📝 What Matters on an American Resume for International Students

If you’re an international student in the U.S., one of the biggest adjustments when applying for internships or jobs is learning how the American resume works. U.S. employers value a concise, results-focused document that highlights your skills and achievements, which is often very different from resumes in other countries.

This guide will walk you through what matters most on an American resume, and show you how our career services can help you stand out.

1. Keep It Short (1 Page Is Standard)

In many countries, resumes (or CVs) can be two or more pages. In the U.S., most employers prefer a one-page resume for students or recent graduates.

• Focus on relevant experiences and achievements.

• Quality over quantity is key.

2. Emphasize Experience Over Personal Details

U.S. resumes do not include personal information such as age, photo, marital status, or nationality. Instead, focus on your:

• Education (school, degree, expected graduation date)

• Work experience, internships, or leadership roles

• Achievements in bullet points, highlighting impact

✅ Example:

Instead of: “Worked as a cashier at campus store”

Write: “Managed customer transactions for 100+ students daily, ensuring accurate payments and efficient service.”

3. Highlight Transferable Skills

Even without extensive U.S. work experience, you can demonstrate skills employers value, such as:

• Communication (especially in English)

• Teamwork and leadership

• Problem-solving and adaptability

• Technical or software skills

Campus projects, volunteering, or group work are excellent ways to showcase these skills. To know more about how you can start building your resume in college as an International Student, read this article: https://www.yourexperienceabroad.com/blog/how-to-start-building-your-resume-in-college-as-an-international-student

4. Use Action Verbs and Numbers

American employers prefer results-oriented language. Start bullet points with strong action verbs: led, organized, created, analyzed, and implemented.

• Include numbers whenever possible:

  • “Increased club membership by 25% in one semester.”

  • “Organized a charity event raising $2,000 for local food banks.”

5. Tailor for Each Job or Internship

Avoid sending the same resume to every employer. Instead:

• Highlight relevant skills and experiences first.

• Adjust keywords to match the job descriptions.

• Remove unrelated details to stay concise.

6. Include a Skills Section

A quick overview of key skills helps employers see your strengths at a glance:

• Languages: English, Spanish, French (for example)

• Software tools: Excel, Python, Adobe, etc.

• Technical or field-specific skills

7. Proofread for Clarity and Grammar

U.S. employers expect a polished resume:

• Use simple, professional English.

• Ask a career advisor, friend, or writing center to review it.

✅ Quick Do’s and Don’ts for U.S. Resumes

The Do’s and Don’ts of an American Resume

🎯 How Our Career Services Can Help

We understand that building a competitive American resume as an international student can be challenging. That’s why we offer personalized career support, including:

• LinkedIn profile review to help you stand out online

• Resume and cover letter building tailored for U.S. employers

• Mock interviews with previous HR professionals

• Application trackers to stay organized and meet deadlines

These services are designed to help you secure internships and jobs faster, while boosting confidence in the U.S. job market.

Final Thoughts

A strong American resume is concise, achievement-focused, and tailored. By highlighting your skills, using action-oriented language, and leveraging professional guidance, you’ll maximize your chances of landing the internship or job you want.

With the right preparation, and support from career services, your international background can become your biggest asset.