resume and cover letters-harvard

7/27/2019 Resume and Cover Letters-Harvard

1/16

OFFICE OF CAREER SERVICES

Harvard University Faculty of Arts and Sciences54 Dunster Street Cambridge, MA 02138Telephone: (617) 495-2595 Fax: (617) 495-3584 www.ocs.fas.harvard.edu

GSAS: Resumes and Cover Letters

Resumes and

Cover Letters

G S A S :

G r a

d u a

t e S t u

d e n

t I n f o r m a

t i o n

www.ocs.fas.harvard.edu/students/gsas-students.htm


2/16


3/16

Getti ng Star ted with Resumes and Cover L etters

When should I use a resume, and when should I use a CV?

Think about who will be reading your resume. For academic jobs, you use a CV so that people in your field will appreciatethe specifics of your resea rch and your accomplishments within your field. If youre applying for a nonacademic job for which the people doing the hiring will have a background similar to your own say, a research institute, or a research

position in industry then your academic CV is probably fine to use. However, if youre applying for positions for which aPhD isnt necessarily required, or if you cant count on your reader having enough of a background in your discipline tounderstand your research, then youll likely want to use a resume.

What is the difference between a CV and a resume?

A resume is typically shorter, 1-2 pages at most, and will dedicate more space to your functional work experience whilefocusing less on academic awards, conference presentations, and publications. Depending on your intended reader, you willlikely go into less detail on the specifics of your research and teaching topics, but rather highlight the transferable skills youdeveloped through this work.

Im planning on applying to several different ty pes of jobs. Will I be expected to write different resumes for each one?

Here again, it is important to think about your reader. Lets say you are receiving a PhD in mechanical engineering, and areapplying for jobs in industry, as well as for quantitative positions in investment banks and generalist positions in bigconsulting firms. You might use a version of your academic CV for industry, though perhaps going into more detail oninternships you may have held, as well as any practical applications of your research. The investment banks will be moreinterested in quantitative analysis skills, so youd want to be clear how you developed those skills in the course of your research. Consulting firms will be concerned with how youve developed leadership and t eamwork skills; in that case, youmight include less detail about your research experience, but include more information about involvement with studentgroups, volunteer work, or internships that may have allowed you to develop these skills.

A friend of mine who is in business school told me I need to have a one page resume. Is that true?

It depends. If you are a doctoral candidate applying for jobs that require a PhD degree, or if you are being recruited becauseof your PhD, then having a two page resume is fine. However, if you are a masters degree candidate, or if you will beapplying for positions that do not require a PhD, then having a two page resume may send a signal that youreoverqualified or otherwise not fitting the mold of a typical candid ate for entry to mid-level jobs in business. For BA/BSand MBA candidates, a one page resume is the norm. When in doubt, ask one of the GSAS counselors.

Are there formatting guidelines I should keep in mind?

Stick to a common font like Times New Roman or Garamond, and avoid text boxes, underlining, or shading. Font size should be between 10 and 12 point, and kept consistent throughout the document. Margins should be equal all the way around the page, and should be at least three quarters of an inch in size.

Can someone at OCS review my resume?

Yes. Each semester the GSAS counselors hold weekly walk-in hours, as well as two days of special drop-in sessions(typically in September and May) for GSAS students interested in having their CVs or resumes critiqued. Students may alsohave their resumes reviewed as part of a counseling appointment with a GSAS staff member (to schedule an appointment,visit the OCS website and follow the directions on Crimson Careers or call 617-495-2595).


4/16

Consider describing your exper iences with these action verbs :

Achievement Administrative Communication Creative Financialaccelerated arranged addressed authored allocatedaccomplished channeled arbitrated changed analyzed achieved charted articulated conceived appraised

activated collated briefed constructed auditedattained collected communicated created balancedcompeted coordinated conducted developed budgetedearned dispensed contacted devised calculatedeffected distributed conveyed drafted compiledelicited established corresponded established computedexecuted executed delivered formulated controlledexercised implemented demonstrated founded disbursedexpanded installed edited illustrated estimatedexpedited maintained entertained influenced figuredgenerated offered interviewed introduced financedimproved ordered informed invented forecastedincreased outlined lectured launched projectedinsured performed mediated originated reconciledmarketed prepared negotiated revamped tabulatedmastered processed persuaded revisedobtained provided presented staged Technical

produced purchased promoted updated adaptedreduced recorded proposed visualized adjustedreorganized rendered publicized appliedreproduced served reported builtrestructured serviced represented computedsimplified sourced responded Research/Analytical constructedsold supported suggested assessed designedsolicited translated compared diagnosedstreamlined Lead/Manage wrote critiqued engineeredsucceeded acquired defined experimentedupgraded administered derived maintained

approved Plan/Organize detected modifiedassigned allocated determined operated

Help/Teach chaired anticipated discovered prescribed advised contracted arranged evaluated programmedclarified controlled catalogued examined provedcoached decided categorized explored reinforced collaborated delegated classified found repairedconsulted directed collected inspected resolvedcounseled enlisted consolidated interpreted restorededucated governed convened investigated solvedexplained handled edited located specifiedfacilitated initiated eliminated measured systematized

guided instilled employed observed testedhelped instituted gathered predictedinstructed managed grouped ratedmodeled motivated monitored recommended

participated presided organized researchedtaught recruited planned reviewedtrained retained regulated searchedtutored reviewed scheduled studied

selected structured surveyedshaped summarized verifiedsupervised targeted


5/16

Resume Sample 1GINNIE LU

[email protected] Palm Blvd., #34 54 Dunster StreetLos Angeles, CA 90669 Cambridge, MA 02138(111) 222-3333 (222) 333-4444

_________________________________________________________________________________

EDUCATIONHarvard University , Cambridge, MAPhD, History of Science, expected May 2010.GRE: 760V, 710QDissertation: Industrial Revolution and Scientific Discovery

Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge, MABA, summa cum laude , History, minor in Mathematics, May 2002. GPA: 3.9/4.0. Captain, VarsityCrew.

AWARDS

National Science History Research Award, 2007Harvard University Certificate of Distinction in Teaching Award, 2005

BUSINESS EXPERIENCE

Big Consulting Firm , Springfield, ILParticipant, Entre to Consulting Program, July 2007

Participated in summer program designed to expose PhD candidates to the field of consulting. Gained valuable exposure to the role of consultants in shaping corporate strategy across

industries.

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

Harvard University , Cambridge, MA Research Assistant , Department of the History of Science, 2005 - present

Collaborated with Professor Big Name to research the Industrial Revolution, and the extinctionof indigenous population. Publication forthcoming in Science History Review .

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Harvard University , Cambridge, MA Head Teaching Assistant , Department of Science History, 2006 - 2007Teaching Assistant , Department of Science History, 2002 - 2005

Led team of four teaching assistants and taught section of 20 students for department course : History or Fiction?

Taught discussion sections of 10-20 students for department course: Enemies of the Industrial Revolution.


6/16

Ginnie Lu (222) 333 -4444 page 2

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Harvard University , Cambridge, MA Founder/President , Consulting Club, 2005 - presentFounded new student group based on graduate student interest in management consulting.

Partnered with team of group leaders to gain formal recognition from the Graduate School, buildmembership, and design educational programs. Club now receives school funding, has over 200members on 2 Harvard campuses, and partners with alumni, recruiters, and the Office of Career Services on career-related programming.

Serve as point person for recruiters interested in gaining exposure to Harvard graduate students. Manage staffing of club members to pro bono consulting projects working with small businesses

and nonprofits in and around the Boston area.

Science History Association Conference , Chicago, ILStudent Event Chair , 2005

Served as chair for 5-person committee charged with organizing events for 250 students atconference.

PUBLICATIONS

Lu, G. , Doe, J. (2007). When the Industrial Revolution Arrived: Where Did All the Elements Go?Science History Review. (forthcoming).

PRESENTATIONS

Researching Indigenous Populations Made Extinct by the Industrial Revolution . Science HistoryAssociation Conference, Chicago, IL, December 2005.

SKILLS AND INTERESTS

Fluent in Mandarin; reading knowledge of Spanish. Proficient in French. Extensive experiencewith SPSS.

Member, Science History Association, 2002 - present Member, Dudley House Dragon Boat Club, Harvard University, 2004 - 2006 Volunteer, Big Sisters Association of Massachusetts, 2000 2002

Winnie is interested in a generalist position with a large management consulting firmthat recruits PhDs from Harvard. This firm has indicated that they are open toreceiving two page resumes or CVs, and are looking for indication of strong

academic achievement. Such companies look for the following information, either ontheir online applications or on the resume:

GRE scores and undergraduate GPAPrestigious awards and fellowships (NIH, etc.), as well as patents heldPublications in peer reviewed journals, particularly if you are the first author Evidence of ability to work as a member of a team, either through your workor participation in extracurricular activitiesExamples of leadership experience

Demonstration of analytical/quantitative ability


7/16

Resume Sample 2 GINNIE LU54 Dunster Street Cambridge, MA 02138 ginnielu @fas.harvard.edu (222) 333-4444

educationHARVARD UNIVERSITY CAMBRIDGE, MA PhD, History of Science, expected May 2010. Participant, Business Management Study Group. Member, DudleyHouse Dragon Boat Club. Recipient, National History Research Award, 2007. GRE: 760V, 710Q

MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY CAMBRIDGE, MABA , summa cum laude , Galactic History, minor in Economics, May 2002. GPA: 3.9/4.0. Captain, Varsity Crew

business experience BIG CONSULTING FIRM SPRINGFIELD, ILParticipant, Entre to Consulting Program, Summer 2009 Participated in summer program designed to expose PhD candidates to the field of consulting. G ained valuable exposure to the role of consultants in shaping corporate strategy across industries.

research experienceHARVARD UNIVERSITY CAMBRIDGE, MAResearch Assistant, Museum of Science History, 2007 2008 Collaborated as a t eam member between Harvard and MIT History departments efforts to found museum if itskind, funded by the Hanley Foundation.

Research Assistant, Department of History, 2005 2006 Partnered with Professor Big Name to research the indigenous populations made extinct by the IndustrialRevolution. Publication forthcoming in Science History Review .

teaching experience HARVARD UNIVERSITY CAMBRIDGE, MAHead Teaching Assistant, Department of History, 2006 2007Teaching Assistant, Department of History, 2002 2005 Led team of four teaching assistants and taught section of 20 students for department course : History or Fiction? Received Harvard History of Science Teaching Award. Taught discussion sections of 10-20 students for department courses: Rebels and Enemies of the Industrial

Revolution: Misunderstood, or Freedom Fighter for Rural Survival?

leadership experience

HARVARD UNIVERSITY CAMBRIDGE, MAFounder/President, Consulting Club, 2005 presentFounded new student group based on growing graduate student interest in the field of management consulting. Collaborated with team of group leaders to gain formal recognition from the Graduate School, build membership,and design educational programs. Club now receives school funding, has over 200 members on two Harvardcampuses, and partners with alumni, recruiters, and the Office of Career Services on career-related programming. Serve as point person for recruiters interested in gaining exposure to Harvard graduate students. Manage staffing of club members to pro bono consulting projects working with small businesses and nonprofits inand around the Boston area.

HISTORY ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE CHICAGO, ILStudent Event Chair, 2005 Served as chair for 5-person team charged with organizing events for 250 students at this national conference thatattracts both students and scholars from around the world.

skills Fluent in Mandarin; reading knowledge of Spanish. Proficient in French. Extensive experience with SPSS.

Interests Have traveled widely through Europe, Latin America, and India.

This version is based on the Harvard Business School format, suitable for consulting, banking, and general business use.


8/16

Resume Sample 3

ELLEN R. JOSEPH

3400 West Chester Blvd., Apt. 109 Los Angeles, CA 90669 [email protected] (813) 566 -4321

EDUCATION

Columbia University , New York, NYPhD , Neuroscience, May 2010. Recipient: Pre-Doctoral National Research Service Award, National Institutes of Health; Department of Neuroscience Emerging Faculty Award. GRE: 740V, 790Q

Dartmouth College , Hanover, NH BS , magna cum laude , Biology, 1998. Phi Beta Kappa. GPA: 3.8/4.0

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

University of California Los Angeles , Los Angeles, CA Postdoctoral Fellow , 2006 presentInvestigated neural mechanisms of song learning in zebra finches, a model for language development in humans

Acquired and analyzed complex behavioral, electrophysiological, molecular, and cell structural data over three developmental stages of song-learning in birds

Recipient: Post-doctoral National Research Service Award, National Institutes of Health, 2006 present

Columbia University , New York, NY Graduate Researcher , 1999 2006Investigated developmental changes in neural communication underlying a simple reflex in Aplysia , a modelsystem for learning in more complex animals

Adapted electrophysiological techniques, traditionally used with large adult neurons, for use in recordingfrom juvenile neurons (100 times smaller)

Characterized developmental changes in synaptic transmission during emergence of reflex modulation

Biosure Corporation , San Diego, CA Assistant Scientist , Summers 1996, 1997Optimized enzyme production necessary for synthesis of a B-Lactam antibiotic

Increased yield of a yeast enzyme by 25% and a bacterial enzyme by 15% on small scale Developed method for mass production and harvest of enzymes

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Columbia Graduate Women in Science (CGWS), Columbia University , New York, NYCo-Founder and President , 2004 2006

Organized and led student representatives from 25 natural science departments to promote issues of concern to women scientists at Columbia

Managed 3 public symposia featuring nationally-renowned women scientists

TEACHING and TRAINING EXPERIENCE

University of California , Los Angeles, CAWritten and Oral Communication Advisor , Department of Psychology, 2006 2007

Advised graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty on scientific writing Led workshops critiquing writing and oral presentations. Edited grant proposals and articles Resulted in 30% greater acceptance rate for journal articles and 25% more grants awarded

Columbia College , New York, NYHead Teaching Assistant, Teaching Assistant , Cellular Basis of Behavior, 2001 2003Teaching Assistant , Neurobiology, 1997

As Head Teaching Assistant for biology course (250 undergraduates), managed coordination of lesson plans for 9 teaching assistants in collaboration with professor. Taught section of 25 students


9/16

Ellen R. Joseph, (813) 566-4321, page 2

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

Joseph, E.R . and Shen, Y.X. (2007). Two-stage, input-specific synaptic maturation in a nucleus essential for vocal production in the zebra finch. Journal of Neuroscience. 22:9107-9116.

Joseph, E.R. and Schmidt, T.J. (2006). Developmental dissociation of serotonin-induced spike broadening andsynaptic facilitation in Aplysia sensory neurons. Journal of Neuroscience. 21:334-346.

Joseph, E.R ., Chang, A.R., Kline, N.J., and Schmidt, T.J. (2005). Pharmacological and kinetic characterizationof two functional classes of serotonergic modulation in Aplysia sensory neurons. Journal of Neurophysiology.78:855-866.

[Note: You may choose to include select articles that were published in prestigious, peer-reviewed journals, for which you were first author. You can also simply include a line: List of publicationsavailable upon request. You may also wish to include , under a separate heading, a section for patentsheld.]

Ellen Josephs academic and industry CVs are shown inthe OCS guide, CVs and Cover Letters . Here, we haveadapted her resume for jobs beyond the bench, such asmanagement consulting or other business positions. For fields like science policy or patent law, the industry CVmay be more appropriate.


10/16

Resume Sample 4

SUZANNE M. L ILLY ____________________________________________________________________________________ 103 Commonwealth Avenue Boston, MA 02122 (617) 555-1234 [email protected]

EDUCATIONHarvard University , Cambridge, MAPh.D., Biology, expected 2011

Dissertation on the dynamics of Eskimo hunting in a multi-prey system. Use mathematical models andmultivariate statistical techniques to examine causes of variation in harvest levels of wildlife populations

University of British Columbia , CanadaM.Sc., Zoology, 2005

Thesis on population dynamics of marmots

University of Victoria , CanadaB.Sc., Biology (Honors), 2003

EXPERIENCES TATISTICAL CONSULTANT , Martilla & Kiley , Boston, MA, April May 2005

Recommended statistical techniques for analysis of political polls for this political consulting firm.

T EACHING FELLOW , Harvard University , Biology Department, 2006

D IRECTOR OF R ESEARCH , Baffin Region Inuit Association , Northwest Territories, Canada, 2003 2004 Designed and managed first successful survey of wildlife harvest levels in the Northwest Territories. Raised

over $1M to fund project. Through public meetings, persuaded 99% of Eskimo hunters in eastern Arctic toparticipate in survey. Managed budget and designed accounting system. Hired and supervised staff of 20.Statistically analyzed three-million-piece dataset using custom support programs.

P ROJECT M ANAGER , Consultant to Northwest Territories Wildlife Service , Canada, 2002 2003 Assessed impact of construction of major highway on wildlife populations. First in N.W.T. to implement a

statistical model to estimate numbers of moose not observed during aerial surveys.

WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST , Northwest Territories Wildlife Service , Canada, 2001 2002 Conducted research on population dynamics of polar bears, caribou, seals, and falcons. Authored reports

with recommendations to management.

SKILLS Analytical : Completed coursework in accounting, computer programming, and statistics. Developed system

for predicting point spread in National Football League games. Scored in top 1% in quantitative section of GRE

Languages : Fluent in Spanish and French; knowledge of Latin and Inukitut (Eskimo)

Communication : Published papers in scientific journals (list available upon request); authored successfulfunding proposals; former political analyst for CBC radio

A version of this resume originally appeared in Building a Job Search Toolkit: Writing a Resume , Office of Career Services,Harvard University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, 2003.

Suzanne is seeking a position as a quantitative analyst in an investment bank. As such, she makesher research understandable to the layperson while also emphasizing her experience with statisticalmodeling. In addition, she is careful to highlight her transferable supervisory and management skillsby emphasizing her job titles and including a separate Skills section.


11/16

Resume Sample 5LIAM MIGUEL GUTIERREZ

123 Pleasant Street Cambridge, MA 02138 (617) 491-0000 [email protected]

E DUCATION

Harvard University , Cambridge, MAPhD, Music Composition, June 2011. Dissertation: String Quartet No. 1

New England Conservatory of Music , Boston, MAMM, with honors, 2004. BM, 2002.

M ANAGEMENT E XPERIENCE

NuClassix, Inc. , Boston, MACOFOUNDER AND PRESIDENT , 2002-presentFounded, with partner, this nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation that launches the careers of gifted composers.

Managed transformation of company from an ad hoc group of composers to a growing public servicecorporation through the creation and implementation of a multi-board organizational structure.

Directed successful fundraising efforts generating over $100,000.

Liam Gutierrez Quartet , Boston, MAFOUNDER AND M ANAGER , 2002-2004Small music performance business specializing in corporate trade events.

Conceived and conducted all marketing, contracting, and client relations for a four-piece jazz band.Developed successful marketing strategy based on product differentiation (high level jazz and swing performance) and specific market focus.

V OLUNTEER E XPERIENCE

Ronan Park Neighbors Association , Dorchester, MA V OLUNTEER , 2005-present

Collaborated with and advised start-up management team for this early stage community group dedicated toimproving area living conditions.

Wrote grant proposal that resulted in $5000 reward.

T EACHING E XPERIENCE

Harvard University , Cambridge, MALECTURER , DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC, 2010-present

TEACHING FELLOW , DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC, 2004-2010 Awarded Oscar Schafer Scholarship in recognition of an extensive and outstanding contribution to the

teaching of music.

MUSIC PERFORMANCE AND PRODUCTION

Experienced jazz pianist. Composed and met deadlines for 15 new works over six years, performedthroughout New England and New York. Numerous awards for creative work.

A version of this resume originally appeared in Outside the Ivory Tower ,Office of Career Services, Harvard University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, 1993.

Liam is seeking a position in a nonprofit arts organization in either fundraising or marketing. Hehighlights his most relevant transferable skills by including separate sections for his entrepreneurialand volunteer experiences.


12/16

Resume Sample 6

CHARLES [email protected]

(617) 555-1234 10 Mt. Auburn Street #3 123 O Street NW Cambridge, MA 02122 Washington, DC 20057

EDUCATION

Harvard University , Cambridge, MA AM, East Asian Studies, expected 2011

Thesis on the role of traditional religious ceremonies in modern culture

AB, Social Studies, 2009 Served on Social Studies Curriculum Review Board Harvard National Scholar (awarded to top 5% of entering class)

EXPERIENCE

LET S GO , INC ., Managing Editor

, Cambridge, MA, 2007 2009 Completed final edit of over 2,400 pages of text, including Lets Go Europe , the worlds best-selling travel guide

Recruited, hired, and managed a staff of eight editors and 30 researcher/writers Served as researcher/writer in Japan in summer of 2003, researching, writing and editing chapters of first

edition of Lets Go Japa n

WORLD T EACH , H ARVARD INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL D EVELOPMENT , Assistant to Director , 2007 2009 Assisted with recruitment, placement, and training of volunteers in WorldTeachs China Program. Researched and prepared current news articles and social information for two 50-page educational readers

H ARVARD MODEL CONGRESS E UROPE , Executive Assistant , 2008 2009HMCE provides talented secondary school students from around the world the opportunity to learn about the US

government and international institutions through role-playing Worked in team of 15 to plan and conduct a simulation of the US Congress for European students

H ARVARD INTERNATIONAL R EVIEW , Special Features Editor , Cambridge, MA, 2005 2007 Executive Board Position; researched, solicited authors, and edited approximately one-fifth of magazine.

Directly supervised three to five research assistants. Authored piece on Asian financial markets and book reviews on international relations theory

CITY OF C AMBRIDGE , Assistant Registrar , Cambridge, MA, 2005 2006 Registered local residents and led registration and nonpartisan voter education campaigns

SKILLS & INTERESTS

Travel: Japan, China, Korea, France, India. Spent early childhood in Italy Languages: Fluent in Italian; proficient in spoken and written Japanese

A version of this resume originally appeared in Building a Job Search Toolkit: Writing a Resume , Office of Career Services,Harvard University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, 2003.

Charles will be applying to international organizations that make use of his language skills andmulticultural experience. Since he came into his masters degree program directly from college, hisexperience section includes relevant activities in which he was involved as an undergraduate.


13/16


14/16

Sample Cover Letter

GINNIE [email protected]

1212 Palm Blvd., #34 54 Dunster StreetLos Angeles, CA 90669 Cambridge, MA 02138(111) 222-3333 (222) 333-4444

September 21, 2011

John SmithManagement Consulting, Inc.123 Boylston StreetBoston, MA 00000

Dear Mr. Smith:

Kamina Jackson suggested I apply for the associate position with Management Consulting, Inc. when Irecently spoke with her at your information session at the Charles Hotel for Harvard University students.Please accept this letter and enclosed resume as an application for the position of consultant withManagement Consulting, Inc. Based on my research of your firm and my qualifications, I am confidentyou will agree that I am a good match for your organization. I will complete my PhD in the History of Science in May 2012 and look forward to the possibility of joining Management Consulting, Inc.

My interest in a business career is long standing and coupled with strong research, analytical,communication, leadership, and teamwork skills. I believe I will be able to deliver value to ManagementConsulting, Inc. and your clients. While I interviewed with a number of consulting firms for internshipsduring my junior year, as an undergraduate at MIT, I ultimately chose to hone my research andanalytical skills and explore my passion for Galactic History. I feel it is time to return to the business

world. I have kept up my interest and knowledge of the industry through the business press, as well as by participating in the Business Management Study Group, a joint venture between Harvard BusinessSchool faculty and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences that exposes PhD candidates to business

principles and the case method of study. In addition, I founded and am currently president of thegraduate student Consulting Club at Harvard. This experience led to my participation in Big ConsultingFirms Entre to Consulting Program, which solidified my interest in entering the f ield upon completionof my PhD. The feedback I received from the consultants at the firm with regard to both my analyticalabilities and teamwork skills was very positive, and I am convinced I can make a significantcontribution to your firm and its clients.

I look forward to speaking to you about the possibility of my joining your team at ManagementConsulting, Inc. I am most interested in working in your offices in Boston or Los Angeles as through myresearch I have discovered that many of the firms you serve fit best with my area of expertise. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Ginnie Lu

Enclosure: resume

Winnie is applying online to a global consulting firm that recruits Harvard students,but expects cover letters and resumes to be uploaded to its Web site. As such, sheuses a formal business letter format, and indicates her preferred offices.

For companies that recruit Harvard students, including those who use CrimsonCompass to take in resumes, it is not necessary for her to say he will follow up withthe recruiter the way she might with companies she finds on her own. However, shedoes indicate that she has spoken to a consultant and expresses interest incontinuing the conversation about opportunities within the firm.


15/16

Sample Request for Informational Interview

Dear Ms. Ramos:

I found your name through Harvard s Crimson Compass database, and saw that you completed your PhD in Applied Math before beginning your work as a quantitative analyst. I will be completing my

PhD in Biology next summer and am interested in learning more about how I might use my quantitativeand analytical skills in investment banking.

Banking is a career option that I have been reading and thinking about for some time. While I do nothave specific work experience in finance, I am an avid reader of the Wall Street Journal and theFinancial Times and have spoken to a few former members of my department about their own decisionsto leave academe and use their skill sets in the private sector. Working as a quantitative analyst appealsto me because I feel it would allow me to continue to use and develop my mathematical modeling andstatistics skills, while indulging my fascination for the business world.

I will be in New York the week of October 9, and would greatly appreciate the chance to speak with you

about your experience at Wall Street Bank. If this time frame is not convenient for you, I am happy toarrange a time to speak on the phone.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,Suzanne Lilly

This e-mail message is not designed to accompany a resume as a job application, but rather torequest an informational interview to learn more about the field of investment banking. As such,Suzanne is careful to avoid asking for a job, or for anything other than the chance to listen andask questions about the alumnas experience making the transition from academe to Wall Street.


16/16

Sample Thank You Letter

Dear Ms. Funahashi:

Thank you very much for taking the time to meet with me yesterday morning about employmentopportunities with Global Education Associates. I am even more enthusiastic about the work that you do

now that I have had the chance to learn more about it.

As we discussed, my experience at WorldTeach and my extensive international travel has instilled in methe desire to foster educational opportunities worldwide, and to promote cross-cultural understanding of educational methods and adapt them as appropriate in developing countries. I am particularly interestedin the Educating for Global Citizenship Program due to its commitment to meeting the educationalneeds of the emerging global community by offering teachers, youth leaders, and community organizersways to comprehend and respond to the critical and creative task of educating the world in the 21stcentury.

Thank you once again for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you further

about the contribution I could make to your organization and its constituents.

Sincerely,

Charles Cestari

Having completed a formal interview with this organization, Charles sends out a thankyou note within 24 hours. He sends it via e-mail, as the interviewer has indicated thatthe organization intends to make a decision about his candidacy within a few days.

resume and cover letters-harvard

Documents