Download a Free Blank CV Template

Downloading a blank CV template saves you a lot of time because you don’t need to design and set up an eye-catching CV for employers.

Blank CV templates also contain instructions that you can follow to fill in your template as you go through it, making it a quick alternative for writing a CV from scratch.

Below, we have three blank CV templates for different applicant profiles that you can download and use to write your CV.

Blank CV template for students and entry-level applicants

Here’s a good blank CV template for students and entry-level applicants:

Why this is an effective CV template

This template is perfect for newcomers to the job market. It’s simple and easy to edit, and it looks good as a one-page CV if you don’t have any relevant experience.

The education section is placed prominently to draw attention to your academic achievements, which are the most impressive CV qualifications that most graduates have to offer.

If you already have relevant experience, you can move this section underneath your work history.

Blank CV template for experienced professionals

Next, we have a blank CV template for workers with several years of experience:

Why this is an effective CV template

This CV template uses an effective single-column CV format, making filling it in straightforward.

The clean layout contains the CV summary on the first page, inviting employers to read on to find out more about you, as well as a work experience section where you can add details on your past roles to your CV.

The second page includes other key information like your educational profile, skill set, and hobbies and interests, ensuring a well-rounded professional profile.

If you’re unsure how to specifically target your CV towards the industry or role you’re applying for, look at CV examples from your industry.

Blank CV template for academic roles

Here’s a blank CV template for your academic CV:

Why this is an effective CV template

An academic CV needs to be thorough and include all the key information about your academic career.

Your publications, research, affiliations, education, awards, work experience, and teaching history need to be detailed in full, and this CV template gives you the space to do that.

Additionally, no matter how many pages you end up needing (academic CVs can be long), you’ll be able to extend or shorten each section of this template to make it the right CV length for your application.

How to use a blank CV template

Using one of our blank CV templates is simple:

1. Click the orange download link under your chosen template
2. Once downloaded, unzip the compressed file
3. Open the read-me file for instructions on installing any required fonts
4. Open the Microsoft Word file and rename it (e.g., forename-surname-cv-job-title)
5. Fill out the CV, following the provided guidelines and replacing any placeholders
6. When you’re done, save it as a Word document or export it as a PDF for easy sharing

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about blank CV templates:

1. Is it worth buying a CV template?

No, it is not worth buying a CV template. You can find plenty of good quality free CV templates available online for UK jobs.

2. How do I save a CV in PDF format?

Here’s how you save a CV in PDF format:

• Write your CV in Microsoft Word
• Go to ‘File’, ‘Save As…’
• Select the ‘File Format’ drop down and pick ‘PDF’
• Use a good CV name (e.g., forename-surname-job-title-CV.pdf)
• Click ‘Save’

If you used another word processor to write your CV, the steps to converting your CV into a PDF will be slightly different. Turn a Pages doc into a PDF by selecting ‘File’>’Export’>’PDF’.

If you used a Google Docs CV template, select ‘File’>’Download’>’PDF document’.

3. Is there a faster way to create a CV?

Yes, there is a faster way to create a CV by harnessing the power of AI. 

You can create your CV in minutes by using a high-quality online CV maker.