About this template
The Classic Formal template is a single-column CV entirely set in Source Serif Pro, with section titles in wide tracking followed by a fine horizontal rule reaching the right margin. The rendering is quietly formal — formal without rigidity, restrained without austerity. ATS parser-safe, it delivers the visual authority expected by traditional recruiters without veering into overly marked heritage codes of parchment or letterhead variants.
Who is it for?
It suits senior managers, civil servants, diplomats, corporate executives, country managers and chief financial officers applying to embassy and diplomatic missions (US State Department, Foreign Commonwealth Office, EU permanent missions), federal civil service at senior levels (SES, GS-14/15), Fortune 500 management (JPMorgan, ExxonMobil, Johnson & Johnson, Berkshire Hathaway, Pfizer), or philanthropic foundations (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Open Society Foundations, MacArthur Foundation, Mellon Foundation).
How to use it
Open with a 3-4 line summary establishing the trajectory (e.g., '22 years in senior public service, 8 in cabinet-level advisory and 4 in permanent representation to the UN'). For each role, list the exact title (Deputy Director, Senior Counsellor, Deputy Director-General), the full institution name and the period. For diplomatic profiles, add a 'Foreign postings' block with post, city, period, and key bilateral negotiations handled. For executive profiles, add a 'Board mandates' block listing the boards on which you serve.
Frequently asked questions
Does it suit applications to a US presidential administration?
Yes it's the reference format. Senior White House appointment teams and confirmation handlers explicitly prefer this formatting style. Stay within 2 pages strictly, mention prior administration service if any (with title and period), executive education credentials (Harvard Kennedy School, SAIS, Wilson Center fellowship), and any Senate-confirmed positions previously held.
How should I present a diplomatic career on this CV?
Structure by posting rather than by thematic specialty. For each posting, give the embassy or mission, exact title (First Secretary, Counsellor, Minister Counsellor), period and 2-3 major dossiers handled. Mention competitive exams passed (Foreign Service Officer Test, Oral Assessment) which structure the career trajectory through State Department or equivalent foreign ministries.
Should I include decorations and distinctions?
Yes in a dedicated block for senior profiles. Mention Presidential Medal of Freedom, Department of State Distinguished Service Award, foreign decorations received during diplomatic service, and honorary degrees received from accredited institutions. Indicate the date of award. It's a recognition signal expected for applications to senior public-sector or foundation leadership positions.
