Do I need a CV template?

In today’s competitive market, every job application you submit will face stiff competition. A professional and eye-catching curriculum vitae (CV) template is the best way to draw the attention of an employer flipping through a stack of nearly identical applications. Even if the content of your CV is perfect, the strong, clear presentation of a great template can be what gives you the edge over the other candidates.A great template can be the difference between the shortlist and the recycling bin. What do you want your future to be like?

What is important in a CV template?

Employers spend very little time looking at each curriculum vitae (CV) they receive, so it is important that your template is simultaneously eye-catching and easy to read. A professional CV template will clearly present the information that an employer needs while showcasing how you are the best candidate for the role.With VisualCV you will have access to multiple stylish, simple, and professional online CV templates that will get your future employers’ attention.

How do I choose a CV template?

It is important thing to keep position you are applying for in mind when choosing a curriculum vitae (CV) template. Make sure the template you pick suits both your field of work and the company you are applying to.For example, recruiters in more traditional and technical companies and industries would rather receive a simple, elegant and professional template. For more modern companies a more colourful, expressive template will give you the edge.

How do I use one of these templates?

Each of VisualCV’s templates is available to our members. In order to use a VisualCV template all you have to do is to sign up for VisualCV, create a new CV, and start writing about your work history.By using VisualCV’s CV editor you can easily switch from one template to another, so you can easily use the best template for the job every time you apply.

Are these templates downloadable?

Yes, by signing up for VisualCV Pro you will be able to download your CV template to both PDF and Word.

If you are looking for tips on writing your CV, you may want to check out our CV guide. There, we discuss what to include in your template, how to lay out the content, and how to write your template so that it really makes an impact.

Are these CV templates free?

You can sign up and test out all templates for free.

Why are there photos on some templates?

There are reasons to include a photo on your CV and reasons not to. We discuss this in detail in our guide to adding a CV photo. In short, you should include a photo if you plan to host your template online, are working to build your personal brand and increase your online visibility, or if you are in an industry that accepts photos. You should not include a photo if you work in a more conservative field and will be applying for jobs in the traditional way. Please note that this advice only applies to American job seekers. In many parts of the world, a template photo is not only recommended but required. Please check out our International template guide for more information.

Do you have any CV examples?

Yes, we do! We have inspired more than 3 million professionals around the world with our CV examples, professionally designed to suit all kinds of professions.

CV Templates: 20+ Free Templates to Improve Your CV

All CV Templates

View our list of curriculum vitae (CV) templates for every profession and career.

About

This curriculum vitae (CV) template features a large image in the header that can be personalized to suit your field. It is a great medium for an online CV, becoming your first point of contact with an employer who looks your name up online.

Air

Simple yet elegant, the Air template is traditional in its presentation, but its two-tone theme and timeline-like structure give it a modern flair that will not fail to impress.

Arya

The Arya template is sleek and stylish CV template that is sure to catch the eye of potential employers. Its right-aligned titles and elegant use of white space make this template ideal for job seekers in need of a clean, basic CV to showcase their skills and experience.

ATS

This simple template is ideal for online applications that use an applicant tracking system (ATS). Its sleek design and clear presentation allow for excellent readability and CV parsing.

Avant

The Avant template is a modern, professional template with a full column of customizable colour. It is a great format for both fresh and experienced job seekers looking to add some character to their CV.

Baker

The Baker CV template’s timeline-like Work History section and subtle colours make it a stylish choice for any job-seeker.

Bravo

The Bravo template uses a professional design and subtle colouring to create a resume both modern and traditional.

Brooklyn

The Brooklyn template is an excellent CV for the contemporary job seeker. It showcases skills and experience simply and professionally, while the dignified black and white header gives it a modern twist.

Chloe

This dignified template is an excellent option for job seekers in need of an elegant CV. The Chloe template's sleek two-column design and stylish format convey CV details simply and directly, and the subtle color customization provides a splash of character.

Clair

The Clair template is a classic CV format, with the added flair of banner-style job titles. This template is simple enough for traditional applications, but will still stand out from conventional CVs.

Corporate

Simple, but effective - this is an excellent template for corporate positions, as the name would imply, and the differently sized columns make for a thoughtful and effective presentation.

Denali

Like the mountain peak it was named for, the Denali template is stately and impressive. Its two columns and tasteful colours ensure that your CV will stand out.

Elegant

With a bold coloured highlight and a modern two-column design, the Elegant template is a striking and distinct CV template for confident professionals.

Fuji

Like the iconic peak, the Fuji CV template’s unique symmetry and striking colours lend it a distinct elegance.

Gallant

The Gallant template is a modern, professional template with a full column of customizable colour. It is a great format for both fresh and experienced job seekers looking to add some personality to their CV.

Lingo

With a customizable banner image and a clean, professional design, the Lingo template is ideal for people looking to make a strong impression with their online CV. Heading and link colors can be changed to suit your preferences.

Maple

The Maple CV template is strong, colorful, and distinct, providing an ideal template for CVs in any industry. Whether you are a recent graduate or an experienced professional, the Maple template will showcase your skills and catch an employer's eye.

Marketing

The Marketing template is an online CV with a prominent banner image. The image can be changed to suit your industry, and the two-colour CV body makes for a distinctly modern presentation.

Modern

This colourful template is guaranteed to catch the eye of any employer. The customizable colour scheme and two-column format make for a distinct CV with lots of character.

Monaco

The Monaco template is simple and elegant in its presentation of information, and its customizable colour scheme allows for a subtle personal twist.

Monte

The Monte template is a classic CV format, structured simply with centred subject headings and a clear line delineating each section. Its customizable colour scheme pairs well with the simple format to allow for a subtle personal touch.

Nevis

Subtle highlights, clear structure, and a two-column format make the Nevis template an excellent choice for job-seekers looking to impress their next employer.

Oak

Great for executives and experienced professionals, this tasteful template features powerful, solid blocks of colour and two differently sized columns to suit skills and experience from any field.

Onyx

With a customizable banner image and timeline-like presentation, the Onyx template works well both as an online or physical CV. A personalized image is a great way to give your CV some character.

Quartz

The Quartz CV template features two columns, professional colors, and an optional logo, making it ideal for job applications, personal websites, professional profiles alike.

Rainier

With its customizable background image, two distinct columns, and colourful highlights, the Rainier template is a great way to showcase your personality on your CV.

Rosa

Rosa allows you to choose between a background image or a simple splash of colour, making this a versatile CV template for any career.

Signal

The Signal CV template is a great choice for those looking to show both their professionalism and their personality. The design of the template is sleek, and the banner image and heading color can be customized for a little flair.

Slate

The Slate template is a great CV format for experienced professionals and new job seekers alike. Its two-column structure is simple and efficient, allowing for attractive one-page CVs that do not appear too cluttered.

Standard

Our most traditional CV format, the Standard template shows that your CV doesn’t need to be flashy to stand out. Its tasteful lettering and simple presentation make for an effective CV in any situation.

Summit

Reach the top of the mountain with VisualCV's Summit CV template! With customizable colors, optional headshot and logo fields, and clear organization, this template is ideal for ambitious job-seekers in any industry.

Valiant

With its customizable colors, stylish headings, and optional headshot and logo fields, the Valiant CV template is an eye-catching and professional CV for any industry.

Verge

The Verge template is an excellent way to host your CV online. Its dynamic way of presenting text coupled with the large picture background make for a modern, eye-catching personal profile.

Vida

The Vida template, with its two even columns and colour customization options, is an excellent CV for showcasing your skills and experience in a way that is both efficient and stylish.

Vienna

The Vienna template is a clean, uncluttered template. It supports two columns of CV content and subtle colour customization, making it ideal for job-seekers of all kinds.

Zenith

With its subtle colors, clear lines, and stylish headings, the Zenith template is an eye-catching and professional CV template for any industry.

Custom CV templates for your career

Land more interviews and job offers with a professionally designed CV template that makes a lasting first impression.

Build your CV

Choose your favorite CV template and create a perfect CV in less than 5 minutes. Add your professional summary, job history, and customize a unique CV template for every job application.

The image highlights customizable CV templates that can be tailored for different job applications

Download a PDF

Catch your next employer's eye with a standout PDF CV from VisualCV. Whether you're applying online or printing your CV, VisualCV's PDF-ready templates will work perfectly for you!

This image shows how users can download CV templates as a PDF for easy sharing and job applications.

What members love about VisualCV

“I used VisualCV for about 2 or 3 months and was very pleased with all of the templates. I got loads of compliments from recruiters. The templates make it so simple. I highly recommend.”
Jennifer
“Love it. Simple and elegant templates have never presented me better.”
David
“An amazing app. Their templates are easy to use for an elegant and creative resume. Their support staff are so kind and friendly, I highly recommend it. If I could give more than 5 stars, I would give more than 1000!”
Imane

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a CV template?
In today’s competitive market, every job application you submit will face stiff competition. A professional and eye-catching curriculum vitae (CV) template is the best way to draw the attention of an employer flipping through a stack of nearly identical applications. Even if the content of your CV is perfect, the strong, clear presentation of a great template can be what gives you the edge over the other candidates.

A great template can be the difference between the shortlist and the recycling bin. What do you want your future to be like?
What is important in a CV template?
Employers spend very little time looking at each curriculum vitae (CV) they receive, so it is important that your template is simultaneously eye-catching and easy to read. A professional CV template will clearly present the information that an employer needs while showcasing how you are the best candidate for the role.

With VisualCV you will have access to multiple stylish, simple, and professional online CV templates that will get your future employers’ attention.
How do I choose a CV template?
It is important thing to keep position you are applying for in mind when choosing a curriculum vitae (CV) template. Make sure the template you pick suits both your field of work and the company you are applying to.

For example, recruiters in more traditional and technical companies and industries would rather receive a simple, elegant and professional template. For more modern companies a more colourful, expressive template will give you the edge.
How do I use one of these templates?
Each of VisualCV’s templates is available to our members. In order to use a VisualCV template all you have to do is to sign up for VisualCV, create a new CV, and start writing about your work history.

By using VisualCV’s CV editor you can easily switch from one template to another, so you can easily use the best template for the job every time you apply.
Are these templates downloadable?
Yes, by signing up for VisualCV Pro you will be able to download your CV template to both PDF and Word.
How do I write a CV?
If you are looking for tips on writing your CV, you may want to check out our CV guide. There, we discuss what to include in your template, how to lay out the content, and how to write your template so that it really makes an impact.
Are these CV templates free?
You can sign up and test out all templates for free.
Why are there photos on some templates?
There are reasons to include a photo on your CV and reasons not to. We discuss this in detail in our guide to adding a CV photo. In short, you should include a photo if you plan to host your template online, are working to build your personal brand and increase your online visibility, or if you are in an industry that accepts photos. You should not include a photo if you work in a more conservative field and will be applying for jobs in the traditional way. Please note that this advice only applies to American job seekers. In many parts of the world, a template photo is not only recommended but required. Please check out our International template guide for more information.
Do you have any CV examples?
Yes, we do! We have inspired more than 3 million professionals around the world with our CV examples, professionally designed to suit all kinds of professions.

Create the perfect CV today

Land your dream job with a CV template that will get you hired.

Get Started Now

Modern CV Templates

Modern CV templates are designed to highlight key skills, relevant experience, and professional achievements using clean, innovative layouts that stand out to hiring managers. These templates often incorporate bullet points to concisely outline a candidate's career journey and career progression in a visually appealing manner. With an emphasis on being both aesthetically pleasing and functional, these templates are ideal for showcasing your career aspirations while maintaining a brief overview of your qualifications.

Simple CV Templates

Simple CV templates offer a minimalist approach, emphasizing clarity and readability for contact details, job titles, and educational background. These templates avoid unnecessary distractions, presenting your career journey and academic achievements in an easy-to-read structure. They often use bullet points to help hiring managers quickly assess your relevant experience and key skills, making them an excellent choice for straightforward applications.

Creative CV Templates

For professionals aiming to impress with innovation, creative CV templates combine unique layouts with practical design. These templates let your personality shine while emphasizing your career aspirations, job title, and professional achievements. Perfect for industries like design and marketing, they balance a visually striking format with an in-depth document that effectively highlights your career journey and academic achievements.

CV Templates with Reverse Chronological Format

The reverse chronological order format is a classic choice for CVs, prioritizing your most recent job titles, professional achievements, and career progression. These templates use bullet points to detail each role, presenting your relevant experience and key skills in a format that is easy to navigate. Ideal for professionals with a strong work history, this format is highly recommended for its clarity and effectiveness in showcasing a structured career journey.

CV Templates with Hybrid Format

Combining elements of the reverse chronological order and functional formats, hybrid CV templates balance structure and creativity. They highlight key skills and professional achievements alongside a timeline of your career progression. These templates are ideal for candidates with diverse backgrounds, allowing hiring managers to easily grasp both your relevant experience and the depth of your career journey.

CV Templates with Functional Format

Functional CV templates are designed to emphasize key skills and professional achievements rather than a strict timeline. They focus on showcasing transferable competencies, making them perfect for career changers or those with varied relevant experience. With clean layouts that often utilize bullet points, these templates draw attention to your capabilities while maintaining a brief overview of your career aspirations and qualifications.

Google Docs CV Templates

Google Docs CV templates provide a convenient and accessible way to craft a professional CV. These templates support customizable designs that showcase your job titles, contact details, and academic achievements. They are ideal for creating an in-depth document that highlights your relevant experience and career journey while being easily shareable and editable.

Microsoft Word CV Templates

For those who prefer traditional tools, Word CV templates offer flexibility in formatting and customization. These templates allow you to emphasize your educational background, key skills, and career aspirations. Using bullet points and a clean structure, they help create an organized in-depth document suitable for various industries and professional levels.

ATS Friendly CV Templates

An ATS-friendly CV template ensures your application gets through automated tracking systems while maintaining clarity for hiring managers. These templates emphasize relevant experience, job titles, and key skills in a structured, machine-readable format. They often include sections for contact details, academic achievements, and career progression, using bullet points and concise formatting to appeal to both software and human readers.

What is a Good Professional CV Template

A good professional CV template is one that presents your qualifications and experience clearly and effectively. It should be well-organized, with clean sections that allow employers to quickly identify your skills, work history, education, and accomplishments. The design should be visually appealing but not overly complex, ensuring readability on both screens and print. A strong template strikes a balance between form and function, helping you make a great first impression while adhering to professional standards. It should also be adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to the specific job and industry you’re applying for.

How to Select the Right CV Template

Selecting the right CV template starts with understanding your career goals and the requirements of the job you’re pursuing. A traditional, straightforward template works well for roles in more conservative industries, while a creative design may be better suited for artistic or design-focused positions. Consider the level of detail needed—use a simple format for entry-level roles or a more detailed one for experienced professionals. Make sure the template is easy to read, emphasizes your strengths, and aligns with the expectations of the hiring manager. If you’re applying online, ensure the template is optimized for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to avoid being filtered out.

Are Our CV Templates ATS Friendly?

Yes! Our CV templates are designed to be ATS-friendly, ensuring that your application passes through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) without formatting issues.

What Makes Our CV Templates ATS-Compatible?

Proper Formatting: No complex tables, text boxes, or embedded graphics that ATS systems struggle to read.
Standard Fonts: We use ATS-approved fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, and Calibri.
Keyword Optimization: Our templates allow you to add industry-specific keywords that ATS algorithms scan for.
Simple Layouts: Two-column layouts are optimized for ATS, ensuring clear content parsing.
Correct File Formats: All templates can be exported in PDF and Word formats, which are the most ATS-friendly formats.

How to Optimize Your CV for ATS?

Use job-related keywords from the job description.
Avoid headers and footers for critical details like contact information.
Stick to a reverse chronological format to improve parsing accuracy.
Remove images, icons, and infographics if applying through an ATS.

With our ATS-friendly CV templates, you increase your chances of getting past automated filters and landing an interview!

How to Select the Right CV Template for Your Career?

Choosing the right CV template depends on your career stage, industry, and personal branding. Here’s a guide to help:

1. Best CV Templates by Career Level

Entry-Level & Students: Simple, easy-to-read formats with a focus on education and internships.
Mid-Level Professionals: Well-structured CVs with sections for work experience, skills, and achievements.
Senior-Level & Executives: Professional designs with space for leadership experience and strategic accomplishments.

2. Best CV Templates by Industry

Industry	Recommended Template	Best Feature
Tech & IT	ATS, Brooklyn	ATS-friendly, skills-focused
Finance & Banking	Corporate, Clair	Clean, professional layout
Marketing & Creative	Lingo, Rainier	Customizable banner, modern design
Healthcare	Standard, Slate	Traditional and structured
Education & Academia	Arya, Denali	Research & publication sections
Engineering	Modern, Quartz	Clear sections for technical skills

3. Choosing Between Free vs. Premium Templates

Free CV Templates: Basic, well-structured designs suitable for most industries.
Premium CV Templates: Advanced customization, modern aesthetics, and priority support.

Selecting the right CV template ensures that your career progression, key skills, and achievements are presented effectively!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use a CV Template?

Step 1: Choose a Template

Select a CV template based on your career level and industry.
Ensure it is ATS-friendly if applying online.

Step 2: Customize Your CV

Add contact details, work experience, education, and skills.
Use bullet points to make key achievements stand out.

Step 3: Download & Apply

Export your CV in PDF or Word format.
Upload it to job portals, send it directly to recruiters, or print it for interviews.

With the right CV template and structure, you can make a strong first impression and land your next job with confidence!

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About CV Templates

What is the best CV template for 2026?

The best CV template for 2026 depends on your industry and career level, but in most cases, a clean reverse chronological template is the safest and most effective choice. Employers prefer layouts that highlight recent experience, measurable achievements, and key skills without excessive design elements. If applying online, an ATS-friendly CV template with simple formatting and standard fonts is recommended. Creative professionals may benefit from modern or creative CV templates, while corporate roles favor structured, professional layouts.

What are the different types of CV templates?

There are several main types of CV templates:

Reverse chronological CV templates – Focus on recent work history and career progression.
Functional CV templates – Emphasize skills over job history.
Hybrid (combination) CV templates – Balance skills and work experience.
Modern CV templates – Clean, contemporary layouts.
Creative CV templates – Design-focused formats for creative industries.
Simple CV templates – Minimalist, highly readable structures.

Choosing the right type depends on your experience level and industry expectations.

Do recruiters prefer certain CV formats?

Recruiters generally prefer reverse chronological CV templates because they highlight recent work experience and career progression clearly. This format allows hiring managers to quickly assess your most relevant roles and achievements. Functional formats are typically reserved for career changers or candidates with employment gaps.

Can I customize the colors and fonts?

Yes, our CV templates allow full customization for colors, fonts, and layouts.

Should I use a photo in my CV?

Whether to include a photo depends on your region and application type. In North America and the UK, photos are generally discouraged for job applications due to anti-discrimination policies. In parts of Europe, a professional photo may be expected. If applying through an ATS, avoid photos because they can interfere with parsing.

How do I know if my CV is ATS-friendly?

Use standard fonts and formatting
Avoid tables and graphics
Include industry-related keywords
Download as Word or PDF

Should I use a modern or simple CV template?

A modern CV template works well in industries like tech, marketing, startups, and design, where contemporary presentation is valued. A simple CV template is better suited for traditional industries such as finance, healthcare, law, and government roles. When in doubt, choose clarity over creativity. Hiring managers prioritize readability and relevance over visual design.

Are Google Docs CV templates good for job applications?

Google Docs CV templates are convenient and easy to edit, making them suitable for quick applications. However, some free templates may not be fully ATS-optimized and can break formatting during file conversion. If using Google Docs, ensure the template uses standard fonts, avoids complex layouts, and exports correctly as a PDF or Word document.

Are Microsoft Word CV templates better than online builders?

Microsoft Word CV templates offer flexibility and full control over formatting, but they can cause alignment and formatting issues if not handled carefully. Online CV builders typically provide pre-optimized layouts that are structured for ATS compatibility and consistent formatting. For users unfamiliar with document formatting, a CV builder reduces errors and saves time.

With the right CV template and structure, you can maximize your chances of landing job interviews!

CV Templates: Create a Professional CV in Minutes