How Does Your Resume Stack Up Against a Harvard Grad?
- Kyle Lutteroty
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Insights from Harvard’s Newly Updated Resume & Cover Letter Guide
Every now and then, you see a resume template floating around online claiming to be “The Harvard Resume Format.” Now we don’t have to guess. Harvard recently released its updated 2024 Resume and Cover Letter Guide, complete with standards and sample documents for students and alumni.
So the question is: how does your resume hold up?
A few takeaways stood out to me after reviewing the guide:
Clarity and simplicity are key
Harvard emphasizes resumes that are clean, easy to read, and focused. That means no buzzwords or filler. Every bullet point should be purposeful.
Show impact, not just responsibility
Instead of saying “Managed social media accounts,” they recommend something like “Grew Instagram following by 40% in six months through targeted content and engagement.”
Details matter
Formatting, alignment, and consistency are all part of the impression you’re making. Even the best experience can get overlooked if your resume is hard to scan.
Cover letters should be tailored, not templated
Their samples are customized to the job, show enthusiasm, and make a case for why the applicant is a good fit. It’s not about fancy words, but about being intentional and clear.
Why You Should Care
You don’t have to be a Harvard grad to land a great job. But your resume is likely sitting in the same pile as someone who is. Recruiters aren’t scanning for your college name, they’re looking for relevance, clarity, and results.
If your materials are clear, focused, and easy to follow, you’ll stand out. If they’re cluttered or vague, even strong experience can get passed over.
Want to See the Guide?
I’ve linked a PDF of Harvard’s Resume and Cover Letter Guide so you can take a look for yourself. Use it as a benchmark. Ask yourself:
"If a hiring manager compared my resume with this, what would stand out?"
If you’re not sure, or know it’s time for an upgrade, I’d be happy to help.
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