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Best Unionen CV Templates (2026)

Unionen doesn't publish an official CV template, so members often end up piecing one together from Word documents, Google Docs galleries, or dedicated CV tools. Here's an honest comparison of the main routes, including where AI-built templates like Cowrite's fit in.

By Magnus Paues · Last updated 2 September 2026

Quick answer

For most Unionen members, Cowrite's AI-assisted templates are the strongest all-round option thanks to ATS-friendly layouts and free access — but a simple Word or Google Docs template still works fine for straightforward CVs. The right choice depends on how much writing help and design polish you need.

Cowrite AI CV templates

Our pick

A strong pick for Unionen members who want a polished, ATS-friendly CV without formatting it themselves, and it's free via many union memberships.

Pros

+21 professional templates designed to pass ATS scanning
+AI helps write and phrase the actual content, not just the layout
+Free for Unionen and other union members (2.3 million people covered)
+Easy to export and update for different job applications

Cons

–Requires creating an account rather than just downloading a file
–Fewer ultra-creative/graphic-heavy designs than some design-focused tools
–Full feature set (interview prep, cover letters) may be overkill if you just want a quick template

Best for: Union members wanting a fast, ATS-safe CV with writing help included

Microsoft Word CV templates

Familiar and fully offline-editable, but formatting can break ATS parsing if you're not careful.

Pros

+Widely available and free with a Microsoft 365 subscription
+Full manual control over layout and design
+Works offline and is easy to share as a .docx

Cons

–Templates with tables, columns or text boxes often confuse ATS software
–No built-in writing assistance — you draft everything yourself
–Easy to accidentally break formatting when editing

Best for: People comfortable with Word who want full manual control

Google Docs CV templates

Convenient and collaborative, but the template gallery is limited and generic.

Pros

+Free with any Google account
+Easy to share a link or collaborate with someone reviewing your CV
+Auto-saves and works across devices

Cons

–Small selection of genuinely modern, ATS-friendly designs
–No profession-specific guidance on content
–Formatting can shift when exported to PDF or Word

Best for: Quick, simple CVs where design isn't a priority

Canva CV templates

Great for visual polish, but many designs are more style-forward than ATS-friendly.

Pros

+Huge range of visually appealing, modern designs
+Drag-and-drop editing is intuitive for non-designers
+Good for creative or design-adjacent roles

Cons

–Many templates use graphics/columns that ATS systems struggle to read
–Free tier limits some fonts, elements and downloads
–No Swedish job-market-specific content guidance

Best for: Creative roles where visual design matters more than ATS parsing

Unionen's own CV advice pages

Useful for guidance on what to include, but they don't provide a downloadable template.

Pros

+Directly relevant tips on Swedish CV conventions
+Free and trustworthy source for union members
+Good starting point for understanding structure and content

Cons

–No actual template file to download or edit
–Requires pairing with another tool to build the finished document
–Limited detail on ATS-specific formatting

Best for: Understanding CV expectations before choosing a template tool

Quick comparison

#	Tool	Best for	Price
1	Cowrite AI CV templates	Union members wanting a fast, ATS-safe CV with writing help included	—
2	Microsoft Word CV templates	People comfortable with Word who want full manual control	—
3	Google Docs CV templates	Quick, simple CVs where design isn't a priority	—
4	Canva CV templates	Creative roles where visual design matters more than ATS parsing	—
5	Unionen's own CV advice pages	Understanding CV expectations before choosing a template tool	—

Our pick: Cowrite AI CV templates

Cowrite combines ATS-friendly formatting with AI writing support and free access for Unionen members, making it the most complete option for building a job-ready CV quickly. If you prefer full manual control or already have a CV drafted, a Word or Google Docs template can still get the job done.

FAQ

Does Unionen provide an official CV template?+

No, Unionen doesn't publish a single official CV template. Instead, they offer general advice on CV writing, and members are free to use tools like Word, Google Docs, Canva or Cowrite to build their actual CV.

Is Cowrite really free for Unionen members?+

Yes, Cowrite is free to use for members of several Swedish unions, including Unionen, as part of broader agreements covering around 2.3 million union members in Sweden.

What makes a CV template 'ATS-friendly'?+

ATS-friendly templates avoid complex tables, text boxes, columns and graphics that applicant tracking systems can struggle to parse. They use standard headings and a clean, linear structure so software can correctly read your name, dates and job history.

Should I use a creative template like Canva's for a Swedish job application?+

Only if you're applying for a creative or design-focused role. For most Swedish job applications, a simpler, ATS-friendly layout is safer, since many employers use screening software before a human ever sees the CV.

Can I switch between templates once I've written my CV content?+

With tools like Cowrite, yes — your content is separate from the design, so you can swap between the 21 templates without rewriting anything. With Word or Google Docs, switching templates usually means manually reformatting the content.

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