Harvard

Extension School

Resumes and Cover Letters

OFFICE OF CAREER SERVICES

Harvard University Faculty of Arts and Sciences

www.ocs.fas.harvard.edu

CAREER AND ACADEMIC RESOURCE CENTER

Harvard Extension School

www.extension.harvard.edu/resources/career-academic-resource-center

RESUMES
and
COVER LETTERS
An Extension School Resource

 2012 President and Fellows of Harvard College

All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any way without the express written
permission of the Harvard University Faculty of Arts & Sciences Office of Career Services.
2/12
Office of Career Services
Harvard University
Faculty of Arts & Sciences
Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: (617) 495-2595
www.ocs.fas.harvard.edu

RESUMES A ND COVER LE TTE R S

Create a Strong Resume

resume is a brief, informative summary

of your abilities, education, and experience. It should highlight your strongest assets
and skills, and differentiate you from other candidates seeking similar positions. Although it
alone will not get you a job or internship, a good
resume is an important element towards obtaining an interview.
Tailor your resume to the type of position you
are seeking. This does not mean that all of your
work history must relate directly, but your
resume should reflect the kind of skills the
employer would value. Find additional guidance
on resumes and cover letters, as well as resume
samples, on the OCS website.

NEED HELP?

RESUME TIPS
RESUME LANGUAGE SHOULD BE:
Specific rather than general
Active rather than passive
Written to express not impress
Articulate rather than flowery
Fact-based (quantify and qualify)
Written for people who scan quickly
DONT:
Use personal pronouns (such as I)
Abbreviate
Use a narrative style
Number or letter categories
Use slang or colloquialisms
Include a picture
Include age or sex
List references on resume

Attend a CARC Resume Workshop. Learn the nuts and bolts of

getting started. See the OCS or CARC website for dates.
Come to drop-ins. Every Monday (Sept. May) from 1:003:45pm at 51 Brattle St, 5th Floor. Get any career questions
answered and have someone look at your resume.
Set up a counseling appointment.

TOP 5 RESUME MISTAKES:

1. Spelling and grammar errors
2. Missing email and phone information
3. Using passive language instead of action words
4. Not well organized, concise, or easy to skim
5. Too long
DO:
Be consistent in format and content
Make it easy to read and follow
Use spacing, underlining, italics, bold, and

capitalization for emphasis
List headings (such as Professional Experience)
in order of importance
Within headings, list information in reverse
chronological order (most recent first)
Avoid information gaps
Be sure that your formatting translated properly if
converted to a .pdf

PLAN TO WORK INTERNATIONALLY?

Resume guidelines can vary from country to country. Check out
Going Global at www.ocs.fas.harvard.edu.

RE SU ME S A N D C OV ER L ETTERS

Action Verbs for your Resume

Accelerated
Accomplished
Achieved
Acted
Adapted
Added
Administered
Advised
Analyzed
Arranged
Assembled
Assessed
Broadened
Budgeted
Built
Calculated
Centralized
Changed
Clarified
Classified
Collaborated
Collected
Compiled
Completed
Composed
Conducted
Conceived
Concluded
Constructed
Controlled
Coordinated
Counseled
Created
Defined
Delegated

Delivered
Derived
Demonstrated
Designed
Determined
Developed
Devised
Directed
Discovered
Documented
Earned
Edited
Enabled
Energized
Enhanced
Established
Evaluated
Examined
Executed
Expanded
Expedited
Fabricated
Facilitated
Followed
Formed
Formulated
Founded
Gained
Gathered
Generated
Governed
Guided
Handled
Headed
Identified

Impacted
Implemented
Improved
Increased
Initiated
Inspected
Installed
Instituted
Instructed
Interviewed
Interpreted
Introduced
Invented
Launched
Lectured
Led
Liaised
Maintained
Managed
Marketed
Mastered
Maximized
Mediated
Minimized
Modeled
Monitored
Motivated
Negotiated
Operated
Optimized
Orchestrated
Organized
Originated
Participated
Performed

Persuaded
Planned
Predicted
Prepared
Presented
Prioritized
Processed
Produced
Programmed
Promoted
Proposed
Proved
Provided
Publicized
Published
Purchased
Recommended
Recorded
Recruited
Redesigned
Reduced
Regulated
Reinforced
Renegotiated
Reorganized
Reported
Represented
Researched
Resolved
Reviewed
Revised
Revitalized
Rewrote
Scheduled
Screened

Selected
Served
Shaped
Simplified
Sold
Solved
Spearheaded
Standardized
Steered
Streamlined
Strengthened
Structured
Studied
Suggested
Summarized
Supervised
Supported
Surpassed
Surveyed
Synthesized
Taught
Tested
Trained
Translated
Unified
Updated
Upgraded
Utilized
Verbalized
Verified
Visualized
Worked
Wrote

RESUMES A ND COVER LE TTE R S

Sample Resume
John Reynolds

17 Reed St. z Boston, MA 02118

jreynolds@post.harvard.edu z 617.555.6543
Education
HARVARD UNIVERSITY Extension School, Master of Liberal Arts in Biotechnology (June 2009)

Concentration in Project Management (GPA: 3.5)

Relevant coursework: Business Analysis and Valuation, Entrepreneurial Leadership, Biostatistics, Clinical
Trials and Regulatory Issues, Project Management

Thesis: Assessing Acquisition Potential in the Medical Technology Market

Faculty Aide Program: received a $500 stipend for research investigating medical technology
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, Bachelor of Science in Neurobiological Sciences (May 2004)
Florida Bright Futures Award recipient: Full academic scholarship (1999-2004)

Interdisciplinary Studies scholar with a concentration in Behavioral Neuroscience (Senior Thesis on

abnormal repetitive behaviors in mice)

Graduated from Honors Program

Professional Experience
BRIGHAM AND WOMENS HOSPITAL - Boston, MA (December 2005 - present)
Senior Research Assistant

Create and maintain computer databases for statistical analyses

Prepare presentations, manuscripts, abstracts, and book chapters for publication

Perform technical duties for clinical studies in the field of sleep medicine and cardiovascular health

Redesigned and updated the Medical Chronobiology Program Web site

HARVARD UNIVERSITY - Cambridge, MA (January 2007 May 2007; January 2008 May 2008)
Teaching Fellow for the course, BIOS E-210, The Physiology of Sleep

Prepared syllabus and created course materials

Designed course Web site, led discussion sections, maintained correspondence with graduate students

Organized guest lectures featuring several prominent researchers in the field of sleep medicine
WGBH EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION - Boston, MA (August 2007 January 2008)
Project Consultant for the HMS Sleep and Health Education Web site

Conducted literature reviews and produced original multimedia content based on current research

Reviewed site content to determine scientific accuracy

HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL - Boston, MA (March 2007 January 2008)
Assistant Editor for the HMS Sleep and Health Education Web site

Developed and revised scope and architecture of the site

Publications
Sleep Research Society: Lee, S. & Smith, W. (Co-developers: Lee, S. & Reynolds, J.) (2007). Fundamentals
of the circadian system. In C. Amlaner, & O. Buxton, (Eds.), SRS Basics of Sleep Guide
Abstract: Neil, L., Jones, R., Lopez, A., Reynolds, J. (2007) Lack of Endogenous Circadian Rhythm of
Platelet Aggregability. SLEEP 2007 (Conference)

Community Service
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay (2005 present): Serve in both the school-based and
community-based mentoring program in Dorchester, MA

RE SU M E S A N D C OV ER L ETTERS

Sample Resume

Elizabeth Wong

5 Morningside Drive, Apt 2E

New York, NY 10005
212-555-1333
ewong@post.harvard.edu
EDUCATION

Harvard University Extension School, Cambridge, MA

Master of Liberal Arts, Concentration in Foreign Literature & Culture, Cumulative GPA: 3.8
Recipient of Deans Outstanding Achievement Award
Harvard University - Summer Abroad Program, Prague, Czech Republic
DePaul University, Chicago, IL
Bachelor of Arts, Journalism, Minor in Communications & Culture

November 2009

Summer 2007
May 2001

EXPERIENCE
Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Cambridge, MA
January 2009 April 2009
Admissions Assistant (Short-term Assignment)
Worked closely with Assistant Directors and Deans of Admissions; handled highly confidential materials and assisted with
processing over 2,000 applications for Fall 2010 Graduate Admissions
CL English, London, UK
Teacher
Taught English as a foreign language to 32 international university students

Summer 2008

Harvard Business School, Boston, MA

May 2004 June 2008
Faculty Assistant
Managed first year required course MBA curricula for four professors; oversaw all updates to online syllabus; organized
business case edits; assisted students; ordered publications and materials for research/courses; processed new
publications, individual research, communications, and supplemental class materials; managed all travel and
expense arrangements
Coordinated annual unit conference for 60+ MBA professors nationwide; designed and oversaw conference website;
communicated with potential attendees; collaborated with HBS faculty and potential presenters
Interacted with a diverse group of professors, executives and students
Westfield Concession Management, Inc., Boston, MA
April 2002 May 2004
Marketing Manager
Supported 30 airport retailers with all real estate concerns, daily operations, and related issues concerning maximization of
sales. General annual retail sales average $14 million
Created Incentive Program for managers to motivate and credit staff. Served as interim general manager for six month period
Organized airport marketing, promotional, advertising events and newsletter. Created and collaborated with advertising
agencies to produce sales campaigns seen by thousands of potential customers
Traveled nationwide to provide marketing and administrative assistance for new airport projects
Labour College, Dorchester, MA
Adjunct Instructor
Taught core writing course to college freshmen

September 2003 December 2003

American Red Cross Campaigns, Boston, MA

October 2001 January 2002
Assistant to Director
Represented agency and organized large fundraising events throughout major venues in Boston and vicinity
SKILLS
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Oracle, Outlook, Eudora, Photo Editor, PeopleSoft, Banner, Embark, Exeter, Conversational Spanish

RESUMES A ND COVER LE TTE R S

Sample Resume
Sarah Lopes Jones
23 South St. Concord, MA 01742 978-333-9898 sljones@fas.harvard.edu

Summary
Accomplished Certified Project Management Professional with extensive experience managing
project teams in all phases of the Software Development Life Cycle, as well as in infrastructure
implementations.

Proven track record of initiating and delivering successful projects to improve systems and
performance in large complex development and production environments.

Experience
IBM, Cambridge, MA, 2000 - present
Senior Technical Services Professional, 2002 - present
IBM Software Group (SWG) HQ division, which manages services to 7 brands/divisions, including:
Lotus, Rational, Tivoli, Cognos, and WebSphere, with a total client base of 35,000.
Simultaneously led 3 cross-matrix teams of 5-15 members each, in projects to research, develop,
and deliver yearly software development capital forecast plans. Total budget for all 7 divisions
$100M.
Saved an estimated $2M yearly by increasing productivity of 600 employees. Organized the
development and implementation of a worldwide database application, including requirements
gathering, development, UA testing, rollout, and training. Directed 4 major version upgrades.
Considered best in breed application by IBM managers.
Developed and managed a $30M yearly IT spending budget split between 35 groups/divisions
located in 10 different European countries.
Saved $8M/yearly by initiating and managing a project to transition all US datacenters to
standardized servers. Prepared and maintained 25 cutting-edge configurations available by a
single part number and delivered fully assembled.
Managed relationships with Sun Microsystems and Hewlett Packard, to provide ongoing discounts
on a variety of servers needed for SWG development.
Insured compliance for Sarbanes Oxley audits by establishing and maintaining an out-of-cycle
capital approval process. Authorized over $50M in requests yearly.
Created the first standardized high-end ThinkPad to meet the needs of the Software Group
developer community. Within 6 months this standard was adopted by all of IBM.
Saved an estimate of $2M/yearly by reducing capital expenditure through cross-lab sharing and
reuse. Member of The Asset Reutilization Council, and founder of The Asset Sharing Database.
Advanced Systems Management Integration Professional, 2000 - 2002
Managed deployment projects specializing in security and systems management software
throughout the Cambridge data center (200+ servers).
Specified, ordered, loaded, and installed Windows data center servers as lead MS Certified
Systems Engineer on internal project teams.
Published white papers, processes, procedures, and work instructions for IBM on OS and software
standards.

RE SU ME S A N D C OV ER L ETTERS

Sarah Lopes Jones

page 2

MJ Research (currently Bio-Rad Laboratories), Waltham, MA

Network Administrator and Help Desk Manager, 1997- 2000
Managed infrastructure projects, including: setup of multi-site DSL; DHCP and NAT conversion;
SMS rollout; firewall installation; email migration; web server launch; database design; license
server implementation; sales database rollout; VPN integration across WAN; Intranet design and
installation in DMZ.
Supervised helpdesk and staff. Prioritized help desk issues. Handled problem escalation.
Directed selection, installation, administration, maintenance, upgrades, and backups for critical
Windows servers on a cross-platform LAN/WAN with 200 nodes, and 50 remote users.
Specified, ordered, installed, and distributed Macintosh systems to new hires. Trained employees
on usage, company computer policy, and procedure.
Held internal training classes in computer use, software applications, Internet, and project
management.

Technical Skills
Hardware: IBM System x, BladeCenter, Intellistation, ThinkPad, PowerBook, AMD, Dell, Cisco,
TotalStorage, NAS, tape backup.
Networking: switches/hubs, cabling, DSL/VPN, TCP/IP, remote access, DMZ/firewall.
Software: Windows Operating Systems, Mac OS X, VMware, security and virus protection, system
mgmt software, middleware, BrioQuery, ACT!, Filemaker Pro, Eudora Pro, Apple: iLife, iWork.
Microsoft: Office, FrontPage, Project, SMS, Outlook, Visio. Lotus: Notes, Symphony, Sametime,
SmartSuite, Adobe: Photoshop, Illustrator, PageMaker, Acrobat.

Education
Harvard University Extension School, Cambridge, MA
Master of Liberal Arts in General Management, June 2010
Emerson College, Boston MA
Bachelor of Science in Marketing Communications: Advertising and Public Relations, May 1997
PMI Institute: PMP Certified
IBM: Leadership Excellence Program: 148 class hours developing leadership skills
Microsoft: Windows 2000 Certified Systems Engineer

RESUMES A ND COVER LE TTE R S

Sample Resume
Georgina Santiago

35 Lee St. Apt. 3 Cambridge, MA 02139/617-555-2212/gsantiago@post.harvard.edu

EDUCATION
Harvard University Extension School
Bachelor of Liberal Arts, Field of Study Economics, citation in French
Cum Laude, Deans List, GPA 3.62
Worked up to 40+ hours a week to defray cost of tuition

Cambridge, MA
2009

EXPERIENCE
Hangtime Wholesale Wine Company
Boston, MA
2008-present
Sales Representative
Opened and maintain 40 accounts in the greater Boston area. Conduct in-store tastings and staff
trainings to generate greater revenue. Create and distribute promotional materials.
New York, NY
Christies Auction House
Intern, Fine and Rare Wine Department
2008
Performed pre-and post-sale statistical analysis. Researched and executed mass mailing in order
to generate new consignments. Researched potential domestic clients for annual Hospice de
Beaune Auction. Generated contracts for consignors. Served as front-line contact for both
existing clients and potential consignors, handling incoming and outgoing correspondence.
Compiled and entered tasting notes for auction catalogue.
Montagna Bar and Restaurant
Aspen, CO
Back-Server, Cocktail Server, Food-Runner
2008
Active participant in wine program, including weekly blind-tastings. Created suitable beverage
pairing for patrons.
Shays Pub and Wine Bar
Cambridge, MA
Server, Bartender, Floor Manager
2001-2008
Coordinated and promoted weekly specials to generate optimal revenue. Participated in
development, expansion and improvement of wine program. Recruited and trained all floor staff.
Increased overall restaurant sales by 75%.
The Second Glass
Boston, MA
Staff Writer
2006-2008
Launched premier issue of print and online wine magazine. Increased public visibility through
participation in wine related events. Provided up to three articles per print issue and once weekly
for online issue. Conducted research and interviews for articles.
Certifications: Court of Master Sommeliers: Introductory Course
WSET Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Wine and Spirits (Pass with Merit)
Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry Diploma in Business French
Member, Boston Sommelier Society
Volunteer:

Domaine Carrett Bully, France 2008: Vineyard and Cellar Management

Ovid Vineyards, St Helena, California 2008: Office and Events Support

RE SU ME S A N D C OV ER L ETTERS

Write an Effective Cover Letter

Your cover letter is a writing sample and a part of the screening process. By putting your best foot forward, you can increase your
chances of being interviewed. A good way to create a response-producing cover letter is to highlight your skills or experiences
that are most applicable to the job or industry and to tailor the letter to the specific organization you are applying to.

Your Street Address

City, State, Zip Code
Date of Letter
Use complete
title and address.

Address to a
particular person
if possible.

Make the addressee want to

read your resume.
Be brief, but
specific.

Contact Name
Contact Title
Company Name
Street Address
City, State, Zip Code
Dear _________:
Opening paragraph: Clearly state why you are writing, name the
position or type of work youre exploring and, where applicable, how
you heard about the person or organization.
Middle paragraph(s): Explain why you are interested in this employer
and your reasons for desiring this type of work. If youve had relevant
school or work experience, be sure to point it out with one or two key
examples; but do not reiterate your entire resume. Emphasize skills or
abilities that relate to the job. Be sure to do this in a confident manner
and remember that the reader will view your letter as an example of
your writing skills.

Ask for a meeting Closing paragraph: You may refer the reader to your enclosed
and remember to resume. Have an appropriate closing to pave the way for a meeting by
indicating the action or steps youll take to arrange an appointment.
follow up.
Always sign
letters.

Sincerely,
Your name typed

Some general rules about letters:

Address your letters to a specific person if you can.

Tailor your letters to specific situations or organizations by
doing research before writing your letters.
Keep letters concise and factual, no more than a single page.
Avoid flowery language.
Give examples that support your skills and qualifications.
Put yourself in the readers shoes. What can you say that will
convince the reader that you are ready and able to do the job?

Remember that this is a marketing tool. Use lots of action

words.
Have someone proofread your letter.
If converting to a .pdf, check that your formatting translated
correctly.
Reference skills or experiences from the job description and
draw connections to your credentials.

RESUMES A ND CO VER LE TTE R S

Sample Cover Letter

October 10, 2009

Ms. Susan Carey

Senior Manager
Wholesale Wine USA
23 Green St.
Boston, MA 02116
Dear Ms. Carey:
I am writing to apply for your position in wine wholesale as advertised on Crimson Careers. This
exciting opportunity appears to be a wonderful fit with my professional experience, personal
interests, and career goals.
I am returning to Boston to complete my final year at Harvard University Extension School,
where I am majoring in French and economics. Having spent the year working and traveling, I am
eager to incorporate myself once again into the local wine community, to which I can bring
experience in a number of sectors of the industry.
Through eight years in the restaurant field, I have acquired a deep love of and appreciation for
wine and cuisine. I have been known to wax rhapsodic over specials; nothing made me happier
than discussing a bottle with a table. This enthusiasm allowed me to introduce a list of reserve
selections to Shays Pub and Wine Bar. The result was an appreciable increase in sales for the
restaurant and repeat attendance by customers. My position at Aspen's award-winning Montagna
allowed me to expand upon my knowledge of wine, locally inspired cuisine, and the highest
standards of service. Our weekly blind-tastings fueled my desire to further myself in this field,
and I am in the process of acquiring certification through both the Court of Master Sommeliers
and the Wine Spirit and Education Trust.
Most recently, I have returned from France where I was lucky enough to work on an organic
vineyard in Beaujolais. I adored working with the young, dynamic, vigneron who ran the estate,
the largest of its kind in the region. A position at your wholesale wine company would allow me
to draw upon this experience and to facilitate the success of such producers. Additionally, it
would enable me to replicate the most enjoyable components of my experience overall: working
with my colleagues in the local restaurant industry, as well as with distinctive, iconoclastic winemakers.
I am readily available via email or phone in order to arrange an interview, and have attached my
resume below per your request. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. I
appreciate your consideration and look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,

Georgina Santiago