CAREER GUIDE

The Harvard CV Format: How to Write a Resume That Wins Interviews

Feb 13, 2026 | 6 min read

Stop designing your CV on Canva. If you are applying for serious jobs, recruiters don’t want to see colorful graphics, photos, or star ratings. They want data. The “Harvard Format” is the global standard for professional resumes. It is clean, boring, and highly effective.

What is the Harvard CV Format?

It is a minimalist style used by Harvard University students to get jobs at top companies like Google, UN, and Goldman Sachs. It focuses 100% on content and 0% on decoration.

The 3 Golden Rules

1️⃣ No Columns

Never use two columns (sidebar). The ATS software reads from left to right. Columns confuse the robot and can get your CV rejected instantly.

2️⃣ No Photos

Unless you are a model or actor, remove your photo. In the US, UK, and Canada, photos are illegal on CVs due to discrimination laws. Keep it professional.

3️⃣ Black & White Only

Do not use blue headers or red fonts. Use black text on a white background. Use “Times New Roman” or “Arial” font, size 10-12.

Structure of a Winning CV

Your CV should follow this exact order:

Header: Name, Phone, Email, LinkedIn (No Address).
Education: University name, Degree, and Graduation Year.
Professional Experience: Use bullet points starting with Action Verbs (e.g., “Managed,” “Created,” “Improved”).
Skills: Languages and Technical Skills only (No soft skills like “Hard worker”).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Rating your skills: Do not put “English: 5/5 stars” or progress bars. Just say “Fluent.”

Personal Details: Remove your Age, Religion, Marital Status, and Tribe. These are not professional.

Do: Quantify your results. Example: “Increased sales by 20% in 6 months.”

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