North America · region guide
How to write a resume for jobs in North America
How to write a resume for North America in 2026: US and Canadian conventions, what changes for Mexico, and which guide to follow.
The short answer
Across the US and Canada the job-application document is a resume: one page early in your career, two pages for most experienced professionals, with a short summary and achievement bullets backed by numbers. Leave out your photo, date of birth and marital status. The main differences are spelling (American or Canadian English) and, in Canada, showing work status and Canadian-relevant experience if you're new to the country.
Lead guides
The countries that set the rules in North America.
Start with the guide closest to where you're applying. The table below shows which one each neighbouring country follows.
Common across North America
- Called a resume. A "CV" means a long academic record
- 1 page early career, 2 pages for experienced professionals
- No photo, date of birth, marital status or full street address
- Achievement bullets with numbers, tailored to each role
- Clean, ATS-friendly layout: most large employers use tracking systems
Other countries in North America
| Country | Follow | What's different |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | USUnited States | For multinationals and English-language roles, follow the US style. Local employers often still expect a photo and more personal details, and a Spanish version for Spanish-language roles. |
| US federal jobs | USUnited States | USAJOBS applications follow their own format and length rules. Check the current guidance and the job announcement. |
| Quebec | CACanada | French matters. You may need a French resume, and should state your French level honestly. |
Reviewed by the PenworthCV writing team, October 2026. Always follow the instructions in the job ad.
FAQ
North America CV questions
Mostly, yes. Switch to Canadian spelling for Canada, and if you're a newcomer, add your work status and any Canadian credential assessment.
No. One page is expected early in your career; two pages is normal for experienced professionals and managers.
Many do, especially for competitive and senior roles. Every PenworthCV package includes one.
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