CV Templates, Designs and Layouts

Choosing the right design for your CV can make a big difference to your job search. CVWizard’s CV templates offer a choice of layouts and designs, to help you craft an eye-catching CV that showcases your skills and experience. Pick from 12 templates to find one that reflects your personality and style.

Choosing the Best CV Template

Your CV is critical to your chances of success in the jobs market. A great CV makes a positive first impression and can open the door to an interview and a job offer. By contrast, a CV that fails to make an impact can see you quickly disregarded by hiring managers.

While the content of your CV is the most critical element, the presentation and design of the document can also play an important role. A CV that uses a clear, professional layout and stylish design elements can catch the eye of the reader and hold their attention. It can also make your CV easier to read.

Recruiters and employers typically spend just a few seconds reading each CV before making a judgment on it. Many employers now use automated systems to scan and review CVs before a real person even casts their eyes on them. As such, it’s essential to make sure your CV follows a clear structure and uses a well-formatted layout with easy-to-read sections, well-spaced headings and text, and effective use of white space. All these elements can help readers and automated systems to quickly and easily pick out the main selling points in your CV and decide whether you’re a good fit for the role.

Selecting a suitable CV template can help show you’re a match for the role in question. Choose a CV template that reflects the seniority of the position and the industry sector. A more traditional design could be ideal for professions such as finance, law and government, while a more colourful, creative design could work for industries such as media and marketing.

The CV template you select can also reflect your personality. Opt for a design that suits your personal style and draws attention to the facets of your personality that you want to highlight. By carefully selecting the right template for your CV, you can help the employer to understand your skills and best qualities.

Correct CV Format

There are various ways to present your CV, but for most CVs, the content remains more or less the same. The format you use may depend on your experience levels and the role you’re applying for. UK CVs generally include a header with contact details, a CV summary or objective, a work experience section, education details and skills, as well as some optional sections.

Here are brief explanations of the two most common CV formats:

Reverse-chronological format

The reverse-chronological CV format is also known as the ‘traditional’ CV format. This is the format to use if you’ve got plenty of relevant experience and want to showcase it in your CV. This format places your work experience as the first, and main, section after your contact details and CV summary.

In this format, you present your work experience in reverse-chronological order, starting with your current or most recent employment and working backwards. The same structure applies to your education section and any other suitable sections, such as volunteer work or internships.

Functional format

This format is most suitable for people who don’t have much relevant work experience. It’s ideal for junior and entry-level positions. Also known as a ‘skills-based’ CV format, this layout places your education and skills above your work experience. It’s a good way to showcase your qualifications and transferable skills if you’re new to the workforce.