GSAS: Resumes and Cover Letters
OFFICE OF CAREER SERVICES GSAS: Resumes and Cover Letters GSAS: Graduate Student Information Harvard University • Faculty of Arts and Sciences 54 Dunster Street • Cambridge, MA 02138 Telephone: (617) 495-2595 • Fax: (617) 495-3584 • www.ocs.fas.harvard.edu Resumes and Cover Letters www.ocs.fas.harvard.edu/students/gsas-students.htm Getting Started with Resumes and Cover Letters When should I use a resume, and when should I use a CV? Think about who will be reading your resume. For academic jobs, you use a CV so that people in your field will appreciate the specifics of your research and your accomplishments within your field. If you’re applying for a nonacademic job for which the people doing the hiring will have a background similar to your own—say, a research institute, or a research position in industry—then your academic CV is probably fine to use. However, if you’re applying for positions for which a PhD isn’t necessarily required, or if you can’t count on your reader having enough of a background in your discipline to understand your research, then you’ll likely want to use a resume. What is the difference between a CV and a resume? A resume is typically shorter, 1-2 pages at most, and will dedicate more space to your functional work experience while focusing less on academic awards, conference presentations, and publications. Depending on your intended reader, you will likely go into less detail on the specifics of your research and teaching topics, but rather highlight the transferable skills you developed through this work. I’m planning on applying to several different types of jobs. Will I be expected to write different resumes for each one? Here again, it is important to think about your reader. Let’s say you are receiving a PhD in mechanical engineering, and are applying for jobs in industry, as well as for quantitative positions in investment banks and generalist positions in big consulting firms. You might use a version of your academic CV for industry, though perhaps going into more detail on internships you may have held, as well as any practical applications of your research. The investment banks will be more interested in quantitative analysis skills, so you’d want to be clear how you developed those skills in the course of your research. Consulting firms will be concerned with how you’ve developed leadership and teamwork skills; in that case, you might include less detail about your research experience, but include more information about involvement with student groups, volunteer work, or internships that may have allowed you to develop these skills. A friend of mine who is in business school told me I need to have a one page resume. Is that true? It depends. If you are a doctoral candidate applying for jobs that require a PhD degree, or if you are being recruited because of your PhD, then having a two page resume is fine. However, if you are a master’s degree candidate, or if you will be applying for positions that do not require a PhD, then having a two page resume may send a signal that you’re ―overqualified‖ or otherwise not fitting the mold of a typical candidate for entry to mid-level jobs in business. For BA/BS and MBA candidates, a one page resume is the norm. When in doubt, ask one of the GSAS counselors. Are there formatting guidelines I should keep in mind? Stick to a common font like Times New Roman or Garamond, and avoid text boxes, underlining, or shading. Font size should be between 10 and 12 point, and kept consistent throughout the document. Margins should be equal all the way around the page, and should be at least three quarters of an inch in size. Can someone at OCS review my resume? Yes. Each semester the GSAS counselors hold weekly walk-in hours, as well as two days of special drop-in sessions (typically in September and May) for GSAS students interested in having their CVs or resumes critiqued. Students may also have their resumes reviewed as part of a counseling appointment with a GSAS staff member (to schedule an appointment, visit the OCS website and follow the directions on Crimson Careers or call 617-495-2595). Consider describing your experiences with these “action verbs:” Achievement accelerated accomplished achieved activated attained competed earned effected elicited executed exercised expanded expedited generated improved increased insured marketed mastered obtained produced reduced reorganized reproduced restructured simplified sold solicited streamlined succeeded upgraded Help/Teach advised clarified coached collaborated consulted counseled educated explained facilitated guided helped instructed modeled participated taught trained tutored Administrative arranged channeled charted collated collected coordinated dispensed distributed established executed implemented installed maintained offered ordered outlined performed prepared processed provided purchased recorded rendered served serviced sourced supported Lead/Manage acquired administered approved assigned chaired contracted controlled decided delegated directed enlisted governed handled initiated instilled instituted managed motivated presided recruited retained reviewed selected shaped supervised Communication addressed arbitrated articulated briefed communicated conducted contacted conveyed corresponded delivered demonstrated edited entertained interviewed informed lectured mediated negotiated persuaded presented promoted proposed publicized reported represented responded suggested translated wrote Plan/Organize allocated anticipated arranged catalogued categorized classified collected consolidated convened edited eliminated employed gathered grouped monitored organized planned regulated scheduled structured summarized targeted Creative authored changed conceived constructed created developed devised drafted established formulated founded illustrated influenced introduced invented launched originated revamped revised staged updated visualized Research/Analytical assessed compared critiqued defined derived detected determined discovered evaluated examined explored found inspected interpreted investigated located measured observed predicted rated recommended researched reviewed searched studied surveyed verified Financial allocated analyzed appraised audited balanced budgeted calculated compiled computed controlled disbursed estimated figured financed forecasted projected reconciled tabulated Technical adapted adjusted applied built computed constructed designed diagnosed engineered experimented maintained modified operated prescribed programmed proved reinforced repaired resolved restored solved specified systematized tested Resume Sample 1 GINNIE LU [email protected] 1212 Palm Blvd., #34 54 Dunster Street Los Angeles, CA 90669 Cambridge, MA 02138 (111) 222-3333 (222) 333-4444 _________________________________________________________________________________ EDUCATION Harvard University, Cambridge, MA PhD, History of Science, expected May 2010. GRE: 760V, 710Q Dissertation: Industrial Revolution and Scientific Discovery Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA BA, summa cum laude, History, minor in Mathematics, May 2002. GPA: 3.9/4.0. Captain, Varsity Crew. AWARDS National Science History Research Award, 2007 Harvard University Certificate of Distinction in Teaching Award, 2005 BUSINESS EXPERIENCE Big Consulting Firm, Springfield, IL Participant, Entre to Consulting Program, July 2007 Participated in summer program designed to expose PhD candidates to the field of consulting. Gained valuable exposure to the role of consultants in shaping corporate strategy across industries. RESEARCH EXPERIENCE Harvard University, Cambridge, MA Research Assistant, Department of the History of Science, 2005 - present Collaborated with Professor Big Name to research the Industrial Revolution, and the extinction of indigenous population. Publication forthcoming in Science History Review. TEACHING EXPERIENCE Harvard University, Cambridge, MA Head Teaching Assistant, Department of Science History, 2006 - 2007 Teaching Assistant, Department of Science History, 2002 - 2005 Led team of four teaching assistants and taught section of 20 students for department course: History or Fiction? Taught discussion sections of 10-20 students for department course: Enemies of the Industrial Revolution. Ginnie Lu ∙ (222) 333-4444 ∙ page 2 LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE Harvard University, Cambridge, MA Founder/President, Consulting Club, 2005 - present Founded new student group based on graduate student interest in management consulting. Partnered with team of group leaders to gain formal recognition from the Graduate School, build membership, and design educational programs. Club now receives school funding, has over 200 members on 2 Harvard campuses, and partners with alumni, recruiters, and the Office of Career Services on career-related programming. Serve as point person for recruiters interested in gaining exposure to Harvard graduate students. Manage staffing of club members to pro bono consulting projects working with small businesses and nonprofits in and around the Boston area. Science History Association Conference, Chicago, IL Student Event Chair, 2005 Served as chair for 5-person committee charged with organizing events for 250 students at conference. PUBLICATIONS Lu, G., Doe, J. (2007). When the Industrial Revolution Arrived: Where Did All the Elements Go? Science History Review. (forthcoming). PRESENTATIONS ―Researching Indigenous Populations Made Extinct by the Industrial Revolution.‖ Science History Association Conference, Chicago, IL, December 2005. SKILLS AND INTERESTS Fluent in Mandarin; reading knowledge of Spanish. Proficient in French. Extensive experience with SPSS. Member, Science History Association, 2002 - present Member, Dudley House Dragon Boat Club, Harvard University, 2004 - 2006 Volunteer, Big Sisters Association of Massachusetts, 2000 – 2002 Winnie is interested in a generalist position with a large management consulting firm that recruits PhDs from Harvard. This firm has indicated that they are open to receiving two page resumes or CVs, and are looking for indication of strong academic achievement. Such companies look for the following information, either on their online applications or on the resume: GRE scores and undergraduate GPA Prestigious awards and fellowships (NIH, etc.), as well as patents held Publications in peer reviewed journals, particularly if you are the first author Evidence of ability to work as a member of a team, either through your work or participation in extracurricular activities Examples of leadership experience Demonstration of analytical/quantitative ability Resume Sample 2 GINNIE LU 54 Dunster Street • Cambridge, MA 02138 • [email protected] • (222) 333-4444 education HARVARD UNIVERSITY CAMBRIDGE, MA PhD, History of Science, expected May 2010. Participant, Business Management Study Group. Member, Dudley House Dragon Boat Club. Recipient, National History Research Award, 2007. GRE: 760V, 710Q MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY CAMBRIDGE, MA BA, summa cum laude, Galactic History, minor in Economics, May 2002. GPA: 3.9/4.0. Captain, Varsity Crew business experience BIG CONSULTING FIRM SPRINGFIELD, IL Participant, Entre to Consulting Program, Summer 2009 ● Participated in summer program designed to expose PhD candidates to the field of consulting. ● Gained valuable exposure to the role of consultants in shaping corporate strategy across industries. research experience HARVARD UNIVERSITY CAMBRIDGE, MA Research Assistant, Museum of Science History, 2007 – 2008 ● Collaborated as a team member between Harvard and MIT History departments’ efforts to found museum if its kind, funded by the Hanley Foundation. Research Assistant, Department of History, 2005 – 2006 ● Partnered with Professor Big Name to research the indigenous populations made extinct by the Industrial Revolution. ● Publication forthcoming in Science History Review. teaching experience HARVARD UNIVERSITY CAMBRIDGE, MA Head Teaching Assistant, Department of History, 2006 – 2007 Teaching Assistant, Department of History, 2002 – 2005 ● Led team of four teaching assistants and taught section of 20 students for department course: History or Fiction? Received Harvard History of Science Teaching Award. ● Taught discussion sections of 10-20 students for department courses: Rebels and Enemies of the Industrial Revolution: Misunderstood, or Freedom Fighter for Rural Survival? leadership experience HARVARD UNIVERSITY CAMBRIDGE, MA Founder/President, Consulting Club, 2005 – present Founded new student group based on growing graduate student interest in the field of management consulting. ● Collaborated with team of group leaders to gain formal recognition from the Graduate School, build membership, and design educational programs. Club now receives school funding, has over 200 members on two Harvard campuses, and partners with alumni, recruiters, and the Office of Career Services on career-related programming. ● Serve as point person for recruiters interested in gaining exposure to Harvard graduate students. ● Manage staffing of club members to pro bono consulting projects working with small businesses and nonprofits in and around the Boston area. HISTORY ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE CHICAGO, IL Student Event Chair, 2005 ● Served as chair for 5-person team charged with organizing events for 250 students at this national conference that attracts both students and scholars from around the world. skills Fluent in Mandarin; reading knowledge of Spanish. Proficient in French. Extensive experience with SPSS. Interests Have traveled widely through Europe, Latin America, and India. This version is based on the Harvard Business School format, suitable for consulting, banking, and general business use. Resume Sample 3 ELLEN R. JOSEPH 3400 West Chester Blvd., Apt. 109 • Los Angeles, CA 90669 • [email protected] • (813) 566-4321 EDUCATION Columbia University, New York, NY PhD, Neuroscience, May 2010. Recipient: Pre-Doctoral National Research Service Award, National Institutes of Health; Department of Neuroscience Emerging Faculty Award. GRE: 740V, 790Q Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH BS, magna cum laude, Biology, 1998. Phi Beta Kappa. GPA: 3.8/4.0 RESEARCH EXPERIENCE University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA Postdoctoral Fellow, 2006 – present Investigated neural mechanisms of song learning in zebra finches, a model for language development in humans Acquired and analyzed complex behavioral, electrophysiological, molecular, and cell structural data over three developmental stages of song-learning in birds Recipient: Post-doctoral National Research Service Award, National Institutes of Health, 2006 – present Columbia University, New York, NY Graduate Researcher, 1999 – 2006 Investigated developmental changes in neural communication underlying a simple reflex in Aplysia, a model system for learning in more complex animals Adapted electrophysiological techniques, traditionally used with large adult neurons, for use in recording from juvenile neurons (100 times smaller) Characterized developmental changes in synaptic transmission during emergence of reflex modulation Biosure Corporation, San Diego, CA Assistant Scientist, Summers 1996, 1997 Optimized enzyme production necessary for synthesis of a B-Lactam antibiotic Increased yield of a yeast enzyme by 25% and a bacterial enzyme by 15% on small scale Developed method for mass production and harvest of enzymes LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE Columbia Graduate Women in Science (CGWS), Columbia University, New York, NY Co-Founder and President, 2004 – 2006 Organized and led student representatives from 25 natural science departments to promote issues of concern to women scientists at Columbia Managed 3 public symposia featuring nationally-renowned women scientists TEACHING and TRAINING EXPERIENCE University of California, Los Angeles, CA Written and Oral Communication Advisor, Department of Psychology, 2006 – 2007 Advised graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty on scientific writing Led workshops critiquing writing and oral presentations. Edited grant proposals and articles Resulted in 30% greater acceptance rate for journal articles and 25% more grants awarded Columbia College, New York, NY Head Teaching Assistant, Teaching Assistant, Cellular Basis of Behavior, 2001 – 2003 Teaching Assistant, Neurobiology, 1997 As Head Teaching Assistant for biology course (250 undergraduates), managed coordination of lesson plans for 9 teaching assistants in collaboration with professor. Taught section of 25 students Ellen R. Joseph, (813) 566-4321, page 2 SELECTED PUBLICATIONS Joseph, E.R. and Shen, Y.X. (2007). Two-stage, input-specific synaptic maturation in a nucleus essential for vocal production in the zebra finch. Journal of Neuroscience. 22:9107-9116. Joseph, E.R. and Schmidt, T.J. (2006). Developmental dissociation of serotonin-induced spike broadening and synaptic facilitation in Aplysia sensory neurons. Journal of Neuroscience. 21:334-346. Joseph, E.R., Chang, A.R., Kline, N.J., and Schmidt, T.J. (2005). Pharmacological and kinetic characterization of two functional classes of serotonergic modulation in Aplysia sensory neurons. Journal of Neurophysiology. 78:855-866. [Note: You may choose to include select articles that were published in prestigious, peer-reviewed journals, for which you were first author. You can also simply include a line: “List of publications available upon request.” You may also wish to include, under a separate heading, a section for patents held.] Ellen Joseph’s academic and industry CVs are shown in the OCS guide, CVs and Cover Letters. Here, we have adapted her resume for jobs beyond the bench, such as management consulting or other business positions. For fields like science policy or patent law, the industry CV may be more appropriate. Resume Sample 4 SUZANNE M. LILLY ____________________________________________________________________________________ 103 Commonwealth Avenue ∙ Boston, MA 02122 ∙ (617) 555-1234 ∙ [email protected] EDUCATION Harvard University, Cambridge, MA Ph.D., Biology, expected 2011 Dissertation on the dynamics of Eskimo hunting in a multi-prey system. Use mathematical models and multivariate statistical techniques to examine causes of variation in harvest levels of wildlife populations University of British Columbia, Canada M.Sc., Zoology, 2005 Thesis on population dynamics of marmots University of Victoria, Canada B.Sc., Biology (Honors), 2003 EXPERIENCE STATISTICAL CONSULTANT, Martilla & Kiley, Boston, MA, April – May 2005 Recommended statistical techniques for analysis of political polls for this political consulting firm. TEACHING FELLOW, Harvard University, Biology Department, 2006 DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH, Baffin Region Inuit Association, Northwest Territories, Canada, 2003 – 2004 Designed and managed first successful survey of wildlife harvest levels in the Northwest Territories. Raised over $1M to fund project. Through public meetings, persuaded 99% of Eskimo hunters in eastern Arctic to participate in survey. Managed budget and designed accounting system. Hired and supervised staff of 20. Statistically analyzed three-million-piece dataset using custom support programs. PROJECT MANAGER, Consultant to Northwest Territories Wildlife Service, Canada, 2002 – 2003 Assessed impact of construction of major highway on wildlife populations. First in N.W.T. to implement a statistical model to estimate numbers of moose not observed during aerial surveys. WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST, Northwest Territories Wildlife Service, Canada, 2001 – 2002 Conducted research on population dynamics of polar bears, caribou, seals, and falcons. Authored reports with recommendations to management. SKILLS Analytical: Completed coursework in accounting, computer programming, and statistics. Developed system for predicting point spread in National Football League games. Scored in top 1% in quantitative section of GRE Languages: Fluent in Spanish and French; knowledge of Latin and Inukitut (Eskimo) Communication: Published papers in scientific journals (list available upon request); authored successful funding proposals; former political analyst for CBC radio Suzanne is seeking a position as a quantitative analyst in an investment bank. As such, she makes her research understandable to the layperson while also emphasizing her experience with statistical modeling. In addition, she is careful to highlight her transferable supervisory and management skills by emphasizing her job titles and including a separate Skills section. A version of this resume originally appeared in Building a Job Search Toolkit: Writing a Resume, Office of Career Services, Harvard University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, 2003. Resume Sample 5 LIAM MIGUEL GUTIERREZ 123 Pleasant Street • Cambridge, MA 02138 • (617) 491-0000 • [email protected] EDUCATION Harvard University, Cambridge, MA PhD, Music Composition, June 2011. Dissertation: String Quartet No. 1 New England Conservatory of Music, Boston, MA MM, with honors, 2004. BM, 2002. MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE NuClassix, Inc., Boston, MA COFOUNDER AND PRESIDENT, 2002-present Founded, with partner, this nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation that launches the careers of gifted composers. Managed transformation of company from an ad hoc group of composers to a growing public service corporation through the creation and implementation of a multi-board organizational structure. Directed successful fundraising efforts generating over $100,000. Liam Gutierrez Quartet, Boston, MA FOUNDER AND MANAGER, 2002-2004 Small music performance business specializing in corporate trade events. Conceived and conducted all marketing, contracting, and client relations for a four-piece jazz band. Developed successful marketing strategy based on product differentiation (high level jazz and swing performance) and specific market focus. VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE Ronan Park Neighbors Association, Dorchester, MA VOLUNTEER, 2005-present Collaborated with and advised start-up management team for this early stage community group dedicated to improving area living conditions. Wrote grant proposal that resulted in $5000 reward. TEACHING EXPERIENCE Harvard University, Cambridge, MA LECTURER, DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC, 2010-present TEACHING FELLOW, DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC, 2004-2010 Awarded Oscar Schafer Scholarship in recognition of “an extensive and outstanding contribution to the teaching of music.” MUSIC PERFORMANCE AND PRODUCTION Experienced jazz pianist. Composed and met deadlines for 15 new works over six years, performed throughout New England and New York. Numerous awards for creative work. Liam is seeking a position in a nonprofit arts organization in either fundraising or marketing. He highlights his most relevant transferable skills by including separate sections for his entrepreneurial and volunteer experiences. A version of this resume originally appeared in Outside the Ivory Tower, Office of Career Services, Harvard University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, 1993. Resume Sample 6 CHARLES CESTARI [email protected] 10 Mt. Auburn Street #3 Cambridge, MA 02122 (617) 555-1234 123 O Street NW Washington, DC 20057 EDUCATION Harvard University, Cambridge, MA AM, East Asian Studies, expected 2011 Thesis on the role of traditional religious ceremonies in modern culture AB, Social Studies, 2009 Served on Social Studies Curriculum Review Board Harvard National Scholar (awarded to top 5% of entering class) EXPERIENCE LET’S GO, INC., Managing Editor, Cambridge, MA, 2007 – 2009 Completed final edit of over 2,400 pages of text, including Let’s Go Europe, the world’s best-selling travel guide Recruited, hired, and managed a staff of eight editors and 30 researcher/writers Served as researcher/writer in Japan in summer of 2003, researching, writing and editing chapters of first edition of Let’s Go Japan WORLDTEACH, HARVARD INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, Assistant to Director, 2007 – 2009 Assisted with recruitment, placement, and training of volunteers in WorldTeach’s China Program. Researched and prepared current news articles and social information for two 50-page educational readers HARVARD MODEL CONGRESS EUROPE, Executive Assistant, 2008 – 2009 HMCE provides talented secondary school students from around the world the opportunity to learn about the US government and international institutions through role-playing Worked in team of 15 to plan and conduct a simulation of the US Congress for European students HARVARD INTERNATIONAL REVIEW, Special Features Editor, Cambridge, MA, 2005 – 2007 Executive Board Position; researched, solicited authors, and edited approximately one-fifth of magazine. Directly supervised three to five research assistants. Authored piece on Asian financial markets and book reviews on international relations theory CITY OF CAMBRIDGE, Assistant Registrar, Cambridge, MA, 2005 – 2006 Registered local residents and led registration and nonpartisan voter education campaigns SKILLS & INTERESTS Travel: Japan, China, Korea, France, India. Spent early childhood in Italy Languages: Fluent in Italian; proficient in spoken and written Japanese Charles will be applying to international organizations that make use of his language skills and multicultural experience. Since he came into his master’s degree program directly from college, his experience section includes relevant activities in which he was involved as an undergraduate. A version of this resume originally appeared in Building a Job Search Toolkit: Writing a Resume, Office of Career Services, Harvard University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, 2003. Cover Letter Template Your Name Street Address City, State Zip Code Note that in an e-mail message, you would omit both your and the addressee’s contact information, as well as the date. Simply start with the salutation. Month Day, Year Contact Name Title (if known) Organization Name Street Address City, State Zip Code Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name: Opening paragraph: Clearly state why you are writing. If applying for a job, indicate the position title and where you saw it advertised. If you were referred to the position from someone within the organization, or by someone the addressee knows, mention that as well. Middle paragraph(s): You should have one or two paragraphs that elaborate on how you have developed the relevant skills required for the job, and any relevant experiences or education you have acquired. Of equal importance is your argument for how your interest in both the job and the organization developed—you need to make a coherent argument for why it was a logical decision on your part to apply for the position, and why it would be a logical decision on their part to hire you. Closing paragraph: Indicate that your resume is enclosed, if a hard copy letter, or follows or is attached if you are sending it via e-mail. Express interest in speaking with the addressee further in a personal interview, and indicate that you will follow up within an appropriate time frame. Thank them for their time and consideration of your application. Sincerely, (signature, if a hard copy letter) Name (typed) Enclosure (if not sent via e-mail) If sending your resume via e-mail to someone you do not know, do not assume that they will be able to open any attachments; many companies have policies against it in an attempt to halt the proliferation of viruses. Instead, include a “plain text” version of your resume (all left justified, no bold, italics, bullets or other graphics, or tabs) immediately after your letter in the body of your e-mail message. Follow up with a “nice” version of your resume via snail mail. Sample Cover Letter GINNIE LU [email protected] 1212 Palm Blvd., #34 Los Angeles, CA 90669 (111) 222-3333 September 21, 2011 John Smith Management Consulting, Inc. 123 Boylston Street Boston, MA 00000 Dear Mr. Smith: 54 Dunster Street Cambridge, MA 02138 (222) 333-4444 Winnie is applying online to a global consulting firm that recruits Harvard students, but expects cover letters and resumes to be uploaded to its Web site. As such, she uses a formal business letter format, and indicates her preferred offices. For companies that recruit Harvard students, including those who use Crimson Compass to take in resumes, it is not necessary for her to say he will follow up with the recruiter the way she might with companies she finds on her own. However, she does indicate that she has spoken to a consultant and expresses interest in continuing the conversation about opportunities within the firm. Kamina Jackson suggested I apply for the associate position with Management Consulting, Inc. when I recently spoke with her at your information session at the Charles Hotel for Harvard University students. Please accept this letter and enclosed resume as an application for the position of consultant with Management Consulting, Inc. Based on my research of your firm and my qualifications, I am confident you will agree that I am a good match for your organization. I will complete my PhD in the History of Science in May 2012 and look forward to the possibility of joining Management Consulting, Inc. My interest in a business career is long standing and coupled with strong research, analytical, communication, leadership, and teamwork skills. I believe I will be able to deliver value to Management Consulting, Inc. and your clients. While I interviewed with a number of consulting firms for internships during my junior year, as an undergraduate at MIT, I ultimately chose to hone my research and analytical skills and explore my passion for Galactic History. I feel it is time to return to the business world. I have kept up my interest and knowledge of the industry through the business press, as well as by participating in the Business Management Study Group, a joint venture between Harvard Business School faculty and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences that exposes PhD candidates to business principles and the case method of study. In addition, I founded and am currently president of the graduate student Consulting Club at Harvard. This experience led to my participation in Big Consulting Firm’s Entre to Consulting Program, which solidified my interest in entering the field upon completion of my PhD. The feedback I received from the consultants at the firm with regard to both my analytical abilities and teamwork skills was very positive, and I am convinced I can make a significant contribution to your firm and its clients. I look forward to speaking to you about the possibility of my joining your team at Management Consulting, Inc. I am most interested in working in your offices in Boston or Los Angeles as through my research I have discovered that many of the firms you serve fit best with my area of expertise. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Ginnie Lu Enclosure: resume Sample Request for Informational Interview This e-mail message is not designed to accompany a resume as a job application, but rather to request an informational interview to learn more about the field of investment banking. As such, Suzanne is careful to avoid asking for a job, or for anything other than the chance to listen and ask questions about the alumna’s experience making the transition from academe to Wall Street. Dear Ms. Ramos: I found your name through Harvard’s Crimson Compass database, and saw that you completed your PhD in Applied Math before beginning your work as a quantitative analyst. I will be completing my PhD in Biology next summer and am interested in learning more about how I might use my quantitative and analytical skills in investment banking. Banking is a career option that I have been reading and thinking about for some time. While I do not have specific work experience in finance, I am an avid reader of the Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times and have spoken to a few former members of my department about their own decisions to leave academe and use their skill sets in the private sector. Working as a quantitative analyst appeals to me because I feel it would allow me to continue to use and develop my mathematical modeling and statistics skills, while indulging my fascination for the business world. I will be in New York the week of October 9, and would greatly appreciate the chance to speak with you about your experience at Wall Street Bank. If this time frame is not convenient for you, I am happy to arrange a time to speak on the phone. Thank you very much for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Suzanne Lilly Sample Thank You Letter Having completed a formal interview with this organization, Charles sends out a thank you note within 24 hours. He sends it via e-mail, as the interviewer has indicated that the organization intends to make a decision about his candidacy within a few days. Dear Ms. Funahashi: Thank you very much for taking the time to meet with me yesterday morning about employment opportunities with Global Education Associates. I am even more enthusiastic about the work that you do now that I have had the chance to learn more about it. As we discussed, my experience at WorldTeach and my extensive international travel has instilled in me the desire to foster educational opportunities worldwide, and to promote cross-cultural understanding of educational methods and adapt them as appropriate in developing countries. I am particularly interested in the Educating for Global Citizenship Program due to its commitment to meeting the educational needs of the emerging global community by offering teachers, youth leaders, and community organizers ways to comprehend and respond to the critical and creative task of educating the world in the 21st century. Thank you once again for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you further about the contribution I could make to your organization and its constituents. Sincerely, Charles Cestari
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