Write my CV and apply
Free templates to help you prepare a CV, write a cover letter and keep track of your applications.
How to use a template
A CV is a short document about your skills, experience and education. A cover letter explains why you are applying for a particular job.
- Choose a template below.
- Select “Download Word template”. It saves a file to your device, usually in Downloads.
- Open it in Word, Google Docs or another app that can edit Word files.
- Replace every prompt in square brackets with your own details. Delete sections you do not need and check page breaks. Save your copy with a clear name.
If you cannot open a Word file, use the text version or the example on this page. Follow the employer’s instructions about file format and personal details. The templates use a simple single-column layout, readable Arial text and standard section headings.
CV template: with work experience
A layout that puts your recent jobs and achievements in a clear order. Add or remove roles as needed and put the most recent first.
Read the template here
[YOUR NAME]
[Town or area] | [Phone number] | [Email address]
PROFILE
[Summarise your relevant experience, a strength backed by evidence and the type of role you are applying for. Use two or three short lines.]
KEY SKILLS
[Relevant skill: a brief example of how you used it.]
[Relevant skill: a brief example of how you used it.]
[Relevant system, practical skill or professional knowledge.]
WORK EXPERIENCE
[Most recent job title] | [Employer]
[Month year] to [Month year or Present]
[Action you took, the task or responsibility, and a relevant result.]
[Another contribution. Use numbers only when you can explain and verify them.]
[Previous job title] | [Employer]
[Month year] to [Month year]
[A responsibility or achievement relevant to the new role.]
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
[Qualification or course] | [Provider]
[Year completed or expected completion date]
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
[Relevant certificates, languages or other skills. Remove this section if not needed.]
CV template: first job or returning to work
A skills-first layout for a first job or a return to work. You can use examples from volunteering, study, projects, caring responsibilities or previous work. Name the context honestly.
Read the template here
[YOUR NAME]
[Town or area] | [Phone number] | [Email address]
PROFILE
[Name the type of job you want. Describe one relevant strength and where you have used it. Keep this to two or three short lines.]
KEY SKILLS
[Communication: describe who you helped or explained something to.]
[Organisation: describe a task you planned or completed on time.]
[Job-related skill: give an example that matches the advert.]
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
[Role, project or activity] | [Organisation or context]
[Month year] to [Month year or Present]
[Describe a task you personally completed and how you approached it.]
[Explain what happened as a result, using accurate details.]
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
[Qualification or course] | [School, college or provider]
[Completion year or expected completion date] | [Relevant subject or achievement, if useful]
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
[Include relevant languages, digital skills or certificates. Remove this section if it adds nothing relevant.]
Cover-letter planner
Prompts to help you write a letter for one particular vacancy.
Read the template here
Role and employer
[Job title, employer and any reference number]
Opening
[Which role are you applying for?]
Why this role
[One specific reason you want this job and are interested in the employer.]
Your evidence
[Match two requirements from the advert to real examples of your skills or experience.]
Closing
[A short, polite closing and your contact details.]
Before sending
[Follow the advert instructions. Check names, spelling and any length limit. Remove every placeholder.]
References checklist
Steps to prepare before an employer asks for references.
Read the template here
Choose someone suitable
[Check the employer instructions. Think of a previous manager, tutor or volunteer coordinator who knows your work.]
Ask permission
[Ask before sharing their contact details. Confirm how they prefer to be contacted.]
Check the details
[Name, role, organisation, email and phone, as requested by the employer.]
Tell them about the role
[Share the job details and let them know when a request may arrive.]
Keep details private
[Only share referee details when needed with a verified employer. Do not put them in a public CV.]
Keep track of your applications
Write down the job, closing date and your next action. Use a notebook, the printable sheet or the spreadsheet file.
A CSV file opens in spreadsheet apps such as Excel. You can edit your own copy. These blank downloads do not send your information to this website.
More help with applications
More CV and cover-letter advice
National Careers Service: writing a CV
National Careers Service: writing a cover letter
Read our CV writing and career planning guide
Official guidance checked 18 October 2026. Templates are written by Get Quantum.