When crafting a resume, the font you choose is a subtle but significant element that influences a hiring manager’s first impression. This decision can impact how your qualifications are perceived, making it an important part of a successful job application.
Why Your Resume Font Matters
The font on your resume shapes perception, ensures readability, and determines technological compatibility. Since hiring managers often spend only a few seconds skimming a resume, the font’s appearance signals professionalism before the words are fully read. A good choice guides the reader’s eye, while a poor one is distracting.
A primary consideration is readability. A clean, well-defined font shows that you are organized and attentive to detail. If a font is difficult to read, cluttered, or too small, it suggests a lack of care for presentation and may cause a recruiter to skip your resume.
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes. These systems parse the text and can misinterpret or fail to read stylized or uncommon fonts. Choosing a standard, ATS-friendly font ensures the system can accurately process your information, preventing your resume from being rejected due to a technicality.
Key Characteristics of a Good Resume Font
Fonts are categorized as either serif or sans-serif. Serif fonts have small decorative lines, or “feet,” at the ends of their letter strokes, which can improve readability in print and lend a traditional feel. Examples include Times New Roman and Garamond.
Sans-serif fonts lack these embellishments, resulting in a cleaner, more modern appearance. Fonts like Arial and Calibri are favored for their readability on digital screens, where most resumes are viewed today. Their simple lines are considered efficient and contemporary, making them a popular choice for many industries.
Regardless of the classification, the best resume fonts are clear and simple. They must be easy to read on-screen and in print. Avoid overly decorative or script-style fonts, as they can appear unprofessional and are difficult for both humans and ATS software to process.
The Best Fonts for Your Resume
Calibri
As a default in many Microsoft products, Calibri is a familiar and safe choice. This modern sans-serif typeface is easy to read on digital displays and in print. Its rounded edges give it a warm, professional appearance suitable for a wide range of industries.
Cambria
Cambria is a serif font designed for on-screen reading, making it a strong choice for digital applications. It maintains clarity even at small sizes and has a formal look. This makes it a good fit for resumes in academia, government, or tech.
Garamond
Garamond is a classic serif font that conveys elegance and tradition, giving a resume a sophisticated appearance. Its timeless design suggests maturity. This makes it a solid choice for senior-level positions or in fields like law and academia.
Georgia
Georgia is a serif font created for high readability on computer screens. Its strong, well-defined letterforms project professionalism, making it ideal for corporate or academic resumes. Georgia balances a classic feel with modern readability, making it versatile.
Helvetica
A classic sans-serif, Helvetica is widely used for its clean and timeless design. It is versatile, modern, and easy to read, suiting nearly any industry. The font is sharp in both print and digital formats, conveying confidence.
Arial
Arial is a simple, straightforward sans-serif font known for its clean lines and readability. Its neutrality keeps the focus on the resume’s content. While common, its widespread use ensures it is compatible with virtually any system.
Verdana
Verdana was designed for readability on digital screens, even at small sizes. It features wider letterforms and generous spacing for clarity. This sans-serif font has a friendly yet neat appearance, making it adaptable for various industries.
Fonts to Avoid on Your Resume
Avoid fonts that are overly casual or decorative. For example, Comic Sans was designed for informal contexts and appears unprofessional on a resume. Similarly, Papyrus has a stylized appearance that lacks a clean look and can be difficult to read in small sizes.
Script-style fonts that mimic handwriting, such as Brush Script, should also be avoided. These typefaces are hard to read quickly and can be misinterpreted by ATS software. Sticking to conventional fonts ensures your qualifications remain the focus.
Optimal Font Size and Formatting
The body text of your resume should be set between 10 and 12 points. This range ensures the text is legible without straining the reader’s eyes. Anything smaller than a 10-point font can be difficult to read, especially on a screen.
For section headings, a font size of 14 to 16 points is recommended. This creates a clear visual hierarchy, helping recruiters navigate the document. Your name at the top of the resume should be the largest text, between 20 and 24 points, to ensure it stands out.
Use bold and italics sparingly to highlight information. Bolding your name, section headings, and job titles can draw attention to these areas. Italicizing can be used for more subtle emphasis, such as for dates or company names. The main point is consistency; if you bold one job title, bold them all to maintain an organized appearance.