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CV Templates

31 Professional CV Templates

Choose a two-page CV template from the premium selection below to make a professional CV in our builder, or download a free template to edit in Microsoft Word or Google Docs.

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Free-to-download CV templates

Use these free CV templates to emphasize your expertise and professionalism. Then, pair your CV with a matching cover letter template to create a polished application.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I get a plain text CV template for free?

If you don’t want to download a file, you can use this blank CV template as a guide or paste it into your word processor to personalize it.

CV format template (text version)

FIRST AND LAST NAME

Email: your.email@gmail.com

Phone: (555)123-4567

Address: 123 Your Address, City, State, Zip

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yourprofile

CV Introduction

Skilled [industry] professional with [# of years] years of experience. Seeking to leverage my expertise in [relevant skills] to fill your [position name] position. An intuitive worker aiming to help achieve [Company’s Name]’s goals and take on more responsibility as quickly as possible.

Work or Relevant Experience

Most Recent Job TitleEmployer Name | Location | Start Date - End Date
  • Include a bulleted list of your accomplishments
  • Make sure you add numbers to these bullet points
Earlier Job TitleEmployer Name | Location | Start Date - End Date
  • List any relevant accomplishments from an earlier job
  • Assuming you no longer perform this job, make sure you use past tense verbs to describe this experience

Education

Degree Name | MajorUniversity, Location | Graduation Date

Skills and Certifications

  • List your relevant skills and certifications
  • Include both hard skills and soft skills
  • Be specific. For example, mention the names of software packages and tools you’re able to use.

Additional CV Sections

  • Here’s where you can add any other relevant information
  • For example, you could talk about publications, languages, volunteer experience, relevant hobbies, conferences, or grants

What is the difference between a CV and a resume?

In the US, a CV is a document that is used to apply for roles in academia and includes a complete overview of the candidate’s education and academic experience. Because it needs to be complete, CVs are often many pages long.

A resume is used to apply for non-academic jobs and is a one or two-page document that describes a candidate’s relevant experience, including their education, work experience, skills, and certifications.

Most countries outside the US use the terms “CV” and “resume” interchangeably – so in many places there isn’t a difference.

Learn more about the differences between CVs and resumes.

What should I include on my CV?

If you’re writing a non-academic CV, you’ll need to include your:

  • Name and contact information (phone number, email address, and Linkedin profile)
  • CV introduction
  • Education
  • Skills
  • Work history
  • Relevant certifications

If you’re writing an academic CV, provide these details too:

  • Teaching experience
  • Publications
  • Conferences and invited talks
  • Professional memberships and associations
  • Research
  • Fellowships
  • Grants and awards

How long should a CV be?

An academic CV should be a complete summary of your academic and professional achievements such as publications and research, so there is no upper limit to its length.

If you’re writing a non-academic CV, it should be 1–2 pages long, and if you’re a recent graduate or have very little work experience – keep it to one page.

What’s the difference between a CV and a curriculum vitae?

There is no difference – “CV” is an abbreviation of “curriculum vitae” (which is Latin for “course of (one’s) life”).

More questions? Visit our FAQ library.