Beginner-Friendly LaTeX CV Template

This template is set up so beginners only edit one file:

• Edit EDIT_ME.tex
• Compile main.tex
• Leave cv_style.tex alone unless you want to change the design

You can open preview.pdf to see the example output.

Why This Exists

After talking with undergraduates and reviewing their CVs, one common pain point kept coming up: formatting. Many wanted more control over how their resumes and CVs looked, but the process felt hard to manage.

I remembered having the same experience myself. My own LaTeX learning curve was steep. People in CS, math, and physics are often exposed to LaTeX earlier, but many in chemistry, life sciences, and social sciences do not get that same early background.

This guide and template are my attempt to simplify setting up a CV in LaTeX. It can still feel daunting, but I hope the hints throughout the files make the process easier.

Overleaf Setup (Upload ZIP, easiest)

Overleaf (https://www.overleaf.com) is a website with an online LaTeX editor, so you can edit your CV in the browser.

1. Go to Overleaf and sign in.
2. Click New Project -> Upload Project.
3. Upload BeginnerFriendly_CV_Template.zip.
4. Open EDIT_ME.tex and replace placeholders with your own details.
5. Click Recompile to build the PDF.
6. Download your PDF from Menu -> Download PDF.

Overleaf Setup (Drag/Drop Unzipped Files)

Use this if you already unzipped the template and want to upload files manually:

1. Create a new blank project in Overleaf.
2. Drag these files into the Overleaf file tree:
   • main.tex
   • EDIT_ME.tex
   • cv_style.tex
   • assets/ieee_collabratec_icon.png
3. If Overleaf does not auto-create the folder, create an assets folder and upload the icon there.
4. In Overleaf Menu, set Main document to main.tex.
5. Recompile.

Local Compile (Optional)

If you already have a LaTeX installation:

pdflatex main.tex
pdflatex main.tex

Important Files

• README_START_HERE.md: detailed beginner walkthrough
• TROUBLESHOOTING.md: common LaTeX errors and fixes
• LICENSE_AND_CREDITS.md: author and license summary