1. Choose the format before the look
Sort out the format before you fall for a design. Chronological lists your jobs newest first and works for most people with steady experience. Functional groups things by skill, which can help career changers, though plenty of recruiters distrust it because it can look like you're hiding gaps. A combination of the two is the safe middle ground.
Whatever you pick, it has to survive being read by software. One column, clear headings, and nothing important locked inside an image.
2. Match the style to your field
A clean, classic template suits finance, law, and government, where flashy reads as unserious. Design and marketing roles leave you more room for color and personality. Use the room, but don't let it bury the content.
Tip
When you're not sure, plain wins. A striking template that scatters your experience across the page will cost you interviews a boring one would have landed.
3. Start from something free
You don't have to wrestle a word processor to get this right. Hassan's builder gives you templates in modern, classic, creative, minimal, executive, and portfolio styles, in Arabic and English, with the layout already handled. Pick one, let the AI help with the wording, and export something clean.
Frequently asked questions
Are CV templates good or bad for an ATS?
A well-built single-column template is fine. The trouble comes from template features like tables, columns, and graphics that the software can't parse. Hassan's templates are built to stay readable.
Are the templates free?
Yes, you can build and preview your CV for free. Premium unlocks extra templates and downloads.