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Pursuing a career in academia or targeting opportunities at top-tier institutions? Then, the Harvard CV template will help you present your achievements with clarity and impact.
In this guide, I’ll take you through the unique structure of the Harvard CV, offering focused tips and examples to help you create a document that truly reflects your academic and professional excellence.
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We created the sample on the right using our builder. See other good CV examples like this one.
James Edward Matthews
Phone: 079 2314 8821
Email: james.matthews@email.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/james-e-matthews
Website: www.jamesmatthewsportfolio.com
Personal statement
Recent graduate in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from the University of Oxford with strong academic grounding in public policy, international development, and economic theory. Passionate about applying economic and political analysis to real-world policy challenges. My undergraduate research explored the impact of universal basic income on labour incentives. Looking to begin a career in economic consultancy or policy research.
Education
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
University of Oxford
October 2020–June 2023
A-Levels
St Peter’s College, Winchester
September 2018–June 2020
A* Economics, A* Mathematics, A* History, A English Literature.
Awarded Head Teacher’s Commendation for academic excellence.
Research interests
Professional experience
Policy Intern
Resolution Foundation, London
July 2022–September 2022
Research Assistant (Part-time)
Blavatnik School of Government, Oxford
November 2021–April 2022
Publications
Matthews, J. (2023). “Universal Basic Income and the Labour Supply Decision: An Undergraduate Analysis.” Oxford Undergraduate Economics Review, 17(2), 45–58.
Conferences and presentations
Presenter at the Oxford Undergraduate Policy Symposium, 2023
Topic: “UBI and Employment Incentives: A New Perspective”
Panellist at the PPE Society Student Panel, 2022
Topic: “Future of Work and Automation: Political and Economic Implications”
Technical skills
Soft skills
Languages
Awards and scholarships
Extracurricular activities
Vice-President
Oxford PPE Society
October 2021–June 2023
Volunteer Mentor
IntoUniversity, Oxford
September 2020–May 2023
Dr. Rachel Eleanor Griffiths
Phone: 077 9831 5540
Email: rachel.griffiths@email.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-rachel-griffiths
Website: www.rachelegriffiths.com
Personal statement
Senior economist with over 12 years of experience in public policy research, consultancy, and academic teaching. Holds a PhD in Public Policy from the London School of Economics, specialising in welfare reform, tax systems, and labour market dynamics. Led multidisciplinary research teams and delivered evidence-based policy recommendations to government bodies and international institutions. Committed to using economic insights to shape more equitable and effective public policies.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Policy
London School of Economics
October 2010–June 2014
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
University College London (UCL)
September 2008–July 2010
Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Economics
University of Bristol
September 2005–June 2008
Research interests
Professional experience
Senior Policy Advisor
Department for Work and Pensions, London
January 2019–Present
Principal Economist
Institute for Government, London
August 2014–December 2018
Teaching Fellow (Part-time)
LSE Department of Government
October 2015–June 2020
Publications
Conferences and presentations
Keynote Speaker at the UK Social Policy Summit, 2023
Topic: “Modern Welfare Design in a Changing Economy”
Presenter at the OECD Policy Forum, Paris, 2021
Topic: “Bridging the Employment Gap Through Tax Reform”
Guest Lecturer at the University of Manchester, 2020–2022
Topic: “Labour Market Transitions and Welfare Incentives”
Technical skills
Soft skills
Languages
Awards and scholarships
Extracurricular activities
Mentor
Women in Economics Network
2018–Present
Board Member
Centre for Social Policy Research
2021–Present
Want to study additional CV examples? See the list below:
A Harvard CV is an academic document showcasing your intellectual achievements, research, and key qualifications. The Harvard CV template is used for academic or research opportunities and leadership roles in specialised industries. It emphasises your scholarly contributions and accomplishments.
Unlike a typical CV, a Harvard CV format delves into your scholarly contributions, showcasing your ability to push boundaries in your field. It should reflect both intellectual excellence and practical expertise, covering not only what you’ve achieved but also how you’ve shaped and engaged with the academic and professional communities.
Expert’s advice: If you’re applying for a job in the private sector, a classic CV will serve you better. Read this guide: How to write a CV
What sets you apart from other strong candidates? Is it your published research, your ability to lead collaborative projects, or the unique perspective you bring to your field? A Harvard CV is your opportunity to answer that question.
Here’s how to create the document that hopefully opens doors to your next exciting opportunity:
It all starts with the proper CV formatting. A sharp, well-organised CV speaks volumes before a single word is read. Think of it as designing a research presentation—you want clarity, structure, and an engaging layout. Plus, the way your Harvard CV is formatted helps the reader quickly grasp your strengths.
Here’s a bunch of tested formatting tips to outline your Harvard-style CV correctly:
Following these tips will cover a key part of preparing your Harvard CV format. A well-structured document highlights your most important achievements and demonstrates your ability to organise and present complex information—a skill valued in all academic roles.
Place your contact information at the top of your Harvard CV so that employers or collaborators can easily reach you. Use a clean, professional format and include only essential details. Here’s an example inspired by the Harvard CV template:
Harvard CV template—header example
Dr. Emily Charlotte Turner
Phone: 078 7442 7331
Email: emily.turner@email.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/emily-turner
Website: www.emilyturnerresearch.com
When you’re preparing a Harvard-style CV header, stick to these rules:
This format keeps your contact details clear and professional while making it easy for employers to find the information they need at a glance.
Think of your personal statement as the abstract of your CV. It’s a brief overview of your background, goals, and academic focus. It should highlight what motivates you and where you are headed, without listing every detail.
In your Harvard CV summary, clearly state who you are, what you’ve achieved so far, and what you want to do next. Avoid generic, ready-made academic personal statements you find online. Instead, craft a personalised summary that highlights your unique contributions and ambitions.
These tips will help you write a tailored CV summary:
Harvard CV template—personal statement example
PhD in Economics from the University of Cambridge with expertise in economic policy analysis, public finance, and the intersection of data analytics and policy implementation. My research focuses on designing evidence-based policies to address socio-economic challenges, with a particular interest in labour markets, income inequality, and fiscal reform. With a strong publication record and extensive experience in both academic and policy-driven environments, I aim to contribute to impactful research and consultancy roles in economics and public policy.
Keep this section short: ideally 4–6 sentences. Use it to set the tone for your Harvard CV. It should provide a brief overview that you will elaborate on in more detail throughout the rest of the document.
A strong CV summary will convince the recruiter you’re the perfect candidate. Save time and choose a ready-made personal statement written by career experts and adjust it to your needs in the LiveCareer CV builder.
Your education section is more than just a list of degrees. Put forward the foundations you’ve built to become an expert in your field. List your qualifications in reverse-chronological order and highlight key achievements or areas of focus at each stage.
In the education section of your Harvard CV, include key details such as:
Harvard CV template—education section example
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Economics
University of Cambridge
October 2019–September 2024
Master of Science (MSc) in Public Economics
London School of Economics
September 2017–July 2019
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE)
University of Oxford
September 2014–June 2017
After filling out this section of your Harvard CV, ask yourself: Does it clearly show your commitment to academic excellence? Consider adding relevant coursework, academic awards, study-abroad experiences, or additional research projects that demonstrate your dedication and expertise in your field.
Your professional and academic roles demonstrate how you’ve applied your skills and knowledge. Whether through research breakthroughs, innovative projects, or team collaborations, these roles highlight the impact you’ve made and the value you’ve added.
When describing your roles:
Harvard-style CV template—work experience section example
Research Fellow
University of Cambridge, Faculty of Economics
October 2020–Present
Economics Consultant
OECD, Paris
July 2019–December 2019
Public Policy Intern
HM Treasury, London
June 2018–August 2018
This example is an excellent representation of how to structure a work experience section in your Harvard CV to highlight your contributions and impact. Each role is clearly outlined with a timeline and institution, and the descriptions focus on achievements rather than just duties.
Now it’s time to showcase the technical tools, methodologies, and skills behind your achievements. The skills section of a CV is the perfect place for this.
For example: If you’ve mastered a programming language, illustrate how you used it to analyse data or create research models. If you’ve honed exceptional communication skills, show how they enabled you to present findings at international conferences or collaborate effectively on interdisciplinary projects.
Include:
Organise your skills into categories to make them easier to scan. This ensures the reader quickly sees how you match their requirements.
Harvard style CV—skills example
Technical skills
Soft skills
You can separate technical skills and soft skills to create a clear distinction between your technical expertise and personal attributes, ensuring both are effectively highlighted.
Your Harvard-style CV can go beyond the basics to showcase the breadth of your experience and achievements. Consider adding tailored sections, as they can provide the reader with a more comprehensive understanding of who you are.
I recommend that you include:
Harvard CV template—additional sections example
Publications
Conferences and presentations
Keynote Speaker, 2024 European Economics Conference, Brussels, Belgium
Presentation: Automation, Labour Markets, and Inclusive Growth in the 21st Century
Presenter, 2023 International Fiscal Policy Forum, London, UK
Presentation: Progressive Taxation and Wage Inequality: Designing Equitable Fiscal Systems
Panel Member, 2022 Cambridge Policy and Economics Forum, Cambridge, UK
Topic: Technological Innovation and Public Policy: Challenges for Policymakers
These sections provide essential context, showing your engagement both inside and outside your field. They demonstrate that you are a well-rounded candidate who combines technical expertise with active engagement, leadership skills, and strategic thinking.
A polished CV is more than the sum of its parts. Here’s how to make sure your Harvard CV leaves the best impression:
You don’t have to be a CV writing expert. In the LiveCareer CV builder you’ll find ready-made content for every industry and position, which you can then add with a single click.
If you want to see more sample CVs, check these guides:
Our editorial team has reviewed this article for compliance with LiveCareer’s editorial guidelines. It’s to ensure that our expert advice and recommendations are consistent across all our career guides and align with current CV and cover letter writing standards and trends. We’re trusted by over 10 million job seekers, supporting them on their way to finding their dream job. Each article is preceded by research and scrutiny to ensure our content responds to current market trends and demand.
About the author
Marta is a certified career expert with a marketing edge, offering strategic guidance to job seekers at every stage. She creates standout CVs and cover letters that help them land opportunities with confidence.
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