How to Write a Resume Harvard Style: A Comprehensive Guide

Writing a resume is a crucial part of the job hunting process. The format you choose can significantly impact the impression you make on potential employers. One popular resume style that has been acknowledged for its professional and comprehensive approach is the Harvard Resume Style.

What is a Harvard Style Resume?

A Harvard style resume borrows its name from Harvard University, an Ivy League institution known for its meticulous attention to detail and high standards. Although there isn’t an official “Harvard Resume”, the term is used to describe a well-organized, detailed, and accomplishment-oriented resume style. The style is most known for its focus on conveying your skills, experience, education, and achievements as effectively as possible.

Key Components of a Harvard Style Resume

Harvard style resumes typically include the following sections:

1. Contact Information: Your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile if available.
2. Summary Statement: A brief overview of your professional profile and what you bring to the table. It should be tailored to the job you’re applying for.
3. Education: A listing of your educational history, including degrees earned, the institutions you attended, graduation dates, and any honors or awards.
4. Experience: This section should include a reverse chronological list of your employment history, including the name of the companies, dates of employment, your title, and descriptions of your responsibilities and accomplishments.
5. Skills: Highlight your skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Be specific and provide examples where possible.
6. Achievements/Awards: This section includes any relevant awards, certifications, or major accomplishments.
7. References: While not all resumes include references, some choose to include a line that says “References available upon request.”

Formatting a Harvard Style Resume

Formatting is crucial in a Harvard style resume. Here are a few pointers:

Style and Font: Stick with a professional font like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. The font size should be between 10-12 points for the body, and larger for section headers. Keep your styling (bold, italic, underline) consistent throughout the resume.

Length: Try to keep your resume to one page, especially if you’re a new graduate or early in your career. More experienced professionals may extend to two pages if necessary.

Consistency: Maintain consistent formatting throughout your resume. This includes the use of bullet points, line spacing, font sizes, and date formats.

White Space: Avoid clutter. Adequate white space makes your resume easier to read.

Margins: Standard resume margins are 1″ on all sides.

Additional Tips

1. Tailor your resume: It’s always good practice to tailor your resume to each job you apply for. Pay attention to the job description and emphasize the skills and experiences that align most closely with it.
2. Use Action Verbs: Start your bullets with action verbs like “led,” “managed,” “created,” “developed,” etc., to make your resume more dynamic.
3. Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, quantify your achievements. Numbers provide concrete proof of your skills and abilities.
4. Proofread: Ensure your resume is free of spelling and grammar mistakes. A simple typo can make a poor impression on potential employers.

In conclusion, writing a resume Harvard style requires a focus on details, consistency, and achievement-oriented content. Remember that your resume is a reflection of your professional self. By following the Harvard style, you can craft a resume that showcases your abilities and accomplishments, helping you to stand out in the competitive job market.