Whether you are preparing for a J-1 visa Internship or Teacher Program in the US, one of the most important things to know is how to build a winning CV (also called a résumé in the US). A strong CV can set you apart from other candidates, demonstrate your professionalism, and help American Host Companies and Schools see the value you bring. In this post, we will cover best practices for writing your CV, what to include, and how to make your application stand out in the competitive US career market.
What US Host Companies and Schools Are Looking For
If you are applying for a J-1 visa Internship or teaching position, it is important to understand the expectations of American businesses and school administrators. They typically want to see:
- Clear, well-organized formatting: Your CV should be easy to read, ideally no longer than one to two pages.
- Professional experience and accomplishments: Rather than just listing duties, focus on what you achieved in each role.
- Education and relevant training: Highlight your degrees, certifications, and any special coursework or training relevant to your field.
- Strong communication skills: Especially for teachers, schools look for examples of leadership, cultural exchange, and classroom management.
- International experience or cross-cultural awareness: Highlight your language skills, exchange experiences, or multicultural projects.
Key Sections to Include on Your CV
Whether you are an Intern or a Teacher, these sections are essential:
1. Contact Information
Include your full name, phone number (with country code), email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable). Do not include personal details such as date of birth, gender, marital status, or a photo – these are not required in US-style résumés.
2. Professional Summary
This is a short, 2–3 sentence introduction that outlines who you are and what you are looking for. Tailor it to the J-1 visa opportunity you are applying for. Example:
“Motivated Mechanical Engineering student with hands-on experience in CAD design and project management. Seeking a J-1 visa Internship to apply technical skills in a US-based engineering environment while gaining cross-cultural experience.”
3. Education
List your most recent or relevant degrees first. Include the name of your institution, your field of study, expected or actual graduation date, and any honors or awards.
4. Professional Experience
List your experience in reverse chronological order. For each role, include the position title, organization, location, and dates of employment. Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and achievements. Start each point with an action verb (e.g., coordinated, developed, implemented, taught, designed).
For Teachers: Be sure to include your grade levels taught, class sizes, curriculum used, and any extracurricular activities you led.
For Interns: Emphasize projects, tools/software used, and measurable outcomes (e.g., “Reduced processing time by 15% through workflow optimization”).
5. Skills
This section should include technical and soft skills relevant to your field. Examples:
- Interns: AutoCAD, Python, Microsoft Excel, data analysis, problem-solving, teamwork
- Teachers: Classroom management, bilingual education, curriculum design, communication, adaptability
6. Languages
List the languages you speak and your proficiency level (basic, conversational, fluent, native).
7. Certifications and Training
Include any teaching credentials, first aid certification, computer training, or online courses relevant to your profession.
8. Volunteer Work or Extracurricular Activities
These experiences show leadership and community involvement, which are highly valued in the US.
What Sets You Apart as a J-1 Visa Applicant
As a J-1 visa participant, you bring something unique to a US School or Host Company: an international perspective. Supervisors and administrators value cultural exchange, diversity of thought, and adaptability, which are built into the J-1 program.
Here are a few things you might want to highlight in your CV or during your interview:
- Experience collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds
- Flexibility and willingness to learn new systems or practices
- Passion for cultural exchange and global collaboration
- Language abilities and international education or teaching methods
Common CV Mistakes to Avoid
Using a non-US format: Avoid overly long CVs, personal details, or dense text blocks.
Spelling or grammar errors: Proofread carefully. Use tools like Grammarly or ask a friend to review your document.
Too much focus on position duties: Focus on results and skills learned instead of just listing what you were “responsible for.”
Forgetting to tailor your CV: Customize your CV for the specific Internship or teaching position you are applying for.