15 Microsoft Word CV Templates to Download in 2024

CV templates for Word are incredibly popular among jobseekers worldwide. People love them for their familiarity and the wide range of options available. They're consistently one of the most sought-after resources for anyone looking for a job.

However, you'll come across numerous templates, where not every single one may suit your specific needs. Thus, we’ve explored the free Word CV template jungle and selected only the best examples for you to use in your job search. Let’s make a start.

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Looking for a different CV template? Check these:

• Basic CV templates
• Best CV templates
• Blank CV templates
• Canva CV templates
• Creative CV templates
• CV Desings
• Free CV templates
• LaTeX CV templates
• Modern CV templates
• Visual CV templates

Word CV template sample

OK, now you know what makes a good CV. Here's a selection of the best free Word CV templates to download easily:

1. Bold Professional

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We start off our collection of free Word CV templates with this classically elegant example. This template features a conservative monochrome design, but it remains eye-catching with its clever use of a clear CV font accentuated by bolding. Plus, if you choose LiveCareer CV templates, you get a CV template downloaded in Word, but all your editing is down with our CV builder. That means no more struggling with your CV layout.

Best suited for: This simple Word CV template is ideal for individuals in traditional industries or those who prefer a classic and elegant CV appearance.

2. Blue Modern Header

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This CV template makes bold use of colour for a more modern feel. Starting off with the striking CV header, it also includes complementary highlights in the section headings. Presented in a generous one-column CV format, there’s ample space to fit in all your skills and experience whilst sticking to a one- or two-page CV. And as with all of our CV templates, it’s not just downloadable in Word, it’s downloadable as a PDF, too.

Best suited for: This modern CV template is particularly recommended for individuals seeking roles in creative fields and those aiming for positions where a modern and stylish presentation is valued.

3. Light Blue Creative

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This Word CV template perfectly plays with colours and tones for another level up in creativity. Unlike the previous two Word CV templates, it uses a two-column format, with your name as a bold standalone element and your personal details and skills section moved to a separate column. And although it’s creative, the use of colour is tasteful and professional. Plenty of free CV templates for Word go overboard with bright colours.

Best suited for: While this Word CV template shines in creative industries, it may not align as well with more traditional corporate roles, where a more conventional format is often preferred.

4. Centred Executive

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Now, for something more basic, this Word CV template is another example with a more traditional feel. However, it’s far from dull. It uses clever formatting to frame and arrange the content so it’s pleasing to the eye and easy to read. The alignment of the CV header, section headings and section content are all set differently to help create a sense of design and a natural flow. It’s much more effective than a simple block of text.

Best suited for: This template is suitable for jobseekers who value simplicity and clarity in their CV design, making it a versatile option for a wide range of roles and career levels.

5. Business Professional

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Another pared-back look with this template, and one that would look great printed out. It takes inspiration from the UK business letter format, using right alignment for the CV header and contact details. Note how the CV skills section is split into two columns, so there’s plenty of room if you have many professional abilities to show off. Furthermore, if you decide to use our CV generator, you get expert tips as you write. And that’s something you don’t get with free Word CV templates.

Best suited for: This Word template is an excellent choice for those who appreciate simplicity and professionalism. With plenty of space available, it is ideal for individuals with a broad range of professional skills.

6. Red Modern

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The next of our Word CV templates brings us back to a more colourful approach. In colour psychology, red is energising, but it indicates danger and aggression if it’s too bright. That’s why we’ve dialled it back and used a darker red, and it’s noticeable without being overbearing. Regarding other elements, it uses a separate column for the timeline on your CV work experience section. A neat way of presenting the classic chronological CV format.

Best suited for: This UK CV template is well-suited for individuals who seek a visually engaging CV with a touch of colour. It’s ideal for those who appreciate innovative design elements while maintaining a professional presentation.

7. Electric Blue Creative

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This is another example that makes good use of colour. The addition of the lines of electric blue helps to make it stand out and gives a good sense of separation between the CV sections. Blue is a cool colour, giving a more reserved and professional impression and a touch of energy from the bright tone. As with all of our CV templates, it’s ATS compatible. That means you’ll have no problems with the automated scanning software employers use. Some free CV templates for Word are unreadable by ATS, and that’s simply not a risk worth taking.

Best suited for: This Word CV template will be a great fit for creatives who want to stand out from other jobseekers and those prioritizing compatibility and readability in a CV.

8. Corporate Business Card

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This example is a Word CV template from our basic selection, but the word doesn’t do it justice. Basic in the sense it’s simple black text on a white background, but it also exudes old-fashioned corporate class. The centred, all-capital section headings are accentuated by fine lines, giving the impression of a high-end business card. It also places the education section last in this example, so it’s perfect for more experienced candidates whose work history and skills need to take centre stage.

Best suited for: This Word CV template is tailored for seasoned professionals seeking a corporate appearance in their CVs and those needing to prioritize work history and skills strategically.

9. Professional Minimalist

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This Microsoft Word CV template also takes the minimalist approach. But again, judicious use of font formatting, paragraph spacing and alignment work together to create a professional look. And one key factor in all our free CV templates is what you don’t see. The formatting creates generous amounts of negative space, which frames your content and makes it easier to scan and comprehend.

Best suited for: This Word CV format will be ideal for candidates of different professions, especially those who value clarity and simplicity in their application documents.

10. Blue Modern Accents

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Back to more colour again with this Microsoft Word CV template. You’ll notice we use a lot of blues in our colour palette, and that’s for a reason. You’ll also see it in many corporate logos, as it gives an impression of reliability and strength. So it’s not just aesthetically pleasing; it’s good in terms of marketing, too. As with our templates, our CV builder gives you many customisation options. But more importantly, whatever setting you tweak, the builder keeps your layout neat. No more hard work adjusting and readjusting every time you make a minor style change.

Best suited for: This UK Word CV template will be perfect for professionals in corporate environments, such as office jobs, finance, accounting, or other business-related roles.

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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11. Orange Creative

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This time we’ve drawn from the warmer end of the spectrum with a splash of orange. That single stripe of colour is a simple way of making your CV stand out. Imagine this CV template for Word amongst a pile of plain, unformatted black and white text. It’s bound to make a strong impression. Orange is very interesting in colour psychology, too, as it has no negative impressions associated with it. Orange is all about energy, vitality and enthusiasm, qualities every manager wants in a new employee.

Best suited for: This CV template for Word will be accurate wherever creativity and enthusiasm are assets, such as marketing, creative roles, or sales positions.

12. Simple Scanner

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Here’s another Word CV template that proves plain doesn’t have to be boring. A clever trick here is the way the text alignment switches from left, to centre, to right. We read from left to right, too, so this switch in alignment helps guide the eyes along the page, making sure the recruiter takes in all of your CV. It also has a single-column format with lots of room, ideal for creating a two-page CV for more experienced candidates. There’s plenty of room left on the second page to include additional sections such as CV hobbies and interests.

Best suited for: This Word CV template is ideal for jobseekers prioritizing compatibility with applicant tracking systems above all else. 

13. Classic Professional

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It might be number 13 on our list, but you can be assured of good luck in your job hunt with this CV template for Word. Traditional, stripped-back and simple, it’s bound to impress with its timeless good looks. And if you’re struggling to write your CV, we’ve got thousands of pre-written examples you can insert and use as inspiration. Again, something you don’t get with free Word CV templates.

Best suited for: Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this classic and hence universal Word CV template helps to make a strong impression and land your dream job.

14. One Page Modern

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This CV template for Word is ideal for candidates who want to fit everything into a one-page CV. The CV header is smaller and more subtle, with the candidate’s name neatly fitting the top of the page. But it doesn’t look crowded. Those fine lines add a good sense of separation, and there’s plenty of white space left, too. The perfect way to be comprehensive without looking cramped.

Best suited for: This Word template is ideal for individuals aiming to present a concise yet thorough overview of their qualifications and experiences.

15. Creative Green 

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In this Microsoft Word CV template, we’ve opted for an evergreen feel. This shade evokes nature, growth, and harmony. All highly desirable qualities in the workplace. It also uses grey font intermixed with black, another subtle but creative effect that marks it as unique. A solid choice for every career starter.

Best suited for: With its versatile appeal and attention to detail, this Word CV template is a solid choice for individuals in any career path.

And that’s all. Explore our templates and check out our CV maker to see how easy CV writing can be. Unlike your average Word CV template, we give expert advice, pre-written samples, and full formatting assistance. If you decide to choose the LiveCareer builder, you can be sure your document will be fully optimised for job-hunting success.

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.

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Thanks for reading. If you’d like to know more about our collection of CV templates for Word, just ask in the comments section, and we’ll be happy to reply.

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.