Harvard business cover letter template
To make your cover letter stand out, focus on a clear, concise format that highlights your skills and experiences relevant to the job you’re applying for. A successful Harvard Business cover letter should demonstrate your ability to solve problems, contribute to a team, and drive success in a business environment.
Start with a strong opening paragraph that grabs attention. Directly address the hiring manager by name, if possible, and briefly explain why you’re interested in the position. Mention how your background aligns with the company’s goals and mission, showing that you’ve done your research.
In the body of your letter, provide specific examples of your achievements. Showcase your leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills with concrete instances where you made a measurable impact. Avoid generic statements; instead, emphasize the value you bring with detailed experiences.
Close with a confident and professional conclusion. Reaffirm your interest in the role and express your eagerness to discuss how your qualifications align with the company’s needs. End by thanking the reader for their time and consideration, and provide your contact information for follow-up.
Harvard Business Cover Letter Template
When crafting a Harvard Business cover letter, focus on clarity and precision. Highlight key experiences that align with the company’s mission and the role you’re applying for. Tailor your letter to demonstrate your unique qualifications while keeping the tone professional and engaging.
Begin by addressing the recipient personally, using their name if possible. In the first paragraph, briefly explain the position you’re applying for and why you’re interested in it. Then, focus on how your past experiences and skills make you a strong fit for the role.
In the body of your letter, highlight two or three major accomplishments or experiences that directly relate to the job. Use specific examples to show how you can add value to the organization. This is where you want to emphasize your achievements rather than listing your responsibilities.
End your cover letter by expressing enthusiasm for the role and your interest in discussing your qualifications further. Thank the reader for their time and consideration, and mention that you are available for an interview at their convenience.
| Section | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Opening Paragraph | State the position and your interest. Personalize with specific reasons related to the company. |
| Body Paragraphs | Present key accomplishments, demonstrating how your skills meet the job requirements. |
| Closing Paragraph | Express interest in an interview, and thank the reader for their time. Mention availability. |
How to Structure Your Harvard Business Cover Letter
Begin with a strong opening that directly mentions the position you’re applying for and why you’re interested in it. Keep the tone professional yet enthusiastic, showing that you have done your research on the company.
- Opening Paragraph: State the specific role and your enthusiasm for the opportunity. Mention a particular reason why you’re drawn to Harvard Business School or the position, such as a shared value or a recent initiative they’ve undertaken.
In the second paragraph, highlight your qualifications and experiences that make you a strong candidate for the role. Be specific and focus on what sets you apart. Don’t simply repeat your resume–expand on key achievements or skills with concrete examples.
- Middle Paragraph: Focus on a few relevant experiences that show you possess the skills the role requires. Avoid general statements and provide measurable results or success stories that demonstrate your ability to contribute.
Conclude with a call to action, showing interest in an interview. Reaffirm your enthusiasm for the role and express your hope to discuss how you can contribute to their goals. Keep the tone confident, but avoid overpromising.
- Closing Paragraph: Mention your availability for an interview and express your gratitude for their time and consideration. Sign off with a professional closing statement.
Highlighting Relevant Skills and Experiences with Precision
Showcase your skills by aligning them with the job requirements. Identify key qualifications from the job posting and match them with your experiences. Use specific examples that demonstrate your competence and achievements. For instance, instead of stating you “improved processes,” mention how you “increased team efficiency by 20% by introducing a new project management tool.” This approach provides clarity and highlights the tangible impact of your actions.
Focus on outcomes. Employers value results that can be quantified. If you managed a team, include figures like the size of the team or the percentage of growth in team performance under your leadership. If you handled budgets, mention exact figures or cost savings. Concrete data makes your contribution measurable and credible.
Incorporate key industry terms and tools. Demonstrating familiarity with relevant software, methodologies, or frameworks specific to the role shows you understand the technical aspects of the job. If you have experience with tools like Salesforce, Python, or Agile, list them where applicable to strengthen your application.
Tailor your examples to the job’s core competencies. For example, if the role requires strong communication skills, focus on experiences where you led presentations, collaborated with diverse teams, or handled customer relations. Specific stories make your skills relatable and demonstrate real-world applications.
Lastly, keep your language precise. Avoid general terms or clichés. Instead of saying you’re a “great problem-solver,” mention a time you solved a complex issue or overcame a significant challenge, and explain the steps you took to reach a solution.
Demonstrating Knowledge of the Company and Its Goals
Showcase your understanding of the company’s mission and objectives by referring to recent initiatives, projects, or news that align with your experience. Mention specific products, services, or innovations that resonate with your skills. Tailor your examples to highlight how your contributions can advance these goals. This makes your interest in the company more genuine and well-informed.
Research the Company’s Current Focus
Read up on recent developments through the company’s website, press releases, and annual reports. Highlight key goals, such as expansion into new markets, sustainability efforts, or technological advancements. If the company has been making strides in a particular area, connect your experience to that area to demonstrate your alignment with their mission.
Align Your Experience with Their Objectives
Link your achievements directly to the company’s focus areas. For example, if the company is prioritizing sustainability, mention how your past work in reducing costs or improving energy efficiency will help meet those targets. Show how you can actively contribute to their goals by applying your expertise in a way that drives progress.
End with a strong statement reaffirming your enthusiasm to contribute to the company’s success by leveraging your knowledge of its goals and values.
Tailoring Your Cover Letter to the Job Role and Requirements
Focus directly on the job description and align your skills and experiences with the company’s needs. Carefully read the qualifications and responsibilities outlined in the job post and pinpoint where your background matches. Mention specific achievements and outcomes from your previous roles that reflect the job requirements. This shows you’re not just qualified, but the right fit for this specific position.
Use the company’s language. If the job description uses specific terms or keywords, incorporate them into your letter, showing you’ve done your research. Highlight how your experience directly supports these key areas. Don’t overuse buzzwords, but demonstrate how your experience mirrors the exact needs of the role.
Highlight relevant skills with examples. Rather than listing general skills, focus on how those skills contributed to real-world successes. Quantify your achievements where possible–mention metrics, project outcomes, or any accolades that prove your value in similar roles.
Show enthusiasm and understanding of the company’s goals. Connect your personal goals and values with the company’s mission and culture. Briefly mention why you’re excited about the role and the company, and how you envision contributing to its objectives.
Tailoring your cover letter means making it clear that you are the best choice for the specific role. By directly addressing the job’s needs, using the company’s language, and offering concrete examples, you ensure your application stands out.
Finishing Strong: Creating a Memorable Call to Action
Conclude your cover letter with a clear and compelling call to action. Make it easy for the reader to envision the next steps by directly inviting them to take action. Use language that reflects enthusiasm, while remaining respectful and professional. Focus on creating an opportunity for further conversation rather than making a generic statement. A strong call to action sparks interest and leaves a lasting impression.
Be Specific and Confident
Instead of a vague “I look forward to hearing from you,” say something like, “I would love to discuss how my experience can contribute to your team’s goals in an interview.” Directly express your desire to connect. Ensure the reader understands you’re eager, prepared, and confident in your ability to add value to their organization.
Show Initiative
Don’t wait for the employer to take the first step. Offer to follow up within a specific timeframe. For example, “I will follow up next week to see if we can schedule a time to meet.” This shows that you are proactive and genuinely interested in advancing the conversation. End on a note that keeps the door open for future engagement.