harvard resume template doc

How To Use The Harvard Resume Format (Example + Template)

3 key takeaways

• Harvard invented a classic and clean resume framework.
• This resume format focuses on sections like education, experience, leadership, and skills. Unlike a standard resume, it prioritizes education above experience.
• You can create a Harvard resume and tailor it to your job application with Teal's Resume Builder .

You’ve probably heard that the Harvard resume format is one of the best templates for recent graduates. After all, it was created and is continually recommended by Harvard recruiters and counselors.

The Harvard resume is clean and professional and highlights education over work experience. Considering the minimal work experience most recent graduates bring, it can be an excellent framework for building your resume. 

But how do you use it to create your resume ? Below, you'll learn how to use the Harvard University resume format, including examples.

Need help to landing interviews with your resume? Sign up for Teal to make a free resume in minutes.

Understanding the Harvard resume format

The Harvard Offices of Career Services, in conjunction with the Career and Academic Resource Center, created the Harvard resume format.

The aim was to help both Harvard students and graduates of other universities create resumes that highlight their education and land them jobs.

Because of its more significant focus on education, leadership, and activities over job experience, this resume format works best for those just entering the job market.

Here’s an overview of the format:

Let's examine each resume section and how they differ from traditional resumes.

Typically, the education section of a resume is at the bottom rather than the top. The Harvard-style resume flips this on its head, listing education just after the resume header.

It’s acceptable for job seekers without experience in the job market to put education details at the top of a resume. Education also tends to carry more weight if you apply for internships or master's programs.

If you’ve gained experience within your projected career path and it’s been a few years since you graduated, move your education details to the bottom of your resume.

Your work history and experiences should make up the bulk of your resume. But if you’re a recent graduate, you might not have as much to show, as you can see in the Harvard resume example.

This is where you see more similarities with the typical resume format. The Harvard resume template holds a standard of four bullet points for each position held. Each bullet point should only be one sentence long.

Follow these rules when formatting each bullet point:

• 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 to help the reader understand your accomplishments, skills, knowledge, abilities, or achievements. 
• Quantify where possible. 
• Do not use personal pronouns; each line should be a phrase rather than a complete sentence.

This advice is standard across the recruitment and resume writing industries, but it’s still pertinent. 

The leadership and activities section on a resume is acceptable to feature if you’re fresh out of college and the activities are relevant to the position. However, on most resumes, there is little room or need to feature this section. 

It can be a great way to highlight skills, certain responsibilities you’ve held, or outcomes you’ve achieved to supplement a lack of work history. Most potential employers don’t need this information unless those activities can supplement work experience.

The Harvard resume template does something unique with the skills section—breaking the skills down into four categories:

The technical and laboratory skills bullet points are the most nuanced. Technical skills should list any computer skills or coding languages you’ve learned, while the laboratory line asks you to list any specific tools or techniques you’ve used.

Resist the urge to explain every skill. In some cases, you may need to specify your proficiency. However, if you are fluent in languages, list each language you know. You can write them in one line separated by commas, like this: 

Teal’s AI-powered Resume Builder allows you to add all of your technical skills in one easy form and then select and de-select the skills you’d like to feature on your resume.

How you lay out your resume will greatly depend on how much experience you have in your field, your skills, and which university you attended (including your grades and accolades).

But the four sections in the Harvard resume format generally benefit any new grad or student resume.

How to create a Harvard resume using a resume template

When you don’t have much experience on your resume, highlighting your education is a safe bet.

The Harvard format gives you a good launch pad for emphasizing the benefits of your education. If you understand each section and tailor it to the position, you’re much more likely to stand out in a candidate pool.

Consider the position

Your final resume isn’t going to look like a perfect replica of the template. That’s because the position you’re applying for will call for different highlights on your resume. 

For instance, you might apply for a competitive internship that values GPA more heavily than other internships.  In some cases, GPA isn’t just a qualification for admittance. An organization might also have a minimum acceptable standard. Still, it might also be a metric for whether or not you maintain your internship. 

In such a case, you’ll need to feature your GPA on your resume and any other accolades within your education that might give you a competitive advantage.

Fill in the sections of the template

In the previous section, you saw the differences between traditional and Harvard resumes. Here, we’re breaking down how to fill out your resume with those differences in mind. 

Enter your contact information

Filling out the top of your resume is straightforward. Your resume header should contain contact details such as your name, address, and email. You don’t have to include your entire email. Your city and state are enough.

Add your education

If you’re keeping the Harvard format, your education section is at the top, just under your details. Again, this is beneficial if you’re applying to further educational programs, such as a master’s program, an internship, or an entry-level position.

The template offers three possible rows of information within the education section—college, study abroad, and your high school.

Unless the position specifically requests high school information or it's required to enter the program, including it on your resume is unnecessary. This also applies to your study abroad program. While it’s advantageous in an educational program application, it’s not often necessary for employment.

Add your work history

The work experience section of the Harvard resume includes slots for just two places of employment. This is because it’s essentially a student resume.

To fill out this section, start with the company name, position, and period you worked there. 

Add three to four bullet points under your organizational header. The typical job seeker might add their responsibilities within those roles, but this won’t help you stand out among other candidates. 

Instead, focus on outcomes you’ve produced, contributions you’ve made, and skills you’ve developed. Here’s what that advice looks like on the resume of an applicant who’s only held a few entry-level roles:

You might not have a lot of experience, and it’s unlikely you were able to have a massive impact on the company in an entry-level or internship position. But you likely gained hard and soft skills by working on something for some time. 

Notice the action verbs in two of the three lines in the above example? Words like increased, improved, and boosted are “active” words to quickly demonstrate that you’ve had impact in your role.

Leadership roles and activities

Leadership and activities are optional on a resume and should only be included if they directly relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description. 

If you add your leadership projects and activities, be sure to include any outcomes that came from those activities.

You don’t need to include all of this detail. One or two lines should be enough to showcase the project unless you’re compensating for lower work experience. 

Relevant skills and interests

Skills and interests are another optional section on your resume. While Harvard offers four opportunities to include such information, you could include one or two and eliminate the rest if they’re pertinent or might increase your chances of getting hired. 

For instance, language skills are in demand across most industries. They may also be a necessary qualification for some roles or may position you in a higher pay grade upon acceptance for a role. In such cases, adding that information to your resume is essential. 

Technical skills are vital for roles in software, IT, or engineering. Laboratory skills will matter if you’re applying for a role in a STEM profession, such as a geneticist or food scientist. 

Proofread for red flags and typos

Certain resume red flags automatically take you out of the candidate pool. These red flags include:

Spelling and grammar errors

• Irrelevant information
• A lack of results-oriented experience

While recruiters and hiring managers aren’t going to examine your resume with a fine-toothed comb, obvious spelling and grammar errors stand out. As does an abundance of those errors. Always check your work before sending it.

Harvard resume example

Here’s an example of the Harvard resume in action.

You see education at the top followed by professional experience and technical skills. The example also shows active and powerful language for the bullet points of each position held. It’s a clear and professional demonstration of this resume format. 

Harvard resume template

If you want to use the Harvard resume template recommended by Harvard recruiters, here’s a template of the sections they use:

Name Location Email address Phone number Education Study abroad Experience Job title 1/ Employer 1 (your most recent employer)(month/ year-month/year) (Action verb) (Accomplishment with quantification) (Action verb) (Accomplishment with quantification) (Action verb) (Accomplishment with quantification) Experience Job title 1/ Employer 1 (month/ year-month/year) (Action verb) (Accomplishment with quantification) (Action verb) (Accomplishment with quantification) (Action verb) (Accomplishment with quantification) Leadership and activities Skills and interests

Common mistakes to avoid when using the Harvard resume

Your resume should always highlight your most vital assets and qualifications. You'll be in great shape if you focus on outcomes and key skills. 

However, you want to avoid a few common mistakes if you hope to get shortlisted for the position. 

It’s easy to misspell a word here and there, but on a resume, it can be the difference between getting shortlisted or being cut from the candidate pool. 

There are a few ways to avoid the latter:

• Use a tool like Grammarly to catch misspellings and grammar mistakes.
• Run your resume through ChatGPT to catch mistakes.
• Employ an editor to provide more detailed and nuanced feedback.
• Use Teal’s resume builder to catch mistakes and optimize your inputs to highlight your strengths.

Missing contact information

This isn’t a huge misstep, but if you send in your application without contact information, a hiring manager won’t be able to reach you if they’re interested. 

Similarly, the position you’re applying for could be dependent on location. You might face instant rejection if you’re missing, or misspelled, your location. 

Using passive voice

Most job seekers make the mistake of using passive voice on their resume. But sentences like "sales targets were consistently met" will not grab anyone's attention.

Always use active voice on your resume. Active voice requires the use of “I” as a pronoun and the use of power words like “boosted” and “improved”. 

So instead of saying, "Sales targets were consistently met," you'd say, "Exceeded annual sales targets by an average of 15%...". The goal is always to get as specific as possible with your real achievements within a role.

Lack of personalization

Resume personalization isn’t about including information about the company or the hiring manager. It’s about thoroughly understanding the job description and tailoring your resume to match it within reason. 

Teal’s AI-powered Resume Builder analyzes job descriptions to identify the keywords and most important details to include in your resume. 

For more tips on creating an effective resume, check out this post on the best resume format .

How to create your Harvard resume with AI

Harvard has made it easy to follow their resume format by opening their template in Google Docs or Word. However, if you plan to tailor your resume to multiple job applications, using Teal’s AI Resume Builder might be beneficial. 

With Teal, you can add variations of responsibilities, activities, achievements, and more while selecting and deselecting certain details to adapt your resume to the job description. 

Maintaining the Harvard format in Teal is also easy. You can choose from a resume template library and customize your whatever template you choose to mimic Harvard’s.

Customize your achievements

Because you're likely creating a dozen tailored resumes to match various job descriptions, use Teal's AI achievement writer to help you create powerful descriptions. Once you've covered everything, select the achievements most relevant to the job listing.

Find the keywords for every job

Consider the keywords and complex asks of the company. Take a look at the responsibilities section of this job description for a marketing position:

From this job description, you can pull out a few important details:

• There’s a high emphasis on content strategy execution
• There is some level of strategy execution and account management
• You’ll need writing skills
• You’ll be working with freelancers

If you use Teal’s keyword matching tool, you can see which keywords are most important to include in your resume.

This will help you determine the most important keywords and relevant information to include on your resume.

Create an Ivy-level resume

Whether you use Harvard's resume template or the more traditional reverse-chronological order, make sure the final format is compatible with application tracker systems (ATS). Teal offers free and paid templates designed to satisfy ATS requirements and impress hiring managers. Sign up for Teal for free to build a better resume.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many pages should a resume to harvard be.

According to Harvard, the resume used for a Harvard application should be one to two pages. They stress the importance of not exceeding that page limit.

Is there a proper format for a college resume?

Most resumes will have the same structure: Personal contact information, professional summary, work experience, and education.

You might add skills, relevant coursework, community service efforts, and accomplishment statements to your resume if you lack work experience or have achievements directly related to the role. 

Beyond that, the look and feel of a resume may vary. This is demonstrated in Teal’s library of 100+ resume templates .

Is the Harvard College Bullet Point Resume Template ATS-friendly?

Yes. ATS software is capable of reading resumes in various formats, and the Harvard resume template is simple, easy to read, and classic. Difficulties should only arise with images or specialized formatting.

Sarah Colley

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Harvard Resume: Tips and Templates for Success

Looking for a solid way to showcase your prestigious education and work achievements? The Harvard resume template might be just what you’re looking for. This detailed resume drills into specifics and shows hiring managers why you’re the perfect candidate. Learn the Harvard resume format and tips for using it in this guide.

What is a Harvard resume?

The Harvard resume format is a template made and distributed by Harvard University to help its students better convey their extensive knowledge, experience, and skills. This structure emphasizes high-priority achievements rather than strictly listing experiences in chronological order. This allows recruiters to focus on your strengths because they’re front and center.

Harvard resumes dig deeply into accomplishments and provide quantified achievements to show your impact on companies and school work alike. Generally, this strategy is reserved for work history, but Harvard resumes detail educational accomplishments, too, like the topic of your college thesis.

Because of this extra detail, Harvard resumes are usually a bit longer than a standard resume to give ample space for projects and standout events.

These documents also typically start with education to emphasize its importance. Most resumes list work history first, only providing education first if you lack professional experience.

Our Harvard resume guide shows you the ins and outs so you can build a strong application. Then you can simply grab your favorite resume template and apply these best practices.

Harvard resume vs. regular resume

The primary difference between a Harvard resume template and a standard resume is how it's structured. Harvard resumes list your professional accomplishments by importance, providing your most impressive and impactful experiences first. Regular resumes list everything in chronological order – even crucial senior roles get pushed to the back if they happened years ago.

Harvard resumes are also longer documents as they dig into details, including educational accomplishments like GPA, honors, and projects.

Besides these two main points, both resume formats are very similar and include a header, personal details, work experience, education, and skills.

Benefits of using the Harvard resume format

This template was designed by Harvard experts to showcase qualifications and help their alumni get better jobs, so it carries powerful benefits. Let’s take a look.

Allows you to detail your experience

It’s more than a little frustrating when you have a lot to say and little room to say it. What if you omit the one detail the hiring manager needs to see?

Long resumes are generally frowned upon, but with Harvard resumes, details are encouraged. This means you have space to describe your achievements, skills, and outcomes in great detail. This gives the recruiter insights into your impact and helps them understand why you’re a powerful candidate.

Conveys professionalism

A Harvard resume format is about as professional as they come, helping you make a strong first impression. This is especially important for academic roles, like university professors or high-level executive positions that require prestigious degrees.

We recommend pairing your Harvard resume with an expert cover letter to display more professionalism and business acumen.

Flows naturally and boosts readability

When you list the most important achievements first, the employer doesn’t have to look hard to find impressive accomplishments, senior job positions, and impactful college projects.

Hiring managers only have so much time to devote to each resume, and a Harvard resume gives them precisely what they need with little effort.

How to structure your Harvard resume

It’s easy to build a Harvard resume – you can even edit your current resume to follow the Harvard format. Let’s do it step-by-step. 

This section is largely the same as a regular resume. Provide your full name, job title, phone number, email address, and location (just city and state is fine). We also recommend you add your LinkedIn URL for easier networking.

This should be a two- to four-sentence description of your professional background, focusing on your top skills and standout accomplishments. Use action language and make this engaging to encourage the recruiter to keep reading. Try adding a strong metric to catch their eye and their interest.

Start your resume with your education and make it detailed. For every degree you include, provide the institution’s name, relevant coursework, honors, and your GPA if it’s above 3.5. We also recommend you add memberships to college clubs and abroad study.

Work experience

Provide your work experience and start with your most powerful roles. Which positions are you most proud of? Which ones have made a real impact? Write them in order of importance, then list your job title, the company name, location, and date of employment for each.

Read the job description you’re targeting and discover which skills the employer is looking for. Add relevant hard and soft skills, as well as language proficiency and your level of fluency.

Tips for writing a Harvard resume

Harvard resumes are easy to read, professional, and organized, but adding a little extra effort will make it stand out further. Here are our top tips:

• Use action words : Use powerful verbs like “evaluated” and “coordinated” to increase engagement. These are critical for a Harvard resume – some people even call them “Harvard resume words.”
• Quantify achievements : Attach measurable metrics to your achievements to show the exact outcome, like “ leading to a 15% increase in sales .”
• Review other resumes for inspiration : Study resume examples from other professionals to get ideas for achievements and formatting.
• Make your application complementary : Make sure your resume and cover letter complement each other, and don’t repeat the same information.
• Tailor each resume : No resume is “one-size-fits-all” – review the job ad you’re targeting and personalize your resume for each application.

That last point is crucial. Discussing the right skills and achievements in each resume conveys your relevance to the position. The employer won’t know you have the ideal capabilities unless you take the time to tell them.

Mirroring job descriptions also helps you build an ATS resume . These resumes are optimized to pass a company’s applicant tracking system (ATS) by mentioning the right job titles, qualifications, and accomplishments.

Expert Tip:

The Harvard resume format is long and detailed, but make sure it doesn’t get cluttered. Include all the necessary sections and critical achievements, detailing each one with powerful metrics – just ensure you leave white space. This makes it easy on the eyes and encourages the reader to finish each section.

Harvard resume do’s and don’ts

We’ll finish up with a few do’s and don’ts for making an excellent Harvard resume.

• Keep your resume to one page if possible. It can spill over, but it’s best kept to just one.
• Maintain consistency in formatting, capitalization, and fonts.
• Use a Harvard resume PDF over other file types. They’re much easier to process by company systems.
• Use a Harvard resume template Word document or Google Doc to get started quickly.
• Ask a friend or colleague to review your resume and give their honest opinion on what to add or remove.
• Never use a colorful, modern template for this style of resume. This should be reserved for creative resumes .
• Don’t forget to grammar-check and proofread each resume. You could destroy the professionalism you tried so hard to convey with just one typo.
• Don’t use a narrative style with a lot of personality. Keep this as professional as possible.
• Don’t include references or even the sentence “references available upon request.”

This is just the tip of the iceberg – we cover the top 10 resume mistakes in-depth, including irrelevant information, unattractive formatting, and exaggerating skills and qualifications.

“Harvard resumes are usually a bit longer than a standard resume to give ample space for projects and standout events.”

Make a winning first impression with a Harvard resume template

A Harvard-style resume is the ideal way to literally put your best foot forward, leading with your most important accomplishments and grabbing the hiring manager’s attention. This helps you and the recruiter focus on your greatest impacts and what you can do for your new job.

This format is easy to use, and you can try it today. Head over to CVwizard’s Resume Builder to make your own Harvard resume by following our guide. Start from scratch or simply rearrange your current resume to emphasize your most crucial achievements.

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Harvard Resume — Tips and Templates for Success

The Harvard resume template is one of the most structured and professional template formats. It showcases your qualifications — and particularly your academic achievements — in a concise and digestible format. Below, you’ll learn how to use the Harvard resume template to structure your resume and stand out in the hiring process.

What is a Harvard resume?

A Harvard resume is a type of resume that stands out for its clean, professional layout with clearly defined sections. The Harvard resume format was created by Harvard University in order to help graduates of prestigious higher learning institutions showcase their skills and academic achievements. Typically, a Harvard resume template Word document includes the following features:

• Header: Your name and contact information 
• Summary: A brief professional summary highlighting key qualifications 
• Education: Details of academic background, including degrees and institutions
• Experience: A chronological list of work history, focusing on achievements 
• Skills: A section dedicated to relevant skills 
• Additional Sections: Certifications, awards, and volunteer work

There are two major differences between a Harvard resume template and a standard resume. Most notably, a Harvard resume prioritizes accomplishment statements (one-line statements that outline specific achievements). Under the Harvard resume model, each statement should be backed up with quantifiable results. 

For instance, if you say you helped your last employer improve operational efficiency, back up the statement by describing efficiency gains as a percentage or detailing the cost savings they enjoyed as a result of your efforts. 

Additionally, the Harvard resume usually puts the education section before your work experience. This is a direct contradiction to the traditional resume format. However, it demonstrates that the Harvard resume template has slightly different priorities, which include highlighting prestigious educational accomplishments. 

The education section typically includes a bulleted list under each achievement. For instance, if you list your bachelor’s degree, you may include your GPA, minor studies, and any awards/recognition you received (e.g., the dean’s list). 

Benefits of using the Harvard resume format

The Harvard resume format provides several advantages over traditional options, especially if you have significant academic achievements. Some of the key benefits include:

Professionalism

The format’s clean design exudes professionalism, which helps you make a strong first impression. By pairing the Harvard resume template with a crisp, clean cover letter, you can further elevate your odds of landing an interview. 

Readability

The Harvard resume template also features clearly defined sections and a logical flow to make the resume easy to read. Hiring managers can quickly scan the document to find out more about you and your credentials. 

That’s not all. The bulleted list format also helps you draw attention to the right areas of your professional and academic experience. You can use hard data to position yourself as a top candidate. 

Clarity 

By organizing content into distinct sections, the Harvard resume ensures that important details are not overlooked. This clarity plays an essential role in effectively communicating your qualifications. 

On that note, it’s important to not be too wordy. The Harvard format relies heavily on bulleted lists, which can promote scannability. However, if your bullet points are too long, it may make the document cumbersome and bloated. Therefore, you must be concise. 

How to structure your Harvard resume

If you want to transform your existing resume to align with the Harvard format, you’ll need to include the following sections: 

The header section is a staple of every resume format. Place your full name at the top of the resume, followed by your phone number, email address, and, if applicable, a personal website or LinkedIn profile. Carefully review your information to ensure there aren’t any typos or errors in your contact details. 

Write a concise summary that highlights your most significant qualifications and career goals. Tailor the messaging and tone to the specific job you’re applying for. Don’t get too wordy, but instead, treat the summary as a sneak peek of the information included in the subsequent sections. 

List your degrees in reverse chronological order, including the name of the institution, degree earned, and dates of attendance. As mentioned above, the Harvard resume template typically includes bullet points for each degree, such as your GPA, honors, awards, or notable coursework you completed. 

Organize your work experience in reverse chronological order. For each position, include your title, company name, location, and dates of employment. Focus on achievements and responsibilities, using bullet points to enhance readability. 

Here is your chance to add in any relevant abilities that make you a strong candidate. You can include technical skills, languages, or soft skills like communication and leadership. 

Additional Sections 

These sections are optional. If desired, include additional information that positions you as a great candidate, such as certifications, awards, volunteer experiences, or professional memberships. 

Tips for writing a Harvard resume

Simply adopting the Harvard resume template can help your application stand out. However, if you truly want to differentiate yourself, it’s important that you:

• Use Action Verbs: Start each point with a word like “developed,” “led,” or “achieved”
• Quantify Achievements: Use numbers to support your stated achievements 
• Use Bullet Points: Use bullet points to make your content easy to skim 
• Choose the Correct Formatting: Ensure consistent formatting throughout your resume 
• Tailor Each Resume: Customize your document for each job application

Also, make sure that your Harvard resume compliments your cover letter . A common mistake involves including lots of overlapping information in these two documents. In reality, your resume should be a concise rundown of what you’ve achieved. Conversely, your cover letter gives hiring teams a glimpse into who you are as a person and employee. 

For more tips on writing a great resume, explore our resume articles . You’ll find everything from what not to do in a job application to how you can identify the best content structure for your career field.

Expert Tip:

Customize your professional summary and key sections of your resume for each job application. Tailoring your resume to the specific requirements of a position can significantly increase your odds of getting noticed. Additionally, a customized resume demonstrates you’ve familiarized yourself with the position and company.

Common Harvard resume tips to avoid

It’s easy to make a mistake when completing your resume, especially if you’re using a plug-and-play template. With that in mind, here are some common mistakes to be wary of:

• Information Overload: Including too much information can overwhelm the reader 
• Formatting Inconsistencies: Inconsistent fonts, bullet points, and spacing can make your resume look unprofessional 
• Not Using Keywords: Several companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS ) to screen resumes — make sure to include relevant keywords to pass an ATS

This is not an exhaustive list of common resume mistakes. Make sure to review resume and cover letter examples for a better look at what you should and shouldn’t be doing. Remember, even seemingly small mistakes can stand out to experienced hiring teams and push your application to the bottom of the pile. 

“By organizing content into distinct sections, the Harvard resume ensures that important details are not overlooked.”

Harvard resume vs. regular resume

Let’s wrap up our Harvard resume guide with a head-to-head comparison with regular resume documents. The Harvard resume differs from traditional job application documents in its structure format and emphasis on educational achievements. Naturally, someone who has graduated from Harvard or another prestigious university will want to highlight this achievement at the very top of their resume.

Additionally, the Harvard resume template leans heavily on bullet points and a skimmable layout. While regular resumes also use bullet points, they don’t incorporate them as heavily into the achievements section of the document. 

For a better comparison of how the Harvard resume PDF compares to a regular resume, explore our resume examples . You’ll find a wide range of examples that you can use as a reference tool when filling out job applications. 

Is the Harvard resume template right for you?

The Harvard resume template can be a valuable addition to your job application tool kit. But remember that a Harvard resume, Word’s free templates, and other generic options aren’t your only choices when creating your resume. 

While the Harvard resume template is a great tool, it’s not the best choice for every job seeker. If you’d like to explore other options, check out Jobseeker’s growing library of cover letter templates and resume templates . 

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Harvard Resume Template

Use this free template with google docs and microsoft word.

The Harvard Resume Template is an option for graduates of this educational institution looking for a job. A professional design is inspired by Harvard's red colors and also features a white background part.

Vertically Divided Into Two Sides

Our template features two vertically divided parts: red and white.

• The left side of the template includes Skills and Awards sections and a round placeholder for your photo.
• The right side is larger and includes Objective, Education, Extracurricular Activities, and Volunteering sections.

This template is perfect for graduates without previous work experience who want to find their first position.

Editable and Printable Form

Our users can change the design and text in the Harvard University resume template. To do this, you only need Google Docs and Word. You can print the finished form in A4 size.

Find resume templates for your specialty and relevant experience on our website.

• Free Template
• Easily change the text, images, and more
• Created: July 23, 2024
• Author: Anastasiia Lytvynova
• DPI: 300. Ready to Print at Office/Home
• Size: 210 x 297 mm
• Free Standard Google fonts
• Compatible: Google Docs and Microsoft Word
• Color: Red , White
• Style: Elegant
• Downloads: 186
• Added to collections: 3

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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

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Professional Google Doc Templates

Finding and Completing the Harvard Resume Template: A Detailed Guide

In the realm of job hunting, the Harvard resume template can be your secret weapon. The first impression is what counts, and nothing does it better than a well-crafted resume. Today, we’ll dive into what the Harvard resume template is, why it’s valuable, and how you can effortlessly complete it using Google Docs.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Harvard Resume Template

The Harvard resume template is a specific layout for resumes that prioritizes succinctness and clarity. Typically, it comprises sections such as personal information, education, professional experience, skills, and references. The format is popular for its streamlined, professional look and the emphasis it places on your most significant achievements.

The Harvard Business School itself uses this resume format for its students, indicating its credibility and effectiveness. Jobseekers around the world, irrespective of their industry, can leverage this template to put their best foot forward.

The Power of First Impressions

Before we delve deeper into the Harvard resume template, it’s essential to appreciate the importance of a compelling resume. According to a study, recruiters spend an average of only six seconds reviewing an individual resume.

In this fleeting moment, a well-structured and visually appealing resume can make all the difference. A standout resume can grab the recruiter’s attention and significantly increase your chances of landing an interview. This fact underscores the need for a high-quality resume template that can highlight your key achievements and qualifications.

The Benefits of Using Google Docs for Resume Creation

In a report by Statista , as of 2021, Google Docs had over 500 million active users. This figure reflects the ease of use, accessibility, and versatility offered by this platform. But why is it an ideal choice for your resume needs?

Easy to Use

Google Docs stands out for its simplicity. It offers a user-friendly interface that even a tech novice can navigate with ease. This means you can focus more on the content of your resume and less on technical details.

Google Docs is completely free to use. All you need is a Google account, and you’re good to go. This feature makes it an affordable solution for job seekers and students who may not have the budget for pricey software or resume services.

No Additional Software Needed

One of the biggest perks of Google Docs is that you don’t need any additional software. It operates entirely in your browser. You can access your files from any device, be it your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Real-Time Editing and Sharing

Google Docs enables real-time editing and sharing. This feature can be incredibly beneficial when you need someone else to review your resume or make changes. All you have to do is share the link, and they can access it instantly.

Why Use Our Harvard Resume Template for Google Docs

Our Harvard resume template for Google Docs incorporates all the beneficial features of Google Docs while adding the finesse of a professionally designed resume. It strikes a balance between a formal tone and visual appeal, ensuring that your resume stands out without seeming unprofessional.

Our templates are easy to edit, requiring no design skills on your part. With our templates, you have a powerful tool to create a compelling resume that showcases your qualifications and achievements.

How to Complete the Harvard Resume Template in Google Docs

Now that we’ve explored the benefits of our Harvard resume template for Google Docs, let’s walk through the process of completing it.

• Open the Template: Start by opening the Harvard resume template in Google Docs. If you’re not already logged in, you’ll be prompted to sign in to your Google account.
• Edit the Header: Replace the placeholder text with your name and contact details. Ensure that your name stands out as the most significant text on the page.
• Update the Objective or Summary: This section should provide a brief overview of your career goals and qualifications. Tailor it to the specific role you’re applying for.
• Fill in the Education Section: Include your academic qualifications, starting with the most recent one.
• Update the Experience Section: List your relevant professional experiences, starting with the most recent. Highlight your responsibilities and accomplishments in each role.
• Add Skills and Certifications: In this section, include any relevant skills and certifications that you possess.
• Add References: If applicable, include references who can vouch for your qualifications and experience.
• Review and Save: After you’ve filled in all the sections, review your resume for any errors or omissions. Once you’re satisfied, save the document.

Our Harvard resume template for Google Docs offers an easy and effective way to create a professional resume. It provides a structured layout that can impress recruiters and increase your chances of landing your dream job. Whether you’re a student, a seasoned professional, or someone changing careers, this template can adapt to your unique needs and set you apart in the competitive job market.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, a well-structured, visually appealing resume is critical to making a good first impression on potential employers. The Harvard resume template for Google Docs offers a simple, affordable, and effective solution for creating such resumes. It combines the best of both worlds – the professional structure of the Harvard format and the simplicity and versatility of Google Docs.

Remember, a compelling resume is the first step toward landing your dream job. Make it count!

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Undergraduate Science Education at Harvard

A world of exploration. a world of expertise..

• Resume Template & Proposal Tips

SCIENCE RESUME TEMPLATES

Resume is the first document that will portray you before professors. Please follow detailed instructions and template below, so that your science resume would showcase your education and research/work/volunteer experiences. Note, that science resume  format is different from the industry resume formats available through the Harvard Mignone Center for Career Success (MCS).

Freshman Resume

Sophomore Resume

FELLOWSHIP PROPOSALS

Ideally you should have confirmed a lab position far enough ahead (end of Fall term-January) of the summer fellowship deadlines to allow time to meet with your principal investigator and lab mentor to discuss a project. This will help enormously as you prepare to write the research proposal for your fellowship applications (note, that research proposal requires several drafts before final document can be submitted). The more time you have to prepare drafts of your proposal and get feedback from your mentor, the stronger your application is likely to be. You may find it helpful to set up a timeline for submitting drafts to your mentor to ensure that they will have enough time to read and return them to you with comments before the deadline.  DO NOT LEAVE THIS UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE . Your mentor may not have time to review your proposal if you send it to them the day before it is due.

Fellowship proposals have to be tailored to each specific fellowship application. Students are encouraged to read application instructions and include all required information in the specific format that each application requires, including word limit. Two common fellowship proposal guidelines are listed below. 

Harvard College Research Program (HCRP):  The HCRP application requires a 3-5 page detailed research proposal (see application instructions and make sure to include section headers and each item required for the proposal as well as  proposal tips ) and a letter of support from the lab principal investigator.

PRISE (Program for Research in Science and Engineering):   PRISE fellows are expected to find their own research positions. However, students may apply to the program before having secured a lab position. PRISE research proposal limit is 500 words. Obviously, students who have not found a lab placement by the application deadline will not be in a position to write a specific project proposal; however, they are expected to submit an essay that broadly outlines their research interests. The selection committee allows some leeway in these instances as long as the essay has some scientific merit and makes a connection between the applicant’s research interests and academic goals. The selection committee expects a more detailed research proposal from students who already have found research positions. Your lab mentor can provide you with background material and work with you on your project proposal. Be sure to phrase the proposal in your own words and not use wording taken directly from lab publications or their web site. You also are required to submit a second essay that describes how you plan to engage in and contribute to the PRISE community.

• Harvard-affiliated Labs
• Research Opportunities and Funding
• Transportation for Researchers
• Undergraduate Research Opportunities (HUROS) Fair
• Undergraduate Research Spotlight
• Lab Citizenship
• Research Ethics and Lab Safety
• Conference Presentation Grants
• Research Advising - Contact Us!

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Harvard Resume PDF

Here’s a link to Harvard’s resume guide, I think it’s amazing, I know the bot comments a list of resume links but I found this one and thought it was more helpful than anything I’ve seen out there, Direct link below;

https://hwpi.harvard.edu/files/ocs/files/hes-resume-cover-letter-guide.pdf

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