Harvard Resume Template Submission Checklist: Ensure Your Resume Stands Out

Why Use the Harvard Resume Template?

Before diving into the submission checklist, it’s crucial to understand why the Harvard resume template is a preferred choice. Harvard’s format is designed to communicate your experience efficiently and professionally, making it recruiter-friendly with a clean layout that highlights key qualifications.

In our experience, applicants who follow this template carefully demonstrate attention to detail and respect for institutional preferences—qualities that resonate well with Harvard’s high standards. For an official format explanation and examples, consider reading our detailed guide on the Harvard Resume Template.

Harvard Resume Submission Checklist Overview

Submitting your resume can feel overwhelming, but working through a structured checklist helps catch errors and refine your presentation. Below is an overview of key elements every Harvard-bound resume should pass through before submission:

• Proper formatting and structure.
• Accurate and relevant contact information.
• Consistent and professional font use.
• Optimized section headings and order.
• Clear, quantifiable achievements.
• Correct file format and naming conventions.
• Proofreading for grammar and spelling.
• Adherence to page length guidelines.
• Compliance with Harvard’s specific submission instructions.

1. Formatting and Structure: The Backbone of Your Resume

Your resume’s structure determines how easily reviewers can parse your information. Harvard’s template emphasizes clarity and hierarchy. Here’s what to check:

Consistent Margins and Spacing

Narrow margins can make your resume look cramped, while excessively wide margins squander valuable space. Aim for 1-inch margins on all sides unless otherwise specified.

Use of Bold and Italics

Highlight section titles and employers using bold text to create a natural flow. Italics can be reserved for job titles or dates. Resist the urge to over-format; simplicity is key.

Bullet Points Over Paragraphs

Our experience suggests bullet points are easier to scan than paragraphs. Each bullet should start with a strong action verb and be concise.

2. Contact Information Must Be Up-to-Date and Professional

This is the basic, yet critical first step. Double-check that your name, phone number, and email address are accurate and professional. Avoid using casual email addresses; ideally, use a variation of your full name.

Include LinkedIn or Relevant Professional Links

If you have a well-maintained LinkedIn profile or portfolio, include that URL. Make sure the link works and showcases your most recent accomplishments.

Location—What to Include?

For Harvard submissions, it’s acceptable to include your city and state or country. Avoid listing your full home address unless explicitly requested.

3. Consistent Typeface and Font Sizes

Harvard’s resume template typically calls for easily readable fonts like Times New Roman or Arial. Consistency matters here; don’t mix fonts or vary sizes erratically.

Font Size Recommendations

Opt for 11 or 12-point font for body text, slightly larger (14–16 pt) for your name, and 12–14 pt for headings.

Beware of Overcrowding

Text that’s too small to read won’t help you stand out but may frustrate the recruiter. Balance space and font size carefully.

4. Organize Sections Logically: Prioritize What Matters

The order of sections can vary based on your experience but usually follows this order for Harvard resumes:

1. Contact Information
2. Education
3. Work Experience
4. Research and Publications (if applicable)
5. Leadership and Extracurricular Activities
6. Skills and Certifications

Remember: The most relevant or recent experience should appear first within each section.

5. Emphasize Achievements with Data and Context

A common pitfall is listing responsibilities without demonstrating impact. Harvard reviewers look for quantifiable achievements that show the value you added.

Use Numbers and Metrics

Whenever possible, include percentages, dollar amounts, or counts to strengthen your claims. For example: “Increased student enrollment by 20% over two years.”

Action-Oriented Descriptions

Start bullets with strong verbs like “Led,” “Initiated,” “Developed,” or “Managed.” Avoid passive phrases or vague language.

6. File Format and Naming Conventions

Check Harvard’s submission guidelines carefully. Most often, they require PDF submissions to preserve layout integrity. Avoid sending editable formats like .doc or .pages unless specifically requested.

How to Name Your File

Use a clear, professional naming format typically involving your full name and the document type. For example: JaneDoe_Harvard_Resume.pdf.

This small detail reflects professionalism and makes your file easy to find for hiring committees or admissions officers.

7. Proofreading: Catch Every Error Before Submission

Typos and grammatical errors can be dealbreakers, especially when competing for seats at Harvard. Even a single misspelled word can subtly undermine your credibility.

Multiple Rounds of Review

Read the resume aloud to catch awkward phrasing, then have a trusted friend or mentor review it as well. Professional proofreaders can be worth the investment.

Watch for Consistency

Double-check tense consistency, punctuation (periods at the end of bullets), and alignment. Inconsistencies distract the eye and suggest carelessness.

8. Page Length and Content Density

Harvard resumes typically stick to one page unless you have extensive relevant experience (e.g., postdoctoral research). If you reach two pages, the second should contain critical, value-adding content, not filler.

Quality Over Quantity

We’ve seen candidates try to cram every accomplishment into their resumes. Instead, focus on the achievements that paint a convincing picture of your suitability for the opportunity.

White Space Matters

Don’t cram text too tightly. Well-spaced resumes look more inviting and help recruiters absorb your story better.

9. Follow Harvard’s Specific Submission Guidelines

Every Harvard program may have unique instructions. Some require cover letters, others want additional documents alongside your resume. Confirm these details early to avoid last-minute scrambling.

Review Submission Portals

Upload your resume in the right section and confirm successful receipt. Some systems give confirmation emails; keep these for your records.

Respect Deadlines

A late submission can overshadow an otherwise perfect resume. Set personal deadlines at least 48 hours before the official deadline to allow time for unforeseen hiccups.

Conclusion: Nail Your Harvard Resume Submission Every Time

Submitting your resume to Harvard is a high-stakes moment that calls for precision and professionalism. Following this detailed checklist won’t just save you from common pitfalls; it can give you a clear advantage by presenting your qualifications in a polished, recruiter-friendly way. Remember, a resume is more than a list of jobs—it’s your story told through a strategic lens that aligns with Harvard’s expectations.

Invest time in formatting, double-checking every detail, and tailoring each element to highlight what matters most. And when in doubt, revisit official templates and trusted resources—like our comprehensive guide on the Harvard Resume Template—to keep your application on point.

Good luck. Your next big opportunity at Harvard starts with a resume that truly opens doors.