Learn about resume paper size for the U.S., Canada, and international markets, when to use A4 vs Letter, and the ideal CV size in inches so your document prints cleanly and looks professional.
Most resume formatting issues happen before content is reviewed. Using the correct page size ensures your resume displays cleanly across ATS systems and hiring platforms.
Choosing the right resume paper size might seem like a small detail, but it plays a bigger role in hiring than most people realize. Using the wrong size can affect how your resume appears on screen, how it prints, and how applicant tracking systems read your file.
This guide explains which resume size to use, why it matters, and how to choose the correct format for your region and career stage.
The standard resume paper size is Letter (8.5 × 11 inches) in the U.S. and Canada and A4 (8.27 × 11.69 inches) in most other countries.
There are two main paper sizes used for resumes worldwide. Choosing the correct one depends on where you are applying.
Letter size is the standard in:
Most employers and ATS systems in these regions expect resumes in this format. Using a different size can cause layout issues or unexpected formatting changes.
A4 is the standard in:
If you are applying outside North America, A4 is usually the correct and expected choice.
If you are applying in North America, use Letter (8.5 × 11 inches).
If you are applying internationally, use A4 (210 × 297 mm).
This simple choice helps your resume display correctly in applicant tracking systems, PDF viewers, and print formats. Using the wrong size can cause clipped margins, uneven spacing, or content being pushed onto extra pages.
Page size and resume length are related but not the same thing.
Best for:
Use one page if you can clearly present your experience without overcrowding the layout.
Appropriate for:
If you need two pages, use the correct paper size and allow natural spacing. Do not shrink text or margins to force content onto one page.
If your resume looks different on mobile than desktop, it likely has spacing or sizing issues. Always preview your file on multiple devices before submitting. I
Most resumes today are reviewed digitally before they are ever printed. Because of this, formatting consistency is critical.
Best practices for digital resumes:
Applicant Tracking Systems rely on predictable formatting. Using standard page sizes improves readability and parsing accuracy.
Saving your resume as a PDF is one of the simplest ways to protect your formatting. Unlike Word or other editable files, PDFs preserve layout, spacing, fonts, and alignment across all devices and operating systems.
When you submit a PDF, recruiters see your resume exactly as you intended. It prevents unexpected line breaks, shifted margins, or font substitutions that can occur when a file is opened in different software.
PDFs are also more compatible with modern applicant tracking systems. They maintain structure while remaining easy for systems to scan and parse. This makes them the safest and most professional format for job applications.
Always submit your resume as a PDF unless an employer specifically requests a different format. PDFs preserve formatting and display consistently across all systems.
If you plan to bring printed copies to an interview:
Professional presentation still matters, especially in in-person interviews or formal hiring processes.
These issues can make an otherwise strong resume look unprofessional or cause formatting errors during screening.
Yotru removes the complexity from resume formatting by using a standardized layout that works seamlessly across screens, devices, and printing formats. Instead of worrying about paper sizes or technical settings, Yotru automatically formats your resume in a way that displays correctly everywhere, whether viewed digitally or printed.
The focus stays where it should be: on your story. Yotru’s guided approach helps you shape your experience, achievements, and skills into a clear, professional narrative while the system handles layout, spacing, and structure behind the scenes.
The result is a resume that is clean, consistent, and ATS-friendly, while still reading naturally to human recruiters. You get a polished, professional document without needing to think about formatting rules or technical details.
Our AI-powered scoring system helps organizations assess and standardize resume quality at scale. ATS-compliant templates support consistent formatting, keyword alignment, and interview readiness across cohorts.
Team Yotru
Employability Systems & Applied Research
Team Yotru
Employability Systems & Applied Research
We build career tools informed by years working in workforce development, employability programs, and education technology. We work with training providers and workforce organizations to create practical tools for employment and retraining programs—combining labor market insights with real-world application to support effective career development. Follow us on LinkedIn.
In the United States and Canada, use Letter size which is 8.5 × 11 inches. In Europe, UK, Australia, and most other countries, use A4 size which is 210 × 297 mm or 8.27 × 11.69 inches. Digital resumes should be saved as PDFs in the appropriate size for your target job market.
This article is intended for job seekers, career changers, and professionals preparing resumes for roles in different regions. The guidance reflects current hiring standards, applicant tracking system behavior, and common formatting practices used by employers worldwide. While every organization may have specific preferences, the recommendations here are designed to help candidates present their experience clearly, professionally, and in a format that works across modern hiring systems.
This article is based on a review of current hiring practices, applicant tracking system (ATS) behavior, and formatting standards used by employers across North America, Europe, and other major job markets. It incorporates guidance from recruitment professionals, resume screening research, and platform-specific formatting requirements to reflect how resumes are reviewed in real hiring workflows.
This content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, career, or professional advice. Hiring practices may vary by employer, industry, and region. Readers should verify requirements with specific employers or consult qualified career professionals when making decisions related to resume formatting or job applications.
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If you are working on employability programs, hiring strategy, career education, or workforce outcomes and want practical guidance, you are in the right place.
Yotru supports individuals and organizations navigating real hiring systems. That includes resumes and ATS screening, career readiness, program design, evidence collection, and alignment with employer expectations. We work across education, training, public sector, and industry to turn guidance into outcomes that actually hold up in practice.
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