When it comes to job hunting, creating a winning CV is crucial. It's the very first point of contact between you and your future employer. A good CV will catch the attention of hiring managers and increase your chances of landing an interview. But the question is, should you use a template for your CV?
Using a template can be an attractive option for job seekers with limited experience in crafting a professional document. Most templates will provide guidance on the essential sections to include and the order to present them. They are especially useful for those looking to create an effective document without the need for a professional resume writers' help.
However, filling in a predetermined template might not lend itself to your experience, skills, and achievements as effectively as creating a unique, original resume from scratch and only you (or your resume writer) will know how to strike that balance between a solid, sleek design and a human-voiced resume that allows you to stand out in a competitive job market.
Ultimately, the decision to use a template for your CV or create one from scratch depends on you and something we aim to answer over the course of this article.
What we’ll cover...
CV Templates vs Resume Templates - Are they the same thing?
Why it’s perfectly fine to use a template
CV Template “Pros”
CV Template “Cons”
Are CV Templates ATS compatible?
What are some of the best CV Templates (with examples)
Frequently Asked Questions (The FAQs)
Let’s get going…
Are CV templates and Resume templates the same thing?
CV templates and resume templates are essentially the same thing. While there are some slight differences in the content and length of these documents, they both serve the same purpose, which is to showcase your skills, experience, and qualifications to potential employers.
For those in the US a CV, or curriculum vitae, is typically used in academic and research positions and can be much longer than a resume, while a resume is a concise summary (2 to 3 pages) and is usually used in the job market. For Europeans and other non-US markets the preferred term is CV and is used for both longer and shorter applications.
Either way, both CV templates and resume templates offer structure and guidance on how to present your information in a professional and organised manner. The good ones will typically provide preset sections, such as "work experience" or "education," and offer guidance on what information to include and how to format it.
Why it's perfectly fine to use a CV template…
Using a CV template is a perfectly acceptable and even common practice in the recruitment and job search process. In fact, many employers may not even be aware that the CVs they receive have been created using a template. Template-based CVs can offer a structure and clarity that may otherwise be lacking in a more free-form CV, ensuring that important information is highlighted and presented in a professional manner.
Using a template can be an excellent starting point for job seekers who may not know where to begin when crafting their CV or resume. Templates provide a foundation for your document and can help ensure that you include all relevant information while presenting it in an attractive and legible way.
CV templates can offer a variety of designs and styles, including sleek and modern designs with pops of color, as well as more traditional and conservative options.
While it is important to tailor a CV to the specific job and company being applied to, a template can serve as a useful starting point. By providing a basic structure and defining key sections such as work experience, education, and skills, templates can save job seekers time and effort in creating a CV from scratch, and can also help you create a beautiful job application which you may not otherwise be able to achieve.
Ultimately, using a CV template can be an attractive option for job seekers, particularly those without extensive design experience or professional resume writing expertise and yep, it's perfectly fine to use.
QUOTE: In the job search process nothing is more important than impressing the hiring manager and getting that foot in the door. For job seekers who are not Designers CV Templates level the playing field helping to create amazing, custom documents quickly.
Career Coach - Suzie Finch on LinkedIn.
What are the "pros" to using a CV template?
Using a CV template offers several advantages for job seekers. Let's get into them:
// CV templates will save you a ton of time
When it comes to the job hunt, things can get pretty frenetic and time is most definitely of the essence.
The market can move incredibly quickly, so for candidates to stand-out creating a well crafted CV, tailored to each vacancy is the key for making a first impression count. But building a strong CV from scratch can be a time-consuming process, and it’s not always the best option. When under time pressure CVs created from scratch may not be effective at communicating your strengths and experience in the best light possible.
Enter CV templates. With the basic structure and layout are already in place, templates make it easy to plug in your own information and make minor adjustments to customise a top notch document to your own needs in now time.
// You'll get a professional looking CV format
Your CV is the first thing that prospective employers see, and it's ultimately what determines whether you move forward in the hiring process or end up in the reject pile. But if you're not experienced in graphic design or don't have the time to create a visually appealing CV from scratch, then logically the idea of using a CV template could be the right choice for you.
Using a CV template, you can quickly and easily create a professional-looking documents that stands out from the competition. Unlike a plain text CV, which can look samey and unremarkable, a template provides you with a ready-made format that's both eye-catching and functional. With pre-designed sections for your personal details, work experience, education, and other key information, you'll be able to present your skills and qualifications in a clear and concise way.
But it's not just about having a pretty design. Using a template also provides you with a level of credibility that you may not have otherwise. Hiring managers are bombarded with job applications on a daily basis, and they don't have time to sift through poorly formatted or difficult-to-read CVs. By using a template, you'll show them that you're serious about your job search and that you've put in the effort to present yourself in the best possible light.
Make Employers Notice You!
Beautifully designed resume templates that are easy to customise, ATS compatible and immediate to download.
// Template packs will include CV writing advice and great tips
Did you know that many template packs also come with additional advice and tips? These resources can be invaluable for anyone looking to create a CV that truly impresses.
For example, a good template pack will often include guidance on the job search and application process as a whole. Typical advice might include information on which sections to include, how to present your work experience, how to create a CV that compliments your LinkedIn profile and tips on using AI to research what language and key words to use.
In many cases, template packs will also include examples of successful CVs from real people. This can be a great way to get inspiration and see how others have tackled the task of putting together a professional document. By studying these examples, you can pick up tips on everything from how to highlight your key skills to how to incorporate white space effectively.
Of course, not all template packs are created equal. Those that just include placeholder text like "insert job title here" are to be given a wide berth.
// CV templates are great value (unlike CV builders and Canva - no subscriptions required)
So why choose a CV template over a CV builder, resume builder or Canva? For one thing, templates are often a more affordable option. Many CV builders and resume builders require you to pay a recurring subscription fee or make a one-time purchase, whereas purchasing your own CV template will mean that you receive an editable document for life, for a small one-time fee that won't break the bank.
Additionally, templates can be a great value because they offer a lot of flexibility and customisation options. Unlike a CV builder or resume builder which often requires you to input your information into specific fields, a template lets you arrange your information in a way that makes sense for you. You can choose which sections to include, adjust the formatting, and add or delete sections as needed.
And while Canva certainly offers some beautiful design options, a template specifically designed for CVs may be a better choice if you want to make sure your document looks professional and polished. A template will typically include all the necessary sections and information that employers expect to see on a CV, and the design will be tailored specifically to that purpose.
// Stand-out in a crowded Job market
In today's competitive job market, it can be difficult to differentiate yourself from the sea of applicants all vying for the same job. Choosing a resume template that appeals to you is a nailed on strategy that you can employ to help you stand out in a crowded market and increase your chances of landing the job you want.
Don't underestimate the power of creativity. While you should always remain professional, there are opportunities to inject a little personality and flair into your job search materials, whether that's through a well-designed resume, a creative cover letter, or even a standout LinkedIn profile.
Standing out in a crowded market takes effort and strategy, but with the right approach, you can set yourself apart from the competition and increase your chances of success. Selecting a distinctive resume template that works for you and your career path is advised.
// Perfect layout and structure every single time
Resume templates / CV templates help you achieve a clear and consistent job application. For those with extensive experience it can help bring organisation and clarity to resume content which, when looking at the raw employment and skills data, can feel like a somewhat daunting process to a stressed job seeker.
A typical effective resume format will cover:
Objective or summary statement: A brief overview of your career goals or a summary of your most impressive qualifications.
Work experience: A list of your past jobs, including the job title, the company you worked for, and your responsibilities and accomplishments.
Education: A list of your degrees or certifications, including the school you attended, your major or field of study, and any relevant coursework or honors.
Skills and achievements: A summary of your most impressive skills and accomplishments, such as speaking multiple languages or winning a prestigious award.
The best templates have the ability to structure resume sections clearly to ensure that information is easy to read and white space is used to the maximum advantage. A resume that is too cluttered or cramped can be overwhelming to read, so it's important to give your content room to breathe. Use margins and spacing wisely, and consider using a clean and modern font to make your content easy on the eyes.
Are there any "cons" to using a CV Template?
SO what do you need to look out for when considering a CV template?
// Be wary of sub-standard CV / resume templates (choose a reputable provider)
When considering using a template for your CV, it's important to look out for poorly written and badly designed options that can actually do more harm than good. These types of templates may have formatting errors, grammatical mistakes, or even outdated information that can make you look unprofessional or out of touch with current hiring practices.
To avoid these pitfalls, you should choose a reputable provider when selecting a template. Look for providers who specialise in creating professional templates specifically for job search purposes, with options that cater to a variety of industries and job titles. These providers will have taken care to ensure that their templates are up-to-date, visually appealing, and easy to tailor to your specific needs.
Additionally, it's a good idea to read reviews or testimonials from other job seekers who have used the same templates you are considering. This can give you insight into any potential issues or frustrations that they encountered, such as difficulty customizing certain sections or poor response rates from hiring managers.
// Free CV templates may be widely in use
On one hand the availability and accessibility of using a free template is an attractive option, however for this very reason they will be easily found and downloaded on mass. One of the major benefits for using a resume template is to create an application that stands-out and gets seen above the competition. Free (or the very cheap) templates may well negate this feature.
Are CV templates / resume templates ATS friendly?
In the past, job seekers used to worry about their CV being rejected by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) due to incompatible formats or layouts. However, ATS systems have evolved with the times, and many are now AI-activated and able to read and parse CV template designs. This means that candidates can now confidently use professional and visually appealing templates for their CVs without fear of rejection by the ATS.
ATS systems have become more adaptable to modern technology, and today's job hunters can take advantage of this progress. With the majority of ATS comfortably handling CV templates, there are numerous benefits for the job seeker. For instance, using a professional template can help candidates make a good first impression with their prospective employer by providing a clean and easy-to-read layout. This can be especially useful for creative job roles such as graphic designers, who have made their CVs visually creative to showcase their skills.
ATS-Friendly Resumes Templates can be both beautiful and effective. Candidates can now experience a reduced level of anxiety when submitting their CVs. That spells bad news for all those boring templates!
What are some of the best templates for CVs (with examples)
Below we've included a cross section of resume template designs which can be both downloaded or used as inspiration should you decide to produce the finished product yourself.
// Creative Resume Templates
With the evolution of ATSs why compromise on a creative look and feel, all templates are ATS-Friendly Resume Templates…
Creative CV Template Example - Download
// Modern Resume Templates
Modern resume templates are summed up as professional templates but with a creative twist. The following examples provide a good overview…
Modern CV Template Example - Download
// Professional Resume Templates
For those that want a professional resume template that showcases plenty of clean white space and a structure that says “I’m the best at what I do”, these are for you…
Professional Resume Template - Download.
// Simple Resume Templates
A basic resume with a clean lines and no extra frills can still look the part. Less is more as they say.
Simple Resume Template - Download
// One Page Resume Templates
Condensing all your credentials, qualifications and experience into a single page allows recruiters and hiring managers to see everything quickly and in the below case beautifully.
Frequently asked questions on resume / CV templates
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Yes, it’s important to select the best resume for your skills, experience and profession. Good providers can recommend the best templates for you.
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It’s perfectly acceptable to include a good quality photo of yourself, it helps to showcase character, confidence and can differentiate you from the crowd.
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No, your resume should be in reverse-chronological order. This means your most recent employment history / education is first.
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It’s important to gauge the sentiment of your industry, this sentiment should be reflected in your template choice. For Example, an Accountant or Executive Assistant are important, formal jobs and would require professional templates. Marketing and Design roles are creative, so would require this types of templates.
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MS Word. It’s easy to edit, universal and can be easily converted into PDF.
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Yes, all good templates will offer this feature.
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Applicant Tracking Systems can now parse even the most complicated PDF files. This is no longer a barrier for consideration.
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No, as long as you do not resell the template you can edit, update and use throughout the duration of your career.
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