How to Format a U.S. Resume and Cover Letter as an International Student

Applying for jobs in the United States can feel intimidating - especially if you are an international student unfamiliar with U.S. hiring practices. Employers in the U.S. typically expect a specific style of resume and cover letter that may differ from formats in your home country.

This guide breaks down how international students can build a professional U.S.-style resume and cover letter to help you avoid mistakes as you apply for internships and jobs while on F1 OPT.

What Do U.S. Employers Look for in a Resume?

In many countries, job seekers submit a curriculum vitae (CV), which can be multiple pages long and include detailed academic and personal information. In contrast, a U.S.-style resume:

• Should be concise - typically 1 page in length (2 at maximum)
• Lists measurable accomplishments and statistics
• Should be customized to the job posting, emphasizing relevant skills
• Does not list photos, personal details or unrelated information

For international students, these differences are especially important to understand since U.S. employers expect a very streamlined and professional format.

Formatting Your Resume for the U.S. Job Market

A U.S.-style resume should be clean, easy to scan, and optimized to fit the job description. Follow these formatting guidelines:

• Use professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, size 10–12
• Use a straight forward format with consistent spacing and bullet points for readability
• Format into sections – include mix of Contact Information, Education, Experience, Skills, Projects, and/or Leadership

What Information Should I List in a Resume?

If you’re confused about what to list in each section of your resume, check out the overviews below:

Contact Information

Include your full name, U.S. phone number, professional email, and LinkedIn profile. Do not include a photo, date of birth, or address.

Education

List your university, degree, expected graduation date, and relevant coursework. International students should also clarify their visa status if relevant (e.g., “Eligible for CPT/OPT”).

Experience

List relevant positions you’ve held in the past. Instead of listing responsibilities, emphasize achievements with action verbs and quantifiable results.

Skills

Highlight hard skills like programming, data analysis, or languages. Soft skills can be mentioned in your bullet points rather than listed separately.

What to Include When Listing Job Experience

Let’s say you’re applying for a job that requires experience in developing and managing social media campaigns, conducting competitor research, and supporting email and digital marketing initiatives. This is how you can format and list past job experience:

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Marketing Intern

ABC Company — New York, NY

June 2024 – August 2024

• Created and scheduled social media content that increased engagement by 25% in three months.
• Conducted market research on 50+ competitor campaigns, contributing insights for client strategy.
• Assisted in launching an email campaign that reached 10,000+ subscribers with a 32% open rate.

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In the example above, you’ll see it utilizes the keywords listed in the job description, mentions specific skills, and lists quantitative results to highlight accomplishments. You should tailor everything you include in the resume to the job listing and provide brief, concise highlights.

Writing a U.S.-Style Cover Letter

A cover letter is often as important as the resume, especially for international students who want to show strong communication skills. U.S. employers expect a one-page letter that connects your experiences to the role. Key Elements include:

Header & Greeting

Use the same header as your resume for consistency. Address the letter to a specific person when possible (“Dear Ms. Johnson”), or use “Dear Hiring Manager” if unsure.

Opening Paragraph

State the position you’re applying for and express enthusiasm. Example: “I am excited to apply for the Marketing Intern position at ABC Company, where I can bring my international perspective and digital marketing experience to support your team.”

Body Paragraph(s)

Explain how your background makes you a strong fit. Use specific examples that align with the job posting. International students can highlight cross-cultural communication, adaptability, and multilingual skills.

Closing Paragraph

Reaffirm your interest, thank the employer, and invite further discussion. Example: “I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills can contribute to your team and look forward to speaking with you.”

Find more examples of cover letters here.

Tips to Further Strengthen Your Job Application

• Don’t include personal details – U.S. resumes should never list marital status, age, or photos.
• Not tailoring applications – Generic resumes are less likely to pass ATS scans.
• Use stronger verbs and wording – Replace “helped with projects” with “coordinated a 5-person team to deliver project 2 weeks early.”
• Focus on a mix of academic and professional experience – While academic achievements matter, employers want to see practical skills and workplace impact.
• Leverage university career services - Most schools in the U.S. have career centers offering resume reviews and mock interviews.
• Emphasize language and cultural adaptability - Employers value candidates who can work with diverse teams.
• Show U.S. experience if possible - Even part-time campus jobs, internships, or volunteering demonstrate familiarity with the U.S. workplace.
• Clarify visa status when relevant - Some employers may not be familiar with F-1 OPT/CPT rules, so mentioning work eligibility can reduce confusion.

Your resume and cover letter are your first impression - make them count. With the right structure, keywords, and examples, you’ll be well-prepared to move forward with your professional journey in the U.S.

If you need insurance to cover you after graduation as you embark on your job hunt, ISO provides health insurance plans designed specifically for those on F1 OPT – as low as $39/month. Learn more at ISO’s OPTima plan page.