When you apply for a job, your cover letter can make a strong first impression. A Harvard cover letter template is one of the most trusted formats for writing professional and polished cover letters. It follows a clean, formal, and easy-to-read structure recommended by Harvard University’s career experts. In this article, we’ll explain how the Harvard cover letter template works, what to include, and how to write one step-by-step.
1. What Is a Harvard Cover Letter Template?
A Harvard cover letter template is a professional letter format created by Harvard University’s Office of Career Services. It helps job seekers write clear, structured, and impactful cover letters. The template focuses on:
- A professional greeting and layout
- A strong opening paragraph
- A body that connects your skills with the job requirements
- A confident closing paragraph
The goal is to show employers why you are the best candidate while keeping the tone formal and respectful.
2. Why Use the Harvard Cover Letter Template?
Here are the main benefits of using the Harvard cover letter format:
- ✅ Professional design: The format looks clean and well-organized.
- ✅ Easy to customize: You can adjust it for any job or industry.
- ✅ Employer-approved style: It follows academic and corporate standards.
- ✅ Focuses on impact: It encourages applicants to highlight results and achievements.
Employers appreciate letters that are short, direct, and easy to read — all qualities the Harvard template supports.
3. Structure of the Harvard Cover Letter Template
A Harvard-style cover letter usually includes three key paragraphs and a formal header.
a. Header
Your header should include your name, address, phone number, email, and date. Below that, include the employer’s name, job title, company name, and address.
Example:
John Smith 123 Main Street Boston, MA 02115 john.smith@email.com March 2, 2025 Ms. Laura Johnson Hiring Manager ABC Company 456 Business Ave New York, NY 10001
b. Opening Paragraph
Start with a strong introduction. Mention the job you’re applying for, where you found it, and why it interests you. Add a brief sentence about your qualifications.
Example:
I am writing to apply for the Marketing Assistant position at ABC Company, as advertised on your website. With a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Harvard University and hands-on experience in digital campaigns, I am confident in my ability to support your team’s goals.
c. Middle Paragraph(s)
This section highlights your skills, experiences, and achievements. Use real examples to show how your background fits the job. Focus on what you can bring to the company.
Example:
During my internship at XYZ Media, I managed social media campaigns that increased brand engagement by 30%. I developed strong teamwork and communication skills by working with diverse creative teams.
d. Closing Paragraph
End with confidence. Thank the employer and express your interest in an interview.
Example:
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to ABC Company’s marketing success. I look forward to the chance to discuss how my experience aligns with your goals.
4. Writing Tips for a Harvard-Style Cover Letter
Follow these helpful writing tips to make your cover letter stand out:
- Keep it short — one page is enough.
- Use a professional font like Times New Roman or Arial (size 11 or 12).
- Customize each letter for the job and company.
- Show enthusiasm — employers love positive energy.
- Avoid generic phrases like “I am a hard worker.” Use examples instead.
- Proofread carefully to fix grammar and spelling mistakes.
A well-edited and tailored cover letter shows effort and professionalism.
5. Sample Harvard Cover Letter Format
Here’s a sample outline based on the Harvard template:
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP] [Email Address] [Date] [Employer’s Name] [Job Title] [Company Name] [Company Address] Dear [Mr./Ms. Last Name], Opening paragraph: State the position you are applying for and how you heard about it. Include a sentence showing your interest and qualification. Middle paragraph: Highlight your relevant experiences and achievements. Explain how your skills match the job requirements. Provide one or two strong examples. Closing paragraph: Express appreciation and enthusiasm for the role. End with a call to action such as requesting an interview. Sincerely, [Your Full Name]
This simple structure is powerful because it helps you organize your thoughts while keeping the tone professional and persuasive.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a great format won’t help if you make these common mistakes:
- ❌ Writing a generic letter for every job
- ❌ Making it too long or wordy
- ❌ Forgetting to mention the company’s name or job title
- ❌ Using unprofessional email addresses
- ❌ Failing to proofread for grammar or punctuation errors
Avoiding these errors can improve your chances of getting an interview.
7. Final Thoughts
Using the Harvard cover letter template can help you create a letter that is professional, clear, and impressive. It gives your job application a polished touch that stands out in a competitive job market. Whether you are a student, graduate, or professional, following this format can improve your communication and show employers that you take your career seriously.
A well-crafted Harvard-style cover letter tells your story in a way that feels confident and genuine — exactly what hiring managers want to see.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use the Harvard cover letter format for any job?
Yes, the Harvard template is flexible and can be used for any job or industry. You just need to customize the content for each position.
Q2: How long should my Harvard-style cover letter be?
It should be one page — around 3 to 4 paragraphs or 250–400 words.
Q3: Do I need to include my address in the header?
Yes, including your contact details at the top is part of the formal format.
Q4: Can I email the cover letter instead of printing it?
Yes, you can send it as a PDF attachment or paste it in the email body. Just make sure the formatting stays professional.
Q5: Is the Harvard cover letter template free?
Yes, Harvard University provides this format freely through its Office of Career Services website.
