Harvard CV Template: Examples & Useful Tips

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A professional and well-structured CV can be your best asset when applying for competitive positions or within academia. The Harvard CV template follows a clear and professional format, making it ideal for academic, research and corporate positions. With an emphasis on readability and precision, our tested CV templates will help you showcase your expertise without unnecessary distractions.

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Check out more CV templates to boost your job search, create an application that truly reflects your personality, and stand out to potential employers:

Free Harvard CV template

Start building your Harvard CV today with myPerfectCV. Ideal for faculty applications, research grants, and academic fellowships, this free template allows you to effectively present your scholarly achievements, research impact, and teaching credentials. Tailor it to highlight your academic expertise and commitment to research excellence.

Get started with our free Harvard CV template designed for academia professionals:

Dr Elana Walls

284B McKelvie Road
Glasgow G12 1UL
07912 345678
elana.walls@example.com

Personal statement

A dedicated historian specialising in early Anglo-American relations, with extensive research and teaching experience at leading UK universities. Passionate about archival research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and mentoring students in historical research. Committed to producing high-impact scholarship and securing research funding for innovative historical projects.

Work history

Lecturer in History (2022 – Current)
Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA

Deliver undergraduate and postgraduate modules on Early Modern British and American history.
Supervise PhD and MPhil students on historical research projects.
Secure research grants and contribute to departmental research outputs.
Publish peer-reviewed articles and present findings at academic conferences.

Research Fellow (2020 – 2022)
London School of Economics (LSE), London, UK

Led a research project examining the role of political pamphlets in shaping public opinion during the American Revolution.
Secured funding from the British Academy Small Research Grants programme.
Published in leading academic journals and contributed to public history initiatives.

Education

PhD in History (2020)
University of Oxford
Thesis: “Political Discourse and Public Opinion in Revolutionary Britain and America”

MPhil in Early Modern History (2016)
University of Cambridge

BA (Hons) in History, First Class (2014)
University of Durham

Publications

Walls, E. (2023). Revolutionary Rhetoric: The Role of Print in 18th Century Britain and America. Cambridge University Press.
Walls, E. & Jones, L. (2021). “Political Pamphlets and the Shaping of Public Opinion,” The English Historical Review, 136(580), 775-800.

Conferences

“The Role of Print Media in Shaping Revolutionary Sentiment,” British Academy Conference, London, 2023.
“Public Opinion and the Press in the Early Modern Atlantic World,” Cambridge History Seminar, University of Cambridge, 2022.

Professional memberships

Royal Historical Society (RHS)
Economic History Society (EHS)
British Association for American Studies (BAAS)

Grants & fellowships

British Academy Small Research Grant (2021)
University of Cambridge Early Career Research Grant (2020)
Leverhulme Trust Doctoral Fellowship (2019)

Skills

Archival research and primary source analysis
Academic writing and peer-reviewed publishing
Research grant writing and securing external funding
Public speaking and academic presentations
Undergraduate and postgraduate supervision

Additional information

Peer reviewer for The History Journal
Volunteer, National Archives (UK), Document Conservation Project

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Build a professional Harvard CV in minutes

Creating a CV with our builder is effortless. Simply choose from expertly designed templates to streamline the writing process and create a professional Harvard CV in minutes. Our comprehensive CV format guide offers expert tips on how to make your CV stand out and get noticed.

How to write a Harvard CV

A strong Harvard-style CV can certainly open doors to new opportunities within academia and research, helping you secure positions in research institutions, fellowships, and universities. Follow these steps to create an attention-grabbing CV that sets you apart from the competition:

STEP 1

Choose the right template

A well-structured Harvard CV is essential for academic and research positions. Unlike employment CVs, an academic CV follows a clear, chronological format that emphasises academic achievements, research experience, and publications.

Choose a CV template to present your information clearly and effectively. Avoid overly complicated designs or excessive use of colours and graphics, as these can distract from the content of your CV. A clean and well-organised layout ensures that recruiters can easily navigate through your CV and focus on your qualifications and experiences.

By following the Harvard CV template and these expert tips, you can create a polished and effective CV that effectively demonstrates your strengths and achievements. Remember to tailor your CV to each application and present yourself in the best possible light.

STEP 2

Include your contact details

Your contact information should be at the top of your CV. Include your full name, institutional affiliation (if applicable), professional email address, and phone number.

You may also wish to include a LinkedIn profile or personal academic web page if relevant. Avoid including unnecessary details, such as a full postal address, unless specifically requested.

BOX

Example:

Hannah Taylor
24 Jones Walk
Sheffield S2 2FJ
07912 345678
hannah.taylor@example.com

STEP 3

Write your personal statement

Your CV’s personal statement should provide a concise summary of your academic career and research ambitions. In three to four sentences, focus on your academic background, areas of research interest, and key achievements. This section is particularly important for academic applications, as it provides a snapshot of your qualifications that will encourage the reader to explore the rest of your CV. Make sure it’s relevant to the type of academic position you’re applying for, whether it’s a teaching role, a postdoctoral position, or a research fellowship.

Example:

Dynamic and innovative Mechanical Engineering graduate from Harvard University, with a passion for design and problem-solving. Experienced in project management and proficient in CAD software, seeking opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking engineering projects.

STEP 4

Detail your academic, research, and work experience

The core of a Harvard-style CV is your academic and research experience section. List your positions in reverse chronological order, including postdoctoral fellowships, teaching positions, research assistantships, and any relevant academic employment. For each position, include the name of the institution, department, dates, and a brief description of your responsibilities, research focus, or notable achievements. Highlight any grants, fellowships or projects to which you have contributed.

Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Rather than simply listing duties, highlight the results of your research, teaching, or administrative contributions using measurable data. For example, mention the number of publications you’ve authored, the percentage increase in student engagement or retention, the amount of grant funding you’ve secured, or the improvement in research output under your supervision.

Example:

July 2023 – September 2023
Mechanical Engineer Intern
SpaceX, Hawthorne, CA

Assisted in the design and testing of components for the Starship spacecraft.
Collaborated with engineers to troubleshoot technical issues and implement design improvements.

January 2023 – June 2023
Engineering Project Manager
Harvard School of Engineering

Led a team of students in developing a solar-powered vehicle for a national engineering competition.
Managed project timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure successful project completion.

STEP 5

Highlight your education and qualifications

Qualifications are an equally important part of your Harvard CV. List your qualifications in reverse chronological order, starting with the highest. Include the institution, degree awarded, field of study, and year of completion. If relevant, mention any honours, awards, or dissertation titles, especially if they relate to your career aspirations.

Example:

2019 – 2023
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Relevant Coursework: Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Materials Science, Mechanical Design

STEP 6

Showcase your publications

Your publications and presentations are key to demonstrating your academic credibility. Include a section dedicated to your academic contributions, listing your publications in reverse chronological order.

Use the appropriate citation style for your discipline (e.g. Harvard, APA or MLA). Include peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and conference papers, and provide full details, including publisher information. If you have forthcoming publications, you can indicate them as “forthcoming”.

Example:

James, S., Smith, A., & Johnson, B. (2021). “Deciphering the Role of Hippocampal Subfields in Spatial Memory Encoding.” Journal of Neuroscience, 35(4), 567-580.

James, S., & Brown, C. (2019). “Neurobiological Correlates of Episodic Memory Consolidation: Insights from Functional Neuroimaging Studies.” Neuron, 28(3), 456-469.

STEP 7

List your skills

A skills section can be particularly valuable in highlighting your technical expertise and research methods. This can include software skills (e.g. SPSS, EndNote, MATLAB), laboratory techniques, or knowledge of specific academic platforms (e.g. JISC, British Library).

In addition, if you speak several languages or have experience in statistical analysis or programming languages, list these skills. Soft skills such as critical thinking, communication, and teamwork are also important and should be tailored to the specific requirements of the academic role.

Example:

Neuroimaging Techniques: Proficient in fMRI, PET, and EEG studies.
Statistical Analysis: Experienced with MATLAB, SPSS, and SAS.
Project Management: Skilled in Agile methodologies and grant writing.
Data Interpretation: Able to identify patterns and trends in complex datasets.
Research Methodology: Knowledgeable in experimental design principles.
Publication and Presentation: Experienced in writing and presenting research findings.
Collaboration and Teamwork: Adept at working in interdisciplinary teams.

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Harvard CV examples

Need some inspiration for a standout Harvard-style CV? Explore these expertly crafted CV examples tailored to different industries. Use them as a guide for your CV.

Harvard CV template for an entry-level candidate

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This Harvard early career academic CV is designed to highlight your academic qualifications, research potential, and commitment to learning. This template ensures that your early academic experience stands out to Harvard departments and other prestigious academic institutions. By focusing on your ability to assist with research, your familiarity with academic tools and methods, and your eagerness to contribute to academic projects, you will demonstrate your potential for success in research and teaching early in your academic career.

Free Harvard CV template for an experienced professional

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This CV example showcases the candidate’s extensive academic achievements and leadership in cutting-edge research. Highlighting their career as a senior research scientist, this CV allows them to showcase experience in leading multidisciplinary teams, publishing in top-tier journals, and securing competitive grants. With detailed sections on your research history, academic qualifications and key publications, this template will help you present your advanced expertise in a format that will appeal to prestigious institutions.

Harvard CV template with a major in Business Administration

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This academic CV is designed to highlight your academic achievements, internship experience, and key skills in a clear and professional format. Tailored for entry-level positions, the document effectively showcases your education, hands-on experience, and expertise in market research and strategic planning. With a well-structured layout that ensures recruiters quickly see your potential, this template is an ideal choice for graduates seeking new work opportunities.

Intuitive

Our CV builder has been designed with clarity and simplicity in mind, making it perfect for students or academics. The user-friendly interface guides you through each section, ensuring that you can create a professional CV without any confusion, even if you’re new to academic CV writing.

Customisable

We offer a variety of templates and customisation options that allow you to tailor your Harvard-style CV to highlight your unique academic achievements and career aspirations. From adjusting the layout to selecting fonts and adding sections, you have the flexibility to create a resume that reflects your academic journey and goals.

Quick

Our Harvard CV builder offers pre-written examples, templates, and helpful tips to help you get started and complete your CV efficiently. Even if it’s your first academic CV, our step-by-step instructions will help you quickly create a document that showcases your qualifications and experience. No need to start from scratch!

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What’s the difference between an employment CV and a Harvard CV?

The main difference between a Harvard CV and a standard (or employment) CV is its structure, focus, and intended audience. While both are detailed and professional, a Harvard CV focuses more on academic achievements and is formatted to appeal to academic institutions, while a standard CV is more focused on practical, industry-specific experience and is more appropriate for non-academic positions.

Here are the key differences between these two types of CV:

Structure and content

A Harvard CV typically follows a detailed and chronological format emphasising academic achievement. It includes sections on education, research experience, publications, conferences, teaching experience and academic awards.

A standard CV (commonly used in non-academic industries) focuses more on work experience, skills and achievements related to the job you’re applying for. It may also include sections on work history, skills and personal interests.

Audience

The Harvard CV is designed for academic, research, or higher education positions. It showcases your scholarship, research experience, and academic contributions.

A standard CV is intended for roles outside academia, such as in business, creative or technical fields. It emphasises practical experience, skills and achievements relevant to the job.

Emphasis

A Harvard CV emphasises academic qualifications, research experience, teaching, publications, and other scholarly activities. It also highlights intellectual accomplishments and contributions to the academic community.

A standard CV typically focuses on professional roles, work accomplishments, specific skills and qualifications tailored to a particular job or industry.

Dos and don’ts of using a Harvard CV template for UK jobs

DO

Do regularly update your CV with new experience, skills, and achievements
Keep your CV up to date by regularly updating it with new experiences, skills, and achievements. As you gain more experience or acquire new skills, ensure they are reflected in your CV. This keeps your application documents relevant and demonstrates your commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.
Do quantify your achievements to illustrate the impact
Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Instead of simply stating responsibilities, quantify the impact of your work using numbers or percentages. For example, mention how you increased sales by a certain percentage, reduced costs, or improved efficiency. Quantifiable achievements provide concrete evidence of your capabilities and demonstrate the value you can bring to potential employers.
Do use concise language and bullet points
Keep your CV concise and to the point. Utilise bullet points to list your achievements, responsibilities, and skills, as this format makes information easy to read and digest. Avoid lengthy paragraphs and unnecessary details. Recruiters often have limited time to review each CV, so presenting information in a clear and concise manner increases the likelihood of your key attributes being noticed.

DON’T

Don’t forget to tailor your CV to the role
Customise your CV for each application is crucial. Analyse the requirements of the course or job opening and tailor your CV accordingly. Highlight the most relevant qualifications, skills, and experiences that align with the position. By demonstrating a clear understanding of what the role entails and showcasing how your background meets those requirements, you increase your chances of standing out to recruiters.
Don’t ignore keywords
Many employers, including universities and other academic institutions, use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter CVs before they’re seen by a human. Make sure your CV includes relevant keywords from the job description, especially in terms of skills, qualifications, and key responsibilities.
Don’t neglect proofreading
Before submitting your CV, make sure you proofread it thoroughly for any errors. Attention to detail is crucial, especially when it comes to spelling, punctuation and formatting. Ensure consistent formatting, especially for dates, headings, and quotations. You may also wish to ask a colleague or mentor for feedback, particularly if they have experience reviewing academic CVs for international applications, including Harvard roles.

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Key takeaways for writing a Harvard-style CV that sets you apart

Structure is everything: A Harvard-style CV follows a clear, chronological format that highlights your academic achievements, research experience, and scholarly contributions.
Highlight research impact: Use quantifiable achievements, such as the number of publications, grants secured or conferences attended, to showcase your contributions to the academic community.
Demonstrate transferable skills: Include a skills section that reflects both technical competencies (e.g. research methods, statistical analysis) and soft skills (e.g. collaboration, communication).
Use strong action verbs: Words like “published,” “researched,” “developed,” “presented,” and “secured” convey your active contributions and leadership in academic environments.
Keep it concise and impactful: Even for an academic CV, which can exceed one page, avoid unnecessary length by focusing on achievements and contributions rather than responsibilities.

Frequently asked questions about the Harvard CV

What is the best style for a Harvard CV?

The preferred style for a Harvard CV usually involves a clear and professional format that aligns with standard academic conventions. It should be well-organised, with sections such as Education, Research Experience, Publications, Professional Experience, Skills, and Honours/Awards. Utilise a readable font like Times New Roman or Arial, and maintain consistent formatting throughout the document. Bullet points can enhance readability, and succinct, descriptive language is recommended to showcase achievements and qualifications effectively.

What are the top verbs to use in a Harvard CV?

When creating a Harvard CV, it’s crucial to utilise strong action verbs that effectively communicate your accomplishments and contributions.

Power words to use in a CV include:

Analysed
Conducted
Developed
Implemented
Managed
Presented
Published
Researched
Collaborated
Achieved
Led
Organised
Contributed
Designed
Evaluated
Generated
Improved
Coordinated
Resolved
Streamlined

Can UK graduates apply for Harvard?

Yes, graduates from the UK can certainly apply to Harvard University for a range of postgraduate programmes, including master’s and doctoral degrees. Harvard University welcomes applications from international students, including those from the United Kingdom.

However, getting into Harvard is competitive. Applicants undergo evaluation based on their academic achievements, standardised test scores, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and other relevant factors.

Each department or school within Harvard may have its own set of admission criteria and application deadlines. Additionally, international applicants may need to meet additional requirements, such as demonstrating proficiency in English through standardised tests like the TOEFL or IELTS.

Should I include my references directly on my Harvard CV or leave them out?

It’s usually best to leave references out of your Harvard CV unless specifically requested. Instead, you can put “References available upon request” at the end. This keeps your CV concise and focused on your qualifications while allowing you to provide references separately if needed.

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Create a perfect Harvard CV

Writing a Harvard CV, whether you want to show that you have studied at or are applying to this prestigious university, requires exceptional sophistication and attention to detail.

Armed with our Harvard CV templates, expert CV examples and valuable tips, you can be sure to create an engaging and highly professional document that sets you apart.

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