USA Job Posting Guide
Résumé culture, one-page norm, EEO/at-will and pay transparency – everything you need to know about the US job market
Table of Contents
The US job market has its own rules – from achievement-first résumés to state-level pay transparency
The US Job Market: A Different World
The American job market differs fundamentally from European markets. With over 160 million employed workers, it's the largest in the Western world – and has its own unique rules.
Anyone looking for a job in the US or recruiting there must understand the cultural differences: The concise résumé instead of the detailed CV, the achievement-first mentality, and legal specifics like EEO and at-will employment.
This guide explains all the important aspects for job seekers and HR professionals who want to succeed in the US market.
Résumé vs. CV: The Fundamental Difference
In the US context, 'résumé' and 'CV' are not synonymous. The résumé is a concise, maximum two-page document for most positions. A CV (Curriculum Vitae), on the other hand, is a comprehensive academic document only expected in academia, medicine, and some executive positions.
The US résumé is characterized by:
- Achievement-first phrasing with measurable results
- No personal information (photo, date of birth, marital status)
- Action verbs at the beginning ('Led', 'Achieved', 'Increased')
- Quantified achievements ('Increased revenue by 35%')
- Reverse-chronological structure
Résumé vs. CV: Key Differences
Résumé
1-2 pages, achievement-focused, no personal data, for business positions
Academic CV
Unlimited length, complete publication list, for academia and research
Executive Résumé
2-3 pages, strategic narrative, board experience, P&L responsibility
Federal Résumé
4-6 pages, detailed duties, for US government positions (USAJobs)
1
Page Standard
For most positions with <10 years experience
2-3
Pages for Executives
Senior-level, Technical ICs, C-Suite
6
Second Screening
Average time for initial résumé review
Understanding the One-Page Norm
The preference for one-page résumés has practical reasons: US recruiters often screen hundreds of applications daily. A concise document increases the chances that key qualifications are immediately visible.
When more than one page is acceptable:
- 10+ years of relevant work experience
- Executive-level positions
- Technical Individual Contributors (Staff+)
- Positions requiring extensive technical skills
- Federal Government jobs (special format requirements)
EEO & At-will Employment
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
Standard clause for equal treatment. Discrimination based on race, religion, gender, age, disability, or national origin is prohibited.
At-will Employment
In most states, employers or employees can terminate the employment relationship at any time without giving reasons.
EEOC Compliance
Employers with 15+ employees must follow EEOC guidelines and include appropriate statements in job postings.
Right-to-work States
In 27 states, closed-shop agreements are prohibited – union membership is voluntary.
What Does At-will Mean for Job Seekers?
At-will employment is a concept unfamiliar to many European job seekers. It means the employment relationship can be terminated by either party at any time – without the notice periods and protections common in Europe.
Important to know:
- Employment protection only exists for protected classes (discrimination)
- Severance pay is not legally required but common for executives
- Employment contracts can modify this arrangement
- Montana is the only state without the at-will doctrine
Pay Transparency: The New Normal
Pay transparency is one of the most significant trends in US recruiting. More and more states and cities are requiring employers to include salary ranges in job postings.
This fundamentally changes the dynamics of the application process – candidates can better evaluate offers and salary negotiations begin on a more transparent basis.
Pay Transparency by State
| State/City | Requirement | Since |
|---|---|---|
| California | Salary range in all job postings | 2023 |
| New York | Salary range + nationwide for remote positions | 2022 |
| Colorado | Salary range + benefits info | 2021 |
| Washington | Salary range + benefits description | 2023 |
| Connecticut | Upon request or in offer | 2022 |
Pay Transparency Best Practices
State Salary Range
Clearly communicate base salary range. Ranges that are too wide (e.g., $50k-$150k) appear unbelievable.
Total Compensation
Transparently present bonus, equity, 401(k) match, and benefits value.
Remote Positions
For remote jobs, often the strictest state rules apply (e.g., NY for all US applicants).
Compliance
For multi-state presence: Apply the strictest rule to remain compliant.
Understanding US Application Culture
American application culture is more dynamic and direct than European culture. Networking plays a central role – many positions are filled through referrals before they are publicly posted.
Cultural specifics:
- Confident self-presentation is expected (no false modesty)
- Cover letters are important and should be personalized
- Follow-up emails after interviews are standard
- LinkedIn profile is often more important than printed résumé
- Background checks are common and comprehensive
In the US, it's not about what you did, but what results you achieved. Achievement-first writing and quantified accomplishments are the key.
— HR Director, Fortune 500
Do's and Don'ts for US Applications
DO: Quantify
Back up results with numbers ($, %, count)
DO: Action Verbs
'Led', 'Achieved', 'Increased' instead of passive
DO: Tailoring
Customize résumé for each position
DON'T: Photo
No photo, age, or personal info
DON'T: Pronouns
No 'I' or 'my' formulations
DON'T: Paragraphs
Bullet points instead of flowing text
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a photo in my US résumé?
No, absolutely not. Photos in résumés can cause legal problems for employers (discrimination allegations). Personal information such as date of birth, marital status, or nationality also doesn't belong.
What does 'Equal Opportunity Employer' mean?
This clause signals that the employer follows EEOC guidelines and does not discriminate based on protected characteristics. Almost all professional job postings contain this wording.
How do I apply from Europe to US positions?
You need a work permit (H-1B visa for skilled workers, L-1 for company transfers). Mention in your cover letter whether you need sponsorship. Many employers only sponsor for hard-to-fill positions.
What's the difference between Résumé and Resume?
Both are correct. 'Résumé' is the original French spelling with accents, 'Resume' is the Americanized version. Both are accepted, although 'Resume' without accents is more commonly used.
Must the salary range be in the job posting?
It depends on the state. California, New York, Colorado, and Washington have pay transparency laws requiring salary ranges in job postings. For remote positions, often the strictest rules apply.
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