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Resume and Cover Letter Samples and Templates

Do you need to  write a resume and cover letter  to apply for a job or internship? When you're applying for jobs, it's helpful to review examples of student resumes and cover letters to get ideas for both the formatting and the content of your job search materials. Using a template to create your own personalized resumes and letters can give a professional-looking structure to your job application documents.

How to Use Samples and Templates

Designing a document from scratch can be time-consuming and difficult. Along with helping with your layout, written examples can help you see what kind of content you should include in your document. They can also give you ideas on the type of language you want to use. For example, a sample resume might show you the kind of  action words  you should include in your resume.

A template helps you with the layout of your document. Templates also show you what elements you need to include. For example, a resume template will show you some possible  sections you might include in your resume .

As a starting point for your documents, it’s a good idea to spend some time reviewing a few examples and templates.

You might use the same design elements as the sample, or order your information in the same way. However, you should always be flexible. You can change any of the elements of the sample to fit your own needs.

Don’t expect to make your document look exactly the same as an example or template. For example, if an example resume lacks a  skills section,  but you want to include one, you should definitely do so. Your documents should fit your individual work history and the requirements of the job for which you are applying. Take the time to  match your qualifications to the job , and customize the applications for every job you apply to.

Find sample resumes, cover letters, CVs, and their corresponding templates below, as well as examples of all sorts of employment-related correspondence, from application and networking letters to thank- you notes.

Resume Examples and Templates

When it comes to writing a resume, one size does not fit all. The template you should use depends upon factors including your industry, your level of experience, and whether you are considering a career change. Reviewing these resume examples and templates will give you a better idea of which format would work most effectively for you.

Resume Examples Review example resumes, including chronological, functional, targeted, and other types of resumes. Perusing samples will help you determine which format to choose for your own resume.

Resume Templates Here are resume templates to use as a starting point for creating your resume. Add your information to the template, then edit it to personalize it for each position you apply for.

Cover Letter Examples and Templates

Cover letters are just as important a part of your job application materials as your resume. They provide your first, critical impression upon an employer, and thus they should be letter-perfect and convey an appropriate and engaging “tone.” Keep in mind that if your cover letter is hastily and sloppily written, a hiring manager may not bother to even look at your resume.

Cover Letter Examples See example cover letters for a variety of occupations and employment situations. These samples can be customized to create your own letters to include with your application materials.

Email Cover Letters Email cover letter samples for jobs including formatted email cover letter messages, subject lines, and email cover letter formats and templates to use to apply for jobs.

Letter Templates Review letter templates for applying for jobs, including cover letter templates, resignation letter templates, thank-you letter templates, and other job search-related letter templates.

Resumes and Cover Letters for Students

Just because you are a student with minimal “real world” work experience doesn’t mean that you can’t impress an employer enough to offer you an interview. Have a look at these links to see how to showcase your education, internships, and extracurricular experiences in such a way that employers will sit up and take notice.

Samples for Students As a student or recent graduate, you will have some special circumstances that you’ll want to highlight in your resume and cover letters for jobs and internships. It’s helpful to see how to make those hours of volunteer work and casual jobs relate to career-world experience. Browse sample resumes, cover letters, and reference letters especially for high school students, college students, and recent graduates seeking employment.

Curriculum Vitae Examples and Templates

Curriculum vitae are structured much differently than standard resumes. The resumes submitted for most industries are qualifications-based – they emphasize the skills one can bring to an employer. CVs, however, are more credential-based, providing detailed listings of one’s education and training, publications, presentations, and professional memberships.

Curriculum Vitae (CV) Examples CVs are used in the United States when applying for international,  academic , medical, or research positions, and when seeking fellowships or grants. A curriculum vitae includes your name, contact information, education, skills, and experience. A CV also includes all research and teaching experience, publications, awards, grants and fellowships, and professional associations and licenses.

Job Application Samples

Many employers – especially those who solicit online applications – have their own requirements for job seekers. Here is more information about how to structure job application letters and how to answer the information fields on job applications forms.

Job Application Letters Get tips on how to write job application letters, plus job application letter samples, examples, and templates to use to write application letters to send with a resume when applying for jobs.

Sample Job Applications These sample jobs applications will give you an idea of the information you will need to complete when you fill out an application for employment.

More Employment Letters and Email Message Examples

Career searches don’t simply involve writing a resume and cover letter. You should also be prepared to write persuasive networking letters, strategic follow-up letters following an interview, and professional thank-you letters.

Follow-Up Letter Samples Follow-up letters to send after an interview, and to follow up on a resume or a job application you have submitted.

Job Search Email Messages Sample job search email messages including cover letters, thank-you letters, resignation letters, and other sample formatted email messages. Also, review job search email etiquette.

Sample Networking Letters Sample job search networking letters including referral letters, letters of introduction, and networking outreach letters.

Reference Letter Samples Sample reference and recommendation letters, letter samples for character references, a letter asking for a reference, and a reference letter template.

Resignation Letter Samples Sample resignation letters include a basic letter to say you are leaving, plus formal resignation letter samples thanking your employer.

Thank-You Letter Samples Thank-you letters for job interviews and career assistance, including how to write a thank-you letter, who to thank, how to send your thank-you letters, and sample thank-you letters.

More Job Letter Samples Do you need to reject a job offer or accept one? How about withdrawing your application for the position or making a counter offer? Here are a variety of employment-related letters you can edit to fit your circumstances. 

Key Takeaways

ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL: Review multiple resume examples and templates to determine which format is going to be the most appropriate for someone in your career field and with your level of experience.

MAKE IT PERSONAL: While resume templates are invaluable in providing a ready-made format, you need to personalize each section with your own information, changing the wording to reflect your own circumstances and tone of voice. Don’t simply copy-and-paste a resume template into a job application.

TAILOR YOUR RESUME AND COVER LETTER FOR EACH APPLICATION: Although it is time-consuming, ideally you should revise and target your resume and cover letter to each job you apply for, closely matching the information you provide to the “minimum qualifications” listed on the job announcement. 

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Harvard College Resumes & Cover Letter Guide

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A resume is a concise, informative summary of your abilities, education, and experience. It should highlight your strongest assets and skills, and differentiate you from other candidates seeking similar positions.