Harvard Resume Template & Writing Guide for 2024

Welcome to Harvard University! You've chosen a prestigious institution that values excellence and innovation in all aspects of its operations. Just like with any other job, the first step to securing a position at Harvard is to have an impressive resume.

In this article, we will provide you with tips and a Harvard resume template to help you create a top-notch resume that will catch the eye of Harvard's recruitment team.

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Looking for a job in the education sector? Or maybe you’re still learning? Check these out:

• Education Resume Examples
• Professor Resume Example
• College Student Resume Example
• Recent College Graduate Resume Example
• Scholarship Resume Example

You can also look at our vast collection of 500+ resume samples & writing guides for all jobs.

Harvard Resume Template

Now, it’s time we discover the secret behind the best Harvard resume examples like the one above!

1. Pick the Best Harvard Resume Format

Creating an organized and visually appealing resume is crucial in making a good first impression. Here are some of the most important Harvard resume tips regarding proper formatting:

• The header section should include all relevant information, such as your name, contact details, and professional social media profiles. This will make it easier for recruiters to reach out to you.
• Stick to a simple and professional resume font, such as Arial, Garamond, or Cambria. Avoid fancy fonts that may be difficult to read.
• Consider using the reverse-chronological layout for your Harvard resume, which highlights your most recent experience first.
• Save your resume as a PDF file to prevent any issues with your resume format. However, make sure to follow any specific instructions from the job posting.

Read more: Yes, you should definitely pick quality over quantity when it comes to your Harvard resume. But—how long should your resume be to ensure it is concise and effective in catching the attention of recruiters? Check our comprehensive guide: Everything About Resume Length.

2. Craft a Professional Resume Profile for Your Harvard Resume

Introducing yourself on your resume can be daunting, especially when applying to a prestigious institution like Harvard. However, with the right approach, you can effectively showcase your skills and experiences in a professional resume profile.

Here are some tips to help you write a strong professional resume profile for your Harvard resume:

• If you have more than 2 years of experience in your field, it is recommended to write a resume summary. This section should be a brief overview of your career highlights backed up by quantifiable achievements.
• If you have less experience, opt for a resume objective. Use this as an opportunity to showcase your transferable skills and how they can bring value to the table.

With these tips, you can write a compelling professional profile for your Harvard resume that will impress the recruitment team.

Now, let's move on to the next step: crafting your work experience section. Remember, a strong and tailored resume is key to landing a job at Harvard University.

Read more: Don't waste time formatting your resume from scratch. Check out resume templates with a Harvard-worthy classic design to save time and ensure a professional layout: Classic Resume Templates.

3. Create a Work Experience Section for Your Resume

Your work experience section is crucial for showcasing your skills, accomplishments, and value to potential employers. On average, recruiters spend just 7 seconds initially scanning a resume, so it's important to carefully craft this section to stand out from other applicants and make a strong impression.

Here’s how to write a perfect job description for your Harvard resume:

• Start with your most recent job and work backward, including the professional title you held, the company name and location, and the dates of employment.
• Utilize efficient resume bullet points to highlight your achievements in each role. Make sure to include both big accomplishments and smaller tasks.
• Focus on your professional accomplishments rather than basic job duties. This is your chance to show how well you performed in your previous roles.
• Begin each bullet point with a powerful action verb to grab the reader's attention. Use numbers to quantify your achievements and make them stand out.
• Tailor your resume for each specific job application. This will greatly increase your chances of grabbing the recruiters' attention and landing an interview.

Now, you know how to write a strong and effective job description. Keep reading for more advice on crafting a successful Harvard resume template. 

Read more: If you have little to no work experience, check out this guide for tips on highlighting your skills and transferable experiences: How to Make a Resume With No Experience in 2024?

4. Describe Your Education on Your Harvard Resume

When preparing the education section of your resume for Harvard, it's important to provide clear and concise information about your academic background. Here are some Harvard resume tips to keep in mind:

• Start with your highest level of education and work backward.
• Include the institution's name, degree earned, major/minor (if applicable), graduation date, and any relevant honors or awards.
• If you have a high GPA or received any prestigious scholarships, be sure to include them.

By providing this information in a clear and organized manner, you demonstrate your academic achievements and qualifications for the position.

If you're applying for an administrative role, showcase any coursework or internships that demonstrate your organizational and communication skills. Remember, your education section should complement and support the rest of your resume in showcasing why you are a strong candidate for a job at Harvard University. 

Read more: Listing Your Degree on a Resume [Expert Advice]

Creating a resume with our builder is incredibly simple. Follow our step-by-step guide and use content from Certified Professional Resume Writers to have a resume ready in minutes.

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5. Pick the Right Skills for a Harvard Resume

When listing skills on your resume for a university like Harvard, make sure to tailor your skills section to the job description. 

Here are some tips to help you select the best skills for your Harvard resume:

• Start by carefully reviewing the job description and identifying keywords and phrases related to skills or qualifications.
• Use these resume keywords as a guide to choosing relevant hard and soft skills to include in your resume.
• Highlight any technical skills or industry-specific knowledge that is required for the position.
• Don't just list generic skills—provide specific examples of how you have utilized your soft and hard skills in previous roles or projects.

Best Skills for a Harvard Resume:

• Proficiency in [specific software or tools relevant to the job]
• Analytical skills
• Project management
• Language skills
• Budgeting and financial management
• Technical writing or coding 
• Research skills 
• Knowledge of industry regulations and compliance standards 
• Excellent communication skills 
• Teamwork and collaboration 
• Attention to detail 
• Time management and organization 
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Leadership abilities 
• Problem-solving skills
• Customer service orientation

By tailoring your skills section to the specific job description, you demonstrate that you have the qualifications and abilities to excel at Harvard. In the next chapter of this Harvard resume guide, we’ll focus on additional sections perfect for any Harvard resume template.

Read more: How to Pick the Best Professional Skills for Your Resume

6. Include Bonus Sections in Your Harvard Resume

When crafting your resume for Harvard, it's important to showcase not only your skills and qualifications but also your unique qualities and experiences. Bonus sections on a resume can help you stand out from other applicants and give the hiring team a better understanding of who you are as a candidate.

Here are some extra sections to consider adding to your Harvard resume:

• Language Skills: If you are fluent in a language relevant to the position or the company, be sure to include it on your resume. This can demonstrate your ability to communicate with diverse groups and may also be beneficial as Harvard University has global partnerships.
• Professional Certifications: List any relevant certifications you have obtained, such as industry-specific qualifications or professional development courses. This can show your commitment to ongoing learning and development.
• Volunteer Work: If you have volunteered for organizations or causes that could be viewed as important by Harvard, include it on your resume. This can demonstrate your values and how they align with Harvard’s mission.
• Relevant Hobbies and Interests: While not always necessary, including a section on your hobbies and interests can give the hiring team a better understanding of your personality and what you are passionate about outside of work.

Remember, these additional sections should complement, not distract from, the main focus of your resume—showcasing your skills and qualifications for the job at Harvard University.

Don't be afraid to get creative and think outside the box when adding these sections to your resume. Just remember to keep it relevant and professional. Now, let’s find out how to write a Harvard cover letter. Trust me—it’s easy!

Read more: What to Put on a Resume? Everything You Should Include on Your Resume

7. Write a Cover Letter for Your Harvard Resume

A strong cover letter is an essential part of any job application, including when submitting your resume to Harvard University. It allows you to introduce yourself and explain why you are the best candidate for the job.

Let me show you how to write an effective cover letter:

• Begin with a strong cover letter opening paragraph that captures the attention of the hiring team and highlights your interest in the position at Harvard.
• Use specific examples or achievements from your experience to showcase your skills and qualifications rather than simply restating information from your resume.
• Find out more about Harvard and customize your cover letter accordingly, showing that you have a genuine interest in working for Harvard.
• Keep the tone professional yet personable. Avoid sounding too formal or robotic, but also avoid using slang or casual language.
• Proofread your cover letter carefully and ensure that your cover letter is error-free before submitting it along with your resume.

Remember, a well-written short cover letter can make a strong first impression and help you stand out from other applicants. All we have to do now is find out what Harvard's job application process is like.

Read more: How to Write a Cover Letter?

8. How to Apply for a Job at Harvard

Applying for a job at a renowned institution like Harvard takes the utmost attention to detail. Here’s how to apply for a job at Harvard:

1. Visit the Harvard University job openings website.
2. Use the search bar and filters to narrow down job listings by keyword, location, or department.
3. Read the job descriptions and requirements for administrative/staff positions that interest you.
4. Create an account on the website to apply for jobs and save your application progress.
5. Prepare your resume, cover letter, and any other required documents to submit with your application.
6. Fill out the online application form with your personal information, education and work experience, and responses to job-specific questions.
7. Upload your resume, cover letter, and any other required documents.

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:

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See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Thank you for reading my Harvard resume guide. I hope that the information provided has been helpful in your job search and application process. If you have any additional tips or experiences related to applying to Harvard, please share them in the comment section below. Your insights could help other readers in their journey toward securing a position at Harvard. Best of luck in your job search!

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Sources

• https://www.theladders.com/static/images/basicSite/pdfs/TheLadders-EyeTracking-StudyC2.pdf
• https://college.harvard.edu/about/mission-vision-history
• https://hr.harvard.edu/search-jobs