Minimalist CV template
Pale plain paper, a big two-line name, bracketed section labels and dates in a margin, with an optional black-and-white photo.
Best for experienced candidates, career changers and first jobs. Two-column layout, minimal and modern, in neutral tones.
£4.99 one-off · CV + matching cover letter · PDF and Word. Secure checkout by Stripe, instant access, no subscription. Or try it free with your details first.
Colourways of the Minimalist design: Cream, Stone, White.
What's included
- A matching cover letter in the same design
- A4, laid out for UK applications
- Real, selectable text that online application systems can read
- Switch template any time without losing a word
- AI writing help for your profile, achievements and letter (up to 60 AI actions)
- PDF and Word downloads of your CV and letter
- Edit and download again any time, no subscription
What to put on a minimalist CV
Sometimes the simplest CV is the most convincing. This minimalist CV template uses pale paper, a big two-line name, bracketed section labels and your dates in a margin, so a reader can follow your career at a glance. There are no boxes, icons or charts, just clear type and plenty of space. It works for almost any role, from office and retail jobs to senior positions.
You can add an optional black-and-white photo or leave it out, and it comes in cream, stone and white. Fill it in and preview every page for free, with no account needed. Pay £4.99 once to download it as PDF and Word, with a matching cover letter included. It is A4, laid out for UK applications, and the text is real and selectable, so it copies cleanly into online forms.
Let the space do the work
A minimalist layout only looks calm if you leave room around each section. Cut repeated points, keep bullets to one or two lines and resist filling every gap. If the page feels crowded, shorten your older roles first.
Write in plain words
A simple CV needs simple sentences. Start each bullet with a verb, such as managed, trained or reduced, and say what changed as a result. Drop words like dynamic or passionate, which take up space and tell the reader little.
Keep your dates consistent
The dates sit in their own margin, so any mismatch shows. Use one format throughout, such as Mar 2023 to Jun 2025, and list your newest job first. If you have a gap, a short line explaining it reads better than a blank.
Decide on the photo early
The photo is optional and most UK employers do not expect one. If you are applying to mainland Europe, or for a role where presentation matters, a black-and-white head and shoulders shot fits this style. Otherwise the layout works just as well without it.
Stay within two sides of A4
A minimalist CV loses its effect when it runs to three pages. Aim for one page early in your career and two at most later on, and leave out your age and date of birth.
Questions
What is the difference between a minimalist CV and a simple CV?
They are very close. A simple CV keeps the content short and the layout plain. A minimalist CV goes a step further on design, using space, very few fonts and little colour to guide the eye. Both aim to make your experience quick to read, and this template does both.
Is a minimalist CV too plain?
Not if the content is strong. A clean layout puts the focus on your experience and results, which is what employers are reading for. If you are applying for a design or media role and want more personality, you can switch to a more creative template without losing a word.
What should I leave off a simple CV?
Your age, date of birth, marital status and full home address are not needed on a UK CV, and your town is enough. You can also drop the line about references being available on request, hobbies that say little about you and old jobs that have nothing to do with the role.
Which fonts look clean on a CV?
A clear typeface at a comfortable size, with one font for headings and one for the body at most. The fonts on this template are already chosen for you, so you only need to keep your own formatting consistent, with the same style for every job title, employer and date.
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