Business Com

OCS

RESUMES & COVER LETTERS

Undergraduate Resource Series

Office of Career Services | 54 Dunster Street Harvard University | Faculty of Arts and Sciences | 617.495.2595 www.ocs.fas.harvard.edu

© 2014 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. 08/14 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

A

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 toward 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?

Build a strong resume using the new template on the OCS website. • Attend a Resume Workshop. Learn the nuts and bolts of getting started. See the OCS website for dates. • View the OCS Online Resume Workshop. See the OCS website. • Come to drop-ins. Monday-Friday, 1:00-4:00pm—get any career question answered and have an adviser look at your resume. • Look for industry specific resume review clinics. Listed on the On-Campus Interviewing Calendar. •

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...