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Resumes: What You Need to Know
The resume is an opportunity to market yourself to a prospective employer. It should be succinct, target an employer's needs, and distinguish you from your competitors. Before you get started, think about your strengths, weaknesses, personal preferences, and motivations. You should also consider the company's needs, who your competition might be, and your unique skill set. The best way to convince employers that you will add value is to show them that you've done it before.
Alumni Resume Book
Our Alumni Resume Book connects you with organizations looking for talent. Visit 12twenty (our recruiting platform) and upload your resume to get started. You should complete your Profile in 12twenty by updating your Background tab which contains information about your career experience, skills, preferences and more. Ensuring your Background tab is complete and accurate will greatly improve your chance of being contacted by an organization. Looking to connect with fellow HBS alumni? Upload your resume to the Alumni Networking Resume Book to kick start those connections.
Resume Makeover Using VMock and Aspire
Gain instant feedback on your resume and LinkedIn Profile
VMock is a smart career platform that provides instant personalized feedback on your resume and LinkedIn Profile to help improve aspects like presentation, language, and skills.
VMock Smart Editor tool will enable you to:
- Receive an objective score on your resume based on recruiter criteria
- Review line-for-line targeted feedback on your resume
- Re-upload your resume up to 10 times to track improvement
Sign up using your HBS email address. Account requests are granted within 24 business hours. During holidays and winter break (December 24th – January 1st) turnaround time will be delayed until the CPD office reopens. Please note, we recommend you review your resume before considering it final.
Resumes: Sections, Templates & Examples
- Contact details - Let others know who you are and how to get in touch with you. In addition to your name, you should list your mailing address, phone number, and email address. It is expected to be found at the top of the page. No need to include it on additional pages.
- Professional history - Start with your most recent role and list in descending chronology. For each role, provide a sentence or two that describes the scope of your responsibility. Then in bullet format, provide accomplishment statements. To write an accomplishment statement, state the problem you encountered, the action you took and the result or impact of your actions. For example, "Led team in implementing a new general ledger package by providing expertise and encouragement, which contributed to a successful, on-time project completion."
- Education - Spell out your degree so it will stand out better. It is not necessary to include your GPA or GMAT score. Do not list courses. Do list any leadership roles or study abroad experiences.
- Summary/Profile - A great opportunity to tell the reader exactly what you want them to know. It should be 3-4 sentences in paragraph form following your contact information. Be careful not to load up on overused resume jargon and avoid listing previous jobs/education as it is redundant. Instead, focus on your branding statement, unique themes in your career path, and skills.
- Key skills - Listing your skills is a great way for the reader to quickly evaluate your skill set. List skills that are relevant to your next position. For each skill, you will need a proof statement in the form of an accomplishment stated in the professional experience section. A good way to set up this section is in 2 or 3 columns with 3-4 skills in each column. The heading could be "Key Areas of Expertise" or "Core Competencies".
- Personal/Interests - Only include if it helps tell your story.
- Additional roles - If you participate in organizations outside of your professional employment, you may list these in a separate section. Headings are typically "Volunteer Leadership Roles" or "Community Service".
- Licenses and Professional Certifications - If you possess a license or certification, these should be called out in a separate section.
- Objective - No longer in style. Do not include in your resume.
- References available upon request - No longer in style. Do not include in your resume.
- Zip file of all resume templates (login required)
Chronological - This is the most commonly used layout. Recommended for a mostly consistent record of employment showing progression/growth from position to position. Not recommended for gaps in employment dates, those out of job market for some time, or changing careers.
- Template 1 (login required)
- Template 2 (login required)
- Template 3 (login required)
- Template 4 (login required)
- Sample 1: C-Level Resume (login required)
- Sample 2: Consulting to Operating Company Resume (login required)
- Sample 3: VP with Long Tenure Resume (login required)
- Sample 4: C-Level Biotech resume (login required)
- Sample 5: Exec. Ed. with Long Tenure Resume (login required)
- Sample 6: Financial Services Resume (login required)
Streamlined Chronological - This layout also shows progression from one job to the next, but does not include extra sections such as Summary/Profile or Areas of Expertise. Recommended for recent alumni.
- Template: Streamlined Chronological (login required)
Chronological/Functional Hybrid Resume - In this layout, you can highlight your employment history in a straight chronological manner, but also make it immediately clear you have filled a variety of roles that use different but related skill sets. This is useful to provide a few accomplishments in the beginning to show a theme. Each role would also have specific accomplishment statements.
- Template: Chronological/Functional Hybrid (login required)
- Sample: Accomplishment Focus Resume (login required)
Cover Letter Writing
It is essential to send a cover letter with your resume to provide a recruiter with insight into your qualifications, experience, and motivation for seeking a position. The letter also conveys your personal communication style, tone, and professionalism. An effective employment letter should:
- Be targeted and personalized
- State why you are interested in the company
- Explain how you can fill a need
- Convey your enthusiasm about the opportunity
- Suggest next steps for communication and action
Guidelines & Examples
Investigate your target company. What is the company's "breaking news?" What drives their business? What are their greatest challenges and opportunities? How can you contribute? eBaker can help with your research.
Outline your objectives using relevant information that attracts the attention of the reader.
- Salutation Address the letter to a specific person. Capture the reader's attention and briefly introduce yourself. Mention the referral/company contact, if applicable. State the purpose of your letter.
- Body Describe relevant information you discovered about the company. Discuss the position offered or the position you are looking for. Detail how your skills will benefit the company.
- Closing Convey your enthusiasm. Anticipate response.
Pay close attention to sentence structure, spelling, and punctuation. Always print your letter to check for typographical errors. Have a friend, colleague, or family member review your letter whenever possible.
Cover letters are the place to briefly and directly address the gap in your career. For example, "I am returning to the workforce after a period of raising children." Then address your strengths, qualifications and goals. Emphasize your excitement and preparedness to re-enter the workforce now.
Response to Identified Advertisement (pdf)
Branding You
Resume writing tips , creating visual impact.
A concise, visually appealing resume will make a stronger impression than a dense, text-laden document. Respect page margins and properly space the text. Learn to appreciate the value of "white space." Limit a resume to one or two pages but not one and ¼. Ensure content is balanced on both pages. A CV is typically longer because it includes additional sections such as publications and research.
Use Parallel Construction
Select a consistent order of information, format, and spacing. If one experience starts with a brief overview followed by bullet points, subsequent experiences should follow a similar form. Parallel construction—including the use of action verbs (pdf) (login required) to start all phrases—greatly enhances a resume's readability.
Always Proofread
Pay close attention to margin alignment, spelling, punctuation, and dates. Read your resume backward to check for typographical errors. (You will focus on individual words, rather than the meaning of the text.) Better yet, have a friend, colleague, or family member review your resume.
Use Action Verbs
Action Verbs List (login required)
Improve Your Writing
Common questions, past program resources .
How to Build a Resume that Stands Above the Competition
- Utility Menu
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- How to Use This Site
- Core Competencies
Cover Letter Template (PDF)
General tips and formatting suggestions to create a strong cover letter https://writingcenter.catalyst.harvard.edu/files/catalystwcc/files/writing… See also: Cover Letter , Grow Professionally , Representing Yourself
Resumes/CVs
| (Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) (Harvard GSAS) (for non-academic positions) (Harvard GSAS) @ Harvard (formerly Lynda.com) is a free on-line training resource for Harvard students, staff, and faculty. Sign in using your Harvard Key and check out the resources: short videos on a broad range of subjects including career planning, the job search, preparing your resume, plus topics around management and leadership.
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How to Write a Cover Letter
Advice for tackling one of the toughest parts of the job-hunting process.
Perhaps the most challenging part of the job application process is writing an effective cover letter. And yes, you should send one. Even if only one in two cover letters gets read, that’s still a 50% chance that including one could help you. Before you start writing, find out more about the company and the specific job you want. Next, catch the attention of the hiring manager or recruiter with a strong opening line. If you have a personal connection with the company or someone who works there, mention it in the first sentence or two, and try to address your letter to someone directly. Hiring managers are looking for people who can help them solve problems, so show that you know what the company does and some of the challenges it faces. Then explain how your experience has equipped you to meet those needs. If the online application doesn’t allow you to submit a cover letter, use the format you’re given to demonstrate your ability to do the job and your enthusiasm for the role.
No one likes job hunting. Scouring through online job listings, spiffing up your résumé , prepping for grueling interviews — none of it is fun. For many, the most challenging part of the process is writing an effective cover letter. There’s so much conflicting advice out there, it’s hard to know where to start. Do you even need one, especially if you’re applying through an online system?
- Amy Gallo is a contributing editor at Harvard Business Review, cohost of the Women at Work podcast , and the author of two books: Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone (Even Difficult People) and the HBR Guide to Dealing with Conflict . She writes and speaks about workplace dynamics. Watch her TEDx talk on conflict and follow her on LinkedIn . amyegallo
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Here's an example of the perfect cover letter, according to Harvard career experts.
This popped up in my Pocket recommendations recently and I think it may be helpful to y'all.
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/07/23/example-of-the-perfect-cover-letter-according-to-harvard-career-experts.html?utm_source=pocket-newtab
Linda Spencer, associate director and coordinator of career advising at Harvard Extension School, says that a solid cover letter answers two key questions :
Why are you the right fit for the job?
How will you add value to the organization?
Address the letter to a specific person
Clearly state the purpose of your letter
Don't rehash your entire resume
Use action words and don't overuse the pronoun "I"
Reiterate your enthusiasm and thank the reader
Keep your format consistent
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Harvard College Resumes & Cover Letter Guide. A resume is a concise, informative summary of your abilities, education, and experience. It should highlight your strongest assets and skills, and differentiate you from other candidates seeking similar positions. View Resource.
Always use your @college email account and check it frequently, even if you have enabled forwarding. Resume Sample. Firstname Lastname. If an employer asks for your SAT/ ACT scores or GPA, include in your Education section. 17 Main Street • Los Angeles, CA 92720 • [email protected] • (714) 558-9857.
RESUMES AND COVER LETTERS . Write an Effective Cover Letter . Your cover letter is a writing sample and a part of the screening process. By putting your best foot forward, you can increase your . chances of being interviewed. A good way to create a response-producing cover letter is to highlight your skills or experiences
Resume Template I (with bullet points) RESUMES AND COVER LETTERS. Firstname Lastname. Home Street Address • City, State Zip • [email protected] • phone number . Education. HARVARD UNIVERSITY. Cambridge, MA Degree, Concentration. GPA [Note: Optional] Graduation Date Thesis [Note: Optional] Relevant Coursework: [Note: Optional.
Getting Started with CVs and Cover Letters. culum vitae, or CV Your CV represents your accomplishments and experience as an academic and helps to establish yo. professional image. Well before you apply for faculty positions, you will use your CV to apply for fellowships and grants, to accompany submissions for publications or conference papers ...
Create a Resume/CV or Cover Letter. A resume is a brief, informative document summarizing your abilities, education, and experience. It should highlight your strongest assets and differentiate you from other candidates. Used most frequently in academic settings, a CV (curriculum vitae) is also a summary of your experience and abilities, but a ...
Your resume and cover letter are opportunities to market yourself to potential employers. ... Zip file of all resume templates (login required) ... Harvard Business School Teele Hall Soldiers Field Boston, MA 02163 Phone: 1.617.495.6890 Email: alumni+hbs.edu.
General tips and formatting suggestions to create a strong cover letter
Sign in using your Harvard Key and check out the career development resources: short videos on a broad range of subjects including career planning, the job search, preparing your resume, plus topics around management and leadership. Resources Outside Harvard. Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): Guide for the Academic Medicine CV.
Beginning with your most recent position, describe your experience, skills, and resulting outcomes in bullet or paragraph form. Begin each line with an action verb and include details that will help the reader understand your accomplishments, skills, knowledge, abilities, or achievements. Quantify where possible.
adviser review your resume.• Look for industry specific resume review clinics, listed on the Employer a. TI. STOP 6 RESUME MISTAKES:1. Sp. lling and grammar errors2. Missing. em. il and phone information3. Using passive language i. st. ad of "action" words4. Not well organiz.
A comprehensive guide to the world of Resumes and Cover Letters, written and presented specifically for Master's students by the Harvard FAS Office of Career Services. Click here to access the handbook.
A strong summary should highlight your value proposition as a candidate. Include your professional title, years of experience, key skills, areas of expertise, and professional goals. For example: Results-driven marketing manager with 5+ years of experience growing brand awareness and leading successful campaigns.
How to Write a Cover Letter That Sounds Like You (and Gets Noticed) by. Elainy Mata. May 10, 2022. EM. Elainy Mata is a Multimedia Producer at Harvard Business Review. ElainyMata.
Create a cover letter to match your Harvard resume. A cover letter is a one-page document that introduces you to the employer and expands upon the information provided in your resume. We recommend using our Cover Letter Builder for job-specific content suggestions and professionally designed templates.
Before you start writing, find out more about the company and the specific job you want. Next, catch the attention of the hiring manager or recruiter with a strong opening line. If you have a ...
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any way without the express written permission of the Harvard University Faculty of Arts & Sciences Office of Career Services. 8/21. Office of Career Services Harvard University Faculty of Arts & Sciences Cambridge, MA 02138 Phone: (617) 495-2595 www.ocs.fas.harvard.edu. Resumes and Cover Letters.
Harvard College Paragraph Resume Template. Word (.docx) version. Download or make a copy to edit (do not request edit access): Google Docs version. Use this paragraph template to build out your first draft of your resume.
Write an Effective Cover Letter. Your cover letter is a writing sample and a part of the screening process. By putting your best foot forward, you can increase your chances of being interviewed. A good way to create a response-producing cover letter is to highlight your skills or experiences that are most applicable to the job or industry and ...
I believe this too, when I was being helped by a employment agency they wanted me to put my whole history into my resume and I felt that it was too much information, she wanted me to put my first job that I ever had which was when I was 15 and still in high school which I didn't see how that is important since I was in my mid-twenties at the time and had, had better jobs since.
The major platforms we provide to all FAS students are highlighted below. Additional digital resources can be viewed and filtered below. Our primary platform, Crimson Careers gives students access to scheduled advising, workshops, employer events, career fairs, as well as job, internship, and short-term project listings. Read More.
COVER LETTERS. Extension School Resource2023 President and Fellows of Harvard Co. duCreate a Strong ResumeA resume is a brief, informative summary of your abilities, e. ucation, and experience. It should highlight your strongest assets and skills and diferentiate you from other candidates.
A great cover letter serves as a bridge between your resume and a job posting. Find examples of how to showcase skills and work experience in cover letters. Find Talent. ... Good cover letter templates meet the expectations of potential employers or clients by adhering to standard business letter formatting conventions. By utilizing a template ...
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any way without the express written permission of the Harvard University Faculty of Arts & Sciences Mignone Center for Career Success. 4/23. Mignone Center for Career Success Harvard University, Faculty of Arts & Sciences Cambridge, MA 02138 Phone: (617) 495-2595 careerservices.fas.harvard.edu.