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Best CV Templates for Students and First Jobs (2026)

Choosing the right CV template as a student can make the difference between landing an interview and being overlooked. With limited work experience, your CV's design becomes crucial for highlighting your education, skills, and potential. We've evaluated the most effective template styles for students and new graduates entering the job market.

By Magnus Paues · Last updated 4 June 2026

Quick answer

The Modern Clean template style is the best CV template for students, offering excellent readability and ATS compatibility. Classic Academic works well for research roles, whilst Minimalist Professional suits corporate graduate schemes.

1

Modern Clean

An excellent all-purpose choice that balances visual appeal with professional formatting.

Pros

  • +Clean typography ensures excellent readability
  • +ATS-friendly single-column layout
  • +Modern design appeals to tech and creative industries
  • +Works well with limited experience

Cons

  • –Can appear generic without personalisation
  • –May not suit traditional industries
  • –Limited space for extensive project descriptions
Best for: Tech startups, marketing roles, and modern companies
2

Classic Academic

Perfect for students applying to research positions, PhD programmes, or traditional academic roles.

Pros

  • +Emphasises education and academic achievements
  • +Traditional formatting respected in academia
  • +Plenty of space for publications and research
  • +Conservative design suits formal institutions

Cons

  • –Can look dated for commercial roles
  • –Less visual impact than modern alternatives
  • –May not stand out in competitive markets
Best for: Academic positions, research roles, and traditional professions
3

ATS-Optimised Simple

The safest choice for large companies and corporations that rely heavily on applicant tracking systems.

Pros

  • +Guaranteed compatibility with all ATS systems
  • +Clear section headings improve scannability
  • +Simple format highlights content over design
  • +Works across all industries

Cons

  • –Very basic visual appeal
  • –Lacks personality and creativity
  • –May not impress human recruiters
Best for: Large corporations, government roles, and heavily automated hiring processes
4

Creative Visual

An eye-catching option for creative fields, though risky for traditional industries.

Pros

  • +Demonstrates design skills and creativity
  • +Memorable visual impact
  • +Can showcase personality effectively
  • +Perfect for portfolio-based applications

Cons

  • –Poor ATS compatibility
  • –Inappropriate for conservative industries
  • –Design can overshadow content
Best for: Design roles, advertising, and creative agencies
5

Cowrite's Template Collection

Our pick

Offers 21 professionally designed templates that combine the best elements from various styles.

Pros

  • +Wide variety covering all template styles mentioned above
  • +All templates are ATS-friendly and tested
  • +AI-powered content suggestions tailored to your field
  • +Free access for Swedish union members

Cons

  • –Requires subscription for non-union members
  • –Primarily focused on Swedish job market
  • –Limited customisation compared to design software
Best for: Swedish students and graduates seeking comprehensive CV building support

Quick comparison

#ToolBest forPrice
1Modern CleanTech startups, marketing roles, and modern companies—
2Classic AcademicAcademic positions, research roles, and traditional professions—
3ATS-Optimised SimpleLarge corporations, government roles, and heavily automated hiring processes—
4Creative VisualDesign roles, advertising, and creative agencies—
5Cowrite's Template CollectionSwedish students and graduates seeking comprehensive CV building support—

Our pick: Modern Clean

Modern Clean templates strike the perfect balance for most students, offering professional appearance without sacrificing ATS compatibility. Choose Classic Academic for research roles, Creative Visual for design positions, or consider Cowrite's collection if you're in Sweden and want AI-powered guidance throughout the process.

FAQ

Should students use the same CV template for every application?+
It's best to have 2-3 template styles: a conservative ATS-friendly version for large companies, a modern clean design for startups and tech roles, and potentially a creative version if applying to design or marketing positions.
Do CV templates really matter when you have no work experience?+
Yes, templates are especially important for students because they help structure limited experience effectively and ensure your education, projects, and skills are presented professionally. A well-designed template can make sparse content appear more substantial.
What's the difference between ATS-friendly and regular CV templates?+
ATS-friendly templates use simple formatting, standard fonts, clear section headings, and avoid graphics or complex layouts that applicant tracking systems can't parse. This ensures your CV content reaches human recruiters.
Can I use coloured CV templates as a student?+
Use colour sparingly and strategically. Subtle accent colours for headings or borders can work well, but avoid bright colours or heavy graphics that might not print well or could appear unprofessional in conservative industries.
How many pages should a student CV template accommodate?+
Student CVs should typically be one page, so choose templates designed for concise presentation. Only use two-page templates if you have substantial research, publications, or relevant project experience to showcase.

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Best CV Templates for Students and First Jobs (2026) | Cowrite