Professional CV templates
Start with proven CV templates designed to meet international recruiters’ expectations.
Modern CV: tech and digital
Clean design for developers, designers and other tech professionals. Suitable for applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Explore Canva templatesCorporate CV: business
Understated and professional for finance, consulting and management, with Word and PDF options.
Explore Overleaf templates- Keep your CV to one page (two if you have over ten years of experience).
- Tailor each CV using keywords from the job posting.
- Use concrete numbers, such as “increased revenue by 30%” or “managed a team of 15”.
- Keep it simple: content matters more than design.
- Use a professional filename such as Firstname_Lastname_CV.pdf.
- Ask at least one other person to proofread it.
Mistakes to avoid
Mistakes that weaken an application
1. An overlong CV
Recruiters may spend only seconds scanning it; an overly long CV is less likely to be read.
Solution: aim for one page and remove irrelevant older experience.
2. No measurable results
“Responsible for sales” is vague. “Increased sales by 25% in six months” is far more persuasive.
Solution: quantify what you achieved.
3. Overdesigned layout
Too many colours, decorative fonts or unnecessary graphics make your CV hard to read.
Solution: use a standard font and no more than two colours.
4. Unprofessional email address
A novelty address makes a poor impression.
Solution: use an address such as firstname.lastname@gmail.com.
5. An unsuitable photo
A selfie or holiday picture may look unprofessional.
Solution: use a professional photo, or omit it where that is the local norm.
- Adapt each CV to the role.
- Use one page, or two for over ten years of experience.
- Include keywords from the job posting.
- Use a professional email address such as firstname.lastname@…
- Have at least two people proofread it.