20+ Professional CV Templates for UK Jobseekers

Why use CVMaker's CV templates?

With CVMaker, you get more than a ready-made CV design. Our 20+ professional CV templates are integrated directly into the CV builder, so you can work on your content and design in one place.

Choose a template, add your information and customise your CV for your experience and the role you're applying for. You can switch templates at any time without entering your information again, making it easy to compare different layouts before choosing your final design.

Need help with your content? CVMaker's AI assistance can help you improve your Personal Profile and Work Experience sections while you create your CV.

With CVMaker, you can:

• Choose from 20+ professional CV templates

• Use AI assistance to improve your CV content

• Switch templates without entering your information again

• Add, remove and organise CV sections

• Customise fonts, colours and design

• Create a clear, ATS-friendly CV

• Create a CV and cover letter with matching designs

• Download your finished CV as a PDF

How do you choose the best CV template?

The best CV template depends on your level of experience, the role you're applying for and how much information you need to include. A student or recent graduate, for example, has different needs from someone with an extensive career history.

CVMaker lets you filter templates by experience level, making it easier to find a layout suited to your background.

CV templates for beginners

If you have little or no work experience, choose a CV template that highlights your education, skills, internships and other relevant experience. The Michigan, Hopkins, Berkeley and Yale templates offer clear layouts that help students, recent graduates and first-time jobseekers present their strengths effectively.

CV templates for intermediate professionals

If you already have some work experience, look for a template that provides a good balance between your professional background, education and skills. The Cambridge, Stanford, Princeton, Harvard, Auckland and Edinburgh templates offer flexible layouts that help you organise your experience and highlight relevant achievements.

CV templates for experienced professionals

If you have several years of professional experience, choose a template that provides enough space to showcase your career history, responsibilities and achievements without compromising readability. The Oxford, Otago, Wisconsin, Toronto and Duke templates are suitable for experienced professionals who want to present their expertise and career progression clearly.

You don't need to choose the perfect template straight away. Try different designs with the same content and compare how your CV looks before making your final choice.

Which CV style is right for you?

Your experience level isn't the only factor to consider. Think about the role, industry and organisation you're applying to. CVMaker offers four main styles: simple, professional, modern and creative.

Simple CV templates

Simple CV templates are ideal for students, recent graduates, first-time jobseekers and professionals applying for roles in administration, customer service or traditional industries. Their clean, easy-to-read layouts keep the focus on your work experience, education and skills.

Professional CV templates

Professional CV templates are suitable for candidates applying for roles in finance, law, management, consulting and other corporate environments. Their structured, polished layouts help experienced professionals highlight their career history, responsibilities and achievements.

Modern CV templates

Modern CV templates are a good choice for professionals in technology, IT, marketing, communications and contemporary workplaces. They combine a clear structure with an up-to-date design, helping you present your qualifications and experience in a visually appealing way.

Creative CV templates

Creative CV templates are particularly suitable for candidates in design, media, advertising, marketing and other creative industries. They offer more distinctive layouts that allow you to showcase your personality and creativity while keeping your CV organised and easy to read.

If you're unsure, a simple or professional CV template is a suitable starting point for most applications.

What are the benefits of CVMaker's CV templates?

You can create a CV in Word or another word processor, but adding content, moving sections or changing the design can affect the formatting of the entire document.

CVMaker is built specifically for creating and editing CVs. The builder handles the layout while you focus on your content. You can reorganise sections, customise the design and try another template while keeping the information you've already entered.

You can also use AI assistance to improve key sections of your CV, helping you strengthen your content without starting from scratch.

How to create a CV with CVMaker

1. Choose a CV template suited to your experience and the role you're applying for.

2. Add your information and organise the most important sections of your CV.

3. Use AI assistance when you need help improving your content.

4. Customise your design and try different templates until you find the right layout.

5. Review and download your CV as a PDF when it's ready.

What sections should a UK CV include?

A good CV template provides the structure, but the sections you include should reflect your experience and the role you're applying for.

Most UK CVs include:

• Contact details

• Personal profile

• Work experience

• Education

• Skills

Depending on your background and the position, you may also include:

• Courses and certifications

• Languages

• Achievements

• Volunteering

• Hobbies and interests

• References

You don't need to include every possible section. Prioritise information that helps the employer quickly understand why your experience and skills are relevant to the role.

CV template or CV example – what's the difference?

A CV template provides the design and structure for your CV. You add your own work experience, education, skills and other relevant information.

A CV example shows you how a completed CV might look and what it could include for a particular profession, industry or experience level.

If you're unsure what to write, explore CVMaker's CV examples for inspiration, then choose a template you like and customise it with your own information.

Frequently asked questions about CV templates

What is the best CV template?

There isn't one CV template that's best for everyone. Choose a layout based on your experience, industry and the role you're applying for. A simple or professional template is a good starting point for most UK job applications.

What CV template should I use if I have no experience?

Choose a clear template that gives you space to highlight your education, transferable skills, courses, projects, volunteering, placements and other relevant experience. CVMaker also lets you filter templates designed for beginners. Read more about How to write a CV with no experience.

Are CVMaker's CV templates ATS-friendly?

CVMaker's templates are designed with clear, structured layouts. Your content also matters: use clear section headings, relevant information and wording tailored to the role you're applying for.

Can I change my CV template after I've started?

Yes. You can switch between templates without entering your information again, making it easy to compare different layouts before choosing your final design.

Can I use AI to help with my CV?

Yes. CVMaker includes AI assistance that can help you improve key sections of your CV, including your Personal Profile and Work Experience.

Can I download my CV as a PDF?

Yes. Once your CV is finished, you can download it as a PDF, helping preserve the design and formatting when you send it to an employer.

How long should a UK CV be?

For most candidates, a concise CV that prioritises relevant experience is more useful than trying to fill a specific number of pages. The appropriate length depends on your experience and the role, but every section should earn its place by adding relevant information.

Should I include a photo on a UK CV?

In most UK applications, a photo isn't necessary unless the employer or industry specifically requires one. Use the available space to focus on your experience, skills and qualifications instead.