Career · CV & Resume
Free CV Generator
Build a CV that gets read — with 10 templates, a built-in CV checker, job-description tailoring, a bullet builder, multiple versions, and real-text PDFs that applicant tracking systems can read. Free, no signup, no watermark.
- 10 Templates
- CV Checker
- Tailor to a Job
- Bullet Builder
- Real-Text PDF
- 6 Export Formats
Saved in this browser · one version per job you apply for
What's New in the CV Generator (2026 Rebuild)
Real-text PDF (ATS-friendly)
PDFs with selectable text, headings, and clickable links — not a picture of your CV.
CV checker with a score
30+ checks: dates, gaps, bullets, numbers, weak openers, clichés, length, layout.
Tailor to a job
Paste a job ad — see required and missing keywords, add skills in one click.
Bullet builder
Turn facts into result-first bullets (XYZ, CAR, action + result).
Action verb library
96 strong verbs in 8 categories, one click to use.
Multiple CV versions
One CV per job — duplicate, rename, switch.
Reorder & rename sections
Your order, your headings — in every template.
A4 or US Letter
Page size, spacing, fonts, colors, icons on or off.
6 export formats
PDF, Word, text, Markdown, JSON Resume, image PDF.
Import from anywhere
LinkedIn text, My Profile, or a JSON Resume file.
Autosave + sync
Never lose your CV — synced when you sign in.
Optional AI rewrite
Use your own AI key to polish your summary or a bullet — no invented facts.
The CV Generator at a Glance
- Templates — 5 single-column (ATS-safe)
- 10
- CV checks
- 30+
- Download formats
- 6
- Action verbs in the library
- 96
- Bullet formulas
- 3
- Page sizes: A4 & US Letter
- 2
- CV versions
- ∞
- Watermarks or signups
- 0
How to Create Your CV in 3 Steps
- 01
Fill in your CV — or import it
Add your details section by section, or start from your LinkedIn text, My Profile, or a JSON Resume file. Everything saves as you type.
- 02
Check, tailor & polish
Fix what the CV check flags, paste a job ad to tailor keywords, and strengthen bullets with the builder and verb library.
- 03
Pick a design & download
Choose a template, color, font, and page size, then download a real-text PDF — or Word, text, Markdown, or JSON.
What Makes This CV Generator Different
| Feature | LinkedinForge | Many CV makers |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free — every template and format | Often free to edit, paid to download |
| Watermark | Never | Sometimes on free downloads |
| PDF text | Real, selectable text | Varies |
| CV checker | Built in, 30+ checks | Often paid |
| Tailor to a job ad | Built in | Often paid or missing |
| Multiple versions | Unlimited | Often limited |
| Export formats | PDF, Word, text, Markdown, JSON Resume | Usually PDF or Word |
| Account | Optional (for sync) | Usually required |
“Many CV makers” describes common patterns, not any specific product. Always check each service's own terms.
All 10 CV Templates Explained
Classic
ATS-safeTraditional single-column layout with a centered header. Timeless and readable — the safest all-rounder.
Best for: Any industry · online applications
Minimal
ATS-safeUltra-clean with generous whitespace. Lets your content speak for itself.
Best for: Senior ICs, consultants, writers
Elegant
ATS-safeSerif typography with refined spacing. Conveys authority and taste.
Best for: Finance, law, consulting
Academic
ATS-safeCentered serif header and clear structure — order sections education-first if you like.
Best for: Research, teaching, PhD
Healthcare
ATS-safeClear format with accent bars — put licenses and certifications high in the order.
Best for: Doctors, nurses, allied health
Executive
2 columnsBold two-column layout with a colored sidebar for contact and skills.
Best for: Leadership, management, directors
Modern
2 columnsDark sidebar with accent highlights — clean and contemporary.
Best for: Tech, startups, product
Corporate
2 columnsBanner header with a skills column — structured and organized.
Best for: Business, operations, enterprise
Creative
2 columnsGradient banner header with a side column — stands out in creative fields.
Best for: Design, marketing, media
Tech
2 columnsDark header with code-style headings for technical roles.
Best for: Engineering, DevOps, data
Every template shows every section you turn on, in the order you choose — switch templates any time without losing content.
ATS-Friendly CVs: What Actually Matters
Do
- Send a real-text PDF (or Word if asked)
- Use a single-column layout for online applications
- Use standard headings: Work Experience, Education, Skills
- Use the job's exact wording where it's true
- Put dates in one consistent format
- Keep contact details as plain text
Avoid
- Image-only PDFs for online forms
- Text inside images or text boxes
- Creative section names
- Keyword stuffing or hidden text
- Tables for your main content
- Skills you don't actually have
Every applicant tracking system works differently, and a person usually reads your CV too. Clear, honest, well-structured CVs work best for both.
What the CV Checker Looks At
| Area | Checks |
|---|---|
| Contact | Name, valid email, phone, location, LinkedIn URL, headline |
| Summary | Present and 25–110 words |
| Experience | Title, company, and dates for every role; date order; future dates |
| Gaps | Gaps of more than six months between roles (informational) |
| Bullets | Action verbs, numbers, weak openers, “I/my”, length, repeated verbs, tense |
| Skills | 5–25 skills, no duplicates |
| Writing | Common clichés |
| Length | Estimated pages and word count |
| ATS & layout | Single vs two columns, icons, standard headings |
How to Write a CV: Section by Section
- 01
Contact & headline
Name, email, phone, city, and your LinkedIn URL. Under your name, a headline that matches the job you want (e.g., “Senior Data Analyst”).
- 02
Professional summary
2–4 sentences: who you are, your strongest skills, and the value you bring — aimed at the role.
- 03
Work experience
Newest first. Title, company, dates, then 3–6 bullets per role that start with action verbs and show results with numbers.
- 04
Education
Degree, field, school, and years. Add grades or highlights if they help, especially early in your career.
- 05
Skills
10–20 relevant skills — tools, methods, and specialist knowledge. Match the job's wording where it's true.
- 06
Extras that help
Projects, certifications, languages, awards, or volunteering — include them when they support the job you want.
CV Bullet Points: Weak vs Strong Examples
“Responsible for weekly reporting.”
“Automated weekly KPI reporting in dbt and Tableau, saving the team about 6 hours a week.”
Action verb + what + measurable result
“Helped with customer retention.”
“Built a churn prediction model that helped cut voluntary cancellations by 12% in two quarters.”
Your part + the outcome with a number
“Worked on the website redesign.”
“Redesigned the checkout flow with 6 user interviews and 3 A/B tests, lifting conversion by 8%.”
How you did it + the result
“Managed a team.”
“Led a team of 5 analysts, hiring 2 and mentoring both into their first promotions.”
Scope + specific achievements
Examples are illustrations — use your own real results.
Result-first (XYZ)
Accomplished [X], as measured by [Y], by doing [Z].
Challenge → Action → Result
Faced with [challenge], [did what], resulting in [result].
Action + result
[Verb] [what], which [result].
Action Verbs for Your CV (96 by Category)
Leadership
Led · Directed · Managed · Mentored · Coached · Hired · Built · Founded · Spearheaded · Oversaw · Championed · Mobilised
Delivery
Delivered · Launched · Shipped · Executed · Implemented · Completed · Rolled out · Coordinated · Organised · Deployed · Migrated · Produced
Improvement
Improved · Increased · Reduced · Cut · Streamlined · Automated · Optimised · Accelerated · Simplified · Strengthened · Upgraded · Saved
Growth
Grew · Expanded · Generated · Won · Secured · Negotiated · Closed · Acquired · Converted · Retained · Scaled · Boosted
Analysis
Analysed · Researched · Evaluated · Measured · Forecast · Identified · Investigated · Modelled · Audited · Assessed · Tested · Validated
Creation
Designed · Created · Developed · Wrote · Engineered · Architected · Prototyped · Authored · Established · Introduced · Pioneered · Crafted
Communication
Presented · Persuaded · Trained · Facilitated · Partnered · Collaborated · Advised · Negotiated · Published · Pitched · Briefed · Influenced
Support
Resolved · Supported · Assisted · Answered · Guided · Onboarded · Maintained · Handled · Processed · Served · Fixed · Documented
CV vs Resume — and Formats by Country
| UK, Ireland, EU, Australia, NZ | US & Canada | |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday word | CV | Resume |
| Usual length | 1–2 pages | 1–2 pages |
| Paper size | A4 | US Letter |
| Academic version | Academic CV (longer) | CV (longer, academic) |
| Photo | Varies by country | Usually not expected |
General guidance — always follow the norms of the country and employer you're applying to.
CV Writing Best Practices
Lead with Impact, Not Responsibilities
List what you achieved, not what you were supposed to do. Numbers and outcomes beat duty lists.
Tailor for Each Application
Duplicate your CV, paste the job ad into Tailor, and adjust your headline, summary, and skills for that role.
Keep It to 1–2 Pages
One page is common early in a career; two pages for more experience. Academic CVs can be longer.
Use Action Verbs
Start every bullet with a strong verb: Led, Built, Designed, Implemented, Reduced, Grew, Launched, Automated.
Include Keywords from the Job Description
Mirror the posting's exact wording in your skills and bullets — only where it's true.
Proofread Ruthlessly
Read it aloud or backward to catch typos, check every date, and ask someone else to look.
Use Standard Headings
“Work Experience”, “Education”, and “Skills” are easiest for both people and parsers.
Send the Right File
Real-text PDF for most applications; Word if the employer asks for it; plain text for paste-in forms.
8 CV Mistakes to Avoid
Duty lists (“Responsible for…”)
Start with a verb and show the result.
No numbers anywhere
Add real figures — %, money, time, volume, team size.
One generic CV for every job
Tailor a version to each role.
Image-only PDFs for online forms
Use the real-text PDF.
Creative headings (“My Journey”)
Use standard section names.
Inconsistent dates
Pick one format and check every role.
Clichés (“team player”, “hard-working”)
Prove it with a bullet instead.
Typos in your name or email
Check the top of the page twice.
From LinkedIn Profile to CV
Copy your profile
Paste text from your LinkedIn profile (or its “Save to PDF” text) into Download & import.
Check each section
The import picks out your name, about, experience, education, skills, and languages — tidy anything it got wrong.
Turn duties into results
LinkedIn descriptions are often longer — trim to 3–6 result-focused bullets per role.
Keep your profile and CV consistent — titles and dates should match. Polish your profile with the Profile Analyzer.
Who Is This CV Maker For?
Job seekers
A tailored CV for every application.
Students & graduates
A strong first CV with projects and education first.
Career changers
Lead with transferable skills and relevant projects.
Experienced professionals
Two clean pages that show impact.
Healthcare & academia
Clear formats with certifications and publications.
Freelancers
Project-led CVs for clients and contracts.
Tutorials & Guides
Pro Tips
Keep a master CV
One long version with everything — then duplicate and trim for each job.
Name your versions by job
“Data Analyst — Monzo” makes tracking easy.
Read it on paper
Print preview catches layout problems the screen hides.
Save the job ad
Postings disappear — keep the text in Tailor for interview prep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this CV generator really free?
Yes — 100% free with no catches. No account needed, no watermarks, no download limits, and no premium upsell. Your CV is saved in your browser; if you sign in, it also syncs to your LinkedinForge account so you can open it on other devices.
Which template should I use?
For online applications, a single-column template (Classic, Minimal, Elegant, Academic, or Healthcare) is the safest choice for applicant tracking systems. Two-column designs (Executive, Modern, Corporate, Creative, Tech) look great for emailing a person or printing. When in doubt, Classic works everywhere.
Is the PDF readable by applicant tracking systems (ATS)?
Yes — use “PDF — ATS-friendly”. It saves your CV through your browser's print dialog, so the PDF contains real, selectable text, proper headings, and clickable links. The separate “Image PDF” option looks identical but is a picture of your CV, which ATS can't read — use it only for printing or sending to a person.
How do I import from LinkedIn?
Open Download & import, then paste text from your LinkedIn profile (copy the sections from the page, or use More → Save to PDF and copy the text). The tool picks out your name, headline, about, experience, education, skills, and languages. Always check each section afterwards. If you've filled in My Profile on LinkedinForge, you can also fill your CV from it in one click.
What does the CV check look at?
Contact details, a clear headline, summary length, every role's title, company and dates, end-before-start date errors, employment gaps over six months (informational), bullet points (action verbs, numbers, weak openers like “Responsible for”, personal pronouns, length, repeated verbs), skills count and duplicates, clichés, overall length, and layout choices that can affect ATS parsing.
How does tailoring to a job description work?
Paste the job ad into “Tailor to a job”. The tool finds the key skills and terms, notes which ones the ad marks as required or nice-to-have, and shows which are already on your CV. You can add missing hard skills in one click — only add ones you genuinely have.
Can I have different CVs for different jobs?
Yes. Create, duplicate, rename, and switch between CV versions — for example one per job you apply to. Each version keeps its own content, design, and target job.
What file formats can I download?
PDF (real text, recommended), Word (.doc), plain text (.txt) for application forms, Markdown (.md), JSON Resume (.json) for backups, and an image PDF for exact-look printing. You can also copy your whole CV as text.
What is JSON Resume?
An open, community standard for storing a CV as structured data (jsonresume.org). Download your CV as JSON Resume to keep a backup you can re-import here, or use it with other tools that support the standard.
Does the tool write my CV for me?
No — and that's deliberate. Your CV has to be true. The bullet builder arranges facts you enter into strong formats, the checker points out weak spots, and the optional AI rewrite (using your own API key) is instructed never to invent results or numbers.
How long should a CV be?
Usually one to two pages. Early-career CVs are often one page; experienced professionals may need two. Academic CVs, which list publications and grants, can be longer. The preview shows where each page breaks.
What's the difference between a CV and a resume?
In the UK, Ireland, Australia, and much of Europe, “CV” is the everyday word for the 1–2 page document you send with job applications. In the US and Canada that's usually called a “resume”, and “CV” usually means a longer academic record. This tool builds either — choose A4 or US Letter in Design.
Should I include a photo on my CV?
It depends on where you apply. In the US and UK, photos usually aren't expected. In some other countries they're more common. Follow the norms of the country and industry you're applying in.
Should I include references?
Many people leave them off and provide them when asked. If you include references, only list people who've agreed to be contacted.
Can I reorder or rename CV sections?
Yes. In Design you can show or hide any section, move sections up or down, and rename headings. Keep headings familiar (Work Experience, Education, Skills) — ATS look for standard names.
Is my data private?
Your CV is stored in your browser. If you're signed in, it's also saved to your own LinkedinForge account so it syncs across devices. Imports from files are read in your browser. The optional AI rewrite sends only the text you choose to improve to the AI provider whose key you added.
Build a CV That Gets Read
Scroll up, fill in or import your details, fix what the checker flags, tailor it to the job, and download a real-text PDF. It's 100% free.