Harvard template cover letter
The Harvard template for cover letters offers a straightforward and professional format to help you stand out in a competitive job market. The structure highlights your qualifications clearly while showing your enthusiasm for the position. Focus on demonstrating how your skills align with the employer’s needs, rather than listing accomplishments without context.
Begin your letter by addressing the hiring manager by name, if possible. A personalized greeting adds a human touch and demonstrates effort. Follow this with a concise introduction that explains why you are applying for the job and what excites you about the opportunity. Keep it focused on the company and the position to show genuine interest.
In the body of your letter, link your relevant experiences to the skills the employer values. Use examples to illustrate how your previous work directly relates to the responsibilities of the position. This provides context to your qualifications, helping the employer see the real-world applications of your abilities.
Conclude your letter by reiterating your enthusiasm for the role and expressing your eagerness to discuss your qualifications in greater detail. Finish with a polite closing that invites the employer to contact you for further discussion, and always ensure your contact details are clear.
Harvard Template Cover Letter Guide
Follow these steps to structure your Harvard-style cover letter effectively:
- Heading: Include your name, address, phone number, and email at the top. Align them to the left or center, depending on your preference.
- Introduction: Begin with a direct statement of your intention. State the position you are applying for and where you found the listing.
- Body Paragraph 1: Highlight your qualifications, focusing on the skills and experiences that match the job description. Be specific about how your background relates to the position.
- Body Paragraph 2: Explain why you are excited about the company or organization. Show that you understand its mission, values, and goals, and how your vision aligns with them.
- Conclusion: Reaffirm your interest in the position. Politely express your willingness to discuss your application further in an interview. Thank the employer for their consideration.
Keep your tone professional but personable, and focus on making a clear connection between your skills and the job. Use bullet points for any lists of skills or accomplishments to keep it readable. End the letter with a formal closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards.”
Key Components of a Harvard Template Cover Letter
Each section of your Harvard template cover letter serves a distinct purpose in presenting your qualifications. Follow these steps to create a polished, impactful letter.
- Header: Include your name, address, phone number, and email at the top. Align this with the company’s contact information beneath it. This section should be clean and easy to read.
- Greeting: Address the hiring manager by name. If unknown, use a professional greeting like “Dear Hiring Manager.”
- Opening Paragraph: State the position you are applying for and how you learned about it. Express enthusiasm without over-elaboration.
- Middle Paragraphs: Focus on your skills, experience, and how they align with the company’s needs. Provide specific examples of achievements or responsibilities from your resume that demonstrate your capabilities.
- Closing Paragraph: Reaffirm your interest in the position. Politely suggest a meeting or call to discuss your application further. End with appreciation for their time and consideration.
- Sign-Off: Use a formal closing such as “Sincerely,” followed by your name. Make sure to leave space for a handwritten signature if submitting a hard copy.
Be concise and direct, focusing on what you bring to the role. Tailor each section to highlight the value you can add to the company.
Customizing the Header for Harvard’s Style
Begin by aligning your name and contact details in the top-left corner of the header. Use your full name in bold, followed by your address, phone number, and email address on separate lines. For your name, select a large font size–usually 14 to 16 points–and a professional font like Times New Roman or Arial.
Next, add the date, flush right. Keep it to a single line and use the full month name, followed by the day and year (e.g., January 28, 2025). This gives a clean, organized appearance while maintaining formality.
For the recipient’s information, position it below your contact details, aligned to the left. Include their full name, title, company or institution name, and full address. Maintain a simple layout without excessive spacing, allowing for easy reading.
Ensure the overall header looks balanced, with equal margins on both sides. Avoid overcrowding the space with too much information–clarity is key in Harvard’s preferred format.
Presenting Your Skills and Experience Clearly
Focus on being direct and specific about what you bring to the table. Highlight your most relevant achievements, using numbers and clear examples to show the impact you’ve made. Describe situations where your skills led to positive results, and always tie them to the job you’re applying for. For example, mention how your expertise helped a team meet a tight deadline or how your innovation improved a process. This gives hiring managers a concrete understanding of your value.
Tailor Your Experience to the Job
Link your past work to the role you’re pursuing. Research the job description thoroughly, and make sure to address the skills and experiences that match the company’s needs. Avoid general statements and focus on how your unique background fits their specific requirements. This approach proves that you understand the job and have the skills necessary to perform well from day one.
Showcase Key Competencies
While it’s tempting to list every skill you have, keep the focus on those that are most relevant to the position. Concentrate on both hard skills, such as technical expertise, and soft skills like communication or problem-solving. Demonstrate how these skills worked together to accomplish tasks effectively. This combination of competencies is often what sets top candidates apart.
How to Address the Hiring Manager Professionally
Use the hiring manager’s name whenever possible. Address them with the appropriate title–“Mr.” or “Ms.” followed by their last name. If you are unsure about the gender, a safe choice is to use their full name or their professional title, such as “Dear [First Name] [Last Name]” or “Dear [Job Title].” This shows respect and attention to detail.
When the Name Is Unknown
If you cannot find the hiring manager’s name, avoid generic salutations like “To Whom It May Concern.” Instead, use “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear [Company Name] Team” to maintain a formal tone. However, make an effort to research the company’s staff list or LinkedIn for a name–it adds a personal touch and demonstrates initiative.
Addressing Multiple Hiring Managers
If the position involves multiple interviewers, you can address the letter to the “Hiring Committee” or list each person’s name individually. If using multiple names, keep the format professional: “Dear Mr. Smith, Ms. Johnson, and Dr. Brown.”
Final Touches: Formatting and Proofreading Tips
Align your text properly by using a clean, professional font such as Arial or Times New Roman, set at a readable 10-12 point size. Ensure your margins are set to 1 inch on all sides for a polished, consistent appearance.
Pay close attention to spacing. Use single spacing within paragraphs and leave a space between paragraphs for clarity. Align your text to the left, and avoid using justification as it can create awkward spacing.
Review your letter carefully for any spelling or grammatical errors. Make use of tools like grammar checkers or ask a friend to review it, as fresh eyes often spot mistakes you might overlook.
Ensure your tone remains professional and the content stays concise. Avoid lengthy sentences and unnecessary details. Keep your message focused and direct to maintain clarity and professionalism.
Lastly, read your letter out loud to catch any awkward phrasing or flow issues. This simple step can help you spot problems that might not be obvious when reading silently.
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Font | Use Arial or Times New Roman, 10-12 point size |
| Spacing | Single spacing within paragraphs, space between paragraphs |
| Proofreading | Check for spelling and grammatical errors; use tools or get feedback |
| Conciseness | Avoid unnecessary details and ensure clarity |
| Read aloud | Catch flow issues and awkward phrasing |