ATS-Friendly CV
One column, standard headings, no tables or graphics. The safest choice for online application systems.
Fill in this format onlineFree Template
Simple CV Format: A Clean One Column Layout
A simple CV format puts nothing between the reader and your experience: one column, one font, clear headings and space around each section. It suits almost any job and takes minutes to fill in.
Download the Simple CV template
Clean and plain with generous white space. Good for any job and easy to edit.
- Paper
- A4
- Layout
- One column
- Font
- Arial
- Pages
- 1
- Files
- Word (.docx) and PDF
Free. No sign-up, no watermark.
What is in the template
- Your name in large plain type, with job title and contact details on one line below.
- Profile: two or three sentences.
- Experience and Education with dates on the right.
- Skills, Languages and Certifications as short lines.
- Wide margins and no colour, so it prints well.
When a basic CV format is the right choice
Choose it when the content should speak for itself: a first application to a small company, a career change, a job in trades, care, retail or administration, or any time you are unsure what the employer prefers. The UK National Careers Service advises a clear font, headings and bullet points, and the same style throughout. This format does exactly that and nothing more.
Filling it in
Replace each guidance line with your own text. Keep the profile short, start every bullet with a verb, and remove sections you do not need. One page is enough for up to ten years of experience.
Other CV formats
Professional CV
Classic serif layout with a centred header. Suits managers, finance, law and senior roles.
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
Is a plain layout good enough for professional jobs?
Yes. Recruiters look for content first. A plain, well ordered page is easier to read than a decorated one.
How is it different from the ATS-friendly format?
Both are single column and safe for application systems. The simple format has more white space and softer headings. The ATS-friendly one is more compact.
Can I add colour?
Yes. In Word, select a heading, choose Select All Text With Similar Formatting and set a colour. One dark colour is enough.
Does it fit on one page?
With two or three jobs and one or two qualifications, yes. If it runs over by a few lines, shorten the profile first.
What font does it use?
Arial at 10.5 points for text and 22 points for your name.
Is it free?
Yes, Word and PDF, with no sign-up and no watermark.
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