Harvard University Guide and Tip for Writing Cover Letters and Resumes

If you’re applying for a new job or internship, strong skills and qualifications are important—but how you present your experience can be the difference between getting shortlisted or getting skipped. The Harvard Extension School Resume and Cover Letter Guide (2024) is a practical resource that walks readers through how to write stronger job application documents that are clear, tailored, and results-focused.

In this guide, you’ll find:

• the top resume mistakes to avoid (like weak language, poor formatting, and lack of tailoring)

• guidance on writing strong resume bullet points using action verbs and measurable outcomes

• a curated list of powerful action verbs for different skill areas (leadership, research, technical skills, communication, and more)

• a simple cover letter structure (opening, middle, closing) with tips to connect your experience to a role without repeating your resume

• several sample resumes and cover letters to help you model layout, tone, and content for different job types

To read the full guide and download the PDF, visit: https://cdn-careerservices.fas.harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/161/2024/08/2024-HES_resume-and-letter.pdf

or

https://careerservices.fas.harvard.edu/resources/hes-create-impactful-resumes-and-cover-letters/