The internet is awash with downloadable free CV templates and one could easily get confused as to which one is a best fit. As a job seeker, you could be wondering, how do I pick a suitable template for my region and industry? The good news is you no longer need to wonder. By following a few common sense rules, you can separate the wheat from the chaff and pick a CV template that presents you professionally and compellingly. This article contains tips on how to pick downloadable free CV templates and a list of reputable websites to get them from. But first, a word for senior staff and executives concerning free-to-download CV templates.
A word for executives – stick with professional CV writers
Downloadable free CV templates might look attractive and good for saving time and money. But they are not the best, especially for executive and other experienced or senior staff. Free-to-download CV templates are often generic and sterile. They don’t reflect the personality and hardly get noticed by recruiters. On the other hand, a unique and ATS-optimised CV template from professional CV writers stands out. It’s a perfect choice for any executive looking to boost visibility and significantly improve their interview chances.
Reach out to our team of professional CV writers from ExecutiveONE.co.nz and give us the opportunity to craft an attractive, personality-packed and noticeable CV on a unique template. But if you insist on a free-to-download version, the following tips will be handy.
Tips for choosing downloadable free CV templates
Keep away from overly designed templates
There are lots of creative résumé designs out there. Some are really great, but others look like candidates to a graphics design competition. It is as if the creators believe recruiters pick candidates based on the graphics on a CV rather than merit. Don’t get wowed by the graphics and forget the important bit. Recruiters and employers often look for skills and relevant achievements in a CV; not fancy graphics. These are best presented in written form in an individually designed CV – even for graphic designers.
Use free CV templates with excellent presentation
Let’s be clear, any invitation for an interview will be based on providing clear and compelling written information that showcases your ability to deliver the job requirements. It will not be because your CV template has an attractive bar or excellent colour shades. The design is always secondary to the content. Therefore, a CV template that draws focus to the content is far better than one that distracts the recruiter or employer. The presentation of facts should be clear and compelling. Look for CV templates with clear and visible headlines. Templates that encourage logical flow, have visible fonts, and plenty of white space.
Use a template that is simple but professional (avoid unnecessary tables and charts)
Look for downloadable free CV templates that allow your career history to flow without being blocked by unnecessary gimmicks, tables or charts. It is crucial not to distract the reader when they are deep into your CV. Furthermore, most Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) cannot read tables and charts, so their inclusion could actually work against you. Use CV templates that are attractive and compelling. They should also have clear headings and wordings, easy to follow and look professional.
Check for uniform formatting
You can choose a downloadable free CV template that fits the bill. But after keying in your information, you should take a second (and a third) look. How is the formatting? Is it uniform, professional and attractive? Or are there goofs that could send your application to the gutter within an eye blink? Formatting should be consistent throughout the entire document. Distortions may happen not because of a problem with the CV template but because frequent editing and adjustments may interfere with the original design.
Before you click to send or print the CV, have another look at the formatting and ensure it is simple, consistent and professional.
Websites to get downloadable free CV templates
Below are links to websites that offer downloadable free CV templates in New Zealand:
- https://www.careers.govt.nz/job-hunting/cvs-and-cover-letters/templates/
- https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/work/cvs-and-cover-letters/cv-templates-and-tips.html
- https://www.live-work.immigration.govt.nz/work-in-new-zealand/finding-applying-for-jobs/develop-a-nz-style-cv
- https://aucklandchamber.co.nz/cvtemplates/
Conclusion
Downloadable free CV templates could save you plenty of time and cash. But don’t just pick any from the internet. Use the tips above to choose a suitable one. Remember, if you are an executive, a unique and ATS-optimised CV template by a professional CV writer from ExecutiveONE.co.nz will deliver better results.
