In an increasingly complex world, your CV is one place where simplicity is still key. Don’t overcomplicate matters with hard to use templates that are more trouble than they’re worth. Stick to our selection of simple and basic CV templates that are as effective as they are easy to use.
Each example you’ll see is packed with features and recruiter approved, while remaining effortlessly simple. Combine them with our incredible CV builder and you’ve got the recipe for pain-free job-hunting success.
Create an effective CV in minutes. Choose a professional CV template and fill in every section of your CV in a flash using ready-made content and expert tips.
Create your CV now
The LiveCareer online CV maker lets you build a professional CV fast and download it as a PDF or DOC.
Looking for a different CV template? Try these:
- Blank CV templates
- Free CV templates
- Model CV templates
- Modern CV templates
- Word CV templates
Basic and simple CV template example
Anna Loughborough
Ph: 0777 777 7777
Email: a.loughboroughlc@gmail.com
Focussed and well-presented receptionist with 5+ years of experience and flawless administrative skills. Accustomed to multitasking and remaining calm under pressure in a high footfall front desk role. Seeking to join Litic Industries as front desk receptionist and contribute to its reputation for peerless professionalism.
Work Experience
Receptionist
Securicorp, Manchester
August 2015–Present
- Maintained a high standard of customer service as front desk receptionist in an office with an average visitor footfall of 50+ visitors per day.
- Assisted accounts payable team in processing of invoices using QuickBooks suite.
- Managed a high-volume of incoming calls, ensuring redirection to internal call centre when required to maintain call wait time below set targets.
- Mentored work experience placement students from local schools, offering career advice and knowledge of basic customer service skills.
- Ensured reception area was kept clean, secure and in compliance with health and safety regulations.
Education
A-levels: German, Geography, History. September 2018–June 2020 (Expected graduation date)
Sudbury Academy, Manchester, UK
Skills
- Software—QuickBooks suite, Oracle E-Business suite
- Call handling—advanced user of Mitel hardware
- Health & safety—monitored reception area for hazards and acted as designated fire warden
- Written communication—wrote complaint response letters on behalf of executives
- Typing—80 wpm typing speed
Languages
- German—Advanced
And that's what makes a good CV. Now, here's a selection of simple and easy-to-use basic CV templates:
1. Simple scanner
We begin with our appropriately named simple scanner template. Right off the bat this proof that a simple and basic CV template can still be packed with useful features. First up, it uses a mix of alignments to help the reader ‘navigate the page’. In other words, it forces their gaze to flick back and forth across the page making sure they take everything in. And there’s no effort required from you to achieve this effect. Our CV builder makes it so simple it’s child’s play. All you need to do is enter your content and the end result is a perfect basic CV template.
2. Professional minimalist
Another example of bare-bones brilliance this simple CV template has the minimalist elegance of a fine piece of brutalist architecture. No distractions, no unnecessary additions, it’s just pure job-winning content. The fact is, overly-complicated CV templates can spell disaster for your job application. That’s because most companies now use something called ATS. It stands for Applicant Tracking System and it’s a type of software that scans your CV before human recruiters get a chance to see it. If there’s too much clutter from images and poor layout, the software can’t read it. Then you get rejected and wonder why you never heard anything back. Rest assured that every Live Career CV Template is fully ATS compatible.
3. Bold professional
Now you can see how simple changes make all the difference to a basic CV template. The CV fonts are key here starting off with the CV header. Look how the large font size and mix of bold and standard weight lettering really makes the candidate’s name pop off the page. Then as we move down to the CV summary and other section headings you’ll see that capitalisation adds emphasis too. They’re small changes that yield big results in terms of quality. Plus when you use our CV builder you’ll get expert CV tips too.
4. Centred executive
This example may be a very simple CV template but it’s anything but boring. A centre aligned CV header and personal details flow effortlessly into the personal profile. It’s an excellent choice for more experienced candidates as the spacious format gives lots of room for a detailed work experience section. And if you can’t think of how to describe your professional accomplishments we’ve got that covered too. Our CV maker helps teach you how to write a simple CV template with thousands of pre-written text examples to inspire you.
5. Corporate business card
The inspiration behind this basic CV template is simple. It takes its design cues from the uncomplicated elegance of a corporate business card. But that said, it’s so effective that any jobseeker stands to benefit from using it, not just candidates for corporate roles. Take a look at our CV generator to see for yourself. All of our templates are free to try out. There’s no need to commit unless you’re absolutely satisfied with what you see.
6. Classic professional
If you want more proof that a basic CV template is the key to success then consider this. Simple is scientifically proven to be beautiful. A study conducted by Google revealed that readers consistently rated more complex layouts as less attractive than simple ones. So follow the science and choose a CV template with simple perfection. There’s nothing to distract from the job-winning content with this one, it’s pure minimalist design at its best.
7. One page modern
Another advantage of choosing a basic CV template is that there is so much more room to fit everything in. And if you’re aiming for a one-page CV this example is perfect for you. The CV header is small, discreet and neatly tucked away right at the top of the page, leaving you more room to fit everything in. One-page CVs are highly recommended for less experienced candidates so if you’re writing a simple student CV template then this is the one for you.
8. Business professional
Still not sure which simple CV template to choose? Try business professional. It starts off with a header arranged in classic letterhead style and it also features a two-column format for your CV skills section, so you’ll have no problems fitting in all those job-winning abilities you’ve gained over the years. And as with all of our monotone examples we think it looks great printed on paper too.
9. Blue modern header
The simple addition of colour can make all the difference to a basic CV template. The broad header in a professional-looking shade of blue is the first element that catches your eye. But there are matching additions of colour in the section headings too. An ideal choice for adding a touch of creativity without going overboard.
A strong CV summary will convince the recruiter you’re the perfect candidate. Save time and choose a ready-made personal statement written by career experts and adjust it to your needs in the LiveCareer CV builder.
10. Electric blue creative
If you’re looking a bright and fresh feel then this simple CV template might be just the one. It retains all the basic elements of our monotone examples but with neon stripes of electric blue. That gives it more of a youthful feel, and as such we’d suggest it’d make a great simple CV template for school-leavers.
11. Light blue creative
We’ve added even more colours to this example but it’s still a simple CV template designed to win you interviews. Duck egg blue, dark grey and white backgrounds work together to create a calm and professional impression. We’ve even added a few simple CV icons to the personal details section to give even more clarity.
12. Blue modern accents
This simple CV template variation is ideal if you liked our electric blue example but wanted something a little more toned down. Darker shades of blue are more closely related with strength and reliability so it's an excellent choice for more experienced jobseekers targeting managerial roles.
13. Creative green
Now we move from blue to green. This template features a striking stripe of green to highlight the CV header and a mix of grey and black font to give another touch of style while remaining simple. Take a look at our builder to give it a try for yourself.
14. Orange creative
Now we warm things arm with this orange basic CV template. Just that one colourful element helps to make it really stand out. Imagine how it’d look compared to a collection of dull, poorly formatted templates. Simple, striking and sophisticated.
15. Red modern
The last of our example makes use of a rich, dark red for an elegant, professional look. And as with all of our templates, it’s versatile too. You can download this simple CV template in Word or as a PDF. Using PDF format is generally best as it preserves your layout but some employers still specify Word format, so you’re covered either way.
You don’t have to be a CV writing expert. In the LiveCareer CV builder you’ll find ready-made content for every industry and position, which you can then add with a single click.
Thanks for reading about our simple and basic CV templates. If you’d like to know more, please ask in the comments section and I’ll be happy to answer.
FAQs
What is the best CV template to use UK? ›
There are currently two main formats recognised in the UK: the chronological (or rather reverse chronological) format, which is the most commonly used and requested by recruiters, and the skills-based format, which is the CV format recommended for those who do not have any work experience yet.
What is the UK base CV format? ›A 2-page CV format is more acceptable in the UK than in the U.S. (in America, 2-page CVs are usually only for candidates with decades of experience). One-pagers do exist, but it's also common to have your CV printed on BOTH sides of the sheet. Cover letters are often used in the U.S.
Is there a free CV template UK? ›myPerfectCV offers the best CV templates for the UK. Our graduate template is a choice for anyone writing a CV for the U.K market. These CV templates contain experience, skills, education and personal statement sections as standard. A clear CV template with example content for teaching jobs in the UK.
How do I make a CV UK? ›- your qualifications.
- your past jobs and volunteering experience.
- your past employers' details.
- evidence of any training courses you've completed.
In terms of the title and the layout, there exist fundamental differences between CVs in British English and those in American English. In the UK, the document is called a CV (Curriculum Vitae) and the title is placed as a heading on the résumé. In the US, it is called 'Personal Résumé' or 'Curriculum Vitae'.
What is the difference between American and British CV format? ›The British CV is a more complete summary of your entire professional background. Unlike the American résumé, a British CV can be longer than one page and can include parts of your professional background that are not relevant to the job you are applying for. Title: This is the same as on the résumé.
What is the largest CV database UK? ›About CV-Library
CV-Library is the UK's largest independent job board, boasting a CV database of over 14 million CVs. Offering a competitive range of packages, CV-Library provides comprehensive hiring solutions for companies of all sizes, industries and locations nationwide.
Keep your CV concise and to the point. It should be no more than 2 pages of A4 unless you are applying for an academic / research post. Focus on your recent and most relevant experience and achievements. The employer wants to read a tailored CV focused on transferable experience, skills and achievements.
How do I write a CV for the first time UK? ›- Full name.
- Contact details. – Address, telephone, email.
- Personal statement: – A personal statement is a sentence or paragraph that summarises your strengths, career goals, and what you can offer employers.
- Key skills: ...
- Education: ...
- Work experience: ...
- Hobbies and interests:
You can pay someone to write your CV for you, and more often than not, it is worth the investment. The job market is competitive and writing your CV can be stressful when you're not 100% sure how to craft it in the best way. Enlisting help from a CV writing service may be one of the best career decisions you ever make.
Should you send your CV as a PDF UK? ›
Rule 1: Follow Any Application Directions
They are the authority on what they're looking for, so if they ask for a PDF, give them a PDF, and if they ask for a Word doc (a.k.a., DOCX), upload a Word doc. By ignoring what the company is asking for, you risk them not being able to (or choosing not to) read your resume.
In the United States and Canada, a resume is the preferred document. Americans and Canadians would only use a CV if they were applying for a job abroad, or if they were searching for a research or academic oriented position. However, you should use a CV in the UK, Ireland and New Zealand for all purposes.
How much does it cost to write a CV UK? ›CV People
Cost: The cost will vary depending on your level of experience and the package you choose. Prices range from £139 to £305. Features of CV People include: Four levels of packages depending on your experience.
Page 1. American résumés (CVs) and covering. letters. There are several differences between American “résumés” and UK CVs but the format of the covering letter is very similar. Remember to tailor your résumé and covering letter to the specific requirements of the company and to pay attention to company requests.
What do the British call a resume? ›First of all, in Britain the document that you use to apply for a job is called a CV.
What is the American equivalent of a CV? ›In many European countries, CV is used to describe all job application documents, including a resume. In the United States and Canada, CV and resume are sometimes used interchangeably.
How does an international CV look like? ›The short format or business CV should be 1-2 pages long (A4 format). It only consists of facts, dates, and numbers. The reasons for applying and a summary of your skills which qualify you for the position can be detailed in a cover letter.
Is it better to work in the US or UK? ›The average salary in the US is higher than the average salary in the UK. The wage gap is caused by a variety of factors, including the cost of living, the health care system, and mandatory benefits. Wage rates also vary by gender, age, and industry (or type of job).
What do employers look for in a CV UK? ›Your CV spells out you have the skills required for the job. Your CV demonstrates you understand the employer's objectives and are motivated to deliver them. Your CV highlights you have a track record of delivering results for your employers. Your CV indicates you're a pleasant and interesting person.
Should I put my address on my CV UK? ›For the protection of your personal data, do not put your full postal address on your CV. Historically, the convention was to include it, but today you must not do this. You should only share your address with an employer if they've offered you the job.
Should you put a photo on your CV UK? ›
Including a photo on your CV – UK rules
In short, don't include a photo on your CV in the UK. Why? Even though in the past it was standard practice to include a profile picture on your CV, that is no longer the case. It's due to strict anti-discrimination employment laws.
5. Which of these is not mentioned in a job description CV? Explanation: Nationality is not usually mentioned in a job description CV. Name, address and date is mentioned in a job description CV along with education.
How do you write a CV for dummies? ›- Pick the Right Resume Format & Layout.
- Mention Your Personal Details & Contact Information.
- Use a Resume Summary or Objective.
- List Your Work Experience & Achievements.
- Mention Your Top Soft & Hard Skills.
- Include Additional Resume Sections (Languages, Hobbies, etc.)
- Choose a suitable structure. A CV structure refers to how you order the information. ...
- Lay out your CV. ...
- Focus on your education. ...
- Highlight your relevant experience. ...
- Add your skills. ...
- Include an engaging summary. ...
- Include your interests and hobbies. ...
- List your references.
The first thing to include in your curriculum vitae (CV) is your name. Let's clarify that only your first name and surname are required ‒ no middle names, please. Then put your professional job title with your name. These details act as the title of your CV.
What should I avoid on my CV UK? ›- Poor formatting.
- Failing to tailor your application.
- Spelling errors.
- Lying.
- Lack of evidence.
- Not explaining 'why'
- Ignoring gaps in your work history.
You should always include a cover letter when you apply for a job using a CV. You can write it as an email if you're applying online or print a copy to go with a paper application.
Who is the best CV writing company? ›- Indeed. Indeed is a worldwide employment website for job listings and career development. ...
- My Perfect CV. ...
- Purple CV. ...
- Top CV. ...
- CV People. ...
- CV Knowhow. ...
- Fiverr.
If you need help creating a resume or cover letter, start with one of the dozens of professionally-designed resume and cover letter templates that are available in Word. Go to File > New. In the search box, type Resume or Cover Letter. Double-click the template you want to use.
Which format of CV is best? ›The best CV format is the reverse-ch chronological one. It's the one most recruiters are used to, and it helps convey your experiences and educational history the best.
Do employers prefer Word or PDF CV? ›
Recruiters will specify in the job posting which file format you should send your resume; If they didn't, or they gave you a free choice, always go with PDF; Avoid sending both Doc and PDF, as this will overwhelm the hiring manager process.
How long should a CV be UK? ›A standard CV in the UK should be no longer than two sides of A4. Take a look at our example of a chronological CV for inspiration. That said one size doesn't fit all. For example, a school leaver or recent graduate with minimal experience may only need to use one side of A4.
What are 7 most common sections of a CV? ›- Contact information.
- Personal Statement (Personal Profile)
- Work Experience.
- Associations and Certifications (Optional)
- Education.
- Skills.
- Extra Sections.
The skills portion of your CV is arguably the most vital because it's the main opportunity you have to really sell yourself as the best candidate for the job you're applying for.
Should I send CV in Word or PDF UK? ›Recruiters will specify in the job posting which file format you should send your resume; If they didn't, or they gave you a free choice, always go with PDF; Avoid sending both Doc and PDF, as this will overwhelm the hiring manager process.
What is the most effective CV template? ›We recommend Ubuntu, Roboto, or Overpass. Use standard and legible resume sections. For example, your work experience should be called just that “Work Experience” and not “work history” or something else. Leverage bullet points to list information such as work achievements and responsibilities, academic details, etc.
What is the most effective CV format? ›The best CV format is the reverse-ch chronological one. It's the one most recruiters are used to, and it helps convey your experiences and educational history the best.
Who is the best CV writing company UK? ›- Purple CV. Cost: £50 for early career level, £190 for niche professions, £95 for mid-career CV and £135 for the mid-career bundle. ...
- TopCV. Cost: From £99 to £219, depending on the level of CV package. ...
- The CV Centre. ...
- CV People. ...
- Sarah Lovell. ...
- The Fuller CV. ...
- The CV Store.
Most employers will accept either a Word document or PDF file, leaving the decision up to you. Although both file types have their own pros and cons, PDF is usually the better choice. Sending your resume as a PDF file will preserve the formatting and ensure that the document looks exactly the way you intended.
Do employers prefer Word of PDF? ›Word documents are the preferred resume file type for applicant tracking systems (ATSs) because they are easier to parse than a PDF, so if you are applying for a job through an ATS, make your resume a . docx (or . doc).
How many pages should a CV be UK? ›
Keep your CV concise and to the point. It should be no more than 2 pages of A4 unless you are applying for an academic / research post. Focus on your recent and most relevant experience and achievements. The employer wants to read a tailored CV focused on transferable experience, skills and achievements.
Should I put a photo on my CV UK? ›In the UK photographs are not commonly used in CVs and employers will not normally expect or request them. If applying for jobs in the UK its best not to include a photo on your CV.
Is there a free CV template? ›Our free CV templates cater for everyone, no matter what stage you're at in your career. From school leaver templates and recent graduates ones, to academics and executive-level CV examples, our templates can help to increase your chances of job hunting success.
What is the most common CV mistakes? ›Proofreading is the last step in making sure that your CV is free of error and ready to send. The most common mistakes you should look out for are spelling mistakes, wrong sentence structure, typos, punctuation errors, and bad grammar.
What is the most common CV format used worldwide? ›The chronological résumé is the most common format of them all — and for good reason, too.
What are the 6 things that should be included on a resume? ›- Personal Information.
- Objective.
- Education.
- Work and Related Experience.
- Awards and Honors.
- Activities/Hobbies.
- Skills.
- References (3-5 people)