Templates
CV – & workplace-ready free
Free cv template excel for Excel and Google Sheets. CV sections for education, experience, and skills—export to PDF. Download now.
- 100% free
- Workplace-ready
- Excel & Google Sheets
What is a CV template and why use a free Excel template?
A CV template is a structured workbook that helps you build a professional resume in Excel or Google Sheets—without design software or hidden paywalls. The free Ordio CV template includes ready-made sections for personal details, work experience, education, and skills. Excel makes it easy to keep dates consistent and duplicate the file for different job applications.
Many sites advertise "free" CV downloads but require sign-up or subscriptions. Ordio’s template is free to download with no account. Open it in Excel or Sheets, complete the fields, and export to PDF when you apply.
Why Excel instead of Word?
- Clear structure: Rows and columns suit chronological career data.
- Easy updates: Change one cell instead of reformatting entire pages.
- Multiple versions: Save copies tailored to each role.
- Optional calculations: Totals for years of experience or date ranges.
CV norms vary: US employers often expect a one-page resume (skills-forward, photo usually omitted); UK recruiters typically accept a two-page CV with concise personal details. In Germany, a short tabular CV is still common—this template follows that layout. For a full application bundle, see our job application template; employers can store documents in Ordio employee files.
CV templates in Word vs Excel: which format fits you?
| Format | Best for | Ordio template |
|---|---|---|
| Excel / Sheets | Tabular CV, date logic, multiple versions | Free download on this page |
| Word | Creative design, narrative CV or US-style resume | Export content from Excel if needed |
| Final submission (US, UK, and EU employers) | Export from Excel when finished |
Built-in Word resume templates are often US-focused. UK hiring teams may prefer a two-page CV; US roles often want a single-page resume. Start with this Excel structure, adapt length and sections to the job posting, then export to PDF.
How to create a CV step-by-step
Use the Ordio CV template in Excel or Google Sheets and work through these steps:
- Download the file and open the instructions sheet.
- Personal details: Name, contact, location (photo only if customary for your target employer).
- Experience: List roles in reverse chronological order with dates, employer, title, and key tasks.
- Education: Schools, degrees, training—newest first.
- Skills: Languages, IT, licences relevant to the role.
- Review spelling and dates; export a PDF for your application.
Keep wording factual and concise. Match the job posting where it helps, but do not invent experience.
Classic, modern, or tabular: choosing a CV layout
Classic layouts use restrained typography; modern layouts add subtle colour or icons—useful in marketing or tech when the employer expects it. The Ordio Excel file supports a clear tabular structure you can style before exporting.
In the US, one page is typical for early-career candidates; in the UK, two pages are standard for experienced applicants. A brief tabular CV is still widely used in Germany. Conservative sectors (finance, public sector) usually prefer classic black-and-white PDFs—keep information scannable within the page limit the job posting implies.
CV template for students and career starters
With limited work history, emphasise education, internships, part-time jobs, and volunteering. Use the template sections for training and practical experience rather than leaving them empty. Short, concrete bullet points beat vague claims.
For apprenticeship or graduate roles, link motivation to the occupation and employer. US and UK students often target one page; in Germany, one page is also a sensible default when experience is limited.
Download the free CV template
Download the CV template Excel file on this page or use the Google Sheets copy link. Complete the workbook, export to PDF, and attach it to your application. Browse more free Excel templates for HR and workforce planning.
Manage CVs with Ordio
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Frequently asked questions about CV – free & workplace-ready
Which CV template is really free?
A really free resume template, like the downloadable classic template download, you often find in Excel format. Many providers promise free costs, but require registrations or subscriptions. A truly free tabular CV template offers you immediate use without hidden costs or registration. Download such a template and start immediately with your professional application.
Where can I find life-run templates in word?
You can find CV templates in Word directly in Microsoft Word under "File" → "New" by searching for "resume". However, these integrated templates are often US-centred and do not always meet German standards. For a professional, structured downloadable classic template download, which also offers optimal data management, Excel templates are often more advantageous and flexible. Therefore, check templates optimized specifically for the German labour market.
Which CV template is really free?
You can find a really free CV template as a direct downloadable classic template download of transparent providers. Many promise "free" but demand registrations or subscriptions. Pay attention to vendors that allow you to download without hidden obstacles, such as the Ordio Excel template. This gives you a clear structure and easy editing. Download a proven template to start immediately with your professional resume.
Where can I find live in word?
You can find CV templates in Word by searching in Microsoft Word under "File" → "New". There you can search for "life race", but these are Word templates often tailored to the US market. For a professional German CV or an efficient downloadable classic template download an Excel template is usually more structured and flexible. Instead, consider using a specialized Excel template for your perfect application.
Can you write a resume on the handy?
You can write a CV on your phone, but the professional design is limited. Precisely formatting a tabular CV template is mobile cumbersome. For optimal use of our Excel-based downloadable classic template download we recommend a PC or laptop. Create your perfect resume more efficiently and professionally.
In which program should you write a CV?
For a structured resume, Excel, Microsoft Word or online tools are ideal. Excel offers clear advantages. It allows you to downloadable classic template download a clear data management and easy processing. Word is good for text-loaded designs, but for data and time details Excel often offers more flexibility. Use a free template to create a professional resume immediately and optimize your application.
Has word live?
Yes, Microsoft Word offers integrated resume templates that you can find via "File" → "New". These word template CV are often tailored to the American market and do not always meet German standards. One template lifecycle word free is available but offers less flexibility for detailed data. We recommend an optimized application for a structured application downloadable classic template download.
Where can I find in word templates for life race?
In Word you can find resume templates directly via 'File' → 'New' and the search for 'resume'. However, these are often US-lasty and not ideal for German standards. For a professional, structured application, an Excel template provides how the free downloadable classic template download, often more flexibility and better data management. Choose the template that best fits your requirements and application standards.
On which program should you write a CV?
Programs like Microsoft Word or specialized online tools are suitable for your CV, but Excel often offers the best structure. Excel is ideal for a clear display of data and chronological information. One downloadable classic template download allows you to quickly create a professional resume without having to worry about design. Use such a template to effectively prepare your application.
Which program should I write for the CV?
Programs like your CV Microsoft Excel or Microsoft Word best. Excel offers you excellent structure for data-rich CVs, while Word is ideal for text-loaded or creative designs. With a matching downloadable classic template download save time and effort when formatting. Use a finished template to quickly create a professional resume.
Where can I find word templates for a life race?
In Microsoft Word you can find CV templates "File" → "New", by looking for "life race". However, these are often not optimal for German standards. For better structure and data management, for example for a downloadable classic template download, Excel templates often offer decisive advantages as they allow a clear table form. Consider an Excel template for your professional CV to ensure flexibility.
Where can I write and print a CV for free?
You can write and print a CV for free by using one downloadable classic template download use. Many online providers promise this, but often require registration or hidden costs. An Excel template as offered free of Download by Ordio offers you a structured base without registration. Just download a suitable template, fill it out and print your resume.