Create a CV – 5 free CV templates

A CV should include your personal details, work experience, education and your skills and abilities. Every employer expects this information in an application. Optionally you can add hobbies and interests if they fit the role and say something about you. It is important that all your experience appears in the CV completely and honestly.

A good CV is one to two pages long. Entry-level candidates usually manage with one page, while experienced applicants may use two. Focus on the experience relevant to the job – too many details distract from what matters. That keeps your CV clear so the employer grasps the key information quickly.

In the UK and many international markets a photo is generally not expected on a CV and can even introduce bias, so it is usually best to leave it out. Where a photo is customary, use a professional shot with a neutral background and a tidy appearance, placed clearly at the top.

Only list hobbies if they fit the role or show sought-after skills – such as team sports for teamwork or programming for IT jobs. Two or three meaningful interests are enough. Generic entries like "reading" add little; concrete examples make your application livelier and more successful.

Every CV template can be customized directly in the editor: enter your details, switch designs and view the live preview. 5 selected templates are free including PDF download; Premium designs can be tested in the preview before unlocking.

The best tips for a successful CV: tailor it to each position, use keywords from the job ad and show measurable achievements rather than plain tasks. Avoid spelling mistakes and unexplained gaps. A clearly structured, honest CV convinces the employer and sets you apart from other applicants.

No. You need neither a Word template nor Canva. With a Word template the layout easily shifts, and design tools like Canva often are not built for professional standards. With CVwerk's online editor you simply fill in a ready-made, DIN 5008-compliant CV template – the layout always stays clean. In the end you download your CV as a finished PDF you can send anywhere.

For students and apprenticeships, a clear structure matters most: personal details, educational background, work placements and your strengths and interests. Choose a simple, clear CV template and keep it to one page. With CVwerk you create a suitable CV for an apprenticeship application in just a few minutes – with no prior knowledge needed.