Free CV Templates
Clean, recruiter-friendly designs that work with applicant tracking systems. Choose one, fill in your details, and switch at any time in the live preview.
Modern
Clean layout with blue accents and clear section dividers. A balanced choice that looks contemporary without sacrificing readability.
Good for
Minimal
Maximum white space and simple typography. The most conservative design — ideal when you apply through large online application systems.
Good for
Professional
A dark header with confident typography. Suited to experienced candidates and traditional industries where a formal look is expected.
Good for
How to choose the right CV template
The best CV template is the one that gets out of the way. Recruiters often skim a CV in seconds on the first pass, and applicant tracking systems need to extract your job titles, dates and skills accurately. A clear structure beats decoration every time.
Match the industry. Conservative sectors such as finance, law and the public sector favour plain designs like Minimal or Professional. Technology, marketing and start-ups are comfortable with a little more colour, which is where Modern fits well.
Match the country. In the UAE, Saudi Arabia and much of continental Europe a professional photo is common, so choose a layout with photo space. In the UK, USA, Canada and Australia, leave the photo out. Our UAE, UK and US guides explain local expectations.
Match your experience. Graduates benefit from a compact one-page layout; experienced professionals need room for two pages of achievements. See our CV length guide.
What a good template does
- • Uses a single column so text is read in the right order
- • Uses standard headings: Profile, Experience, Education, Skills
- • Keeps contact details in the main body, not a header area
- • Uses readable fonts at 10–12pt with clear spacing
- • Exports to a text-based PDF you can highlight and copy
Template features to avoid
- • Skill bars and star ratings that show nothing measurable
- • Text inside images, shapes or text boxes
- • Complex multi-column grids and tables for layout
- • Unusual fonts that may not render on other computers
- • Icons used instead of words for phone, email or address
Template FAQs
Are these CV templates really free?
Yes. Every template can be used in the builder and downloaded as a PDF free of charge, with no sign-up.
Which CV template is best for ATS?
All three templates use a single-column, text-based layout that applicant tracking systems read well. Minimal is the most conservative option if you are applying through large corporate portals.
Can I switch templates after entering my details?
Yes. Your content stays in place when you switch, so you can compare designs in the live preview before downloading.
Should my CV template include a photo?
Only where it is normal practice, such as the Gulf countries and parts of Europe and Asia. Leave the photo out for the UK, USA, Canada, Ireland and Australia.
Try every template with your own details
Your content stays in place when you switch designs — compare them side by side in the live preview.
Open the CV builder →