Your resume is your first contract with potential employers. To make sure that your resume stands out from the competition, you need to focus on designing it well and making it easy to read, which requires opting for one of the best fonts for resumes out there.
There are plenty of fonts to choose from, with each having its own unique style. The right font can make your resume look polished, while the wrong one can make it seem unprofessional.
In this guide, we discuss the best fonts for resumes in 2024 and provide tips for using them effectively. So, make sure to keep reading!
Key Takeaways
- The right font can have a great impact on how your resume looks. It’s crucial to choose a font that is easy to read while still being professional.
- The most popular resume fonts are serif fonts. This is because they convey a classic and traditional look.
- Be consistent with your font choices throughout your resume so that it doesn’t look messy and cluttered.
- If you’re unsure what font to use, opt for one that is easy to read and doesn’t distract from the content of your resume.
Does Font For Resume Matter?
Yes, the font for a resume does matter. The font you choose can impact its readability and professional look. A font that is difficult to read—too small or too large—can make it challenging for recruiters or hiring managers to follow the content.
Some fonts have a more classic look, while others are more modern. Your main priority when choosing a font is to choose one that is professional, as this helps you make a good impression.
Besides this, the font for your resume also matters because of:
- The opportunity to stand out. While it’s important to think of readability, it’s also a good idea to select a distinctive and memorable font.
- Branding. Using the same font throughout your entire resume can show consistency as well as help you create a recognizable brand for yourself.
6 Best Fonts for Resume
There are many great fonts that you can choose from, and we selected some of the best options for a resume:
#1. Times New Roman
Times New Roman is a classic and highly recognized serif font. It has been widely used for business and academic resumes for years, which makes it a safe bet. This is one of the standard fonts for resumes, as it can be read easily and is recognized by the applicant tracking system (ATS).
This font is recommended for law, finance, or government jobs. It is considered one of the best fonts for legal resumes, as Times New Roman can signal expertise and professionalism.
#2. Arial
Arial is a popular font that is considered clean and modern. It has a simple yet professional look, which makes it a great option for resumes. It can easily pass the ATS scanner, and it offers a versatile appearance that can work well for plenty of industries.
#3. Helvetica
Helvetica is considered a modern sans-serif font that is known for its clean appearance. It is one of the most used fonts in the business world, as it is referred to as a sophisticated font type.
It’s a great option for resumes, as it is very easy to read and has a clear design.
Helvetica is a great option for creative resumes as it has a modern appearance, and it’s no stranger to employers all around the globe.
#4. Georgia
Georgia is a serif font and is known for its legibility. It’s modern and designed for digital use. This means that it is easy to read on both computer and phone screens.
Although Georgia is not used for resumes as much as Times New Roman or Arial, it can add a unique yet professional touch if you do decide to go for it.
Georgia is a good fit for more formal applications, such as law, academia, or finance resumes.
#5. Calibri
Calibri has a modern and clean look, which can make your resume feel contemporary. It is very easy to read, even when dealing with small font sizes. Using Calibri as your resume font can ensure that it looks the same across different devices as well.
Calibri is a great fit for industries that look for innovative and creative resumes.
#6. Garamond
Garamond is known for its classic and sophisticated look, making your resume look elegant. It is recommended if you have a lot of information on your resume, as it is a condensed font.
Garamond is well-suited for more formal industries such as accounting, education, and health care.
Fonts You Should Not Use on Your Resume
Now that we’ve established what the best fonts for a resume are, there are also some fonts that you should definitely steer clear of.
Those are:
#1. Comic Sans
This font is widely considered unprofessional, and that’s why you should not use it on a resume. It’s described as playful and whimsical, which is not a tone you should set for a professional document.
#2. Papyrus
Papyrus might have a unique and handwritten look, but it is overused and not a good fit for a serious document. Another reason why you should avoid using it is because it can be difficult to read in smaller font sizes.
#3. Impact
Impact is quite attention-grabbing, but definitely not in a good way. It is bold and large and can be difficult to read when dealing with longer texts. You might opt for Impact when writing headlines or titles, but use it sparingly.
#4. Courier
Also referred to as typewriter text, this font is considered very outdated. The main reason why you should avoid this font is because it is really difficult to read in smaller font sizes.
#5. Wingdings
Wingdings is a font made up of symbols, and it’s obvious why you should avoid using it for your resume. It is not suitable for professional documents or any other document, for that matter.
Best Font Size For Resume
The next thing you should consider is the right font size for your resume. Yes, the font type is definitely important, but size is at least as important for readability.
The right font size for your resume should always be between 10 and 12 points. The exact font size you choose can be determined based on the font you are using.
Here are some general tips:
- If you decide to use Georgia or Garamond as your resume font, use a smaller font size such as 10 points.
- Use a larger font size (12 to 14 points) for headings and subheadings.
- For most fonts, 10 to 11 points is a good size for paragraphs.
- Try to use the same font sizes throughout your resume. Don’t use more than two different sizes so that the resume is cohesive.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best font for your resume can have a big impact on how employers perceive it.
Whether you choose a serif or sans-serif font, it’s important to select one that is professional, easy to read, and reflects you and what you want to represent. Try to stick to simple and classic fonts, and definitely avoid overly stylized ones.
Additionally, stay consistent with your font choice and don’t use more than two font sizes throughout the resume.
Remember that your resume should focus on your skills and experience, and the font you choose should never be a distraction. Good luck!
Best Font For Resume FAQ
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions related to the best fonts for resumes:
#1. Is Arial or Calibri better for a resume?
Both fonts are great options for your resume, and the choice between the two comes down to personal preference, as both Arial and Calibri can be read easily even in smaller texts, and both fonts have a clean and modern look and convey the same degree of professionalism.
#2. What is the best resume font and size?
Serif fonts like Times New Roman and Georgia are great choices for a professional resume. They are considered clean and easy to read. When it comes to the best font size, a 10 to 12 point size is recommended for the body text of your resume.
#3. What is the best font for an executive resume?
When creating an executive resume, it’s important to choose a professional and modern font. Some of the best fonts for this type of resume include:
- Helvetica
- Garamond
- Georgia
- Calibri
- Cambria
#4. What is the best font for an ATS?
If you’re submitting your resume through an applicant tracking system (ATS), it’s important to choose a font that can be recognized by it. Some of the best fonts for ATS are:
- Arial
- Calibri
- Helvetica
- Times New Roman
