Build a CV: free, online, in 15 minutes
A professional CV that passes HR software and recruiters. 8 ATS-friendly templates, AI writing help, and a free cover letter generator. No subscription - €2 per download.
Why a good CV makes the difference
A recruiter decides in 6 to 7 seconds whether to keep reading. And before that, your CV often gets scanned by HR software (an ATS). Anyone who doesn't pass both filters never gets an invite - no matter how good they are. On this page we explain how to build a CV in 15 minutes that passes both.
How to build a CV in 5 steps
No more blank page, no design questions. Guided one prompt at a time.
1. Pick a template
2 minStart with one of our 8 ATS-friendly templates. All tested with major HR systems (Workday, Greenhouse, Lever). Switch templates later without re-entering data.
2. Fill in your personal details
3 minName, contact, city, optional LinkedIn and website. Our AI profile generator writes a strong 3-4 sentence summary based on your work history.
3. Add your work experience
6 minPer role: company, period and 3-5 achievement bullets. Our AI turns weak bullets into strong ones with measurable results and action verbs - no clichés like 'team player' or 'results-driven'.
4. Add education, skills, languages
3 minStandard fields for education, a free list for skills, and languages with level bars. Optional: hobbies - only if they say something unique.
5. Download your PDF
1 minClick download, pay €2 one-time via iDEAL or credit card, get your PDF instantly AND 1 hour of free access to our cover letter generator. 14-day money back, no questions.
What goes on a CV?
The seven sections that belong on every CV, in the order recruiters expect.
Personal details
Name, phone, email, city. LinkedIn URL strongly recommended. A photo is optional in the Netherlands - many recruiters advise leaving it off to avoid bias.
Profile summary
3-4 sentences that show your value upfront. Formula: role + years of experience + 2 strengths + 1 measurable result. Skip 'team player' and 'driven professional'.
Work experience
Per role: title, company, period (month + year) and 3-5 bullets with measurable achievements. Most recent first (reverse chronological).
Education
Highest qualification first. Institution, degree, period. Cum laude, thesis topic or GPA only if they strengthen your story.
Skills
5-10 skills directly relevant to the role. Avoid generic terms like 'MS Office' unless specifically asked.
Languages
Per language the level (CEFR: A1-C2 or plain terms: basic, intermediate, fluent, native).
Optional: hobbies, courses, volunteering
Only include if it adds value. 'Running marathons' or 'board role' yes, 'watching movies' no.
5 mistakes that make recruiters quit reading
Common misses we see over and over - and how to avoid them.
Spelling errors
The #1 reason for instant rejection. One typo in your email address or company name: gone. Have at least 2 people proofread before you send.
Long, vague bullets
'Responsible for the administration' says nothing. Replace with 'Streamlined administrative processes, saved 6 hours per week'. Concrete, with numbers.
One CV for every vacancy
Generic CVs get caught out. Tailor your profile text and top bullets to the job description. Our AI helps in seconds.
Pretty design that HR software can't read
Columns, infographics, fancy logos: an ATS often reads them wrong or not at all. Our 8 templates are tested on those systems.
Ignoring a gap in your work history
An unexplained gap raises doubt. Explain it briefly and honestly: study, family care, sabbatical, training. Honesty beats perfection.
Ready to start?
Building and editing is free. Pay only when you want to download - €2 one-time.
Pick from 8 ATS-friendly templates
From clean Nordic to Executive Pro: one click changes your entire CV to a different design without re-entering data.
See all templates →Or first browse CV examples per profession
Tips by situation
Not every candidate has the same profile. Below per situation what you should know.
Starter with no work experience
No work experience? Lead with education and projects. Internships, side jobs, volunteering and personal projects count - focus on what you learned and achieved, not the title.
Career switch
When switching sectors your profile summary is critical. Explain in 2 sentences why you're switching and which transferable skills you bring. Translate bullets from old work into what's relevant in the new sector.
50+ candidates
Experience is an asset, not a problem. Limit your work history to the last 15-20 years, leave out date of birth, and add recent training or certifications to show you stay current.
Applying internationally
For applications in English: switch language top-right. Avoid NL-specific abbreviations like 'HAVO' or 'MBO' - write them out and add a brief explanation.
Frequently asked questions about building a CV
How do I build a CV for free?▾
At CVontwerper, building, editing and live preview are free. You fill in your details step by step, pick a template, and have a professional CV instantly. You only pay €2 when you want to download the PDF - no subscription, no hidden costs.
How long should my CV be?▾
For starters and people with less than 10 years of experience: 1 page. For seniors or people with lots of relevant experience: maximum 2 pages. A third page is almost never needed and costs you points with the recruiter.
Which font is best for a CV?▾
Pick a readable font like Inter, Calibri, Arial or Lato for modern CVs. Garamond or Source Serif for something more classic. Avoid Comic Sans, Times New Roman (dated) and decorative fonts. Our templates pick the font for you.
Should I put a photo on my CV?▾
In the Netherlands a photo is optional. Many recruiters advise leaving it off to avoid unconscious bias. In some sectors (sales, customer contact) it's expected. When in doubt: no photo.
How do I make my CV ATS-friendly?▾
An ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is software that screens CVs first. Make it ATS-proof by: standard section names (Experience, Education), no tables or graphics, readable fonts, and text instead of images. Our 8 templates are all ATS-tested.
What's the difference between a CV and a resume?▾
In Europe 'CV' and 'resume' are the same list style: 1-2 pages of your work and education history. In academic context (and sometimes in the US) a 'CV' is an extensive overview of scientific achievements (publications, grants) and can be many pages.
Can I convert my LinkedIn profile into a CV?▾
Yes. Export your LinkedIn profile as PDF (via 'More' → 'Save profile as PDF') and upload it via 'Upload CV'. We automatically recognize your work experience, education and skills and put them in a clean template.
Does the cover letter cost extra?▾
No. Every €2 download includes 1 hour of free access to our AI cover letter generator. Paste a job description, pick from 5 styles, and the AI writes a personal letter based on your CV. Unlimited letters during that hour.
Start building your CV
Building is free. No account, no ads, your data stays local. Pay only when you download.
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