Where to find free CV templates? Downloads for Office Word

Using the right CV template can make a big difference in the success of your job applications. In this article, we explore how to download free CV templates for use in Microsoft Office Word (2007, 2010 or later). We also take a look at the best templates on offer and what makes a good choice.

Why Microsoft Office?

Microsoft Office is the most popular software suite found in any modern day office. With its vast array of tools and visual editors, it's the perfect choice for almost any office task. When it comes to your CV, Microsoft Word should also be your first choice. It's many built in style options and layout customizations make it the perfect editor to craft your CV.

Word Templates

With Word you can download and use templates known as .dot or .dotx files (depending on which version of Office you use). These files are empty documents with predefined layouts - you just need to complete the missing information. CV templates typically come with a predefined layout and sections reserved for your own work experience, skills and profile information. They've been designed to fit in with standards expected by employers over the years.

So where can you download free CV templates?

In an actual fact, Microsoft offer their very own templates section for Microsoft Office users. Within this section there are hundreds of free CV templates to download. Many of them were provided by leading job sites such as Monster and Reed.

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/

Let's take a look at some of our favourites..

CV Template 1

One of the most popular CV templates available. This CV layout contains sections for your; name; contact information; profile; skills; education; work experience and interests. It's nicely laid out with solid headings and tabular sections. It's a modern looking style that's easy to read for the employer.

Note the good use of space by right aligning the contact information and the use of columns to separate out snippets of related information.

Download

CV Template 2

Another great CV template, this one is more like your traditional CV. There's no colouring, simple rule lines to separate the sections and neat bullet lists to spell out key points on your CV. Heading fonts are big and bold and the use of columns helps information flow nicely. This template contains sections for; profile; overview; skills; career achievements and professional experience.

Download

CV Template 3

This template was actually provided by Monster (the job site). It's a no frills template that gets to the point. Use it if you know exactly what you need to put on your CV and are looking for a layout that gets to the point. The empty template separates the various sections using thick ruler lines and bullet points are used for any details. If you're applying for a job which requires lists of key skills and experience, then this template will do you nicely.

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