20 Best Free Modern Resume Templates (Download Clean CV Design Formats 2021)

When you're job hunting, a modern resume design is one of your most important tools. Your resume is how recruiters decide whether you make the cut and get to the interview stage. 

But creating the perfect resume isn't always easy. One way to save yourself some hassle is to use a template, so you use the right modern resume format to wow potential employers.

A great place to find the best modern resume templates is Envato Elements. There are also more modern resume styles on GraphicRiver.

Find Premium Modern Resume Templates on Envato Elements (With Unlimited Use)

Free modern resume templates are okay if you're on a tight budget. But don't you want your resume to stand out? The best way to do that is with a premium template.

If you're searching for the best modern CV templates that'll enhance your current resume or help you create a new one, Envato Elements has a great offer you won't want to miss. Download as many premium modern resume styles as you want, all for one low price. 

To find the perfect modern resume format on Envato Elements, select Graphic Templates to the right of the search box. Then type modern resume into the search box. You'll see more than 10,000 clean CV designs to download. When you find the perfect template, click Download. Then start customizing your resume.

To learn more about creating a resume that stands out to hiring managers, check out our guide to creating a great resume.

5 Best Premium Modern Resume Templates on Envato Elements for 2020/2021

If you really want to wow the HR manager, then a professional design is the way to go. If you're not confident about your design skills, using a modern resume template gives you a professional design to start with. It'll also speed up the resume creation process. Plus, you'll end up with a polished resume that attracts recruiters. 

To help you get started, check out these best premium modern resume layouts on Envato Elements:

1. Modern Resume Design Template

This modern minimalist resume template is very attractive and will make your CV stand out. It's well-designed, with an infographic style approach to showing off your skills. This is an A4 modern resume template. Edit it with Microsoft Word, Adobe Illustrator or Adobe Photoshop.

2. Modern Resume and CV Template

This is one of the nicest modern resume examples with a contrasting side panel to highlight your photo, contact details, and skills. Education and work experience are on the light-colored panel on the left, making for a visually appealing package.

3. CV Resume Template, Creative, Clean & Modern

Many modern design resume templates make good use of color. This clean CV design is no exception. This US Letter template has an attractive look and makes the different sections of your resume stand out. 

The template pack includes Microsoft Word and InDesign files. You won't find this quality in free modern resume templates you find online.

4. Modern Minimalist CV Resume

This modern CV and resume template are professionally designed and easy to edit. The template set includes a cover, cover letter and resume template. It offers a crisp, clean look to your professional details.

5. Resume Vol. 93

The bright yellow background certainly makes this modern resume format layout stand out. It's an A4 template for InDesign that's easy to edit. Once you create your resume with this template, it'll be hard to ignore. Modern resume templates for free download can't compare to this.

5 Best Modern Premium Resume Designs on GraphicRiver for 2020/2021

If you're planning to create many resume designs, you'll definitely need the unlimited downloads on Envato Elements. But if you're just planning to create a single CV, then the best premium modern resume designs on GraphicRiver are a good starting point.

To find the perfect modern resume layout, go to the Graphics tab on GraphicRiver, then type modern resume into the search box. Browse thousands of modern resume layouts. Get started with some of our top picks:

1. Modern Resume - Clean Resume Lines

This modern resume example lets you create a two-page resume, so it works well for someone with a long and varied career. The template set includes a cover letter layout. This crisp design is professional and easy to read, to give you a great chance of landing your dream job.

2. Modern Resume - Editable Design

Use several applications to customize this earth-toned modern CV template. Every element is editable and resizable. 

Use Microsoft Word, Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop to adapt it for your needs. This is an elegant, A4 CV template. Free modern resume templates found on the internet can't match this.

3. Modern Resume Template

This modern CV and resume template are designed with a difference and will certainly make your resume more visible. With timelines, bar charts, and other graphics it looks more like an infographic, which should pique recruiters' interest. The template set includes both black and white and color versions.

4. Lucky Resume

Not sure which color scheme you want for your new resume? This set of modern resume layouts includes eight different colorways. Not only can you use it to create a resume and cover letter, but there's also a portfolio template. So, you can show a complete package to hiring managers.

5. Modern Resume - Minimal Design

This minimalist modern resume design is in black and white. The template set includes a two-page resume template, along with a cover letter template, and a reference page template. 

This is an attractive and professional design. You won't see this kind of quality in a modern resume template for free download.

20 Free Modern Resume Templates to Download in 2020/2021

It's hard to beat the advantages of using a premium modern resume design template: professional design and easy customization. But sometimes you just don't have the money.

Before looking for a free modern resume templates for Word and other software on the web, check Envato's free offerings. Try out various premium template files (not always free modern resume templates) at no cost to you.

Here's the deal: 

• Every month Envato Elements offers 12 different hand-selected files, (fonts, presentations, videos, and more). Create a free account to download this month's free premium files now.


• Or try Envato Market for free. They offer seven handpicked monthly freebies. Log in with your account to get this month's handpicked premium freebies. 

But if you're on a tight budget and can't find premium quality, then it's worth looking around for free modern resume templates. Here's a selection free modern resumes to start you off:

1. Free Two-Page Resume and Cover Letter

This free modern resume template to download is my favorite from this selection of best resume templates for free. I like its clean and minimalist layout and how each element has its own space. Edit this two-page resume and cover letter convo using Photoshop.

2. Boast Free Modern CV Download

Boast, from Hloom, is a modern template that lets you showcase your skills. This modern resume free to download includes a visual grid so recruiters can assess your experience at a glance.

3. Blue Side Modern CV Template Free

This a great free modern resume template to download from Hloom. It features a sleek design with a touch of color to help you stand out. The modern layout includes a side bar and color accents. With this free resume template, hiring managers can quickly identify sections for work history, awards and education.

4. Crisp and Clean Resume

If you're searching for a modern resume template in 2020/2021 that's free to download, check out the Microsoft Office site. The Moo template modern CV to download is well-designed and attractive.

5. Free Clean Resume Template

Behance offers some of the best resume templates free for the Adobe suite. This modern resume free to download has a clean design with the right color accents. Edit this free resume template in Illustrator.

6. Free Contemporary Photo Resume

This is a modern resume template free to download from Microsoft Office. It was designed to showcase your experience and talent in a modern, stylish way. This modern CV template for free download has a space for your photo and vibrant colors to stand out!

7. Free Resume / CV Template

This is a free modern resume template to download from Behance. This free resume template features attractive header images, and activity icons. Edit it in MS Word, Photoshop, Illustrator or InDesign.

8. Balanced Free Resume Template

This modern CV template free to download from Microsoft Office is a single column resume template that puts your skills at the forefront. It features an attractive, modern minimalist resume design.

9. Ardent Modern CV Template Free

This free modern resume template to download from Hloom. It features a section where you can include your picture, with plenty of space for skills and experience. One of the best CV templates to download free.

10. Google Docs Swiss

Looking for more free modern resume templates to download? Another place to get a clean resume template for free is from Google. Go to File>New> From Template when logged in to access them. The Swiss template has a clean, crisp look. It's a great modern CV to download.

11. Free Bold Monogram Resume

This modern resume free to download features a bold and modern design. It's really easy to customize in MS Word, change the colors or fonts of this free resume template. We think it's one of the best editable CV templates for free download.

12. Google Docs Coral

This is another clean resume template that's free to download from Google. With a coral and white color scheme, it's a single column resume template. This one is a great modern resume template free to download.

13. Google Docs Spearmint

If you select this modern editable CV templates free to download, you'll love the fresh crispness. This is the Spearmint free resume template for Google Docs. Check this modern CV to download!

14. The Muse

Searching more free resume templates to download? Look no further than The Muse for modern resume styles. It's an attractive modern CV to download that's easy to customize in Google Docs. 

15. Google Docs Serif

This is an attractive and stylish resume template that's easy to make your own. It's one of several modern CV templates free to download from Google. This is one of the best resume templates free!

16. Google Docs Modern Writer

The red and white color scheme of this free resume template from Google draws the gaze. In keeping with its name, it looks like it's been created on an old-fashioned typewriter. Don't forget to take a look at this modern resume template free to download.

17. Glimmer Modern CV Template Free

Another modern editable CV templates free to download from Hloom. The modern and clean resume layout is designed to highlight job titles, experience and accomplishments. It's really easy to edit and customize in MS Word.

18. Free Modern Resume Template

If you're looking for the best CV template to download free, this is a great option. This free resume template has a really modern and unique design. Fully customize it using Photoshop.

19. Freebie Resume Template

Another nice and modern resume free to download from Behance. It features a clean and organized layout so recruiters can easily read through your experience and details. Edit this free resume template with InDesign.

20. Free Modern Resume Template

This free resume template to download is a great free option. The modern free resume also includes a cover letter. The resume template to download features a space for your photo and it's fully editable in InDesign. 

How to Quickly Customize Modern Resume Templates (For 2021)

When you use a modern CV template from Envato Elements, you’re sure to wow potential employers. But you might be afraid templates are hard to use. Don’t worry—you can customize a modern resume template in just five easy steps.

Want to follow along? We’ll be using the premium Modern Resume Template from Envato Elements.

Let's get started:

1. Change Text

Once you've got your modern resume template open in Photoshop, it’s time to add in your own details. Pre-built text placeholders are there to help. 

Click on any block of text, then select it by pressing Control + A on your keyboard. Delete any existing text, then begin typing in your own. Repeat where needed.

2. Change the Colors

Changing colors is a handy way to add contrast to a modern CV template. In Photoshop, these options live in the Layers panel. In the lower right, click to expand the folder trees to see specific objects. 

Once you find one you want to change, double-click. You’ll see a color wheel to make any change you want.

3. Add a Headshot

A modern CV template for free download won’t include premium features like the photo placeholders on this modern resume template. To add your own headshot, find the layer containing the image layout. In this case, it’s called Your Photo. 

Expand it, then drag and drop your photo onto the layer. Drag the corners to scale and resize, placing the photo over the placeholder. Finally, right-click the layer and choose Create Clipping Mask. That snaps the photo into place.

4. Customize Fonts

Once you’ve added all your credentials, you might want to change the text. That might include adding bold fonts or changing the color of a word for a little contrast. 

Click on a block of text, then press Control + A again to select it. The font menu sits at the very top of the Photoshop window. You’ll find text and font options there, along with a text color-chooser.

5. Save a PDF Copy

After you’re done building your amazing resume, it’s time to save it. Remember, don’t plan to share an actual Photoshop file. A PDF copy is the best approach because those files can be opened on almost any device. 

To do it, click File and then Save As. From the Format drop-down list, choose Photoshop PDF and finally, click Save.

5 Quick Design Tips to Make Modern Resume Designs in 2020/2021

I hope you've liked the resume templates to download I just showed you. Now, if you want to enhance the appeal of your resume, check out the resume design tips below:

1. Create Visual Hierarchy

Make it easy for recruiters to find key sections of your resume by using fonts to create visual hierarchy. Don't overdo it. A title font and body font should be enough. Read our guide to pairing fonts to help you make the right font choices. 

2. Use Color

There's no rule that says your CV or resume has to be in basic black print on a white background. With so many CVs delivered electronically, make yours stand out with a splash - or more - of color. This is a great way to draw attention to some of your best characteristics.

3. Showcase Your Results 

When choosing a clean resume template, free or premium, ensure there's an easy way to make the key results you've achieved stand out. That's one of the parts that'll interest recruiters most, so don't hide it away.

4. Avoid Distracting Design Elements

If there's anything on your resume that doesn't contribute to the goal of getting you the job, take it out. Yes, you want your resume to look great. But you want to avoid anything that distracts recruiters from that purpose. A simple, effective design is often the way to go.

5. Use the Right Language

When you're talking about your achievements, use some of the language that's in the job ad. This helps show that you're the right person for the job and can make a difference in getting you to the interview stage.

5 Modern Resume Design Trends for Professionals in 2021

A premium modern CV resume template is the best choice for professionals in 2021. Free resume templates from around the web simply can’t equal the quality of a premium design. Remember, this is your career, and first impressions are key. 

To ensure that you build the best resume possible, keep these five modern trends in mind:

1. Skillset Analysis

Measuring skills with a clear visual: that’s a hot new trend you should consider. The best resume templates free you to craft a spectacular layout that won’t go unnoticed.

Quick and easy to edit, skill sliders like these let you show off your core skills at a glance.

2. Intro Summary Statements

A quick intro summary goes beyond simply a list of credentials. It lets you introduce yourself in your own words. Tell recruiters and hiring managers exactly what you bring to the table.

These are clearly very important, so it’s key to get it right. Go explore our helpful tutorial to get started:

• 
  Resumes
  
  
  How to Write a Professional Resume Summary Statement
  
  
  Charley Mendoza

3. Layouts Tailored by Job

Many free resume templates download options may be basic. But premium layouts give you specific focus. Choosing a job or field-specific resume has many advantages. 

They help you highlight specific skills essential for the position. Plus, they help you with ideation. In essence, you can “follow the prompts” to make sure all key areas of your specialty are captured.

4. Carefully Managed Length

Crafting a modern resume is a balancing act. You never want to run too long, but you don’t want to omit important details either. It helps to consider both the length and depth of your work experience. Plus, think of specific factors that make you a great fit for a given position. 

Sounds a little daunting, right? Don’t worry. We've got a full tutorial just for you.

• 
  Careers
  
  
  How to Make Your Resume the Perfect Length (+To the Point)
  
  
  Charley Mendoza

5. Personal Interests Noted

Your career experiences and education are resume essentials. But it can help to briefly highlight your own personal interests. These help recruiters connect with you as an individual. 

Plus, many hobbies and interests outside of work hint at specific skills you might have. Don’t take up much space with these, but they’re worth including in your modern resume template.

Discover More Modern Resume Templates for 2020/2021

In this roundup, you've seen some of the best premium and free modern resume templates to download. For even more choice, take a look at the following articles:

• 
  Resumes
  
  
  29+ Modern Resume Templates With Clean (Elegant) CV Designs (2020)
  
  
  
  Brenda Barron


• 
  Resumes
  
  
  29 Best Contemporary Resume CV Templates (New Modern Styles for 2020)
  
  
  Andrew Childress


• 
  Resumes
  
  
  35+ Best Professional Business Resume Templates (Company CVs 2020)
  
  
  Andrew Childress

Where to Find the Best Modern Resume Templates in 2020/2021 (Envato Elements vs GraphicRiver)

If there's one thing you know by now, it's this: editable CV templates with free downloads aren't the best option. The best resume templates (free) just can't match the options you'll unlock with one of our download options.

You've seen modern CV templates on Envato Elements with unlimited downloads. Plus, the amazing modern resume templates on Envato Market. Which should you choose? Let's find out below.

1. Key Benefits of Envato Elements

One subscription, unlimited downloads. That's a powerful offer, and that's exactly what Envato Elements brings to the table. 

Free resume templates can't match these options. The modern CV templates on Envato Elements are impressive. They give you the features you need. And they're all included for a flat rate. That's an unbeatable offer for nearly every creative.

2. Key Benefits of GraphicRiver (& Envato Market)

Need a single template to get started? Envato Market be the right choice for you.

A single purchase modern resume template from Envato Market is also a great way to get started. It's low-cost and gives you the design you need to put your best foot forward while applying for your next job.

Your Choice (What’s Right for You?)

Envato Elements is the ultimate bang for the buck. Skip using modern CV templates for free download and lock into the unlimited creative library. You'll see the best modern resume templates and so much more! Sign up for Envato Elements now.

If you do need a single modern resume template or another file type to download right now, then head over to GraphicRiver (or another Envato Market site) to find what you need.

Common Resume Questions Answered (FAQ)

I hope you've enjoyed my selection of premium and free resume templates to download. After some useful design tips, let me share some of the most frequently asked questions about resumes:

1. Which Software Can I Use to Create a Resume?

As you've seen from our selection of premium and free resume templates, there are plenty of software options to edit a resume. The most popular is MS Word, because of its wide availability. Other great options from the Adobe Creative Suite are Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator.

The Adobe Creative Suite gives you more graphic formatting options and flexibility. An Illustrator resume, a Photoshop resume, or an InDesign resume is more likely to impress human reviewers. But a Word resume can also be impressive when done correctly! Check more details here:

• 
  Resumes
  
  
  How to Make a Pro Resume on Word With Creative Template Designs
  
  
  Andrew Childress

2. What Can I Do If I Don't Have Adobe or Microsoft Software Installed?

We know not everyone has every type of software installed. If you don't have the Adobe Creative Suite or the Microsoft Office suite, you can still create a winning resume. One alternative is to use resume templates for Google Documents, which is free to use if you've got a Gmail account. More details here:

• 
  Resumes
  
  
  24 Free Google Docs & Microsoft Word Resume CV Templates for 2020
  
  
  Andrew Childress

3. What Format Should I Choose for My Resume?

When you're ready to save your new resume, you usually choose between two main formats: .pdf or .docx.

The number one rule to know which one to use is to read the job listing carefully and to follow any instructions there. 

If the description says to attach a resume in .docx format, use a Word resume format. If it asks applicants to attach a PDF file, use a PDF resume format. If there aren't specific instructions, then it's best to know the pros and cons of each format:

• 
  Resumes
  
  
  Best Resume Format: The Ultimate Guide to PDF vs Word
  
  
  Laura Spencer

4. What Do I Need to Consider When Doing My Resume?

Graduates and professionals tend to dread creating a new resume because they don’t know what to include in it or what to exclude. Let me help you with that. This what you should consider when doing your next resume: 

• 
  Content. Include your skills, job experience, and any post-secondary education.


• 
  Design. This encompasses the fonts you use. The margins you set, and the spacing on the template.


• 
  Keywords. Use powerful words such as action words or job-specific keywords.


• 
  Type. There are more than chronological resumes. The other two other formats are combination and functional resume, each with their own pros and cons.
  
  

• 
  Resumes
  
  
  What to Include on a Great Resume (Complete Guidelines for 2019)
  
  
  Charley Mendoza

5. What Phrases Should I Avoid in My Resume?

The words you include in your resume are very important. Consider deleting cliché and useless information phrases. You don't want the recruiter to read the same common and cliché phrases on your CV. Some of the phrases you should avoid are: “References Available Upon Request, “Duties Included” and “Selected As”. Learn more here: 

• 
  Resumes
  
  
  19 Phrases You Need to Cut From Your Resume Right Now
  
  
  Charley Mendoza

Learn More About Creating Modern Resumes

Want to learn more about how to create a modern resume? Take a look at the tutorials and guides below:

• 
  Resumes
  
  
  How to Write a Functional or Skills-Based Resume (With Examples + Templates)
  
  
  Charley Mendoza


• 
  Resumes
  
  
  Resume Introduction: How to Start a Resume Off Right (For 2020)
  
  
  Brenda Barron


• 
  Resumes
  
  
  What Is a Resume? Your Guide to: Purpose & Definition (+Top Examples)
  
  
  Brenda Barron

Get a Modern Resume Template Today

Free modern resume templates are okay if you can't afford anything better. But the modern resume templates you find for free download typically don't have the quality and features of professionally designed modern resume templates.

If you want recruiters to take you seriously, it's essential to have a polished, professional resume. Download as many premium modern resume templates as you want from Envato Elements for a single, low price. Plus, you can see modern resume styles for one-off use on GraphicRiver. Grab your template and update your resume today.

Editorial Note: Our staff updates this post regularly—adding modern resume templates with the best, trending designs. That way, you can find just the right resume to help you get the job.