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How to Write a Cover Letter

Article written by Amy Gallo for  Harvard Business Review

No one likes job hunting. Scouring through online job listings,  spiffing up your résumé ,  prepping for grueling interviews  — none of it is fun. For many, the most challenging part of the process is writing an effective cover letter. There’s so much conflicting advice out there, it’s hard to know where to start. Do you even need one, especially if you’re applying through an online system?

What the Experts Say

The answer is almost always yes. Sure, there will be times when you’re submitting an application online and you may not be able to include one, but whenever possible, send one, says Jodi Glickman, a communications expert and author of  Great on the Job . “It’s your best chance of getting the attention of the HR person or hiring manager and an important opportunity to distinguish yourself from everyone else.” And in a tight job market, setting yourself apart is critical, says John Lees, a UK-based career strategist and author of  Knockout CV . Still, as anyone who’s ever written a cover letter knows, it’s not easy to do well. Here are some tips to help.

Do your research first.

Before you start writing, find out more about the company and the specific job you want. Of course, you should carefully read the job description, but also peruse the company’s website, its executives’ Twitter feeds, and employee profiles on LinkedIn. This research will help you customize your cover letter, since you shouldn’t send a generic one. It’ll also help you decide on the right tone. “Think about the  culture of the organization  you’re applying to,” advises Glickman. “If it’s a creative agency, like a design shop, you might take more risks, but if it’s a more conservative organization, like a bank, you may hold back.”

If at all possible, reach out to the hiring manager or someone else you know at the company before writing your cover letter, advises Lees. You can send an email or a LinkedIn message “asking a smart question about the job.” That way you can start your letter by referencing the interaction. You might say, “Thanks for the helpful conversation last week” or “I recently spoke to so-and-so at your company.” Of course, it’s not always possible to contact someone — or you may not get a response. That’s OK. It’s still worth a try.

Focus it on the future.

While your résumé is meant to be a look back at your experience and where you’ve been, the cover letter should focus on the future and what you want to do, says Glickman. “It can be helpful to think of it as the bridge between the past and the future that explains what you hope to do next and why.” Because of the pandemic there is less of an expectation that you’ll be applying for a job that you’ve done before. “There are millions of people who are making career changes — voluntarily or involuntarily — and need to pivot and rethink how their skill set relates to a different role or industry,” says Glickman. You can use your cover letter to explain the shift you’re making, perhaps from hospitality to marketing, for example. Think of it as an opportunity to  sell your transferable skills .

Open strong.

“People typically write themselves into the letter with ‘I’m applying for X job that I saw in Y place.’ That’s a waste,” says Lees. Instead,  lead with a strong opening sentence . “Start with the punch line — why this job is exciting to you and what you bring to the table,” says Glickman. For example, you might write, “I’m an environmental fundraising professional with more than 15 years of experience looking for an opportunity to apply my skills in new ways, and I’d love to bring my expertise and enthusiasm to your growing development team.” Then you can include a sentence or two about your background and your relevant experience, but don’t rehash your résumé.

Chances are the hiring manager or recruiter is reading a stack of these, so you want to catch their attention. But don’t try to be funny. “Humor can often fall flat or sound self-regarding,” says Lees. Stay away from common platitudes, too. “Say something direct and dynamic, such as ‘Let me draw your attention to two reasons why I’d be a great addition to your team.'”

If you have a personal connection with the company or someone who works there, also mention it in the first sentence or two. And always address your letter to someone directly. “With social media, it’s often possible to find the name of a hiring manager,” says Glickman.

Emphasize your personal value.

Hiring managers are looking for people who can help them solve problems. Drawing on the research you did earlier, show that you know what the company does and some of the challenges it faces. These don’t need to be specific but you might mention how the industry has been affected by the pandemic. For example, you might write, “A lot of health care companies are overwhelmed with the need to provide high-quality care while protecting the health and safety of their staff.” Then talk about how your experience has equipped you to meet those needs; perhaps explain how you solved a similar problem in the past or share a relevant accomplishment. You want to provide evidence of the things that set you apart.

Lees points out that there are two skills that are relevant to almost any job right now: adaptability and the ability to learn quickly. If you have brief examples that demonstrate these skills, include those. For example, if you supported your team in the shift to remote work, describe how you did that and what capabilities you drew on.

Convey enthusiasm.

“When you don’t get hired, it’s usually not because of a lack of skills,” says Glickman. “It’s because people didn’t believe your story, that you wanted the job, or that you knew what you were getting into.” Hiring managers are going to go with the candidate who has made it seem like this is their dream job. So  make it clear why you want the position . “Enthusiasm conveys personality,” Lees adds. He suggests writing something like “I’d love to work for your company. Who wouldn’t? You’re the industry leader, setting standards that others only follow.” Don’t bother applying if you’re not excited about some aspect of the company or role.

Watch the tone.

At the same time, don’t go overboard with the flattery or say anything you don’t mean. Authenticity is crucial. “Even if you’ve been out of work for months, and would take any job at this point, you want to  avoid sounding desperate ,” says Lees. You don’t want your tone to undermine your message, so be professional and mature. A good rule of thumb is to put yourself in the shoes of the hiring manager and think about “the kind of language that the hiring manager would use with one of the company’s customers.” Of course, it can be hard to discern your own tone in writing, so you may need to ask someone to review a draft (which is always a good idea anyway — see advice below). Lees says that he often cuts outs “anything that sounds like desperation” when he’s reviewing letters for clients.

Keep it short. 

Much of the advice out there says to keep it under a page. But both Glickman and Lees say even shorter is better. “Most cover letters I see are too long,” says Lees. “It should be brief enough that someone can read it at a glance.” You do have to cover a lot of ground — but you should do it succinctly. This is where asking a friend, former colleague, or mentor to review your letter can be helpful. Ask them to read through it and point out places where you can cut.

Get feedback.

In fact, it’s a great idea to share your cover letter with a few people, says Lees. Rather than sending it off and asking, “What do you think?” be specific about the kind of feedback you want. In particular, request two things. First, ask your friend if it’s clear what your main point is. What’s the story you’re telling? Are they able to summarize it? Second, ask them what’s wrong with the letter. “Other people are more attuned to desperation, overselling, over-modesty, and underselling,” says Lees, and they should be able to point out places where the tone is off.

When you can’t submit a cover letter. 

Many companies now use online application systems that don’t allow for a cover letter. You may be able to figure out how to include one in the same document as your résumé, but that’s not a guarantee, especially because some systems only allow for data to be entered into specific boxes. In these cases, use the format you’re given to demonstrate your ability to do the job and your enthusiasm for the role. If possible, you may try to find someone to whom you can  send a brief follow-up email  highlighting a few key points about your application.

Principles to Remember

• Have a strong opening statement that makes clear why you want the job and what you bring to the table.
• Be succinct — a hiring manager should be able to read your letter at a glance.
• Share an accomplishment that shows you can address the challenges the employer is facing.
• Try to be funny — too often it falls flat.
• Send a generic cover letter — customize each one for the specific job.
• Go overboard with flattery — be professional and mature.

Create Résumés and Cover Letters

Résumés and cover letters provide a critical first impression to potential employers and often are the only information an employer has to assess how qualified you are for a position and why you are interested in the position and company. Employers commonly spend 30 to 60 seconds reviewing each résumé/cover letter before making a decision, so having flawless and well-written materials can increase your chances of being invited to an interview.  

Review our training videos, sample documents and tips below for résumés, cover letters, references, and CV’s and make a career advising appointment to get feedback .  

• Résumé Tips + Samples
• Cover Letter Tips
• Reference Tips
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) Tips
• Sample Undergraduate Résumés
• Sample Master’s Résumés
• Refer to our Resume Writing Guide  and short video tutorial on Writing Résumés to ensure you are following standard résumé writing practices.
• Do not include any false or misleading information on your résumé.
• Check for typos! Many employers will immediately disqualify a candidate who does not proofread. Have a trusted person review for errors.
• Tailor your résumé to the job. Include information about your skills, experiences and education that is relevant to the position.
• Use action verbs to begin your experience descriptions (bullet points). Do not use the phrases, “responsible for” or “duties include.”  Learn more about How to Write an Effective Bullet Point .
• Demonstrate your accomplishments and use numbers when applicable . For example, explain how you improved a process, how much money you saved, or how many students you tutored.  
• Avoid using acronyms , unless they are specifically defined. Do not use highly technical jargon. If possible, have an industry professional critique your résumé.
• Do not include personal information (such as age, gender, marital status), photographs, or references on the résumé. References are provided to employers on a separate document if they are requested.
• Do not include information about high school unless you are a college freshman, if your experiences or accomplishments are highly relevant to the role or if your high school has a strong alumni network.

Your cover letter is an opportunity to show the employer  HOW your skills, experiences, and education make you the perfect candidate for the position, WHY  you are interested in that role and organization and is a SAMPLE of  your written communication abilities

• Review our video tutorial on Writing Effective Cover Letters and our Cover Letter Packet to learn structure and content basics.
• A cover letter should not exceed 1 page (typically 3-4 paragraphs).
• Use the same font and style as your résumé for consistency.
• Do not send the same cover letter for every position . Tailor the content of your letter to the position, otherwise the employer will be able to tell it’s a generic letter.
• Do not simply repeat the information on your résumé in the cover letter. The cover letter should connect your experiences and skills to the needs of the position or organization.  
• Get your cover letter reviewed by an Economics Career Advisor to make sure you are marketing your skills and experiences in a compelling way!
• Review The Right (and Wrong) Way to Ask Someone to be a Reference to learn basic resume etiquette.
• Create your references list , which typically includes 3 individuals who can positively speak about your professional or academic accomplishments – supervisors, colleagues, and professors who know you well are a good starting point.

Curriculum Vitae’s (CV’s) are typically only used in academia or when applying to Master’s or PhD-level graduate programs.  Some companies utilize the term CV interchangeably with a résumé, but they usually are looking for more of a standard résumé format.

• View our guide to writing a CV
• Review the   “Credentials” section on Graduate School website

Next steps: Find Internships or Jobs

Now that you have a flawless résumé and cover letter, time to start finding and applying for opportunities!

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Application process

Cover letters, introduction.

Many employers will ask you to submit a cover letter to provide complementary information in support of your application. This cover letter is your chance to express more directly and personally why you are interested in the role and the skills you bring.

You can highlight and expand on particular elements from your CV – work experience, academic experience or extra-curricular activities – and provide further detailed evidence of specific skills and motivation. You can show your personality and writing ability and, importantly, your enthusiasm and knowledge about the role and organisation you’re applying to. Your cover letter offers you the opportunity to ensure you stand out and will help move you one step closer to that interview invitation.

Preparing to write your cover letter

Put yourself in the employer's shoes.

An effective cover letter will always start with the employer’s needs in mind. Don’t just write down all the key achievements and the academic successes that you think set you apart – and of which you’re particularly proud. An effective cover letter will be framed around what the employer wants (and needs) to see and learn, rather than what you want to tell them.

Research the employer carefully

Before you start writing, thoroughly research the employer and think carefully about why you want to work for them. 

As you go through this process, ask yourself why you’d be a good match for the organisation and the kind of evidence you could use to back up your claim that would be likely to resonate with them.

Explore their website – making sure you go beyond the career pages, even if there’s a lot of useful information there too.

Read up about them in the press, in industry blogs – know what’s going on in their sector.

Make contact with current or former employees . 

Ask to speak to the hiring manager or HR to get more information about the role and what they’re looking for.  

Build a picture of what they value in their employees, get extra insight into current work priorities to help you write a stronger and more focused pitch in your letter.

Analyse the person and job specification

Familiarise yourself with any person specification and job description you’ve been given. Think about the key skills needed and which examples you can draw on from your past experience that show you have used these skills effectively. We would expect to see evidence that you meet all the core criteria across both CV and cover letter, but the cover letter itself should highlight and develop three or four core skills – or those where you are able to provide the most convincing and relevant examples and evidence.   

When you don’t have a detailed job description, or you’re making a speculative application , it’s particularly important to do some more detailed research to ensure your application is as strong as possible.

Structuring your cover letter

There are of course different ways you can structure a cover letter; whatever approach you decide to take, it’s important that your letter is personal, targeted and authentic. Steer clear of using any cover letter templates or proformas. Employers can easily spot these. A useful starting point – particularly if you are new to the business of cover letters – is to use the approach we outline below.

Begin by mentioning the role you’re applying for and where you saw it advertised. Next, you want to catch the reader’s attention. We’re looking for a hook, something specific about you that immediately relates to the role or organisation and will resonate with the recruiter – perhaps an element of your experience you know will interest them because of what you uncovered during your research. 

It’s important not to just repeat information that they can see on the CV – you should always be using the cover letter to add something extra – not just the fact that you are studying for a particular degree at the London School of Economics, but the reason you chose that course of study, or your particular area of specialisation or focus.

Start by articulating your motivation and enthusiasm. In other words, provide very specific reasons why you want to work in this sector, for this employer, in this role. Again, your prior research will put you in a strong position. What points stood out from what you learned, what recent work have they done, what sets them apart from their competitors? Why does this resonate with you? How do the points you make relate to your earlier experiences?  

Be careful of simply repeating what is written on their website or copying out lines of text you’ve read online. The employer wants to know why the facts you include interest you. Don’t just mention how interested you are that they’ve opened an office in X country in a particular location without explaining why and how that’s of interest to  you . Perhaps you speak the language, have lived there, have some regional expertise or have noticed that investment in this location distinguishes them from their competitors. Don’t just tell the employer what they already know about themselves, explain why it connects to you.

The next one or two paragraphs are focused on showing the employer that your skills, competencies and experiences match their role. We would generally recommend that you choose three or four key skills they have listed in the person specification and provide evidence of how you’ve demonstrated them in the past. The employer wants to see detailed examples setting out precisely and clearly what you did.  

It can be helpful to link back to the job description, illustrating how these skills will help you deliver and perform in their role. For example, if the person specification mentions effective stakeholder management, you might choose to refer to your time managing clients and donors at a corporate client’s charity during your marketing internship, and detail your specific involvement, how you worked with them and secured their cooperation. You could then set out how you would be able to draw on this experience to contribute to the new position.

Finish up your letter with a short paragraph, reiterating your enthusiasm for the role and if requested, your availability for any interview. This section does not need to be longer than a few lines and should avoid anything generic. Rather than ‘it would be a privilege to work for you and I believe I have the necessary skills and abilities for the job’ , confirm your interest with reference to something very specific and perhaps summarise some concrete points you have made in the letter to create a unique and convincing conclusion.

Strike the right tone

One of the reasons employers ask for a cover letter is to see an example of your written communication. Expressing yourself succinctly (usually no more than one page) and clearly is important. Writing clearly means avoiding complicated clauses, overly lengthy sentences and abbreviations. Writing professionally means avoiding any slang or colloquialisms (eg, undergrad instead of undergraduate).

There are of course cultural norms that you need to respect; as well as international differences, we also see that individual organisations adopt a communication style that can be more or less formal; seeking to match that can make sense. 

Positive framing

Frame your experiences positively. Don’t use negative language to talk about skills gaps you’re concerned about (eg. lacking, unfortunately, don’t); use the positive to explain how you can build or develop the skill. It’s a fine balance though, so don’t overdo the positive descriptive language (overjoyed, honoured, love, adore) - it’s much more powerful and convincing to give specifc reasons why you would love to work somewhere/for someone than to say it would be an honour to do so. 

Use active language

Write in a simple, direct style and keep your language active rather than passive.

• Avoid using too many general, imprecise descriptive words e.g, various, some, many, lots, several. Beware of clichés and buzzwords.

Where you can, quantify your achievements with results: if you met a target give the numbers; if you raised money say how much.

Look out for qualifiers such as ‘I feel that’, ‘I believe I could’. You need to sound confident.

Target, target and target some more

The more targeted and tailored your letter, the more likely it is to grab the attention of the recruiter. Tailoring authentically takes time so think about quality over quantity – four well written letters will put you in a stronger position than eight generic ones.  

Try swapping out one employer’s name for another in your cover letter. If it still makes sense, then you either need to do some more research to identify more specific points, or reconsider how you are expressing your thoughts.

Follow the employer’s instructions

Make sure you read carefully what the employer is looking for. Have they simply asked for ‘a cover letter’, or have they suggested specific points they want you to include? Have they asked you to describe how you meet all criteria for the role? Have they specified a particular length or word count?

Avoid writing out the CV

Your cover letter is much more than a prose version of your CV so don’t simply detail all your experience and expect the employer to sift through and establish what’s important. Think about the three or four areas you want them to know about; your CV can cover the rest. Remember, the cover letter also needs to address your motivation and enthusiasm for the role and organisation; it’s not just about you.

Keep it to a page

You might feel as though you have a lot to say, but brevity is greatly appreciated by employers! Try to stick to one page, unless the employer requests otherwise, and don’t use a font that’s too small to read easily, or make your margins very narrow in order to squeeze more into the page.

Get the layout and format right

Presentation is important. Remember to use business letter format and the same font as your CV.

Think about your language

Is your language professional, positive, in the active voice and specific? Does the reader get a sense of your achievements, impact and enthusiasm? Always proofread to check for any language or grammatical errors.

Always give evidence

Remember to back up claims with specific examples that demonstrate how and when you've used your skills and experience.

Related pages

Watch our latest session on how to write cover letters, find different cover letter examples on prospects, book a one-to-one appointment to get feedback on your cover letter.

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Cover letter for economics internship (5 samples)

As a BetterHelp affiliate, we may receive compensation from BetterHelp if you purchase products or services through the links provided.

The Optimistminds editorial team is made up of psychologists, psychiatrists and mental health professionals. Each article is written by a team member with exposure to and experience in the subject matter.  The article then gets reviewed by a more senior editorial member. This is someone with extensive knowledge of the subject matter and highly cited published material.

This article will show samples of “cover letters for economics internships.”

Samples of cover letters for an economics internship

When writing a cover letter as an intern here are some of the things to include in the letter:

• Mention your fresh knowledge. Use your recent learning experiences to your advantage; an employer might be more willing to hire you if they know you can help their business acclimate to new technologies or practices.
• Express your energy and enthusiasm. It shows the potential motivation you will bring to a job as a fresh college graduate.
• Check your grammar and proofread your letter. It is a way of showing employers your ability to write comprehensive, error-free messages.
• The first step is addressing the employer with a formal salutation. For example, “Dear/Hello (name of the recipient).” If you do not know the name of the recipient, you can refer to them as the hiring manager.
• The next step is to state the position you are applying for and how you found the opening. 
• Make a brief statement about why you’re interested in the position.
• Since you are a recent graduate, it would help to emphasize your college coursework, internships and other experiences that show your employability.
• Ensure your qualifications are similar to the job position. 
• Conclude your letter with a forward-looking statement. For example, “I look forward to discussing the position further.”

Your Address

Your Contact details (phone and email)

Mrs Mary Stevens

Hiring Manager

ABC Company

15 South Parkway

Long Island, NY 11551

Dear Mrs Stevens

As a senior at the University of XYZ pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business with a major in Finance and a minor in Economics, I am enthusiastically seeking an internship in which I can learn as much as possible while making a real contribution.

My academic and previous internship experience have greatly increased both my knowledge and passion for financial markets and economics and I am very serious about my future career in business within a major corporation. I am eager to further develop my skills through a challenging internship experience. Your company has an excellent reputation for its innovation, expertise and its commitment to developing people.

I approach all my work with discipline and focus as shown by my excellent academic performance. My professors and previous employers have commended me for my strong analytical and communication skills. I am highly motivated and enjoy the challenge of demanding assignments.

In addition I can offer advanced computer skills including familiarity with a number of programming languages. I am confident that the combination of my strong work ethic, interpersonal skills and enthusiasm will make me an asset in any capacity in which you are willing to place me.

I welcome the opportunity to discuss further how I would make a substantial contribution to your company as an intern and I look forward to meeting with you in the near future at a mutually convenient time.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

James Intern

“POSITION: Analyst

Dear sir/madam,

I am writing to apply for the position of Research Analyst at The Economist Group. I recently completed a Master of Science degree in Economics from the ABC in the United Kingdom. During my time as a graduate student, I developed a particular interest in econometrics as well as international economics. To work as a research analyst at the Economist Group would provide an excellent opportunity for me to utilize my econometric and analytical skills.

Graduate courses at the ABC such as econometrics (advanced track) provided me with valuable tools for conducting in-depth research. I learnt how to gather relevant data for projects, check it’s accuracy and make sure that it’s clean before progressing to perform econometric analysis. My econometrics and dissertation projects are further evidence of my strong data handing ability. Through these projects I also learnt how to write clear and concise reports. Upon graduation, my interest in international economics led me to obtain an internship in the Trade Policy Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat in London where I worked on immigration and trade related data of the United Kingdom. Since then, I have been working as a research assistant for Prof. X of the Economics department at the ABC.

Further details regarding my key competencies are given in the CV I attach herewith. I would welcome the opportunity to explain more about the skills and experience I can bring to this position. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future regarding my application.”

“POSITION: intern

Currently, I am in my second year studying for a degree in Accounting and Financial Management. I am extremely keen to succeed in the application for the Student Economist Placement role at Capital Economics. I heard about the placement opportunity through the Placements Vacancy Bulletin, advertised by the ********************

One of the key reasons for applying to Capital Economics is the opportunity to work for a company that believes strongly in providing original and insightful research to institutional and corporate clients across the globe, ranging from on the US to Asia. The Wolfson Prize won by Capital Economics, in 2012 inspires me to work at the company as I have the opportunity to learn directly from experienced and highly skilled economists. The analysis of financial markets, commodities and the consumer and property sectors, makes Capital Economics such a dynamic company to work for. I am applying to Capital Economics because I want to be part of a leading macroeconomic research company that actively works on issues which are on the forefront of modern economics. My ultimate ambition is to pursue a career as an economist in the company.

Being a member of the Keynes Society at Eton College, I have actively participated in debates such as, ‘The Future of the UK Economy’; these discussions have strengthened my interest in economic affairs. The small-knit yet global nature of Capital Economics would allow me to make a noticeable contribution alongside developing my economic knowledge in a challenging environment. I particularly enjoy retrieving data for analysis, having had an experience of creating queries and reports in my Business Information Management module, which I am keen to develop in the Student Economist Placement. Through my role in Enactus, I have worked closely with businesses, as mentioned in my CV, which has helped me become flexible to constant changes, such as the fluctuations in their popularity based on the analysis of their social media accounts; I enjoy working in a constantly changing environment and therefore, I believe that I will successfully perform in the Student Economist Placement.

I am a diligent individual with a deep interest in economics, which I am excited to explore during my placement at Capital Economics. I believe the skills learnt during my work experiences, positions of responsibility, and most importantly my enthusiasm to learn, would enable me to perform well in the role. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours Sincerely”

“Subject: Liz Lerner – Economics Intern Position

Dear Mr. Peters,

It was with much interest that I read your posting on the ABC College job board inviting applications for an economics internship at Brand Solutions Inc.

As an honors student in marketing, I have successfully completed upper-division coursework in marketing management, print and online advertising, social media management, and data analysis, which have provided me with a firm understanding of rising market strategies and technologies.

This coursework included on-site practicums with Boyd Brothers LLC and Boulevard Bistro, where I helped the owners of these businesses establish their first-ever social media presence on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. This involved setting up their accounts, creating photo and video content, writing posts, launching digital ad campaigns, and tracking user engagement via Google Analytics and Facebook Analytics. I am also well-versed in the use of Adobe Creative Cloud for graphic design and Microsoft Office suite.

Impressed by the press that Brand Solutions Inc. has received in Market Branding Today and on Forbes Online, I am eager for the challenges and opportunities I would experience as your next economic intern. My resume is attached; may we please schedule a personal interview to discuss my qualifications for this role in greater detail? Thank you for your time, consideration, and forthcoming response. 

[email protected]

555-123-4567”

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do you start a cover letter for a medical assistant.

“Dear Hiring Manager, I’m excited to be applying for the Medical Assistant position at Cloud Clearwater. I am a certified AAMA Medical Assistant with more than six years of experience helping patients in a long-term care setting.”

Do you need a cover letter when applying for internships?

No. However, a cover letter is one of the best ways to convey why you are the best candidate for the internship, allowing you to expand on and showcase key skills and experiences.

If you like this blog post, please leave your comments and questions below.

https://www.best-job-interview.com/internship-cover-letters.html

https://www.mindsumo.com/cover-letters/The-Economist/Internship/4051

https://www.mindsumo.com/cover-letters/Capital%20Economics/Internship/7317

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CV, Resume, and Webpage

CV Curriculum Vitae Template  (6/25/23 version) for Harvard Economics Job Market Candidates (in Word using table layout; turn on "view gridlines" to fill it out ) and general information  ( The CV Guide ) on constructing your Curriculum Vitae. Note: The CV template is new for 2023/24 and specific to Harvard economics.

Resume For those applying to any private-sector job, a non-academic resume is your calling card. The Office of Career Services provides excellent help in the form of workshops and Resume and Cover Letter advice and templates. Previous Harvard students give OCS high marks, especially in helping with Resume writing.

Webpage Harvard is discontinuing the creation of Open Scholar pages. Paul Millett will work with every job market student to set up their webpages on Campus Press, the Harvard substitute for Open Scholar. Students with other websites (e.g., GitHub) can then add a line (e.g., "see my personal website") on the Campus Press page to enable access to their materials, including CV, JMP, and other papers.

Advice and Resources for the Job Market  

Compiling Your List

• JOE -  https://www.aeaweb.org/joe/    JOE will be your main resource.
• EJM -  https://econjobmarket.org / EJM will also be important.

Other platforms to search include:

• European Econ Assoc -  https://www.eeassoc.org/
• APPAM -  https://www.appam.org/
• Chronicle of Higher Ed -  https://jobs.chronicle.com/
• American Finance Assoc -  https://afajof.org/
• SSRN -  https://www.ssrn.com/index.cfm/en/
• Royal Ecoonomic Society RES -  https://res.org.uk/
• Academy of Management AOM -  https://aom.org/

Writing Resources

Writing well and effectively are important skills. These resources will help.

• Claudia Goldin, The Ten Most Important Rules of Writing Your Job Market Paper
• Deidre McCloskey, Economical Writing
• William Zinsser, On Writing Well; The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction

Tips and Advice (from Job Market Gurus and Harvard PhDs) and More Job Market Facts

• AEA Job Market Committee 2022 Report: Job Market Openings by Sector 
• American Economic Association, Communications from the Committee on the Job Market . Some recent information on supply and demand (what else?), plus the AEA’s advice to employers.
• Alex Albright, " So You Want to Go on the Job Market ." Reflections, sage advice, and a lot of data from one of our 2022 PhD graduates (and talented holiday party emcee).
• Chris Blattman, Managing the Academic Job Market . Chris Blattman (University of Chicago Harris School) offers some of the best advice we’ve seen. Read it. Some will be more relevant and some less relevant to your specific job search.
• John Cawley, Guide and Job Market Advice (2018-2019 edition). A standard resource in economics.
• Alex Chan, My Experience in the 2022-23 Job Market  Come to the Oct. 17, 2023 placement meeting and hear Alex. 
• Shoshana Vasserman's Job Market Tips  
• Eric Zwick, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Market . Zwick graduated from Harvard in 2014 and is an Associate Professor of Finance at University of Chicago Booth School.
• Anonymous, The Market in the Time of COVID (2021).
• Non-Academic Tips and Advice . Note the advice under “Job search through connections: Who.” You have lots of friends and family – previous Harvard PhDs. If they are working at a place you’d like to be, use them as a resource to find non-academic jobs.

GSAS Resources The  Office of Career Services  offers a wide range of services and resources tailored specifically to the needs of graduate students pursuing positions in academic and non-academic markets.

• PhD Program
• Program Requirements
• Job Market Candidates
• Career Placement for Prior Classes
• Financial Support

Sample cover letter for Internship position at The Economist

Dear sir/madam,

I am writing to apply for the position of Research Analyst at The Economist Group. I recently completed a Master of Science degree in Economics from the ABC in the United Kingdom. During my time as a graduate student, I developed a particular interest in econometrics as well as international economics. To work as a research analyst at the Economist Group would provide an excellent opportunity for me to utilize my econometric and analytical skills.

Graduate courses at the ABC such as econometrics (advanced track) provided me with valuable tools for conducting in-depth research. I learnt how to gather relevant data for projects, check it's accuracy and make sure that it's clean before progressing to perform econometric analysis. My econometrics and dissertation projects are further evidence of my strong data handing ability. Through these projects I also learnt how to write clear and concise reports. Upon graduation, my interest in international economics led me to obtain an internship in the Trade Policy Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat in London where I worked on immigration and trade related data of the United Kingdom. Since then, I have been working as a research assistant for Prof. X of the Economics department at the ABC.

Further details regarding my key competencies are given in the CV I attach herewith. I would welcome the opportunity to explain more about the skills and experience I can bring to this position. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future regarding my application.

Economics Graduate CV example

You’ve graduated and now you’re ready to help one lucky business with its finances and economic planning.

The trouble is, getting your foot on the career ladder can be a real challenge, so your CV needs to be good.

Lucky for you, you have a relevant degree to talk about and we’ll teach you how to do just that with our comprehensive writing guide and economics graduate CV example below.

CV templates 

Economics Graduate CV example

Unsure of what your Economics Graduate CV should look like?

Have a look at the CV example above to get familiar with the structure, layout and format of a professional CV.

As you can see, it provides plenty of relevant information about the applicant but is still very easy to read, and brief – which will please busy recruiters and hiring managers.

Economics Graduate CV format and structure

Recruiters and employers are busy, and if they can’t find the information they’re looking for in a few seconds, it could be game over for your application.

You need to format and structure your CV in a way which allows the reader to pick out your key information with ease, even if they’re strapped for time.

It should be clear, easily legible, well-organised and scannable – check out some simple tips and tricks below:

Tips for formatting your Economics Graduate CV

• Length: If you want to hold the reader’s attention and ensure your CV isn’t yawn-worthy, it’s best to stick to two sides of A4 or less. This is more than enough room to highlight why you’re a good match for the role – anything more can quickly become tedious!
• Readability : To help busy recruiters scan through your CV, make sure your section headings stand out – bold or coloured text works well. Additionally, try to use bullet points wherever you can, as they’re far easier to skim through than huge paragraphs. Lastly, don’t be afraid of white space on your CV – a little breathing space is great for readability.
• Design & format: When it comes to CV design, it’s best to keep things simple and sleek. While elaborate designs certainly command attention, it’s not always for the right reasons! Readability is key, so whatever you choose to do, make sure you prioritise readability above everything.
• Photos: Profile photos or aren’t a requirement for most industries, so you don’t need to add one in the UK – but if you do, just make sure it looks professional

Quick tip: Creating a professional CV style can be difficult and time-consuming when using Microsoft Word or Google Docs. To create a winning CV quickly, try our quick-and-easy CV Builder and use one of their eye-catching professional CV templates.

CV structure

When writing your CV , break up the content into the following key sections, to ensure it can be easily digested by busy recruiters and hiring managers:

• Contact details – Always list these at the very top of your CV – you don’t want them to be missed!
• Profile – An introductory paragraph, intended to grab recruiters attention and summarise your offering.
• Work experience / career history – Working from your current role and working backwards, list your relevant work experience.
• Education – Create a snappy summary of your education and qualifications.
• Interest and hobbies – An optional section to document any hobbies that demonstrate transferable skills.

Now you understand the basic layout of a CV, here’s what you should include in each section of yours.

Contact Details

Kick-start your CV with your contact details, so recruiters can get in touch easily. Here’s what you should include:

• Mobile number
• Email address – Make sure it’s professional, with no silly nicknames.
• Location – Your town or city is sufficient, rather than a full address.
• LinkedIn profile or portfolio URL – Ensure they’ve been updated and are looking slick and professional.

Quick tip: Avoid listing your date of birth, marital status or other irrelevant details – they’re unnecessary at this stage.

Economics Graduate CV Profile

To immediately capture the attention of recruiters, begin your CV with a powerful profile (or personal statement for junior applicants).

This is a brief introductory paragraph that summarises your skills, experience, and knowledge.

It should position you as the ideal candidate for the job and encourage recruiters to read on.

How to write a good CV profile:

• Make it short and sharp: It might be tempting to submit a page-long CV profile, but recruiters won’t have the time to read it. To ensure every word gets read, it’s best to include high-level information only; sticking to a length of 3-5 lines.
• Tailor it: Before writing your CV, make sure to do some research. Figure out exactly what your desired employers are looking for and make sure that you are making those requirements prominent in your CV profile, and throughout.
• Don’t add an objective: You only have a small space for your CV profile, so avoid writing down your career goals or objectives. If you think these will help your application, incorporate them into your cover letter instead.
• Avoid generic phrases: Focus on fact, not fluff. Phrases like “Committed and enthusiastic thought-leader” and “Dynamic problem solver” might sound fancy, but they’ll do nothing for your application. Not only do they sound cheesy, but they have no substance – stick to real skills and facts

Example CV profile for Economics Graduate

What to include in your economics graduate cv profile.

• Experience overview: Demonstrate your suitability for your target jobs by giving a high level summary of your previous work work experience , including the industries you have worked in, types of employer, and the type of roles you have previous experience of.
• Targeted skills: Make your most relevant Economics Graduate key skills clear in your profile. These should be tailored to the specific role you’re applying for – so make sure to check the job description first, and aim to match their requirements as closely as you can.
• Important qualifications: Be sure to outline your relevant Economics Graduate qualifications, so that anyone reading the CV can instantly see you are qualified for the jobs you are applying to.

Quick tip: If you are finding it difficult to write an attention-grabbing CV profile, choose from hundreds of pre-written profiles across all industries, and add one to your CV with one click in our quick-and-easy CV Builder . All profiles are written by recruitment experts and easily tailored to suit your unique skillset.

Core skills section

In addition to your CV profile, your core skills section provides an easily digestible snapshot of your skills – perfect for grabbing the attention of busy hiring managers.

As Economics Graduate jobs might receive a huge pile of applications, this is a great way to stand out and show off your suitability for the role.

It should be made up of 2-3 columns of bullet points and be made up of skills that are highly relevant to the jobs you are targeting.

Important skills for your Economics Graduate CV

Economic Theory – Maintaining a deep understanding of microeconomic and macroeconomic theories, principles, and models.

Statistical Analysis – Using statistical analysis techniques to interpret economic data and trends.

Econometrics – Modelling economic relationships and testing hypotheses using statistical methods.

Data Analysis Software – Using data analysis software such as Stata, R, or SPSS for economic data analysis.

Financial Modelling – Creating financial models to analyse economic scenarios, forecast economic outcomes, and advise on policy or investment decisions.

Policy Analysis – Analysing and evaluating economic policies and their impact on the economy or specific sectors.

Market Research – Conducting market research to gather, analyse, and interpret data for understanding market trends and behaviours.

Report Writing – Preparing detailed reports presenting economic research findings, analysis, and recommendations.

Quantitative Methods – Applying quantitative methods to solve economic problems, including calculus and linear algebra.

Excel Proficiency – Maintaining advanced skills in Microsoft Excel for data manipulation, visualisation, and financial analysis.

Quick tip: Our quick-and-easy CV Builder has thousands of in-demand skills for all industries and professions, that can be added to your CV in seconds – This will save you time and ensure you get noticed by recruiters.

Work experience

By this point, employers will be keen to know more detail about you career history.

Starting with your most recent role and working backwards, create a snappy list of any relevant roles you’ve held.

This could be freelance, voluntary, part-time or temporary jobs too. Anything that’s relevant to your target role is well-worth listing!

Structuring each job

Whilst writing your CV, it’s essential to look at it from the eyes of a recruiter.

If they’re met with giant blocks of text which are impossible to navigate, they might get frustrated and skip onto the next CV.

Instead, make use of the 3-step structure shown below, to give them a pleasant reading experience.

Start with a solid introduction to your role as a whole, in order to build some context.

Explain the nature of the organisation you worked for, the size of the team you were part of, who you reported to and what the overarching purpose of your job was.

Key responsibilities

Use bullet points to detail the key responsibilities of your role, highlighting hard skills, software and knowledge wherever you can.

Keep them short and sharp to make them easily digestible by readers.

Key achievements

Round up each role by listing 1-3 key achievements , accomplishments or results.

Wherever possible, quantify them using hard facts and figures, as this really helps to prove your value.

Sample job description for Economics Graduate CV

Completed a summer internship at a leading think tank that conducts economic research and provides crucial insights into the UK’s economic landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Assisted in collecting, cleaning, and organising diverse economic datasets
• Conducted preliminary data analysis, identifying correlations, outliers, and trends
• Contributed to the preparation of reports summarising key findings and implications
• Performed econometric analyses, utilising time-series, and cross-sectional data to forecast macroeconomic indicators such as GDP, inflation, and unemployment rates

Quick tip: Create impressive job descriptions easily in our quick-and-easy CV Builder by adding pre-written job phrases for every industry and career stage.

Education section

After your work experience, your education section should provide a detailed view of your academic background.

Begin with those most relevant to Economics Graduate jobs, such as vocational training or degrees. If you have space, you can also mention your academic qualifications, such as A-Levels and GCSEs.

Focus on the qualifications that are most relevant to the jobs you are applying for.

Hobbies and interests

This section is entirely optional, so you’ll have to use your own judgement to figure out if it’s worth including.

If your hobbies and interests could make you appear more suitable for your dream job, then they are definitely worth adding.

Interests which are related to the industry, or hobbies like sports teams or volunteering, which display valuable transferable skills might be worth including.

Once you’ve written your Economics Graduate CV, you should proofread it several times to ensure that there are no typos or grammatical errors.

With a tailored punchy profile that showcases your relevant experience and skills, paired with well-structured role descriptions, you’ll be able to impress employers and land interviews.

Good luck with your next job application!

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Thinking of Pursuing a PhD in Economics? Info on Graduate School and Beyond

Kasey Chatterji-Len and Anna Kovner

Becoming a PhD economist can provide a fulfilling and financially secure career path. However, getting started in the field can be daunting if you don’t know much about the preparation you’ll need and the available job opportunities. If you’re wondering what it means to be an economics researcher or how to become one, please read on. We’ll review how to prepare for a career in economics research, what an economics PhD program entails, and what types of opportunities it might bring. Economic education is a core component of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s mission to serve the community. To empower would-be economists, this post provides information for students who seek a career in economics research. We hope this information will be helpful to students interested in economics, regardless of their background and economic situation.  This information is most applicable to students applying to programs in the United States.  

The Breadth of Economics Research  

Academic disciplines conduct research in different ways, so it’s important to have a basic understanding of the types of questions economists ask and how they approach answering them. There are many definitions of economics, but a broadly useful one is the study of how people, organizations, and governments make decisions under different constraints, and how those decisions may affect their outcomes. 

When answering these questions, economists seek to ground their analyses in models and to be quantitatively precise about the effects they assign to any given cause. The range of topics economists can study is wide, but the accepted approaches to answering questions are stricter. Some examples of what economists might ask: 

• How do different public housing programs affect the children who live there? 
• Does a certain type of law encourage businesses to innovate? 
• How will a change in the interest rate affect inflation and unemployment rates? 
• How much does affordable health insurance improve people’s health? 
• How can poor countries eradicate poverty? 

There are many different subfields within economics, including, but not limited to behavioral, econometrics, energy/environmental, development, financial, international, monetary, public, and urban economics. You can familiarize yourself with the latest work in economics by subscribing to working paper series, such as NBER’s New This Week or the New York Fed’s Staff Reports . To get an idea of the breadth of questions economists can answer, you could listen to Stephen Dubner’s “ Freakonomics Radio ” podcast. You may also want to explore the Journal of Economic Perspectives , the New York Fed’s Liberty Street Economics blog, VoxDev , or VoxEU .  

What Is a PhD Program Like?    

Economics PhD programs typically last five to seven years. Unlike masters programs, they are often fully funded with a stipend, though most require students to complete teaching assistant and/or research assistant (RA) work as part of their funding package. In the first two years, students take classes, many of which are mathematically demanding. The rest of the program can include additional classes but is primarily devoted to original research with the aim of producing publishable papers that will constitute the dissertation.  

Faculty advisors are a central part of PhD programs, as students look to them for guidance during the research process. Economics PhD programs are offered within university economics departments, but there are similar programs in public policy and business schools. You can look at their websites to understand any differences in coursework and subsequent job placements. 

What Can You Do with an Economics PhD?  

Upon graduation, students can obtain jobs in a variety of industries. Many PhD students hope to become university professors. Governments and public policy-related institutions such as the Federal Reserve System, the U.S. federal government, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) also hire economists to work on policy, lead programs, and conduct research. Finally, economics PhD graduates can also find employment at a variety of private sector companies, including banks, economic consulting firms, and big tech companies. The pay for these different positions can vary. According to the American Economics Association (AEA), the average starting salary for economics assistant professors in 2022-23 was approximately $140,000 at PhD granting institutions and $98,000 at BA granting institutions. 

Programs often publish the placements of their PhD graduates, so you can look online to see specific employment outcomes. See, for example, the University of Maryland’s placements . Ultimately, economists are highly regarded as authorities on a variety of topics. Governments, nonprofits, philanthropic foundations, financial institutions, and non-financial businesses all look to economists to answer important questions about how to best achieve their goals. Thus, earning an economics Ph.D. can potentially help you to influence issues that are important to you. 

Preparing for an Economics PhD Program  

There are several components to an economics PhD program application: college transcripts, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. Please download the Appendix linked below to learn more about transcripts and letters of recommendation. The Appendix details ways in which you can select coursework, obtain research experience, and develop relationships to position yourself for success as a PhD applicant.  

If you feel that you are too far along in your academic career to take enough of the classes described in the Appendix, this does not necessarily preclude you from pursuing an economics PhD. For example, it’s possible to take some of these classes through a master’s program, or through a pre-doctoral RA job. Some pre-doctoral RA jobs, such as the one here at the New York Fed , may enable you to take classes in preparation for graduate school. If you are concerned about your transcript, reach out to an economist at your university for advice; program standards for coursework and grades vary, and it’s a good idea to get more personalized advice. 

Research Experience   

If you’re interested in becoming an economics researcher and applying to PhD programs, it’s best to get research experience as soon as possible. Working as an RA is a great way to learn how to conduct research and get a better idea of whether it’s the right career path for you. Additionally, it can help you obtain a letter of recommendation for graduate school applications and improve your qualifications.  

All types of academic research can be enriching, but it’s beneficial to gain experience working directly with an economist. To find a position, you can reach out to professors whose work you find interesting or find an RA program at your school. Typical RA tasks may involve data collection and cleaning, as well as running analyses and creating charts to represent results. This is where coding skills become crucial; having taken math, statistics, and econometrics courses will also enable you to take on more responsibilities. 

You may also have the opportunity to conduct your own research, possibly under the supervision of a professor at your university. This research could be self-initiated or part of a course such as a thesis workshop. Self-directed research is a great opportunity to learn about all stages of the research process. It’s also an excellent opportunity to create a writing sample for graduate school applications. Ultimately, though, your motivation for conducting your own research project should be that you want to answer a question.  One thing economists have in common is a love of answering questions using data and theory. 

Research experience is also often obtained after completing an undergraduate or master’s degree. Taking on a full-time RA position before applying to PhD programs is very common and can make you a more competitive applicant. You may either get an RA job working for a professor or participate in a pre-doctoral RA program.  

Research assistant programs are more structured than positions with individual professors or projects, which could be helpful. Universities, parts of the government, think tanks, research organizations, and the Federal Reserve System are all good places to look for research assistant programs. To help you decide which opportunities are most desirable, you may want to ask potential employers : Where do people in this program tend to go afterward? Will I be working directly with an economist? How much of my time will be spent on academic research work? Will I be able to take classes as part of this program? Considering whether an economist will be able to evaluate your performance is an important factor for recommendation letters. The ability to take classes, either through tuition reimbursement or waivers, can also be an important benefit. 

The Research Analyst program here at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York is one example of these programs and you should check it out here . The Federal Reserve Board of Governors also has a large program, and many other regional Federal Reserve Banks have similar programs. In addition, the PREDOC website and the  NBER post listings of RA opportunities. J-PAL and IPA also tend to recruit RAs for economic development projects. Another source of RA opportunities is the @econ_ra account on X. 

Who Should Get a PhD in Economics?  

A PhD may not be for everyone, but it is for anyone—people of all genders, religions, ethnicities, races, and national origins have PhDs in economics. Many economists majored in economics, but others majored in math, physics, or chemistry. Because economics is such an integral part of policymaking, it is important that economists come from a wide range of backgrounds so policy can be stronger and more effective. The inclusion of differing perspectives helps ensure that the contribution of economists to work in public policy, academia, and beyond effectively serves the broadest range of society. 

• Coursework Appendix

Kasey Chatterji-Len is a research analyst in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Research and Statistics Group.

Anna Kovner  is the director of Financial Stability Policy Research in the Bank’s Research and Statistics Group.

How to cite this post: Kasey Chatterji-Len and Anna Kovner, “Thinking of Pursuing a PhD in Economics? Info on Graduate School and Beyond,” Federal Reserve Bank of New York Liberty Street Economics , May 31, 2024, https://libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org/2024/05/thinking-of-pursuing-a-phd-in-economics-info-on-graduate-school-and-beyond/.

You may also be interested in: AEA: Resources for Students

PREDOC: Guidance for Undergraduates

RA Positions-Not at the NBER

Disclaimer The views expressed in this post are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York or the Federal Reserve System. Any errors or omissions are the responsibility of the author(s).

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Your Summer 2024 Podcast Playlist

Dive into these thought-provoking, research-driven, and leadership-inspired podcast episodes.

June 05, 2024

A podcast playlist for your summer road trip. | Elena Zhukova

As the weather warms up and vacation plans commence, you may find yourself with some downtime in transit. Might we suggest some thought-provoking podcasts to sink into while you travel? Here are some of our favorite recent episodes from Stanford Business.

Stanford GSB professors share their research findings that can help us navigate the complex issues we face in business, leadership, and society.

More Than a Feeling: The Keys to Making the Right Choice

If we want to make better decisions, then we need to think more like an artist.

Oh, the Humanity! How Relating to Robots May Change Us

If we want robots to be good for society, then we need to humanize them.

• Think Fast, Talk Smart

Lecturer Matt Abrahams speaks with communication and business experts about ways to get your message across confidently and concisely.

The Art of Saying No: How Closing the Wrong Doors Helps You Open the Right Ones

In this episode, Ilya Strebulaev shares how a venture capitalist’s mindset can help us make better decisions.

From Good to Great: What Makes a “Supercommunicator”

In this podcast episode, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Charles Duhigg shares what it means to be a supercommunicator.

• Grit & Growth

Hear entrepreneurs in emerging markets share stories, and gain insights from Stanford faculty and global business experts.

Fail It 'til You Nail It: Masterclass on Embracing the Upside of Down

Stanford GSB professor shares insights on how to create an environment of psychological safety to remove the stigma of failure and increase your success.

Africa’s Economic Horizon: A Conversation with Acha Leke, Chairman, McKinsey Africa

Chairman of McKinsey Africa discusses Africa’s economic future — the changes, challenges, and opportunities born from digital transformation.

View From The Top: The Podcast

Prominent leaders from around the world join MBA students for a conversation on effective leadership, core values, and lessons learned throughout their careers.

Jensen Huang on How to Use First-Principles Thinking to Drive Decisions

The founder and CEO of NVIDIA shares how reasoning has influenced each step of his career – from washing dishes at Denny's to being a leader in tech.

Aicha Evans: “You Must Have the Irrational Belief That It Will Work Out”

The CEO of Zoox shares her thoughts on the company’s acquisition by Amazon, the keys to building a strong team, and the future of transportation.

For media inquiries, visit the Newsroom .

Explore More

Unlocking the “iron cage” of corporate conformity, 12 of our favorite research stories of 2023, fail it ’til you nail it: masterclass on embracing the upside of down, editor’s picks.

February 20, 2024 So Crazy, It Might Just Work: How Foolishness Feeds Innovation If we want to seriously address the climate crisis, then we need to encourage foolish business ideas.

May 15, 2024 Leading With Values: When Good Intentions Aren’t Enough If we create good institutions, then we can live up to our good intentions.

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Atlantic Council

Geoeconomics center – fall 2024 young global professionals program.

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Job Location: Washington, DC headquarters on a hybrid schedule Employment Type: Temporary Seniority Level: Intern Job Category: Staff

Description

At the intersection of economics, finance, and foreign policy, the GeoEconomics Center is a translation hub with the goal of helping shape a better global economic future. Our interns are an integral part of the GeoEconomics Center and actively engage with events, publications, development, and programming strategy. This position will expose the successful candidates to all elements of data visualization, event planning, research for publications and articles, and day-to-day administrative tasks including co-management of the program’s twitter account. In coordination with the Center’s staff, the interns will help design infographics using data visualization and use research skills to contribute to the Center’s newsletters.

The successful candidate will have a passion for the work, an entrepreneurial ethos, and a collegial spirit while also being an effective communicator. With a work culture of continual learning, an inclination toward deadlines, and a demonstrated interest in international affairs and economics through class work and/or experience is strongly preferred.

Applications reflecting strong writing and editing skills will be prioritized for consideration. This internship is based in our Washington, DC, headquarters on a hybrid schedule at a rate of $17.50 per hour.

Responsibilities

• Support the organization and execution of periodic GeoEconomics Center events.
• Manage program contacts, program metrics, and social media.
• Help produce data visualizations to illustrate policies and impacts.
• Perform research and proposal writing tasks as assigned.
• Draft correspondence and manage logistics for program events and activities.
• Conduct research as needed to support Center activities; including briefings on current events, key stakeholders, and emerging issues.
• Assist with editing and publish reports.

Qualifications

• Must be at least a college sophomore in good standing, a graduate student, or a recent graduate, preferably in Economics or International Affairs or a relevant discipline.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written – live and virtual), including the ability to identify and work through challenges, underscored by strong judgment and emotional intelligence.
• Experience with: social media campaigns; data platforms such as Macrobond, Bloomberg, or national statistical services; data visualization; and graphic design skills and/or experience are desired .
• Aptitude and strong skills in research and writing are required .
• Strong analytical, planning, time management, and organizational skills are critical for success.
• Poise and professionalism in a team environment across hierarchies with colleagues and counterparts in the United States and abroad.
• Proficiency in MS Office suite, especially Excel.
• Interest in geoeconomics, international trade, fiscal & monetary policy, sanctions, Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), and future of the global economic architecture.
• Please feel free to specify in your cover letter which of our three pillars of work most align with your interests.
• Applicants must be able to work full-time (40 hrs/week).

Applications close Friday, June 7, 2024, at 11:59 pm ET (4:59 am GMT) and require a resume and cover letter.

Academic Program Spec I

Apply now Job no: 531806 Work type: Staff Full-Time Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL) Categories: Academic Advising/Support Department: 60060000 - AG-FOOD / RESOURCES ECONOMICS

Advertised: 05 Jun 2024 Eastern Daylight Time Applications close: 25 Jun 2024 Eastern Daylight Time

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Why Can’t College Grads Find Jobs? Here Are Some Theories — and Fixes.

By Peter Coy

Opinion Writer

Many new college graduates are having an awful time finding jobs, as I wrote in April and in early May . I’ve been trying to understand why, and I think I’m getting closer to more answers.

There’s lots of anecdotal evidence that something is wrong. Please take a listen to a new episode of “The Opinions” podcast I did with John York, a 24-year-old with a master’s degree in math from New York University who grabbed my attention when he wrote me that “it feels like I am screaming into the void with each application I am filling out.” Derek Arthur, the producer of the podcast, interviewed other young graduates, including one who said he had sent out over 500 applications with no luck.

At first blush, stories like York’s seem like outliers, since the unemployment rate is still pretty low — 3.9 percent in April. But a report this week by Elsie Peng, an economist at Goldman Sachs, shows that the anecdotes point to something real.

Digging into Bureau of Labor Statistics data, Peng found a recent decline in the job-finding rate of new entrants to the labor force. Fresh college grads make up a big chunk of that group.

The chart above, which I made from Goldman’s data, shows that the hiring rate for new entrants to the labor force is below its average since mid-2000, even as the hiring rate for experienced workers remains well above its average.

This next chart shows that the hiring rate for people with a bachelor’s degree or more (not just new grads) has fallen off recently, while the rate for people with less than a bachelor’s degree has stayed high.

I asked Goldman’s economics team why finding a job has gotten harder for new entrants and college grads (and presumably especially hard for new entrants who are college grads). In an email, the team wrote that “we have not looked into the specific drivers” but said there are several potential reasons. Among them:

For 2024 grads, studying remotely during Covid “may have affected their training, networking, and human and social capital accumulation.”

There are still some worker shortages, but mainly for low-skilled jobs.

The labor market may simply be “moving into better balance,” allowing employers to become more selective.

Some people with student loan debt who weren’t working may have been forced back into the labor market by the need to resume payments on their loans, adding to competition for jobs.

I also spoke to a lot of people in and around the hiring business who helped me understand at ground level why the college-to-job transmission belt is working poorly.

“We see a lot of caution and uncertainty” from employers, Karin Kimbrough, the chief economist of LinkedIn, told me. They’re uncertain about the outlook for interest rates and consumer demand, she said, “making them very cautious” about hiring.

Even though the unemployment rate is low, fewer people are quitting, so fewer jobs are becoming available, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. LinkedIn’s estimate of the national hiring rate was down 9.5 percent in April from a year earlier.

One point I heard over and over is that simply tossing your résumé and cover letter into a company’s job portal has a low probability of success, especially now. It’s so easy to submit applications that companies are being bombarded with thousands of them. Human beings can’t possibly review all of them, so they’re reviewed by computers, which simply search for keywords. They don’t understand in any deep way either the applicant’s qualities or the employer’s needs.

“The better writer you are, the greater your chance of getting rejected, because you won’t use keywords” the way the evaluation algorithm wants, Nick Corcodilos, a recruiter who runs the website Ask the Headhunter, told me. Personal contact is crucial, he said. Rather than spraying applications far and wide, he recommends focusing on a handful of companies, researching them in depth and contacting a wide range of people connected with them, even their suppliers and customers.

College work experience can make a difference too, according to Jane Swift, a former lieutenant governor and acting governor of Massachusetts who’s now the president of Education at Work, a nonprofit that helps students get internships related to their chosen fields while they’re still in school. Those college jobs, she wrote to me, “enhance prospects for a good first job and a career filled with purpose and passion.”

Fixing the college-to-job transmission belt should be partly employers’ responsibility, not just applicants’. That’s especially true for applicants from groups whose potential tends to be underestimated, such as single mothers, Joan Lynch, the chief content and programming officer of WorkingNation, a media nonprofit that promotes ways to fix unemployment and underemployment, told me. “It takes opening their eyes and saying, ‘Oh, this is a valuable employee,’” she said.

The bad news is that more and more evidence suggests that getting a good job right out of college is really tough. The good news is that a lot of people are aware of the problem and striving to do something about it.

The Readers Write

You wrote that people dislike inflation — Japan is no exception. Everyone is so frustrated. However, in this country the central bank is not fighting inflation, as the Policy Board members think deflation is bad. The annual change in the Consumer Price Index has been above 2 percent for more than two years, but economic growth has been weak in real terms. Targeting higher inflation is a bad policy; they should focus on real growth.

Hiroshi Utsumi Ogaki, Gifu, Japan

Every time I go into a supermarket, my visceral first thought is, “When will this inflation end so prices can go back to normal?” Mind you, that’s after having taught macroeconomics for 40 years, so I know that inflation is the change in prices, not their level. My second thought is, “Well, you flunked again.”

Brent Kigner Kufstein, Austria

I was surprised that you did not mention the unwinding of the negative supply shock as a reason for the reduction in inflation without an increase in unemployment. Indeed, most news reports that I read solely focus on the Fed, assuming that it alone is responsible for the decreased inflation, when actually I think it has played a secondary role thus far.

However, the things that have limited the Fed’s effect on aggregate demand (and, hence on inflation and unemployment), such as an aggregate wealth effect from financial markets, increased real wages and residual effects from the expansion of government programs, have a limited shelf life. And soon, I fear, the Fed increases to date will start to really bite. I believe they are making a big mistake not lowering rates sooner rather than later.

One other point. As someone who was a Federal Reserve economist during the Volcker years, I think that the current Federal Open Market Committee has taken the wrong message from those fraught times. They seem to believe that credibility comes from “being tough” on inflation and biasing their decisions toward austerity. That is seriously mistaken. Instead, credibility comes from people believing that the Fed will make the correct decisions at the right time and explain why those decisions were made. I have yet to hear a coherent explanation from the Fed as to why they think they have played a major role in reducing inflation and why they need to keep rates high, other than vague references about the strength of the labor market and actual inflation. Given the lags in policy effects, this is a recipe for disaster. I am afraid this does not end well.

Robert DeFina Bala Cynwyd, Pa.

I am writing to express my sincere appreciation for your thought-provoking article, “No, Americans Are Not Completely Stupid About Inflation,” in The New York Times. As the rights holder and trustee of the estates of the influential civil rights leaders W.E.B. Du Bois, Shirley Graham Du Bois, and David Graham Du Bois, I was particularly pleased to see you conclude the piece with a powerful quote from W.E.B. Du Bois.

Your discussion of the possibility of reducing inflation without inducing a recession through effective coordination and credibility aligns with the forward-thinking approach championed by Du Bois. Moreover, your inclusion of Du Bois’s quote, “Either the United States will destroy ignorance or ignorance will destroy the United States,” serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of education, understanding and open discourse in addressing societal challenges.

Odell Murry Toluca Lake, Calif.

Regarding your newsletter on Red Lobster: Please tell the whole story about the role of private equity in taking apart the business. Endless shrimp aren’t the main reason for the company’s bankruptcy filing.

Ruth Rodriguez Denver

Peter here: Many readers argued this. I thought I had fresher things to write about the Endless Shrimp promotion, but I should have touched on other accusations against Red Lobster’s owners.

Quote of the Day

“The idea that the poor should have leisure has always been shocking to the rich.”

— Bertrand Russell, “In Praise of Idleness,” Harper’s Magazine” ( 1932 )

Peter Coy is a writer for the Opinion section of The Times, covering economics and business. Email him at [email protected] . @ petercoy

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Internal Revenue Service

Tax specialist (tax compliance officer)- pathways recent graduate program.

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IRS Recent Graduates Program affords developmental experiences in the Federal Government intended to promote possible careers in the civil service to individuals who have recently graduated from qualifying educational institutions or programs. Selected applicants are placed in a dynamic, developmental program with the potential to lead to a civil service career in the Federal Government. In addition, the IRS implemented the new IRS Forward Recent Graduate Program that includes an additional year of formal development, training, networking, project teams, and may include rotational assignments.

Following the completion of program requirements, selectees may be considered for non-competitive conversion to a career/career-conditional or term appointment. All conversion requirements will be identified in the Participant Agreement. Program requirements include but are not limited to:

• Successful completion of at least 1 to 2 years of continuous service depending on the position;
• Completion of at least 40 hours of interactive training;
• Mentorship;
• Demonstration of successful job performance; and
• Meet the qualification position standards.

Conversion to the competitive service is not implied or guaranteed.

If selected, you will be placed in a developmental position as a Tax Specialist (Tax Compliance Officer)- Pathways Recent Graduate Program, GS-0526- with promotion potential to GS- 09 in one the division(s) listed below: SBSE – Small Business Self Employed

A description of the business units can be found at: https://www.jobs.irs.gov/about/who/business-divisions

Vacancies will be filled in the following specialty areas: Small Business Self Employed Campus Exam AUR

The following are the duties of this position at the full working level.

• In an entry level capacity, gains experience conducting pre-selected examinations and related investigations of a variety of individual taxpayers, or exempt organizations, employee plans or government entities involving routine tax issues and financial records and typical methods. SB/SE Specialty Tax activities include investigations of strategic or special emphasis programs such as claims, non-filers, and tip reporting. Specialty Program TCOs specialize in the areas of Federal Income Tax Withholding (FITW), Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA) and Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA).
• Advises taxpayers of his/her rights as defined in the examination and appeal guidelines, the actual examination procedures, and an explanation of current tax and reporting responsibilities and the importance and benefit of meeting future responsibilities.
• Conducts package audits to determine that other required returns are filed. Conducts concurrent examinations of these and other related returns when warranted.
• Gains experience in identifying issues to be pursued based on large, unusual or questionable items that produce a significant tax or compliance effect and utilizes the tax law and facts needed to resolve them. Consults higher graded specialists as needed. Considers gross income during the examination of all tax returns. Gains experience in recognizing indicators of fraudulent activity and develops appropriate referrals.
• Gains experience in determining and considering the collectability of potential tax deficiencies at all stages of the examination. Solicits payment and/or offers installment agreements when appropriate. Prepares workpapers and reports documenting findings and conclusions.

This position has career progression. If you are selected at a grade level lower than the full working level, you may be non-competitively promoted as your career progresses. For example, you may be hired as a GS-05, but if the position has career progression to GS-11, then you may move from a GS-05 to a GS-11 in as little as three years.

Help Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Telework Eligible Positions : Telework eligible positions do not guarantee telework. Employees must meet and sustain IRS telework eligibility requirements (e.g., reporting at least twice a pay period to your assigned Post of Duty (POD) ) and supervisor’s approval to participate in the IRS Telework Program. Employees must also be within a 200-mile radius of their official assigned post-of-duty (POD) while in a telework status. As a reminder – If you are selected for a position, you are responsible for reporting to your designated POD (location) on the negotiated start date or as directed by management.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National and provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. (Birth certificate showing birth in the U.S; Unexpired U.S. Passport; Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization; or Report of Birth Abroad of a U.S. Citizen (Form FS-240))
• Undergo a review of prior performance/conduct and an income tax verification. Refer to “Get Your Tax Record” at http://www.irs.gov/ to check the status of your account, balance owed, payment history, make a payment, or review answers to tax questions. If you are not in compliance, you will be determined unsuitable for employment with IRS.
• Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency.
• Go through a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) process that requires two forms of identification from the Form I-9 . Federal law requires verification of the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires in the U.S. These documents must be unexpired original or certified copies .
• The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Treasury and its bureaus from requesting an applicant’s criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to the Department of Treasury by email at, [email protected]. To learn more, please visit our page at: Treasury.gov/fairchanceact.

Qualifications

Federal experience is not required. The experience may have been gained in the public sector, private sector or Volunteer Service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-timework is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week, on your resume.

You must have, within the previous 2 years, completed all educational requirements for a qualifying associate, bachelor, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying institution; or intended graduation is no more than 9 months from date of application; -OR- Veterans (as defined in 5 U.S.C. 2108) who, due to a military service obligation, were precluded from applying to a Recent Graduates Program during any portion of the 2-year eligibility period may have their eligibility period extended so that they receive the full 2 years of eligibility. The remaining 2-year eligibility period will begin upon his or her release or discharge from active duty. The veteran’s eligibility period may not extend beyond 6 years from the date of completion of all requirements of an academic course of study.

Secondly, you must meet any basic requirements of the position and the experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions,

BASIC REQUIRMENTS ALL GRADES: GENERAL EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION FOR GS-05: You must have 3 years of general experience. General experience for this position includes: experience gained in government, business or industry, investigative work, banking, law, accounting, or other work appropriate to the position to be filled. OR You may substitute education for general experience as follows: 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree OR Certificate as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) obtained through written examination in a State, territory, or the District of Columbia

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION FOR GS-07: You must have 1 year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes: Experience that demonstrates substantive knowledge of business practices, basic accounting principles, and Federal tax laws and regulations; and that required the ability to audit tax records, analyze systems and bookkeeping, use factfinding techniques, and develop interpersonal skills. OR You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows: 1 full year of graduate level education in a field of study such as: accounting, auditing, taxation, business administration, law, or other related fields. OR Superior Academic Achievement may be met by having a Bachelor’s degree, with one of the following: A GPA of 2.95 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all completed undergraduate courses or those completed in the last 2 years of study, or a GPA of 3.45 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all courses in the major field of study or those courses in the major completed in the last 2 years of study, or rank in the upper one third of the class in the college, university, or major subdivision, or membership in a national honor society recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies.

For more information on qualifications please refer to OPM’s Qualifications Standards .

This position has an education requirement. You MUST submit dated documentation showing completion or intended completion (if graduation is no more than 9 months from the date of application) of all educational requirements (e.g. letter from the registrar, unofficial transcripts). An official transcript will be required if you are selected. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Click here for Foreign Education Credentialing instructions.

CERTIFICATE: If you are qualifying based on a certificate program, please refer to Treasury’s Pathways Program for more information on qualifying certificate programs. A Certificate Program is a post-secondary educational program in a qualifying educational institution, equivalent to at least one full-time academic year of study, that is part of an accredited college-level, technical, trade, vocational or business school curriculum. For study at a business or technical school, 36 weeks of study (20+ classroom hours per week) is comparable to 1 academic year of full-time study. IF you are applying with a completed IT or Business Professional Certification you must submit a dated transcript or letter issued by the Academic Institution detailing your completed coursework and credit hours completed. If your Academic institution calculates a full-year of academic studies with fewer hours, or academic credits are expressed in contract months, units, or other terms that differ from the conventional hours, please have your academic advisor provide a letter certifying the Certificate program meets the regulatory definition.

For more information on education requirements go to Treasury’s Pathways Program.

If the position(s) are no longer needed prior to the closing date, this announcement may be closed early. This is an open continuous announcement which will be used to fill vacancies in the locations listed as they become available for the next 12 months contingent upon funding and space requirements. Applicants must apply and/or update their applications by 11:59 pm ET at the close of the following cutoff dates to be considered: Cutoff date(s): 6/3/2024. This announcement may be amended to include additional cut-off dates within the 12 month period if needed, not later than 5 days prior to the additional cut-off date(s). Eligible applicants in the highest category who apply by the initial cut-off date will be considered first. If additional vacancies exist , applicants who applied after the initial cutoff date who place in the highest category will be considered next.