Free simple CV templates
Clean, one-column designs that put your experience first. Plain enough for any employer, and easy for job sites and applicant tracking systems to read.
- Free, no watermark
- PDF, plus a Word copy
- 8 colours on most designs
Simple CV templates
Want more choice? See every design, from simple to creative. Your CV works in all of them.
Previews show made-up sample CVs. Yours will show your own details, in the colour and font you choose.
When a simple CV template works best
A simple design suits almost every UK job, from retail and admin to finance, the NHS and the civil service. Recruiters often decide in seconds whether to read on, so clear headings, one column and plenty of white space help them find what they need.
It is also the safest choice for large employers’ online application systems. Every design here is real, selectable text, and a single column means it is read in the right order.
Let the content do the work
With a plain layout, strong bullet points stand out. Start each one with an action and end it with a result.
Use the standard headings
Profile, Work experience, Education and Skills are what recruiters and software look for.
Keep to two pages
Most UK CVs are two pages. One page is fine for a first CV.
Pick one accent colour
A dark navy, charcoal or forest green reads well on screen and in print.
Simple CV templates: your questions
Is a simple CV better than a designed one?
For most UK jobs, a simple CV works at least as well. Recruiters care about what you have done, and a simple layout makes that quick to find. Save creative designs for roles where presentation is part of the job.
Will a simple CV template get past applicant tracking systems?
These designs are real text in a single column with standard headings, which is what applicant tracking systems read best. No design can promise an interview, so match your wording to each job advert too.
Can I make a simple CV look less plain?
Pick a colour for the headings and choose Sans or Serif type. Hampstead adds shaded headings and Mono puts the section labels down the left, while keeping the page clean.
Keep going
- CV examplesExample CVs by job and level, to borrow structure and wording from.
- Free CV checkerA CV Score out of 100 and the fixes to make first, in about 30 seconds.
- Make your first CVNever made one? Answer a few easy questions and we turn them into a CV.
Read next: UK CV format: layout and section order How to write a CV CV mistakes that cost interviews CV examples by job
Other styles: Modern CV templates Professional CV templates Creative CV templates Graduate and student CV templates One page CV templates IT and technical CV templates
CV templates by job: Nurse Healthcare assistant Care worker Teacher Teaching assistant Retail Customer service Hospitality Administrator Receptionist Accountant Project manager Sales Marketing Software developer Electrician and trades Warehouse School leaver Apprenticeship Part-time job Career change
Found one you like? Make it yours
Add your CV, pick a design and download it. Free, with no watermark and no page limit.