What is Harvard Resume Template?
The Harvard resume template is a classic single-column format provided by Harvard College Career Services. It uses a bullet-point structure with Education leading, followed by Experience, Activities, and Skills. The template is distributed as a Word document (.docx) and is designed to be ATS-friendly with standard headings and no complex formatting. It is widely recommended for undergraduate and graduate students applying to internships and full-time roles in business, finance, consulting, and academia.
Who it's best for
New graduates, interns, and professionals in business, finance, consulting, or academia who need a traditional, conservative resume format.
When to avoid it
Software engineers who want a Projects section, or creative professionals who need visual design.
ATS compatibility
Single-column, standard headings, no tables or text boxes. Parses cleanly in all major ATS systems. The Word format is universally accepted.
Structure
Harvard Resume Template uses a single-column layout with the following sections, in order:
Header
Name in bold, centered. Contact information (email, phone, LinkedIn) on separate lines below. No photo.
Education
Harvard College, degree, concentration, graduation date. GPA if 3.5+. Honors and relevant coursework listed.
Experience
Organization, role, location, dates. 3-4 bullet points per role using action verbs and quantified results.
Activities
Leadership roles, volunteer work, extracurriculars. Shows personality and initiative.
Skills
Languages (including programming), certifications, and technical skills grouped by category.
Why Harvard Resume Template works
- Conservative, professional format expected by traditional industries (finance, consulting, law).
- Education-first structure ideal for students and recent graduates.
- Word format is universally accepted and easy to edit without special software.
- Standard headings ensure ATS compatibility.
- Bullet-point structure forces concise, quantified achievements.
How to customize it
- 1Swap the font to Calibri or Arial for a more modern look while staying ATS-safe.
- 2Move Experience above Education once you have 3+ years of full-time work.
- 3Add a Summary section at the top for senior-level roles.
- 4Replace Activities with a Projects section for technical roles.
- 5Adjust margins to 0.75 inch (default is 1 inch) to fit more content.
Harvard Resume Template at a glance
| Format | Word (.docx) |
|---|---|
| Columns | Single |
| ATS-safe | Yes — tested in Greenhouse, Lever, Workday |
| Font | Calibri or Times New Roman |
| License | Public (Harvard Career Services) |
| Page length | One page |
| Difficulty | Easy — Word, no special tools |
| Cost | Free |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Harvard resume template ATS-friendly?
Yes. It is single-column, uses standard headings, and contains no tables, text boxes, or images. It parses cleanly in Greenhouse, Lever, Workday, and Taleo.
Should I use the Harvard template or Jake's Resume for software engineering?
Jake's Resume is better for software engineers because it includes a Projects section and is designed for technical roles. The Harvard template is better for business, finance, and consulting roles where a traditional format is expected.
Can I use the Harvard template if I didn't go to Harvard?
Yes. The template is publicly available from Harvard Career Services and can be used by anyone. Replace Harvard's branding with your own university name.
What font should I use with the Harvard template?
Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman are all acceptable. Calibri is the most modern. Times New Roman is the most traditional. Avoid decorative fonts.
Should I include a photo on the Harvard template?
No. The template does not include a photo, and you should not add one for US, UK, or Canadian applications due to anti-discrimination laws and ATS incompatibility.
How long should my Harvard-format resume be?
One page for students and early-career professionals (under 10 years of experience). Two pages are acceptable for senior professionals with extensive relevant experience.