# Free Google Docs CV Template: Copy, Edit and Download

Description: Copy a free Google Docs CV template, download the Word version, and fix common formatting problems before exporting your CV.
Author: CV Anywhere Team
Published: 2025-12-17
Reading time: 8 min read
Tags: Google Docs CV template, free CV templates, resume templates, CV builder, job search, ATS-friendly CV

Human page: [Free Google Docs CV Template: Copy, Edit and Download](https://cvanywhere.com/blog/cv-template-google-docs)
Agent index: [CV Anywhere Blog Markdown Index](https://cvanywhere.com/agents/blog)


Need a **free CV template for Google Docs**? Download the editable Word file below and open it in Google Docs, or copy the plain-text layout into a blank document. Replace the prompts with your own experience. The download is free and needs no CV Anywhere account.

Google Docs templates work well for UK job seekers because they are free, easy to edit and accessible from anywhere. Simple formatting can make a CV easier to read and parse, but no template guarantees compatibility with every Applicant Tracking System or an interview.

Below the copyable layout, you will find editing fixes and a comparison of Google Docs, Word and a CV builder. If you are applying for US roles and need a resume rather than a CV, see our [resume templates for Google Docs](/blog/resume-template-google-docs) guide instead.

Adapt the template to the role: use [teacher CV examples](/blog/teacher-cv-examples) for classroom and placement evidence, or [care assistant CV guidance](/blog/cv-for-care-assistant) for care experience and relevant training.

## Download the free editable CV template

[Open the free Google Docs CV template](https://docs.google.com/document/d/18-YOT5C8EXypb_Z9BHkun2PR-B81L4TKr3ioqx1BMAY/edit) · [Download the Word version (.docx)](/templates/cv-anywhere-cv-template.docx)

The file uses A4 pages, a single column, Arial text and ordinary editable paragraphs. It contains placeholders only, with no macros or sign-up gate.

**Use it in Google Docs:** open the template above and choose **File → Make a copy**. The original is read-only; edit your own copy. A Google account is required to save it. You can also download the Word version, upload it to Drive and open it with Google Docs.

**Use it in Word:** open the downloaded file and save a working copy before editing. Replace all bracketed prompts, remove irrelevant sections, and check page breaks after adding your experience.

**Export your finished CV:** follow the employer’s requested format. In Google Docs, choose **File → Download → Microsoft Word (.docx)** or **PDF document (.pdf)**. Check the exported file before applying, and keep your completed CV private unless you deliberately choose to share it.


## Free CV template to copy into Google Docs

Open a blank Google Doc, paste this text and replace every prompt in square brackets. Keep the section headings and use ordinary bullet points. A single column, simple font and no text boxes make the document easier to edit and read.

```text
[YOUR NAME]
[City, country] | [Phone] | [Professional email] | [LinkedIn or portfolio URL]

PROFILE
[Write two or three sentences: your role or target role, relevant experience, and the value you bring to this job.]

KEY SKILLS
• [Relevant skill]  • [Relevant skill]  • [Relevant skill]

EXPERIENCE
[Job title] | [Employer] | [Location] | [Month Year–Present]
• [Describe what you did, for whom, and the outcome. Include a number only if you can verify it.]
• [Add a second result or responsibility relevant to the job.]

[Previous job title] | [Employer] | [Location] | [Month Year–Month Year]
• [Describe a relevant contribution and its outcome.]

EDUCATION
[Qualification] | [Institution] | [Year or expected year]
[Optional: relevant modules, project or classification]

CERTIFICATIONS OR PROJECTS (OPTIONAL)
[Name] | [Issuer or project link] | [Year]
```

Save a master copy before tailoring it for each role. If you want help organising your experience and exporting a finished CV, [start with the free CV builder](/cv-builder).

## Prefer a guided builder?

[Build my CV step by step](/onboarding?intent=cv&action=build&source=blog&blogSlug=cv-template-google-docs). Start from scratch, or upload the Word or PDF version of the document you have already edited. Review your details, save, then choose PDF or Word on the saved-CV screen.

The builder requires an account. Free includes one CV and three PDF or Word downloads in total. The Google Docs and Word templates above remain free to use without a CV Anywhere account.

## Set up the layout before you apply

1. Paste the template into a blank document and use one column. For a UK application, A4 is a useful starting point unless the employer specifies another format.
2. Choose a readable font around 11–12 points, keep headings consistent, and use ordinary bullets. Adjust spacing before shrinking the text to fit.
3. Replace every bracketed prompt. For a first job, move education and relevant projects above experience; describe volunteering or placements honestly.
4. Keep contact details in the main document body. Avoid using icons, text boxes or tables as the only way to communicate essential information.
5. Save a master, then make a separate copy for each vacancy. Keep job titles, dates and qualifications accurate when tailoring the wording.
6. Export the file type requested in the advert. Open the exported file, check page breaks, and copy a paragraph back into plain text to spot obvious reading-order problems. This is a useful check, not an ATS certification.

## Tailor the template to a real vacancy

Read the essential requirements and identify where your CV supplies evidence for each one. For example, replace a vague “good communicator” claim with a truthful account of who you communicated with, what you did and the outcome. Add numbers only when you can verify them.

If you already have a CV, use the [CV–job description match checker](/jd-fit-checker) to review its fit for a role. If you need help with the profile section, start with these [student CV summary examples](/blog/cv-summary-examples-for-students). Keep track of the version sent for each job using the [free application tracker spreadsheet](/job-application-tracker-free).

## Google Docs, Word or a CV builder?

Choose the editing method that suits your task. The same truthful, relevant experience matters in every format.

| Option | Useful when | What to check |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Google Docs template | You want a copy you can edit in your browser and share privately for feedback | Page breaks, sharing permissions and the final exported file |
| Word template | You prefer editing a .docx file in Word | Fonts, spacing and compatibility with the version you use |
| CV Anywhere builder | You want structured fields and help organising a CV | Account requirements, plan limits and the accuracy of suggested wording |
| A template from another designer | You need a particular layout or matching documents | Licence, price, editable file format and whether essential text remains readable |

The template on this page is free. CV Anywhere's builder is a separate service: an account is required, and the free plan includes one CV and three total PDF or Word downloads. See [current plans and allowances](/pricing) before choosing paid features.

### Can I use Google's own template gallery?

Yes. On the Google Docs home screen, choose **Template Gallery**, then select a template to create a copy. Availability can depend on your account and language. Google's [template instructions](https://support.google.com/docs/answer/148833?hl=en-GB) also explain how to make a copy of an existing file.

Choose a design with enough room for your experience. A decorative layout is not automatically better, and a plain layout does not guarantee an interview. If the advert supplies an application form or its own template, follow that instruction.

## Fix common Google Docs CV formatting problems

### A heading is stranded at the bottom of a page

Check the paragraph spacing and page break before that heading. Keep a heading with the text it introduces, then export again. Remove empty paragraphs used only to push content down: they can move when you edit earlier sections.

### The CV changes when I download it as Word

Open the downloaded .docx in the application you expect the recipient to use, if available. Look for substituted fonts, shifted bullets and extra pages. Use a common font and ordinary paragraphs to reduce layout complexity. If the employer accepts PDF and you want to preserve the visual layout, check a PDF export too.

### Pasted text uses several fonts or sizes

Paste without formatting into your working copy, then apply the same body style throughout. Reapply headings and bullets intentionally. This can remove unwanted formatting, so keep a backup before changing the whole document.

### My CV is too long

Remove repeated responsibilities and details that do not support the target role. Shorten the profile before reducing the font size. A second page can be more readable than squeezing extensive experience onto one; follow any employer page limit.

### Should I send a Google Docs link?

Use the file type requested in the advert. If a link is requested, check its access settings and test it before sending. Do not make a CV publicly editable. It can contain your contact details and employment history, so share only with the intended recipient.

## Is a Google Docs CV ATS-friendly?

Google Docs is an editor, not an ATS certification. Parsing depends on the exported file, its layout and the receiving system. Use clear headings, selectable text and a logical reading order. Avoid putting essential details only in an image or decorative element.

Our [ATS-friendly resume checklist](/blog/ats-friendly-resume-tips) covers practical checks. No template or builder can promise that every recruitment system will parse every document correctly or that an application will be shortlisted.

## Before you send the CV

- Replace every placeholder and remove example details that are not yours.
- Check names, dates, contact details and links.
- Match the most relevant evidence to the vacancy without inventing skills.
- Open the exported PDF or Word file and inspect every page.
- Keep an editable master and a clearly named copy for each application.

[Open the free Google Docs template](https://docs.google.com/document/d/18-YOT5C8EXypb_Z9BHkun2PR-B81L4TKr3ioqx1BMAY/edit), or use the [CV builder](/cv-builder) if you prefer structured help with your own content.