LaTeX CV Templates—For Who, Why & Examples

Just like there’s a group of people devoted to iPhones and prefering them over Android-based smartphones, there are those who pick LaTeX instead of Word. Since you're here, you're probably one of them.

Looking for a clean professional LaTeX CV template? Look no further because you’re in just the right place. We’ve collected 11 of the best LaTeX CV templates for academic and general purposes.

In this guide, you'll get a range of LaTeX CV templates and short descriptions of each to make an informed choice. Plus, you'll see the pros and cons of using a CV in LaTeX format so you can decide if it’s right for you.

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Looking out for diffrent CV templates? These guides might interest you:

• Basic & Simple CV Templates
• Best CV Templates for 2024
• Blank CV Templates for Any Profession
• Canva CV Templates & Top Alternatives
• Creative CV Templates Recruiters May Like
• Free CV Templates & Easy Download
• Model CV Templates & How to Use Them
• Modern CV Templates for 2024 & Further
• Simple CV Templates for Easy Adjustment
• Word CV Templates & Dedicated Tips

LaTeX CV template example

You’ve just seen a good CV example that would look great as a LaTeX document. Now, see some examples of the best LaTeX CV templates. 

1. Raging Bull

This LaTeX CV template is colourful, creative and eye catching, and it makes use of infographic CV template features too. However, it has one drawback: using a photo is not acceptable on a UK CV template. And it isn’t easy to locate the CV skills section on it either. It’s certainly visually appealing but not compliant with standard UK CV layout, a problem common to many LaTeX templates.

Here is the link to download this template.

2. Zachary Taylor

This LaTeX CV template is a good example of the professional typographical effects you can achieve with the format. It certainly produces attractive results, and that’s one of the strengths of using a CV template in LaTeX. But again, this example won’t be acceptable to a UK recruiter. The CV summary is completely absent and the unconventional layout doesn’t make for easy reading. And that’s a common theme that we discovered. LaTeX CV templates look good, but far too often they’re missing vital information.

Here is the link to download this template.

3. Harsh Gadgil

Here we have another colourful LaTeX CV template built for a data engineer. You’ll see many LaTeX CV templates for software engineers, data engineers and other tech based roles. That’s because a certain level of competency in IT skills is required to effectively use a LaTeX editor. Unfortunately, this does put them out of the reach of users whose computer skills aren’t so advanced. And again, this is a non-standard CV structure that may put off many recruiters.

Here is the link to download this template.

4. Dr Hölzer

A more plain LaTeX CV example this time but it does show one of the format’s strengths. Using a LaTeX CV template for academic purposes is quite common because it lends itself well to formatting citations, mathematical formulas and other specialised applications. That said though, this would be a very short academic CV indeed and would need substantial changes to bring it up to standard UK layout. Not the best choice for quick and easy CV writing.

Here is the link to download this template.

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5. Dr Freeman

Here’s a fun LaTeX CV template based on the career of the fictional Dr Gordon Freeman from the Half-Life video game series. It has some very attractive design features with a striking CV header including a very clear personal details section. The CV fonts show a good mix of formatting and colour while retaining a conservative look overall. Certainly an attractive choice for a LaTeX academic CV template.

Here is the link to download this template.

6. Susan Bumpershoot

This wonderfully named LaTeX CV template is one of the best we came across in terms of being simple and well formatted. And it does exactly the right thing for a student CV by putting the CV education section before the work experience section. However, you’ll also find attractively laid out simple CVs in the LiveCareer builder. And they’re much easier to work with too.

Here is the link to download this template.

7. Alyx Vance

This modern CV LaTeX template makes a strong impact with its striking monochrome design. It’s proof that you don’t need a riot of colour for a creative CV (e.g., a marketing CV). It’s also notable that it includes all the information needed for a standard chronological CV format. However, the formatting may not be ATS compliant, which is a problem. We’ll cover that in more detail later.

Here is the link to download this template.

8. Claud Park

This LaTeX CV template has an interesting trick up its sleeve. It comes with a matching CV cover letter template, something we didn’t come across very often. And it’s worth remembering that even the best LaTeX CV template needs a cover letter to accompany it. Overall it has a good structure and a clean simple CV design. Importantly, there’s plenty of white space too. That’s the empty space on the page which makes your content easy to read and it’s an often overlooked element of design.

Here is the link to download this template.

9. Jan Küster

This CV LaTeX template goes down the more unconventional route with heavy use of graphics and even a functional QR code. Certainly an attractive option for applying for IT jobs in mainland Europe, not so much for using as a UK CV template. It simply goes too far beyond the accepted standards for British recruiters. 

Here is the link to download this template.

10. Jon Snow

This LaTeX CV template would be a good choice if you want something modern, yet also conservative and minimalistic. It uses a slightly unconventional single column CV format with the section headings placed in a sidebar rather than above their respective CV sections. Certainly a good choice for a Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch who needs plenty of room to feature all their professional battles.

Here is the link to download this template.

11. Murat Karacabey

We wanted to save the best until last. This example was the best LaTeX CV template we came across in terms of overall design and format. There’s subtle use of colour in the CV fonts but it retains a clear and uncluttered structure. It also includes all of the essential CV sections and even has room for extras. You could easily put CV hobbies and interests into the final section for example. And it all fits neatly into a one-page CV. A great example overall. But LaTeX CV templates have significant disadvantages, and that’s what we’ll cover next.

Here is the link to download this template.

Should you use a LaTeX CV template?

The truth is, the LaTeX CV template isn't for everyone. In fact, it’s only suitable for a limited range of applications and the average candidate is better off avoiding it. Here’s why.

Problems with using a LaTeX CV template

Incompatibility

Whilst many LaTeX CV templates are aesthetically pleasing they can cause problems with not being ATS compliant. ATS software automatically scans your job application and if it can’t read your CV format properly then your application will be rejected automatically.

User-friendliness

Or more specifically, the lack thereof. It’s a steep learning curve to master the ins and outs of working with LaTeX document preparation. It’s not easily accessible and intuitive like Google Docs or Microsoft Word. This puts it firmly out of the reach of the average user who wants to be able to create a CV quickly and easily.

Inflexibility

LaTeX CV templates are not easy to work with. Whenever you want to create a new template you have to start again, completely from scratch. And basic CV editing like rearranging sections is also much more time-consuming than it would be using other formats. Remember, a CV is a document that has to be tailored and rewritten for every new job application and it evolves over time. So this is a significant disadvantage.

Who is LaTeX CV template useful for?

LaTeX can be a useful format for writing a long-form academic CV/a PhD CV. It’s also helpful when creating attractively typeset documents that don’t need to be constantly updated, such as books and academic papers. But for a standard CV format it simply isn’t practical. However, this layout isn't practical for a standard CV format. It may also pose challenges when creating your first CV.

And that’s why we recommend using LiveCareer’s CV builder instead. You get a great choice of CV templates that are attractively presented, approved by recruitment experts and fully ATS compatible. Our builder is also incredibly easy to use. Just type in your content and the builder does all the layout and formatting work for you.

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 using a CV template in LaTeX then please ask in the comments section, and we’ll be happy to help.

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.