ATS-Friendly CV
One column, standard headings, no tables or graphics. The safest choice for online application systems.
Fill in this format onlineFree Template
Professional CV Format With a Classic Layout
This professional CV format uses the look of traditional business documents: Times New Roman, a centred name, thin navy rules under each heading. It is one column and has no tables, so it is as safe for online applications as it is on paper.
Download the Professional CV template
Classic serif layout with a centred header. Suits managers, finance, law and senior roles.
- Paper
- A4
- Layout
- One column
- Font
- Times New Roman
- Pages
- 1
- Files
- Word (.docx) and PDF
Free. No sign-up, no watermark.
What is in the template
- Centred name in capitals with your job title and contact line below.
- Profile, Professional Experience, Education, Key Skills, Certifications, Languages.
- Job titles in bold, employers in italics, dates on the right.
- Dark navy headings with a rule, black text.
Who it suits
Finance, law, consulting, public service, management and any field where a conservative page is expected. It also works well in print, because serif type at 11 points stays readable on paper.
Turning it into an executive CV format
For senior roles, widen the profile into four or five lines on scope: budget, team size, markets. Under each role, write three or four achievement bullets with figures. Add a line for board roles or professional memberships under Certifications. Two pages are normal at this level; keep older roles to one line each.
Other CV formats
Simple CV
Clean and plain with generous white space. Good for any job and easy to edit.
Fill in this format online
Modern CV
Two columns with a shaded side panel for contact details and skills. Best when a person, not a system, reads it first.
Fill in this format online
Student CV
Education first, then projects, part-time work and activities. Made for a first CV.
Fill in this format online
Academic CV
Education, research interests, appointments, publications, grants and referees. No page limit.
Fill in this format online
Europass-style CV
Label and detail columns in the order used by the Europass CV. This is our own layout, not the official EU tool.
Fill in this format online
US Resume
US Letter paper, one page focus, no photo and no personal details such as age or marital status.
Fill in this format online
Canadian Resume
US Letter paper, summary and skills first, volunteer work included, no photo or personal details.
Fill in this format online
Australian Resume
Career profile, key skills, achievements under each job and referees at the end.
Fill in this format online
German CV (Lebenslauf)
Tabular layout with dates on the left, personal details block, and place, date and signature at the end.
Fill in this format onlineSources
- National Careers Service (UK Government): How to write a CV
- Template files: made by Dev Global Jobs and opened in Microsoft Word before publishing.
Sources last checked: 2 October 2026.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a CV look professional?
Consistency. One font, one heading style, aligned dates and no spelling mistakes. The template sets the first three for you.
Is Times New Roman still acceptable?
Yes. The UK National Careers Service names Arial, Times New Roman and Calibri as clear fonts for a CV.
Can I change the navy colour?
Yes. In Word, select one heading, choose Select All Text With Similar Formatting and pick another dark colour.
Is this format read correctly by application systems?
It is one column with standard headings and no tables or images, the structure such systems handle best.
How long can a professional CV be?
Two pages is the usual limit. Put the most recent ten to fifteen years in detail and shorten earlier roles.
Is the template free?
Yes. Word and PDF, no sign-up, no watermark.
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