Thread
16 Harvard Resume tips
👇
👇
1. Tailor your resume to the position you are seeking
I would go beyond this and suggest customizing it for each application you make. Check the bullet points they want in a candidate and customize your projects and history so that it speaks best to the job posting.
I would go beyond this and suggest customizing it for each application you make. Check the bullet points they want in a candidate and customize your projects and history so that it speaks best to the job posting.
2. Use specific rather than general language.
E.g. instead of saying "improved sales" say, "improved sales by 54% in Q3 of 2022.
E.g. instead of saying "improved sales" say, "improved sales by 54% in Q3 of 2022.
3. Use active rather than passive language.
E.g. Instead of saying "The department's sales were increased by Lucy by 54%" where the department is the subject, say "Lucy increased the department's sales by 54%".
E.g. Instead of saying "The department's sales were increased by Lucy by 54%" where the department is the subject, say "Lucy increased the department's sales by 54%".
4. Write to express not impress.
Basically keep your resume short and show the highlights. Bullet points and short sentences work well here.
Basically keep your resume short and show the highlights. Bullet points and short sentences work well here.
5. Be articulate rather than flowery.
Too complex jargon can be hard to read, make it clear and concise to communicate your skills and experience.
Too complex jargon can be hard to read, make it clear and concise to communicate your skills and experience.
6. Use fact-based language, quantity and qualify
Use numebrs and data to demonstrate your accomplishments.
E.g. Instead of saying "improved customer satisfcation" say "improved customer satisfaction by 21% in Q1 of 2023".
Use numebrs and data to demonstrate your accomplishments.
E.g. Instead of saying "improved customer satisfcation" say "improved customer satisfaction by 21% in Q1 of 2023".
7. Write for peoeple who scan quickly
Similar to point 5, use bullest and short sentences which are easy to scan.
Similar to point 5, use bullest and short sentences which are easy to scan.
8. Avoid spelling and grammar errors.
This is so simple, just use a spell checker/grammar checker.
So many times I've found errors when reviewing resumes, it shows you care about what you produce.
This is so simple, just use a spell checker/grammar checker.
So many times I've found errors when reviewing resumes, it shows you care about what you produce.
9. Include email and phone information
You want to be able to be reached out to with your resume. Harvard mentions this as the number 2 mistake, that people do not include it.
You want to be able to be reached out to with your resume. Harvard mentions this as the number 2 mistake, that people do not include it.
10. Don't use personal pronouns.
No need to say 'I', start with action verbs, e.g.
Leadership: Accomplished, achieved, administred, analyzed, assigned, attained, contracted, coordinated, delgated, developed
Communication: Addressed, Developed, Influenced, Presented, Suggested
No need to say 'I', start with action verbs, e.g.
Leadership: Accomplished, achieved, administred, analyzed, assigned, attained, contracted, coordinated, delgated, developed
Communication: Addressed, Developed, Influenced, Presented, Suggested
11. Don't abbreviate
This in my opinion depends, but Harvard recommends to not do so. SQL for example I think is okay, but if it is really unique jargon that a recruiter may not recognise, stray away and use the full form.
This in my opinion depends, but Harvard recommends to not do so. SQL for example I think is okay, but if it is really unique jargon that a recruiter may not recognise, stray away and use the full form.
12. Be consistent in formatting.
Consistent spacing, underlining, italics, bold and capitalisation for emphasis.
Consistent spacing, underlining, italics, bold and capitalisation for emphasis.
13. With headings, put them in order of importance, for example experience -> education -> projects.
This may differ depending on your career stage. I liked to put experience before education when applying for jobs but for university applications I prefer to have education first
This may differ depending on your career stage. I liked to put experience before education when applying for jobs but for university applications I prefer to have education first
14. Within headings list information in reverse chronological order.
This helps employers quickly see your most recent experiences and accomplishments.
This helps employers quickly see your most recent experiences and accomplishments.
15. Don't put your picture.
This is different depending on the region. I often bring this point up in Twitter spaces, but in the UK and US I advise against it. In India for example it may be more acceptable.
This is different depending on the region. I often bring this point up in Twitter spaces, but in the UK and US I advise against it. In India for example it may be more acceptable.
16. Make sure that it will work well when converted to a PDF, sometimes it may lose formatting.
I prefer sending my resume as a PDF as it maintains consistent formatting on any device. Docx files may get opened on a 3rd party editor and mess up the formatting.
I prefer sending my resume as a PDF as it maintains consistent formatting on any device. Docx files may get opened on a 3rd party editor and mess up the formatting.
If you enjoyed this thread, please:
1. Follow me (@SalmanMKC) for more
2. Retweet the 1st tweet below to share this thread
3. Follow me on LinkedIn :)
1. Follow me (@SalmanMKC) for more
2. Retweet the 1st tweet below to share this thread
3. Follow me on LinkedIn :)
