Harvard Resume Template (Guide & Examples)
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A Harvard-style cover letter is more than just a formality—it’s a strategic tool designed to showcase your skills, tell your story, and demonstrate your fit for the role. But how do you craft one that gets noticed?
In this article, we’ll explore what makes Harvard cover letters so effective, provide practical writing tips, and share Harvard cover letter templates to help you create a letter that stands out in any application process.
What Is the Harvard Cover Letter Format?
According to Harvard's Mignone Center for Career Success, the Harvard cover letter format aligns with the principles of effective business communication taught at the institution.
It's a clear and professional structure focusing on concise language that convinces the reader the candidate can perform the role.
How to Structure a Harvard Cover Letter Template
Your cover letter aims to detail how your skills and expertise align with the company's needs. When deciding what to include in your cover letter, outline how you can contribute to the team by referencing your resume without repeating the same information.
Let's go over each section.
Write a compelling introduction
Start your cover letter with an introduction that grabs the reader's attention. Remember, this is a conversation that you want to continue in person.
Instead of stating the role you're interested in, mention a unique fact about what motivated you to apply. Was it the company's recent success in the industry? Did a colleague refer you?
Here's an example:
After reading about your recent innovative and storytelling-focused product launch, I was inspired to apply for the Marketing Manager position. This bold, forward-thinking approach resonates deeply with my experiences and marketing passions, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team.
Showcase your experience
Use your body paragraphs to detail how your qualifications can contribute to the team's success. Weave in your work experience by mentioning specific achievements that speak to your ability to drive results for the company.
Include your Harvard academic background to highlight the expert insight you can bring.
For example:
In my current role, I spearheaded a rebranding initiative that increased sales by 20% through in-depth market research and targeted digital campaigns. While pursuing my Master's degree at Harvard Business School, I applied these skills to a capstone project, collaborating with a Fortune 500 company to develop a social media strategy that increased their follower base by 50% and generated $200,000 in additional revenue within a quarter. I'm confident I can deliver innovative approaches to contribute to Casanova Marketing's commitment to expanding access through technology-driven campaigns.
Pro-tip:
Use action-oriented language to drive the impact of your results.
End with a call to action
Reinstate your interest in the open position and conclude your letter with an open invitation to continue the conversation over an in-person or virtual interview.
Explore our library of fully customizable cover letter templates to see how other job seekers organize their information across industries.
Harvard Cover Letter Example
Check out these cover letter examples and find inspiration to create your perfect Harvard cover letter.
Harvard law cover letter
Harvard business school cover letter
Harvard journalism cover letter
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Harvard Cover Letter Tips
- Use the recipient’s full name when addressing your cover letter.
- Create a professional cover letter header.
- Include keywords from the application to catch the reader’s attention.
- Use a professional font that matches your resume.
- Focus on your strengths by writing a short cover letter.
Create a Resume to Match Your Harvard Cover Letter
Matching your resume to your cover letter shows attention to detail and a commitment to making a good impression.
Create a Harvard resume that provides a snapshot of your top credentials and reflects your fit for the role. Follow these tips:
- Use a chronological resume format.
- A one-page resume. If you’re an experienced or accomplished candidate, use a two-page resume.
- Customize your quantifiable accomplishments to the application. For a Ph.D., for example, highlight your research experience and relevant coursework.
- Include additional sections such as relevant coursework, club memberships, sports teams, fellowships, research, etc.
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FAQ
How to write a Harvard cover letter?
To write a Harvard cover letter:
- Research the opportunity to customize your cover letter.
- Open with a strong introduction.
- Use the body paragraphs to present your experience at Harvard, including relevant coursework, organizations, research and volunteer work.
- Close your Harvard cover letter with a simple call to action.
Should I include a cover letter in my application?
While cover letters are not always required, it’s an opportunity to bring new ideas and insight into the conversation. Instead of using it to repeat what’s on your resume, think of your cover letter as the start of a conversation where you can discuss how your expertise can help the company grow.
What is the correct format for a Harvard cover letter?
The correct format for a Harvard cover letter is professional, clean, and easy to read. Follow these tips:
- Use a standard business letter layout with a one-inch margin on all sides, and align all text to the left.
- Select a professional font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, size 10-12.
- Single-space within paragraphs and include a blank line between each section (e.g., header, salutation, paragraphs, closing).
- Avoid excessive formatting, such as bold or italicized text, except for emphasis sparingly.
- Keep the letter to one page and save it as a PDF when submitting electronically to ensure formatting integrity.
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Harvard Cover Letter Template (Formats & Guide)
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Natalia is a Content Writer based in Puerto Rico and a Certified Professional Résumé Writer. She is dedicated to leveraging her writing expertise to help job seekers reach their career goals.
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