use numbers or data when available to add credibility and impact.
For example:
- Led a team of 5 on a six-month project, increasing client satisfaction scores by 22%.
- Trained 12 new hires, helping improve onboarding speed by 30%.
- Managed a $75,000 annual budget for office supplies and tracked spending to reduce waste by 10%.
Keep each bullet concise, ideally one to two lines. Avoid long sentences and try not to use vague words like “helped” or “worked on.” Focus on what was achieved.
Tools like RoboApply can help polish and optimize bullet points automatically. RoboApply’s resume builder suggests strong action verbs, formats bullet points, and checks grammar for clarity. This ensures each resume is professional and ready for automated tracking systems.
Review bullet points regularly and adjust wording to fit each job application. For more ideas and sample bullet points, check out guides like those found in professional resume example libraries such as these bullet points on resumes.
12) Tailoring Resume to Job Description
Tailoring a resume to fit a specific job description means matching your experience, skills, and achievements to the needs listed in the job post. This helps show employers that you are a strong fit for their open role. Customization also increases your chances of passing applicant tracking systems (ATS) that scan for keywords from the job ad.
A good way to start is by reviewing the job description and highlighting the main skills or qualifications needed. Then, update your resume so your experience matches those points. RoboApply’s AI resume builder makes it easy to generate a custom, keyword-optimized resume for every application, saving time while boosting interview chances.
Always adjust your professional summary, work history, and skills to reflect keywords and phrases from the job ad. For example, if a job wants project management and data analysis, include direct evidence of those skills in your resume.
Here’s a short example of how a basic resume summary can be tailored:
Generic summary:
Motivated marketing professional with 4 years of experience.
Tailored summary:
Results-driven marketing professional with 4 years of experience in digital campaigns and project management. Skilled in using data analysis to improve online engagement and increase lead generation, as requested in your job posting.
For more guidance on resume tailoring, this guide explains the basics and lists practical steps. Using RoboApply, you can easily adapt your resume for every application in less time and with more accuracy.
13) Quantifying Job Results
Quantifying job results means adding numbers, percentages, or amounts to work achievements on a resume. These figures show employers the actual impact a person had in their role. Using numbers makes claims believable and helps a resume stand out.
Job seekers should first track any data that relates to their tasks. This might include sales numbers, money saved, customers helped, or time reduced. Tools like RoboApply’s AI resume builder can suggest which achievements to quantify and check the resume for missing data.
A strong example:
Increased monthly sales by 23% over a 12-month period by identifying new customer segments and launching targeted email campaigns to boost engagement.
When possible, use ranges if exact numbers are not known. For example, “managed 10–15 client accounts per month.” Even rough numbers give more weight than no numbers at all.
To find job metrics, look through work reports, old emails, and performance reviews. RoboApply provides tips for highlighting these numbers in ways that pass applicant tracking systems and impress hiring managers.
For more examples on how to quantify accomplishments, job seekers can review practical advice at Indeed’s guide on how to quantify resume accomplishments.
14) Including Relevant Keywords
Including the right keywords in a resume makes it easier for applicant tracking systems (ATS) to find and rank your application. Employers often use ATS to filter resumes based on job-specific terms. Candidates should study the job description and include keywords that match the required skills, experience, and qualifications for the job.
To find the best keywords, look at the specific responsibilities and requirements listed in the job posting. Use the same phrases, such as “project management,” “budget forecasting,” or “customer relationship management.” These can be placed in your skills section or naturally within your work experience.
RoboApply’s AI resume builder suggests relevant keywords based on your target job title. This helps ensure your resume is optimized for ATS rankings. Users can use RoboApply’s resume grammar checker and resume score optimizer for extra feedback, making it easier to land interviews.
Keyword optimization isn’t about stuffing your resume with every term you find. Instead, use each word honestly to describe your actual skills and achievements. Keeping your language accurate and focused helps your resume stand out to both software and human readers.
For more information about using keywords on U.S. resumes, visit this detailed US resume guide. This will help you tailor your application to get noticed faster.
15) Formatting for ATS Compatibility
An ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is software that scans resumes for keywords and formatting before a human sees them. Most large companies use ATS to sort and rank job applications. Making your resume ATS-compatible helps ensure robots don’t filter you out right away.
Always use a basic font like Arial or Times New Roman in size 10–12. Keep headings clear and simple, such as “Education,” “Experience,” and “Skills.” Don’t use text boxes, headers, footers, images, graphics, or columns because these often confuse ATS software.
Save your resume as a Word document (.docx) when possible. PDFs are sometimes fine, but .docx is the safest choice for compatibility with most systems. RoboApply’s AI resume builder will automatically export files in the best format for any ATS.
To increase your chances, stick to a chronological or hybrid resume format. Avoid functional resumes, since ATS software may not read these properly.
RoboApply’s ATS Resume Score tool checks your resume for formatting issues, missing keywords, and readability, helping you make instant improvements. Check your resume for common mistakes like unnecessary symbols, fancy bullet points, or tables—they can make important info invisible to ATS scanners.
Here’s a simple snippet showing the right way to format basic sections for ATS:
Education
Bachelor of Science in Biology
University of Texas, Austin, TX
Graduated: May 2023
Experience
Research Assistant
Austin Biotech Lab, Austin, TX
June 2023 – May 2025
- Assisted in daily lab procedures and maintained lab equipment
- Collected and analyzed trial data using Excel
- Coordinated with team for project deadlines
Skills
- Data Analysis
- Microsoft Office
- Project Coordination
Users can quickly format their resumes using RoboApply’s templates and grammar checker to ensure every section is ready for any ATS.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best US resumes in 2025 use clear formatting, accurate professional summaries, and structure details for easy review. Choosing the right resume format and template helps your experience stand out to hiring managers and automated tracking systems.
How should a resume be formatted for a job application in the US in 2025?
A US resume should be one page, use clear section headings, and start with contact information at the top. Popular formats in 2025 include chronological, functional, and combination layouts. RoboApply makes formatting simpler by guiding users with AI suggestions.
The most common choice remains the chronological resume, where work history is listed from most recent to oldest. Standard fonts, clear margins, and bullet points help improve readability.
What are the key components to include in a US resume for experienced professionals?
Experienced professionals should include these key sections: name and contact information, a strong professional summary, a detailed work experience section, education, and relevant skills. Use bullet points to show achievements, not just tasks.
RoboApply’s resume builder helps professionals organize and optimize each section for better results in applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Where can I find a guide with examples for creating a US resume?
Websites like RoboApply offer detailed resume writing guides for the US market along with current templates and action verb suggestions. These resources are updated for 2025 standards.
For added reference, Novoresume provides a large library of resume examples for 2025 covering various industries and roles.
What are the latest trends in US resume design and structure for 2025?
Current trends include minimal design, no headshots, and simple color accents to highlight section headings. ATS-friendly formatting is key: avoid graphics, charts, or complex layouts.
RoboApply’s AI resume score optimizer checks documents for readability and design, helping users follow these trends while staying professional.
Can you provide tips for choosing the best resume template for an American job application?
Select a template that matches your career level and industry while remaining easy to scan. For most US jobs, chronological or combination templates are recommended.
RoboApply offers multiple ATS-optimized templates so users can pick one that matches their experience and field without distracting design elements.
How do I tailor my resume for different industries within the US job market?
Adjust your resume content for each industry by including targeted keywords and skills from the job description. Use action verbs and measurable achievements relevant to your field.
With RoboApply, job seekers can quickly customize multiple resume versions using built-in industry-specific suggestions and grammar checks for the best results.
