Simple CV Template: Best Basic CV Format in the UK

When it comes to writing your CV, keeping things simple often delivers the best results. A simple CV template strips away unnecessary design elements and focuses on what matters—your experience, skills, and qualifications. It presents information in a clear, logical structure that’s easy for employers to scan and understand.

In this article, you’ll see a simple CV format and browse through our collection of simple CV templates. Each one is designed to keep things easy while helping you stand out to employers—and when paired with our CV builder, you’ll be job-ready in minutes.

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We created the sample on the right using our builder. See other good CV examples like this one.

Below you’ll find our list of simple CV templates. They are designed to be clean, professional, and easy for any employer to read, so your skills and experience can make a strong impression.

1. Standard

USE THIS CV TEMPLATE

USE THIS CV TEMPLATE

A Google study revealed that readers consistently rated more complex CV layouts as less attractive than simple CV formats. By choosing a clean, basic CV template, you ensure that nothing distracts the reader from the content, letting your qualifications take centre stage.

Best suited for: This simple CV format is ideal for adapting into a PhD CV, allowing your qualifications and research to be the main focus.

2. Space saver

USE THIS CV TEMPLATE

USE THIS CV TEMPLATE

This basic CV template uses smart alignment to guide the reader's eye across the page, helping them grasp all the key details with ease. Better yet, you don’t need to worry about formatting it yourself. Our CV builder takes care of everything—simply enter your content, and you’ll have a polished, job-ready CV in minutes, even if it’s your first time applying.

Best suited for: Use this simple CV template to create a clear, easy-to-read student CV that highlights your key achievements and projects at a glance.

3. Traditional

USE THIS CV TEMPLATE

This CV template is simple, but it’s far from dull. A centred CV header and personal details lead smoothly into the personal profile. Ideal for experienced candidates, this spacious yet straightforward CV format offers plenty of room to showcase detailed work experience.

Best suited for: This makes it particularly suitable for an architecture CV, where showcasing extensive projects and accomplishments is crucial.

4. Modern

USE THIS CV TEMPLATE

This simple CV format embodies minimalist elegance, much like a piece of brutalist architecture: no distractions, no unnecessary extras: just pure, job-winning content. Overly complicated templates can harm your application because many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS). If your CV is cluttered with images or has a poor layout, the software may fail to read your CV correctly, leaving you wondering why you never heard back.

Best suited for: This simple CV template can be adapted into an engineering CV, offering a clear and straightforward format that highlights technical skills and project experience.

5. Contemporary

USE THIS CV TEMPLATE

This example shows how simple changes can transform a basic CV template. The choice of CV fonts plays a key role, starting with the CV header. Notice how the large font size and mix of bold and regular weight make the candidate’s name stand out. Further down, capitalisation in the CV summary and section headings adds extra emphasis. These small details make a big difference in quality.

Best suited for: Adapt this template for a designer CV that strikes the right balance between professionalism and clarity. It’s ideal for creatives seeking a simple yet polished presentation.

6. Executive

USE THIS CV TEMPLATE

The inspiration behind this basic CV template is straightforward—it draws from the clean, professional look of a corporate business card. That said, its simplicity and clarity make it an excellent choice for any jobseeker, not just those applying for corporate roles.

Best suited for: It's an excellent choice for a manager’s CV, projecting professionalism and competence.

7. One-page modern

USE THIS CV TEMPLATE

Another advantage of a basic CV template is that it provides more space to include all necessary information. If you’re aiming for a one-page CV, this example is perfect for you. The header is small, discreet, and neatly positioned at the top, leaving more room for your content. One-page simple CV templates are especially recommended for less experienced candidates who need to present their strengths clearly and concisely.

Best suited for: It’s ideal to create a strong academic CV with a clean, structured layout that clearly highlights research, education, and achievements.

8. Business professional

USE THIS CV TEMPLATE

Still not sure which simple CV template to choose? Check this one. It features a classic letterhead-style header and a two-column layout for the CV skills section, making it easy to showcase a wide range of job-winning abilities.

Best suited for: This simple CV format is particularly well-suited for a data analyst CV or a software developer CV, where highlighting a range of technical skills (including IT skills) is essential.

9. Electric blue

USE THIS CV TEMPLATE

If you’re after a bright, modern look, this simple CV template could be the perfect fit. It keeps all the core elements of our monochrome designs but adds a burst of energy with blue accents. The result is a youthful, fresh style—making it ideal for school-leavers.

Best suited for: Use this simple CV template to create a standout school-leaver CV and land your first job with confidence.

10. Professional blue

USE THIS CV TEMPLATE

This variation of our simple CV template is ideal if you liked the electric blue version but prefer something more understated. The darker blue tones convey strength and reliability, making it an excellent choice for experienced professionals applying for managerial roles.

Best suited for: It’s an excellent choice for a nursing CV, helping to convey trustworthiness, professionalism, and a calm, confident tone.

11. Creative green

USE THIS CV TEMPLATE

Now we move from blue to green. This simple CV format uses a bold green stripe to highlight the header, paired with grey and black fonts for a stylish yet understated look. The green adds a fresh, energetic feel and conveys growth and reliability—perfect for making a positive impression.

Best suited for: It’s ideal for a gardener CV, a farm worker CV, or any role in green and sustainable industries.

12. Simple orange

USE THIS CV TEMPLATE

Now we warm things up with this orange basic CV template. That single splash of colour makes the simple format truly stand out. Picture it alongside a stack of dull, poorly formatted CVs—simple, striking, and sophisticated.

Best suited for: Consider using it for a marketing CV to appear professional yet creative. 

13. Red modern

USE THIS CV TEMPLATE

This simple CV template designed for the UK features a rich, dark red colour for an elegant and professional look. As with all our templates, it’s highly versatile—you can download it in Word or PDF format. PDF is usually best for preserving your layout, but if an employer requests Word, you’re covered either way.

Best suited for: This template works particularly well for alegal CV, where a polished, professional appearance is essential.

14. Blue modern header

USE THIS CV TEMPLATE

The simple addition of colour can transform a basic CV template and simple CV format. The broad header in a professional shade of blue immediately draws the eye, complemented by matching colour accents in the section headings. It’s the perfect way to add a touch of creativity without going overboard.

Best suited for: Consider it for a solution architect's CV or a project manager's CV, as it balances professionalism with subtle creativity.

A strong CV summary will convince the recruiter you’re the perfect candidate. Save time and choose a ready-made personal statement written by career experts and adjust it to your needs in the LiveCareer CV builder.

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15. Light beige creative

This simple CV template introduces a richer colour palette while maintaining a clean, professional look. Light beige, dark grey, and white backgrounds combine to create a calm and approachable impression. Subtle icons in the personal details section add clarity without clutter, enhancing readability.

Best suited for: It’s ideal for an HR administrator CV, where a balance of professionalism and personality is key.

When to choose a simple CV format?

A simple CV format is a wise choice at any career stage, especially if you want your work experience and professional skills to speak for themselves.

Use a simple CV template when:

• You’re applying to practical, hands-on roles (like construction, maintenance, or transport).
• You’re unsure of the company’s culture or prefer a safe, professional style.
• You want just one solid application that works across multiple industries.
• You need a layout that’s easy for hiring managers to scan quickly.

Lastly, a simple CV format benefits hiring managers, as it allows them to quickly access the information they seek. With a clear CV layout, your qualifications and experience become easily identifiable, which can be particularly advantageous when recruiters are reviewing a large volume of applications.

Here’s an example of a basic CV template with a clear structure and well-organised content:

Example of a simple CV template

You’ve just seen a simple CV template that includes all the key elements of a strong application. In short, simple CVs are a smart choice for students, graduates, and experienced professionals alike. Their clean design enhances readability, is fully compatible with applicant tracking systems (ATS), and can raise your chances of advancing to the subsequent recruitment stages.

Looking for a different CV template? Try these:

• Best CV Templates for Any Job
• Blank CV Templates You Can Adjust
• Canva CV Templates & Alternatives
• Creative CV Templates: Full List
• Free CV Templates to Download Now
• LaTeX CV Templates & Why You Need Them
• Model CV Templates for Various Professionals
• Modern CV Templates You May Like
• Word CV Templates & Why Use Them
• Visual CV Templates & What Are They

You don’t have to be a CV writing expert. In the LiveCareer CV builder you’ll find ready-made content for every industry and position, which you can then add with a single click.

Create your CV now

Thanks for exploring our simple and basic CV templates. I hope you found the article helpful and discovered a template that suits you best.

How we review the content at LiveCareer

Our editorial team has reviewed this article for compliance with LiveCareer’s editorial guidelines. It’s to ensure that our expert advice and recommendations are consistent across all our career guides and align with current CV and cover letter writing standards and trends. We’re trusted by over 10 million job seekers, supporting them on their way to finding their dream job. Each article is preceded by research and scrutiny to ensure our content responds to current market trends and demand.

Sources

• Navigating the page. An academic guide to effective reading. University of Southampton
• Tips for Mastering Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). UMSL

Frequently asked questions about the simple CV format

1. What is the simplest format for a CV?

The simplest and most widely accepted CV format is the reverse-chronological format. It highlights your work experience with the most recent entry at the top. Such a clean, linear structure is easy for recruiters to scan and quickly understand your career path. A basic CV following this format should include clear headings, a professional font (like Arial or Calibri), and plenty of white space to enhance readability.

2. Who should use a simple CV template?

A simple CV template is ideal for almost everyone, regardless of their career stage. It is particularly beneficial for:

• Students and recent graduates: A simple CV format emphasises academic achievements, skills, and any work experience or internships without being cluttered.
• Entry-level job seekers: It allows you to present your qualifications clearly and concisely, making a strong first impression.
• Professionals in traditional industries: Sectors like finance, law, or engineering often prefer a simple, professional CV over a highly visual or creative one.
• Anyone applying to jobs through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS): Basic CV formats are ATS-friendly, which increases the likelihood of your application being seen by a recruiter.

3. How do you write a basic CV for a student with no work experience?

For students or those with no formal work experience, a basic CV should focus on transferable skills, education, and relevant achievements. Instead of a long work experience section, you can include:

• A strong personal statement: Clearly state your career goals and what you can bring to the role.
• Academic achievements: List your degree, modules, and any notable projects or dissertations.
• Extracurricular activities: Highlight participation in sports, clubs, or volunteer work, and detail the skills you gained (e.g., teamwork, leadership, communication skills).
• Skills section: Emphasise both hard skills (e.g., specific software, languages) and soft skills (e.g., time management, problem-solving).

4. Do recruiters like a simple CV?

Yes, recruiters often prefer a clean and straightforward CV. Their main goal is to quickly find the information they need to determine if you are a good fit for the job. A simple CV is easy to read, scannable, and focuses on your qualifications rather than on fancy design. A messy, overly graphical, or confusing CV can be frustrating for a recruiter and may even lead to your application being rejected.

5. What are the best templates for a simple CV?

The best templates for a simple CV are those that prioritise clarity and professionalism over elaborate design. Look for templates that:

• Use a clean, easy-to-read font.
• Have clearly defined sections with bold headings.
• Provide ample white space to prevent a cluttered appearance.
• Follow a standard, single-column layout.

Many online CV builders and word processors offer good basic CV templates. The most important thing is that the template allows your skills and experience to be the main focus.