Harvard Resume Template—Writing Guide + Example

Graduating from Harvard is an incredible achievement. After all, Harvard University is the origin place of people like Neil deGrasse Tyson, John F. Kennedy, and Tommy Lee Jones. However, entering the job market can still be daunting

This guide will help you create a resume that highlights your Harvard background and sets you up for career success.

In this guide:

• How to use the Harvard resume template.
• The best way to showcase your Harvard education in a resume.
• A great example of a Harvard resume.
• How to make the best use of Harvard resume action verbs.

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What Employers Look for in Harvard Graduates

Employers are looking for Harvard students who are not only academically gifted but also well-rounded, passionate, and driven. Here are key Harvard values:

• Academic Excellence: High grades, challenging coursework, and strong test scores.
• Leadership and Initiative: Leadership roles in school clubs, organizations, or community service.
• Extracurricular Involvement: Participation in sports, arts, clubs, or having work experience.
• Community Service: Commitment to giving back and making a positive impact.
• Unique Skills and Talents: Special skills or talents that make you stand out.

Now that you know what values and qualifications you should show on a Harvard resume, let’s start working on one.

1. Begin With the Harvard Resume Template

Harvard offers a Word resume template you can download and use to make your own job application. Let’s take a look at it:

As you can see, the Harvard resume template differs from a regular resume outline. The sections of this resume are set up in this order:

• Education
• Experience
• Leadership & Activities
• Skills & Interests

This Harvard resume template organizes information according to importance, and, of course, the most important thing for a Harvard resume is that you graduated from this prestigious university.

However, by just slightly tweaking this Harvard resume template, we can make it even more impactful while still retaining its simple resume layout.

Here is an example of what a finished Harvard resume may look like:

Harvard Resume Example

Now, let’s move on to a step-by-step breakdown of each section.

2. Create a Compelling Resume Introduction

Just like an abstract of your thesis, a compelling resume introduction sets the tone for your resume and grabs the attention of the reader.

First, start with a strong action word to capture interest. For a Harvard graduate, it's important to highlight your education, so put your degree in the first sentence of your resume profile. You may also mention your honors or distinctions.

Next, identify and highlight the most relevant skills and achievements that make you a strong candidate. These could include technical skills, research or work experience, and any significant projects or awards. Whenever possible, use quantifiable metrics to demonstrate your achievements. This adds credibility and impact to your statements.

If you already have some work experience and can showcase accomplishments, start with a resume summary. If you went through Harvard without employment, go for a resume objective and focus even more on your academic qualifications.

Expert Hint: If you’re not into the Harvard resume template, there are other options available. See our list of blank resume templates or this collection of free resume templates to find something you like.

3. Emphasize Your Education and Research Experience

The education section is a crucial part of a Harvard resume, and the template the university provides helps you develop it to the fullest extent.

If you have multiple degrees, list your most recent degree first, followed by any previous ones. Clearly state the name of the institution, its location, and your degree and major. Include the start and end dates of your education in the month and year format.

But take it a step further. Include any honors, awards, or distinctions you received, or mention the times you partook in abroad studies. Next, mention any relevant coursework or the title of your thesis if it adds value to your application. Also, include your GPA if it’s above 3.5.

But, there is still more you can do. For many Harvard students, the most relevant experience they can put on a Harvard resume is research experience. This resume section should highlight your contributions to the field, any publications, and your role in various projects.

If you choose to include your research experience on a Harvard resume, format it like your work experience, which I’ll discuss next.

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4. Shine a Light on Your Work Experience

The Harvard resume template lists the experience section right below your education, which is what I generally suggest for recent graduate resumes.

To write it properly, you must first structure it. Write this information:

• Job Title: Clearly state your position.
• Company Name: Include the name of the previous employer.
• Location: City and state of the employer.
• Dates of Employment: Use the month and year format.
• Bullet Points: To showcase your accomplishments.

List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent job and working backward. Focus on achievements that are relevant to the position you are applying for, and include numbers to quantify your achievements whenever possible.

Remember to incorporate keywords and phrases from the job description to ensure your resume aligns with what the employer is looking for.

Expert Hint: To give each bullet point more impact, start it with a power word. Try not to reuse the same word multiple times.

5. List Impressive Skills on a Harvard Resume

The skills section of your resume is crucial for showcasing your abilities and qualifications, especially as a Harvard graduate looking for stable employment. It highlights your technical and soft skills, providing a quick overview of what you bring to the table.

Here’s how to effectively present your skills:

• Review the job description of the position you are applying for and identify the key skills required. Make sure to include these skills in your Harvard resume template if you possess them.
• List your skills using specific, clear terms that are easily understood by recruiters. Avoid vague or generic terms.
• Showcase a balance of hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (personal attributes). Both types of skills are important in a well-rounded candidate.
• Only include skills that you genuinely possess. Be prepared to discuss or demonstrate these competencies in an interview.

6. Finish With Optional Sections

Many Harvard graduates have more qualifications than just their education and internships. Adding additional sections to your Harvard resume can help you stand out from other candidates by showcasing a broader range of experiences and skills.

Some of the most popular sections to include in your resume are:

• Received Certifications
• Finished Courses
• Volunteering Experience
• Known Languages
• Publications
• Hobbies & Interests
• Extracurricular Activities
• Professional Memberships
• Conferences

7. Clean & Proofread Your Resume

Before you send your Harvard resume anywhere, see if you tick all the boxes on this checklist:

• Use a simple and professional resume font, like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Keep the font size between 10 and 12 points for readability.
• Set your margins to 1 inch on all sides and use adequate spacing to ensure a clean look and ample white space.
• To organize your content, clearly define sections with bold or slightly larger headings (e.g., Education, Work Experience, Skills).
• Ensure that all headings, bullet points, and text are consistently formatted (e.g., all job titles are bolded, and dates are in the same format).
• If possible, keep your Harvard resume to one page. One page is the appropriate length for a resume for candidates with limited experience.
• Carefully proofread your resume for spelling, grammar, and formatting errors to ensure it is polished and professional.
• Save the Harvard resume in PDF and Word formats. Most of the time, you should send it in PDF, but some companies ask for DOC files.

Expert Hint. The last thing left is to write a cover letter. Don’t sleep on them; cover letters are essential, and they drastically improve your chances of getting job interviews.

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Key Points

Here are the conclusions to remember from the article:

• Emphasize your Harvard education on a resume, including GPA, honors, awards, and notable achievements. Mention any relevant coursework, thesis titles, and study abroad experiences.
• Include detailed descriptions of research projects, internships, and professional experiences. Use bullet points to list responsibilities and quantifiable achievements.
• Include both technical and soft skills that are pertinent to the job you are applying for. Tailor the skills section to match the job description.
• Attach a cover letter to your Harvard resume.

I hope you enjoyed reading my article on writing a Harvard resume. If you have any questions about it, reach out in the comments section below.

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