How to Write a CV/Resume: Tips from Harvard University

Recruiters scan resumes very quickly, so your CV should be concise and easy to scan. Think of it as a 20-second summary of your profile.

A strong resume includes:

Specific wording instead of generic phrases

Action verbs and an active tone

Fact-based bullet points with numbers, results, and impact

A clear structure that is easy to skim


Common mistakes:

Spelling and grammar errors

Missing phone number or email

Listing only responsibilities without results

Messy formatting that’s hard to read

Being too long with no clear prioritization


What to avoid:

Using I / We

Long narrative text instead of bullet points

Photos, age, or gender

References


I’ve attached an example of a strong resume. I also recommend reviewing the detailed guidance from Harvard University here.