Free tools for the USA
Whether you are applying for a job, billing a client, or running ads in the United States, the details matter: a one-page resume with no photo, invoices that handle state sales tax, and email marketing that follows CAN-SPAM. This page pulls the essentials together and links to free tools that work in your browser.
Resume format in the USA
US employers expect a concise, results-focused resume. Most mid-size and large employers use an applicant tracking system, so a clean single-column layout with standard headings is the safest choice. Reserve the word CV for academic, scientific, and medical applications, where a longer record of publications and research is normal.
US employers also avoid collecting information that could lead to discrimination, so keep personal details minimal.
- Leave off your photo, date of birth, marital status, and national ID numbers.
- List your city and state, not your full street address.
- Lead each bullet with an action verb and, where you can, a measurable result.
- Tailor keywords to each job posting, and keep the file name professional, such as First-Last-Resume.pdf.
Invoicing and sales tax in the USA
The United States has no federal VAT or GST. Instead, sales tax is set by states and sometimes by cities and counties, and it generally applies to goods and some services. Whether you must collect it depends on what you sell and where you have a sales tax obligation, so check the rules for your state.
Freelancers and contractors should expect clients to request a Form W-9 before the first payment. Clients that pay you above the reporting threshold usually send a Form 1099-NEC at the end of the year, so keep your own records of income.
- Number every invoice and state the due date, for example Net 30.
- Add payment details such as ACH, wire, or check instructions.
- Show sales tax as a separate line where it applies.
- Keep copies of invoices and receipts for your records.
Marketing and advertising notes
Commercial email in the US must follow the CAN-SPAM Act: an accurate sender identity, a clear unsubscribe option that you honor promptly, and a valid physical postal address. The FTC also expects clear disclosure when you are paid or given free products to endorse something. State privacy laws, including California's CCPA and CPRA, affect how you collect and use customer data, and Meta requires a special ad category declaration for housing, employment, and credit ads.
Free tools for the USA
Guides worth reading
- How to Write an ATS-Friendly Resume (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Resume vs CV: Format Rules by Country (US, UK, CA, AU, India)
- Invoice Requirements by Country: US, UK, Canada, AU, India
- Google Ads for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Setup Guide
Frequently asked questions
Is a resume the same as a CV in the US?
Not usually. In the US, a resume is a short, targeted summary, while a CV is a longer academic record used for research, teaching, and some medical roles.
Do freelancers need to charge sales tax in the US?
It depends on what you sell and the state involved. Many services are not taxed in many states, while goods usually are. Check with your state revenue department or an accountant.
What is a Form W-9?
A W-9 is an IRS form that a US contractor gives a client so the client has the correct name and taxpayer identification number for reporting payments.
What size should my resume be?
Use US Letter size. Most applications are digital, so keep the layout simple and the text selectable.
Other countries
United Kingdom · Canada · Australia · India
This page offers general information only, not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Rules and thresholds change, so confirm current requirements with the official authority or a qualified professional.