Basic CV template
Quiet serif typography and generous margins. A strong everyday CV.
Best for experienced candidates, career changers and first jobs. One-column layout, professional and simple.
£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.
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 basic CV
Sometimes you just need a good, plain CV that covers the basics properly. This basic CV template uses quiet serif type, clear section headings and generous margins, with no photo. It holds everything a UK employer expects, from your profile and work history to education and skills, and it suits almost any job you apply for.
Fill it in here 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. Pick one of four accent colours, and switch to any other template at any time without losing a word. The text is real and selectable, on A4 pages in a UK layout.
Start with your contact details
Your name, phone number, email address and town are enough. Add a LinkedIn link if it is up to date. Leave out your date of birth and full home address.
Write a short personal statement
Three or four lines on who you are, your main strengths and the job you want. Change it for each application so it matches the advert.
List your jobs in order
Most recent first, with your job title, the employer, the town and the dates. Under each, give two to four lines on what you did, with a number where you can.
Add education and training
Give your highest qualification first. If you left school recently, include GCSE Maths and English grades. Add short courses or certificates that relate to the job.
Finish with key skills
Choose five to eight skills from the job advert that you can back up, such as customer service, Excel or working to deadlines. Show proof of them in your experience.
Questions
What should a basic CV include?
Contact details, a short personal statement, your work history with the most recent job first, education and training, and key skills. That covers what most UK employers look for.
Do I need a personal statement on a basic CV?
It helps. A few lines at the top tell the reader who you are and what you want before they read the detail, and it is the easiest part to tailor to each job.
Should I put references on my CV?
You do not need to list names. Employers ask for references later, usually after an offer. You can say references are available on request, or leave the line out to save space.
Is the basic CV template free?
Filling it in and previewing every page are free, with no account. Downloading it as PDF and Word costs £4.99 once, with a matching cover letter included.
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