resume font and size

What’s the Best Resume Font, Size, and Format [For 2024]

When you’re working on your resume the font might be the last thing on your mind.

But details matter.

And something that might seem insignificant at first, like your resume font, can have a huge impact on whether you get the job or not.

Why’s that?

Consider the resume readability.

You may have the best resume in the world, but if the font is assaulting the HR manager’s eyes, well , chances are, they’re not going to give you a call back any time soon.

Similarly, if you go with the most boring font that’s almost camouflaging with the background, they just might forget about your resume by the end of the day.

Most HR managers don’t spend a whole lot of time on actually analyzing your resume. The very first they look at is the resume layout and only then do they go through the contents.

If the layout is good (e.g. 1 page, looks good, easy-to-scan, etc.) and the font looks readable - only then will they decide if it’s worth a read or not.

And remember, this is only done in a matter of seconds.

So, imagine someone glances at your resume. What first impression is your font giving off?

Do you want your resume to stand out and go in the right box?

If so, read on to find out: 

• What's the Best Resume Font & Size

How to Format Your Resume

How to make your resume (the easy way), what’s the best resume font & size.

When it comes to font and font size, we generally recommend going with something that stands out, but not too much.

The font you go with has a direct impact on the readability, and so, it needs to look good on PDF as well as paper.

Before we dive into the best resume fonts though, let’s take a look at one font you shouldn’t ever use :

Comic Sans.

Yes, you’ll stand out. No, not in the good way.

Jokes (and bashing comic sans) aside, the most common font people tend to use is Times New Roman, 12pt.

Now, there’s nothing necessarily wrong with that, but you should know that it’s going to be the default font for most people.

Do you want your resume to stand out among all the Times New Roman resumes?

If so, consider using:

• Ubuntu - Ubuntu is a modern, humanist-style, typeface developed in 2010. It looks great everywhere, maximizes readability, and does not belong to any specific industry. You can use it for all job applications and your resume is guaranteed to stand out.
• Roboto - Looks familiar? You might recognize this font because Google developed it for its Android operating system in 2011. But don’t worry, it’s free for commercial use. It has a tech look to it, but feel free to use it in any industry - tech or otherwise.
• Overpass - Relatively newer font, developed in 2015, Overpass is a digital typeface font inspired by Highway Gothic. It looks very formal and classy, making it ideal for more conservative industries. But you can’t go wrong with using it in other industries as well because of its sleek design.

Once you’ve picked your font, you move on to:

Resume Font Size

In a resume builder , such as ours, the font sizes are pre-defined in order to create a font hierarchy across the document that will result in increased readability of your resume.

When faced with a situation where you are not relying on a resume builder and have to choose the font size yourself, as a rule of thumb, we recommend going with 10-12pt for normal text and 14-16pt for section titles and headers.

This approach should save you some space and also won’t make the HR manager have to squint to read the text.

It’s important to note that once you decide on a font and font size, they should be consistent throughout the whole resume.

Basic Layout Info

When it comes to the resume layout, here’s what you need to know:

• Line spacing - Go for 1.0 or 1.15 line spacing between text and double lines after subheadings. Feel free to adjust this accordingly based on the space of your resume
• Bullet points - You can use bullet points in your resume experience section to make it easier to skim through. Just make sure you don’t overuse them, limit them up to 6 points within each section.
• Resume length - Stick to one page, unless you have 5+ years of experience (2/3 pages at most, in that case).

So, once you’ve got the basic layout and the feel of your resume down, you can now move onto actually writing the main sections within your resume. Here’s how you do that:

You probably already have a general idea of what you should include in your resume.

Sounds simple, right? 

Simply list your qualifications and call it a day.

Well, not quite.

The sections you list on your resume have to be relevant to the HR manager and the job you’re applying for. 

No one wants to hear your whole life and backstory.

Instead, here’s what to include and how .

Contact Information

Let’s start with the basics.

Your name, professional title, email address, contact information . These are all things that go on any resume ever. 

After all, they need a way to contact you, right?

Make sure the spelling is correct, and everything is up to date.

Thinking of including your social media handles?

As long as they’re relevant - go for it.

Your LinkedIn profile is important for most HR managers.

But your Behance link might be relevant only if you work in design. Likewise, you might want to include Github only if you’re in IT.

Resume Summary or Objective?

Do you have more than 2 years of work experience?

Include a resume summary that sums up your previous jobs and qualifications in 50 words or less. Don’t just repeat what’s on the resume below. Instead, offer insight that might compel the HR manager to learn more about you.

Now, if that’s not the case, feel free to include a resume objective that mentions your motivations and why you’re the perfect candidate for your job. If you don’t have a lot of experience, feel free to lean on what inspires you instead.

Work Experience

This is the section most HR managers jump to in your resume.

If you want to convince them that you’re the right fit, make sure you list work experience that’s relevant to the position and offers actionable insight.

If possible, quantify the impact you made when working for each role and be very specific about your contributions.

• Improved revenue by 20% by optimizing Facebook ads.
• Created Facebook ads.

At the end of the day, the HR manager wants to hear about your accomplishments, not responsibilities.

Most job ads typically list the type of skills they’re looking for straight away. This is your chance to stand out and prove to the HR manager that you’ve actually read the job ad.

To perfect your skills section, get a good mix of hard and soft skills .

What’s the difference?

Well, your hard skills include specific knowledge and expertise that comes from training. For example, if you’re applying for a tech job, your hard skills should include specific knowledge needed for the job.

For example:

Your soft skills , meanwhile, are self-developed and come from experience. I.e. skills you’ve learned from life, such as communicating with people, working in a startup, and so on.

• Communication
• Self-Driven

When thinking about some of the skills to put on your resume , read the job ad carefully. You want to mention the skills that are relevant for the job - no one cares about your Expert knowledge of Underwater Basket Weaving.

This is fairly straightforward, yet, many people make the mistake of filling this section with unnecessary information.

When writing your education section, only include the important things, such as:

• University name
• Years attended
• (Optional) GPA - Is it more than 3.5? Then you might want to include it. 
• (Optional) Honors - Were you top of the class? Go for it.
• (Optional) Minor program - Relevant to the job? Feel free to include.

Keep it simple, no need to waste space with the background of your university or what motivated you to choose your major.

Optional Sections

Want to stand out from the crowd AND leave a good impression? Some of these optional sections might help…

• Hobbies and interests
• Volunteering Experience
• Certifications and Awards
• Publications

There’s a lot more to making a good resume than what we’ve covered so far. Want to learn more? We have a super-comprehensive guide for that. Give it a read, and you’ll be an expert in no time!

Now that you know what goes in a resume, you might be wondering - “what’s the best way to make one?”

Yes, you can do the whole thing manually and hand-craft your own resume with Microsoft Word

But think about it - do you really want to go through all the hassle?

If you’re going to be hand-crafting your resume from scratch, you need to get everything right. 

You need to format it right, get the layout right, make sure it’s ATS-friendly (CV screening software HR uses), and really dive into the details.

This is extremely time-consuming.

Instead of manually knitting up a resume, you could be making better use of your time.

Work smarter, not harder, right?

If you want to make your life easier, try Novorésumé’s resume builder . It’s free (with premium options) and really simplifies the process of creating a resume.

Our templates were developed with recruiters and employers in mind, so you can rest assured that you’re always sending in your best work.

Whether you’re a college student or a senior executive - Novoresume templates have your back when it comes to best resume formatting practices.

Key Takeaways

Ready to get back into the job search with the best resume font practices that will have the HR manager grabbing your resume from a full-stack?

Make sure your resume font reflects that and that it’ll have your resume radiating with the font choice the next time you send it in.

Here’s a quick recap of what we’ve learned so far:

• Best resume fonts are: Ubuntu , Robot , Overpass . The worst one? Comic Sans
• Best resume font sizes are: 11-12pt for normal text, 14-16pt for section titles and headers.
• The most-used resume formatting order is: Contact information , work experience , skills , and education .

With that said, if you don’t want to worry about the specific resume formatting and getting the details right - you can always use a resume builder to make your life much easier.

There is no reason as to why you should be pouring your sweat, blood, and tears into the painstaking hours of perfecting your resume, down to the margins and fonts manually, when you can just use a resume builder (which is free) to do it for you.

If you want to learn other ways to save time and stay up to date with the latest career advice, be sure to check out our career blog .

Suggested reading:

• How to Pick the Best Resume Format [+Examples]
• What to Put On a Resume (To Get The Job You’ll Love)
• 100+ Achievements to Write in Your Resume [Examples for 2024]

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The Best Fonts for Your Resume in 2024, According to HubSpot Recruiters

Published: April 24, 2024

Besides your content, using one of the best fonts for resumes may help you get a recruiter’s attention. Studies have shown recruiters typically scan a resume for six to thirty seconds before deciding if an applicant is fit for a role.

With only a few seconds to demonstrate your qualifications for a position, every detail counts — including the font you use. The question is, what are the best resume fonts to pass the six to thirty-seconds scan?

I asked HubSpot recruiters to reveal the seven best fonts for your resume and what they consider in terms of design ‌so your resume can stand out in a pile.

Table of Contents

What is the best font for a resume?

Expert advice on choosing the right font.

• Top 7 Best Fonts for Resumes
• Does Using The Best Resume Fonts Even Matter?
• Worst Fonts for Resumes
• Ideal Resume Font Sizes

Resume Font Tips

Choosing a resume font: faqs, featured resource: 12 free resume templates.

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Here’s a hot take — I don’t think there is one best font for a resume.

I think most folks would lean toward Times New Roman or Calibri, but there are so many factors that go into choosing a font that works best for you.

• What industry are you in? Certain industries, like law, have font standards, so it’s not a bad idea to align your resume accordingly.
• Is your resume text-heavy? Some fonts work better in smaller sizes and in tighter formats than others.
• What’s the company culture like? Times New Roman might be a great fit for lawyers, but it might not be the best choice if you’re joining a company with more of a relaxed vibe.

So, my non-answer is … it depends.

If I absolutely had to pick my favorite, I’m going with Helvetica because it’s clean, simple, and easy to read (even in smaller sizes). Plus, it’s available on most, if not all, devices.

But don’t take my word for it. Let’s hear what the experts have to say.

To evoke a sense of style, professionalism, and uniqueness, you must put effort and consideration into your font choice. When speaking with recruiters, it quickly became apparent that classic fonts are still the best options.

“I’m a big fan of the 'classics' for resumes — Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, and Cambria. I’m a little old school, but I think they are the cleanest and exude professionalism,” said Johanna Fleming , a former senior recruiter at HubSpot.

Riley Kundtz , the former senior MBA campus recruiter at HubSpot, agreed.

“I find the classic formatting and Times font helpful when reading a dense resume from an experienced MBA candidate.”

Times New Roman has become a bit controversial lately. It was the go-to font for many years because it’s traditional and recognizable, but lately, some are opting against it.

“For me, it’s all about legibility and cleanliness. I prefer sans-serif fonts like Helvetica, which is modern and elegant, over serif fonts like Times New Roman,” says Glory Montes , a technical recruiter at HubSpot.

“Overall, I would just stay away from a font like Times New Roman; it’s overused and reminds me of long nights writing course papers in college,” adds Glory.

Georgia is one font The New York Times uses and is similar to Times New Roman. It’s a bit wider, making it easier to read.

12 Free Customizable Resume Templates

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Paulina Valdez Franco, former executive recruiter at HubSpot, agrees with this take.

“My two favorite fonts are Helvetica if you're looking for a clean and classic look, and Georgia, if you want a more modern and fun look,” she said. “The latter is also designed to read well on screens.”

Helvetica is widely used in advertising and works equally well for text-heavy pages and documents.

A lesser-known font that’s a great option for your resume is Garamond, recommended by our former team lead of engineering recruiting at HubSpot, Rich Lapham .

“Recruiters have an idea of the skills they are looking for on a resume, so if you try a new style or format, it can be tougher for recruiters to find the information they are looking for,” he said. “Keep it clean and simple.”

Franco added that Arial and Calibri are great choices to play it safe.

Bridget LeMon , HubSpot's global emerging talent and university recruiting senior manager, echoes this.

“It's totally acceptable – and becoming more common – for candidates to stray away from the resume norms of Times New Roman and Calibri,” she said. 

“Avenir Next and Muna are two excellent font options if you are looking to break the status quo.”

Ultimately, you‘ll want to consider the position you’re applying for when choosing a font. To Glory Montes’ point, certain more creative roles might benefit from a unique font than Times New Roman.

The Best Resume Fonts

• Times New Roman
• Avenir Next

Best Fonts for Resume

1. Times New Roman

Times New Roman font has been popular for resumes for decades.

This serif option is easy-to-read and communicates formality. Online, the font is uniform and accessible across various platforms and operating systems.

Best for: Word documents. PDFs can host unique fonts. However, a standard font will be helpful if your resume is uploaded as a Word document.

• It has a classic and professional look, making it an excellent choice for applicants targeting corporate positions.
• It’s a standard font used in most word processors, making it an accessible option for any device.
• It’s easily readable in print and on-screen.

Disadvantages

• Times New Roman’s outdated look may not appeal to all industries, and some may consider it bland or generic.
• This font may make your resume blend in with the rest due to its ubiquity.
• It’s a heavy serif font, taking up more space than other options.

Arial is a sans-serif font that has become popular for its clean and modern look. 

Arial's straightforward and minimalist design has made it a popular choice for applicants targeting creative positions.

Best for: Resumes submitted online, where readability is essential for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) used in recruitment.

• Arial offers simplicity, which allows your content to stand out. 
• It has strong legibility in small font sizes, even in print.
• It’s ideal for applicants trying to fit all the necessary information in their resume on a single page.
• The font's overuse in branding and design has led to its association with a non-innovative style. 
• Arial's uniformity may not suit industries such as graphic design or creative writing seeking to showcase creativity and flair.
• It may make the text appear less formal and inappropriate for specific job applications.

3. Avenir Next

Avenir Next is a modern typeface gaining popularity among designers and recruiters. Avenir Next's appearance is characterized by its geometric shapes, open contours, and strong lines.

Its clean, contemporary look has become a popular font choice for resumes.

What I love: Avenir Next is a scalable font. It maintains its readability even at small sizes, and its geometric shapes make it a perfect choice for digital resumes.

• Avenir Next's sleek and modern design makes it an excellent choice for applicants targeting creative industries.
• Its clear, simple lines offer a sense of elegance, while its legibility gives recruiters a sense of professionalism.
• Avenir Next may not be as widely recognized.
• It could be difficult to read on some computer systems without the font installed.
• It’s a premium font with a higher price tag.

4. Helvetica

Helvetica is a widely recognized and popular font used on resumes, particularly in the design industry.

It’s clean, classic, and timeless. This font is popular with professionals, design enthusiasts, typographers, and Wes Anderson.

What I love: The font is available in multiple weights, making it easier to differentiate headings and sections in the resume.

• Helvetica is easy to read and has a professional, straightforward appearance.
• The font‘s popularity means that job recruiters and hiring managers are familiar with it.
• Helvetica’s clean lines give the resume a structured and well-organized look, making it ideal for those in finance, law, and business management.
• The font's ubiquity in resumes may make it feel overdone and uninspired. 
• With so many applicants using the font, your resume may struggle to stand out.
• Helvetica‘s minimalist design can also work against you if your resume has limited content.

Calibri is a contemporary design, making it a popular choice for creating a visually appealing and easy-to-read resume.

What I like: Calibri offers a sense of uniformity across different platforms, making it an accessible and reliable option for applicants.

• The font has been designed with legibility in mind, making it an excellent option for resumes.
• Calibri's modern look creates a sleek appearance, making it ideal for job seekers looking to highlight their contemporary skills.
• Calibri is also lighter than other font options, making it an ideal choice for single-page resumes.
• Calibri is one of the default fonts available in most word-processing programs, so it’s not unique or personal.
• The font can be perceived as informal, making it less than ideal for formal industries, like law or finance.

Cambria's classic design features elegant serifs, making it a perfect choice for job seekers. You can easily create a traditional, professional-looking resume that stands out.

What I like: Cambria's generous spacing between characters and lines makes the resume much easier to read and stands out from other fonts.

• Cambria has a classic yet modern appearance.
• The font‘s serifs give it a timeless look that is perfect for job seekers in more traditional industries such as finance or law.
• It’s  highly readable, even in smaller font sizes, which makes it an excellent choice for information-heavy resumes.
• Some recruiters and hiring managers might view the font as old-fashioned or generic.
• Cambria's heavy serifs may be problematic for those trying to keep their resume to a single page.

Georgia is a traditional serif font that has been a popular choice for resumes due to its elegant and classic look.

Georgia's unique design features distinguishable serifs that give it a professional appearance.

What I like: The font's design combines traditional and modern aesthetics, making it a versatile option for job seekers applying for a wide range of positions.

• Georgia's design is easy to read even in smaller font sizes, making it a perfect choice for resumes with limited space.
• It can be customized, which makes it an excellent option for applicants looking to add their personal touch.
• The font's traditional appearance may not be suitable for applicants targeting creative or non-traditional fields.
• It’s a serif, making it difficult to read in small sizes on a digital screen or in online applications.

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Does using the best resume fonts even matter.

Most recruiters I spoke with were hesitant to offer a font. Instead, they focus on the content.

“I rarely pay too much attention to fonts,” said Heta Patel , a former HubSpot recruiter. “I'm more concerned to see a resume that’s formatted neatly – submitting a PDF is helpful with this, so your formatting doesn't shift.”

Sales Recruiting Manager Kelsey Freedman agreed.

“Honestly, I care little about the font of a resume, as long as it's clear and in PDF format," Freedman said. "I typically review a resume for 20 to 30 seconds, so a traditional font is good."

Freedman continued, "I would advise avoiding script font or bubble font, or similar fonts that are distracting.”

Ultimately, and as expected, your content still matters most. However, a clear font will help avoid any irritability you might cause a recruiter with a distracting, messy design.

“What I get most excited about is the content. Depending on the role, I look to see that candidates are sharing direct and compelling snapshots of their work,” said Ashley Hodder , a global recruiting manager at HubSpot.

“I look for indicators that show data orientation, autonomy, and thoughtfulness about business impact,” she said.

Worst Resume Fonts

While some recruiters may not have suggestions for the best fonts, many can agree on some of the worst ones.

“Anything that is cursive or too bubbly is too hard to read. For instance, I'd stay clear of Comic Sans,” says Holly Peterson , team lead for management and research recruiting HubSpot.

Another resume font type to avoid is Script.

With text-heavy documents, Scripts, and any of their derivatives make text hard to read because they look like they’re written by hand.

They’re generally used in hand lettering and calligraphy for artistic projects and shouldn’t be present anywhere near your resume.

Ideal Resume Font Size

When asked which font size is best, Fleming said 12 is ideal. Most recruiters would agree.

Your text should be large enough to read comfortably without straining but small enough that there’s space to include all key elements, such as your objective, contact information, skills, and experience.

You can use larger font sizes for headings containing your name and section titles.

If your font is extensive, you can scale to 10.5 — but never go below it.

The critical takeaway is to make your resume clear and easy to read, which means keeping the font size around 12, sticking to classic fonts with modern twists, and forsaking your favorite script font.

1. Choose a font that’s best suited for your industry.

It’s important to keep industry nuances in mind as you’re writing. 

For example, a seasoned graphic designer wouldn’t dare use Comic Sans. And the standard font for most legal documents is Times New Roman.

This is not to say your resume font will make or break your chances of getting the job. But this small step can help demonstrate your attention to detail and your experience in the field.

Pro tip: Whenever I’m refreshing my resume, I like to browse examples in my industry for inspiration. It helps me make sure that I’m aligning the overall style with the position I’m applying for.

This is especially useful when I’ve been out of the job market for a while.

2. Keep the font consistent throughout.

Font consistency is just as important as font type and size. It can be confusing for recruiters if you’re switching back and forth between fonts.

And as I mentioned, you have about 30 seconds tops to make an impression. Make your resume scannable and easy-to-read at a glance.

Pro tip: If you’re going to mix fonts, at least make sure all text levels are the same throughout. For example, all titles and headers should be the same, and all paragraph fonts should match.

3. Be mindful of contrast and colors.

It’s fun to introduce colors into your resume — whether it’s background colors or adding some flare to your titles and headers.

But the most important part is readability. Don’t get carried away with bright or busy colors. You’ll end up taking away from the content on the page.

Pro tip: You can use a color contrast checker to make sure your resume is accessible and legible.

4. Pay attention to formatting.

Similar to font consistency, you’ll want to make sure your resume is well-formatted and organized.

Use headers to break up your sections, make sure your margins are at least half an inch on all sides, and use a font type with optimal clarity.

Recruiters get thousands of resumes per job listing. Make sure your resume catches their eye for good reason — not bad.

Pro tip: Just because your resume looks good on your computer, doesn’t mean it’ll look good on all computers. Save and send your resume as a PDF to ensure the formatting stays constant wherever it goes.

1. Should I choose a serif or sans-serif font for my resume?

This decision largely depends on the type of job you’re applying for and the contents of your resume. 

While there’s no right or wrong answer, here’s a helpful cheat sheet:

• Serif fonts are classic and professional. They work best for multi-page or light-text resumes and traditional fields (e.g., law, finance, business).
• Sans-serif fonts are modern and sleek. They work best for single-page or text-heavy resumes and creative fields (e.g., marketing, design).

2. What size should my resume font be?

Size 12 is the ideal font size for a resume.

You can go as low as 10.5 if you have a lot of information to include, and I wouldn’t recommend going larger than font size 14.

However, you can go larger than 14 for headers and section titles to help organize your sections (i.e., Education, Experience, etc.).

Happy Resume Writing

Editor's note: This post was originally published in November 2018 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

Don't forget to share this post!

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What Are the Best Fonts for a Resume?

13 min read · Updated on March 27, 2024

The right font makes your resume stand out in all the right ways

The experts say it takes 6 seconds (or less) for a hiring manager to decide if your resume is a keeper – and the font size and style you choose will have a major impact on that decision.

A font that in any way makes your resume hard to read or look unprofessional will land it quickly in the trash pile. You could be the most competent candidate, but you'll be out of the running from the beginning if your resume can't be read easily.

To help ensure that your qualifications and experience are the main focus, and not your font choice, here are the best fonts to use for your resume.

The best fonts to use on a resume

Of course, a lot of what goes into picking the right font for your resume depends on personal preference, but you should choose from a particular set of best fonts to ensure that your resume doesn't get passed over. 

The fonts listed below will all work well on a resume because of their clean, professional look and overall easy readability. Keep in mind that you have to choose a font that is clean and easy to read both on-screen and in print.

Times New Roman

Calibri font for a resume

Calibri is known for being contemporary and professional, which makes it suitable for use in a variety of industries. It's well-spaced, clean, and easy to read. Additionally, it's read accurately by an applicant tracking system, or ATS . Calibri is the one to choose if you can't decide which you like the most. 

Pros of using Calibri:

Modern look

Professional appearance

Lighter size so you can fit more words on a page

Cons of using Calibri:

Everyone else is using it, so it lacks uniqueness

Can be considered unprofessional by some industries like law and finance

Cambria font for a resume

Cambria was originally designed to be easily read on screen. It has good spacing and nice proportions, which means it can be simple to read even in low-resolution situations. The way it's designed even lends itself well to being read when printed in a small size.

Pros of using Cambria:

It has an elegance that can make your resume visually appealing

As a Microsoft Word font, you will probably not lose formatting when sharing the resume file

It's suitable for a variety of jobs across multiple industries

Cons of using Cambria:

It was designed in 2007 and can be seen as old-fashioned

It's a heavy serif font, which may make it difficult to keep your resume to two pages

Arial font for a resume

Arial is one of those tried and true fonts that have stood the test of time. Interestingly enough, it was designed to have the same width as the characters in the Helvetica typeface – which is great if you intend to use multiple fonts on your resume. Some people will choose to use one font for the body text and another for the headers. 

Pros of using Arial:

It's a clean and simple font to use on your resume

Arial is easy to read even if you're using a 10-point font

It's ATS-friendly

Cons of using Arial:

It arguably lacks the sophistication of newer fonts

Some feel that it's a less-than-formal font style, especially if you're applying for a creative role

Helvetica font for a resume

We already mentioned how Helvetica pairs well with Arial. It's a bit more elegant than Arial, so it would work well for the section headers of your resume. The really great thing about Helvetica is that it has a wider range of font weights than Arial, which will really help your resume to stand out. 

Pros of using Helvetica:

Helvetica exudes professionalism

It has a clean and straightforward design and a high readability factor

It makes your resume look clean and well-structured

Cons of using Helvetica:

Some people may see Helvetica as too clean and neutral, making your resume seem sterile and without personality

It has a dense design with tight spacing, which could make it difficult to read when you use a smaller font size

Tahoma font for a resume

Tahoma is considered a reliable font for people who want a modern, sans-serif font with a balanced appearance. Over the years, it has become a popular choice for a lot of digital applications because of how easy it is to read. It doesn't have a lot of decorative strokes, which gives it a clean appearance.

Pros of using Tahoma:

It's a great font to use for both headline and body text

Because of how the letters lay out, it's easy for on-screen reading

It's suitable for a wide range of professions

Cons of using Tahoma:

It's not as widely used as Arial and may, therefore, be less recognizable

Even though it's a Microsoft default font, not all versions of Microsoft Word have it 

Trebuchet font for a resume

Medieval war device or popular font? Surprisingly enough, when the Trebuchet font was designed, it really was named after those machines that slung huge boulders in the ages of old. The man who created it, Vincent Connare, wanted to give it a name that would signal something that “ launches words across the Internet .” 

Pros of using Trebuchet:

Trebuchet is a great font for injecting personality into your resume

There's good spacing between characters, making it easy to read on- and off-screen

It's appealing without being grandiose – consider the little tail on the capital 'Q' 

Cons of using Trebuchet:

It's not very commonly used and could cause formatting oopsies when sharing your resume file

There are some variations in the character widths, which may cause you to have trouble keeping your resume to two pages

Verdana font for a resume

Verdana is one of the best fonts to use for a resume, because it was specifically designed to be legible at small sizes, on screen and off. In fact, it's known for having wide proportions and loose letter spacing so that text is clearly separated, guaranteeing that what's on the page is easy to read.

Pros of using Verdana:

Since it was designed for low-resolution on-screen reading, it's great for online applications and resume submissions

Verdana also has distinct letter characteristics - like a little square over the 'i' and 'j' -  which make it unique

It has different weights available, giving you options for design variations between section headers and body text

Cons of using Verdana:

Even though it's easy to read, some people consider Verdana a bit informal

The loose letter spacing may mean that you have a hard time keeping your resume to two pages

Garamond font for a resume

When you use Garamond font for your resume, you're truly taking a trip back in time. Garamond typeface can trace its roots back to the 16th century. Of course, today's Garamond is an interpretation of those old designs. It has an elegant appearance that almost resembles pen-writing, but with an upright design.

Pros of using Garamond:

Garamond text has good spacing, making the document it's used on appear well-balanced

It's a great font to use on your resume if you intend to have a print version ready to hand for humans, for off-screen reading

It's a versatile font that is widely accepted

Cons of using Garamond:

The serif-style font is less suitable for screen reading

Some hiring managers feel that Garamond is too artistic for formal documents like resumes

Times New Roman font for a resume

When you open Microsoft Word, if the default font isn't set to Calibri it's probably set to Times New Roman. It is one of the most popular typefaces of all time and is known for having a robust design. It was originally designed for a printed publication – The Times , from Britain – that wanted to adopt something more traditional in the 18th century that would work with a printing press. Welcome to Times New Roman. 

Pros of using Times New Roman:

It is a universally accepted font – a safe choice

Because Times New Roman is a classic serif design, it gives your resume a professional and traditional appearance

Since it was specifically designed for print, the letters are still legible even when you use a small font

Cons of using Times New Roman:

Using Times New Roman font for your resume is considered, by some, to be outdated  

When you use a smaller font size, the letters get squished together a bit which can make it hard to read on a screen

What is the difference between a serif and a sans-serif font?

The basic difference between serif and sans-serif fonts is decorative. Serifs are, by definition, little decorative strokes that finish off a letter. Since 'sans' means 'without,' then sans-serif fonts are missing the little decorative strokes at the end of each letter.

Serif fonts are more traditional and formal, making them great for designing your resume. The serifs – or decorative strokes – make these fonts easier to read in print and are considered less sterile than sans-serif fonts. 

Serif fonts that you can use on a resume you're going to print out include Garamond and Times New Roman.

Conversely, sans-serif fonts lack any decoration at all. These fonts are considered modern and provide a straightforward appearance which is great for on-screen reading. The biggest downside to sans-serif fonts is that they can be difficult to read if you're using a smaller font size.

Sans-serif fonts you can use on a resume that will be used for online applications include Calibri, Tahoma, Arial and Helvetica.

What fonts should you avoid on a resume?

Since the main point of your resume is to present your qualifications in a way that shows you're the right professional for the job, there are some fonts you want to stay away from. 

Specifically, you should avoid using flowery, themed, cursive, or “fun” fonts, like 

Monotype Corsiva

Freestyle Script

Segoe Script

Along with being difficult to read and not compatible with an ATS, “artistic” fonts tell employers that you don't know the rules of creating a professional resume, which could potentially lead them to think you don't take your job search seriously. Remember, no snazzy resume font will showcase your qualifications as clearly as your job experience, talents, and accomplishments .

What is the best font size to use for a resume?

Generally, a 10- to 12-point font size is recommended. A good rule of thumb to remember: don't decide on a font size until you've chosen the specific font you'll use for your resume. This is because some fonts like Calibri, Trebuchet, and Arial Narrow take up less space than Times New Roman or Verdana. 

Depending on the font, you might be able to slightly reduce or slightly increase its size to have the  two-page resume that recruiters prefer while still ensuring it's easy to read and the format is pleasing. 

However, going above a 12-point size font in the resume body to make two pages means you probably need to add more details about your past responsibilities and achievements or include skills developed from voluntary work and hobbies .

If you're submitting your resume online, you also might need to use a 12-point font size throughout and eliminate any formatting, like underlining, italics, or bolding. Online programs may convert your information to an  ASCII format or ask you to use an ASCII format so the resume displays correctly, and a 12-point font works best in that case.

Page formatting

The margins, bullets, and spacing you pick for your page matter just as much as the font and font size. At the end of the day, you want your resume to be accurately read by an ATS and impress a hiring manager. So, in addition to making sure that you spell out your qualifications, skills, and career achievements, be sure you have a document that is well laid out, readable, and professional-looking. 

A lot of that comes from consistency. So, to ensure that your resume looks the way it should and is aesthetically pleasing, here are some formatting rules for you to follow that will guarantee consistency:

Margins: Use balanced margins that are no less than 0.5 inches all the way around. It's okay to have your top and bottom margins different to your left and right margins, but you want to avoid having a top margin that's less than your bottom margin.

Spacing: You can use the line spacing formatting feature of Microsoft Word or Google Docs to ensure that you have consistent spacing. If you're using 6pt line spacing in front of one section header, make sure you take the time to check that all section headers have 6pt spacing in front of them.

Bullets: While you have some leeway on the type of bullet you use, it's best to stick with a simple dot bullet to make sure that your resume looks the same on the hiring manager's computer as it does yours. Also, for the love of all things resumes, double-check that all of your bullets line up. Fewer things scream, “ I didn't pay attention” than bullet points that are out of alignment.

Graphics, icons, and images: Don't use them –  at all. The ATS can't properly parse information from resumes that contain things like charts, images, and icons . Since it turns your resume into a text file, those images get converted into funky characters. 

The best font sends the right message

There are three specific targets to aim for when choosing a resume font:

Does it present you as a professional who is well-qualified for the job?

Can recruiters and hiring managers easily read and scan it for critical keywords and information?

Will it be read correctly by an Applicant Tracking System or online application program?

A well-written resume is always the key goal, but a particular font can have a major effect on the message you convey to a potential employer, whether that's of a seasoned expert, a young and hungry professional, a new graduate, or anything in between.

It can also mean the difference between getting called for an interview and getting a “no thanks” email. Take the time to follow these tips and create a resume that clearly presents who you are and you'll find yourself interviewing in no time.

Not sure if your resume format and font are working for your job search? That's where our objective resume review comes in! Submit your resume now for expert feedback.

This article was originally written by Lisa Tynan and has been updated by Marsha Hebert. 

Recommended reading:

The Hidden Dangers of Using Microsoft Word Resume Templates

5 Ways Your Resume Is Selling You Short

Best File Format to Use for Your Resume

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

From Bland to Beautiful: How We Made This Professional's Resume Shine

See how your resume stacks up.

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How to choose the best fonts for your resume

One crucial element of any great resume is choosing the right font for your document. The perfect font can make all the difference in how employers view your application and whether or not they consider you as a potential candidate. Choosing an appropriate font will ensure that your resume looks professional, legible, organized, and attractive to employers. However, there are hundreds of thousands of different fonts in the world — how will you possibly choose?

Don’t stress! With this guide, you can take control over that key aspect of creating a stand-out job application and quickly format your perfect resume.

Summary/Overview

Resume font selection tips.

Because there is no one correct font, choosing the right font for your resume is an important part of creating a professional, attractive document that will help you stand out to potential employers.

Selecting the best font can be tricky and time-consuming, so it’s important to understand some key strategies behind successful resume font selection. Knowing which fonts are considered more formal or informal, what size works best for different types of resumes, and how to ensure readability are all essential elements of picking the perfect typeface for your resume.

Choose fonts that are simple and easy-to-read

When creating a resume , it is important to aim for a clean and legible presentation. To achieve this, it is essential to choose fonts that are easy to read — whether printed out or on a computer screen — and won’t distract from the content.

Popular professional font choices for resumes include Arial, Cambria, Garamond , and Times New Roman. These typefaces are widely-used and considered appropriate for resume content, as they make information appear organized and concise.

Additionally, avoid using bubbly or cursive fonts, which can be difficult to read and look unprofessional when printed. Examples include Comic Sans, Chiller, Brigand, and Hand Script.

Choose the right font size

Choosing the best font size is another important consideration. Generally speaking, the optimal resume font size is between 10 and 12. This range of sizes allows employers to easily read your resume without straining their eyes. Too small and employers may struggle with legibility; too large and the content may seem overwhelming.

Format the page

Margins are just as necessary to consider as the font. Margins should be no smaller than a half inch on every side of your document in order to ensure readability and create a professional-looking document. This is especially important for printed versions of your resume, as small margins can cause text to get cut off or be difficult to read. Furthermore, making margins too large can make your resume seem lacking, empty, or unprofessional. The ideal margin size will help employers focus on the content without becoming distracted by unnecessary design elements.

When formatting your resume, keep these tips in mind and set all four margins at no less than a half inch each — top, bottom, left, and right — for maximum impact when applying for jobs.

Rather than making margins smaller than that, if you are tight on space when creating your resume, using a font like Arial Narrow can be an effective way to save room while still ensuring legibility. Arial Narrow is a condensed font of the popular Arial typeface that takes up less room on each line without compromising readability. This makes it perfect for resumes where space is limited, but you still want to ensure readability.

If you are concerned about formatting your resume correctly, never fear – try out the Adobe Express resume builder and choose any of the free templates to quickly get started.

Choose the font that fits the role you’re applying for, as well as your brand

Make sure that your font choice is tailored to the role you're applying for, in addition to reflecting your personal brand. Choosing the best font for a resume should be seen as an extension of the content and reflect qualities such as professionalism, trustworthiness, and sophistication.

Calibri and Cambria are two of the most popular and safe fonts to use when creating a resume. These typefaces have been widely adopted by professional resume writers and employers alike, due to their legibility and modern aesthetic. Calibri was developed by Microsoft as a sans-serif font intended to replace Times New Roman as the standard typeface for all Microsoft applications. Calibri has since become a popular choice for professional documents, including resumes and curriculum vitaes (CVs) . Cambria is an Old Style font with clean lines and a more formal appearance than Calibri.

For traditional jobs like law offices and corporate positions, it is important to choose a classic font that conveys a sense of professionalism and capability. Times New Roman has long been the go-to font for these types of applications due to its clean lines and traditional aesthetic. This typeface conveys an aura of reliability and credibility, two qualities that are essential for any successful job application or resume.

When applying for a creative role , graceful fonts like Garamond , Trebuchet MS, or Book Antiqua can be perfect choices. These typefaces all feature highly-readable serifs, which makes them appropriate choices for creative roles such as graphic design or web development. Garamond is a classic font dating back to the 16th century, and its elegant serifs make it a great choice for professional documents. Trebuchet MS is another popular font with a more modern take on the classic typeface. Meanwhile, Book Antiqua boasts an old-fashioned style that can add sophistication to any resume.

It is important to pay attention to the font you select beyond simply making sure it is legible and professional. Carefully selecting a font that not only looks good but also reflects your personal brand can help employers recognize your unique style and attributes, making your resume stand out from the pack.

Best resume font examples

Calibri is a modern sans-serif typeface. You might recognize it as being the default font in Microsoft Word. It was designed to be legible on screen and easily readable at a variety of sizes and resolutions. Its clean lines and balanced proportions make it an ideal choice for digital displays, documents, and web pages. Additionally, its friendly appearance makes it a great choice for a resume.

Calibri is a popular font choice for resumes, with good reason. It is a clean and simple sans-serif typeface, meaning it has no extra decoration or embellishments. This not only makes it easy to read, it also helps employers to quickly scan your resume. Furthermore, Calibri is versatile enough to work with many other fonts and formatting options you may choose for your CV and reference list.

Calibri is a modern and professional font choice for job seekers. Its neutral sans-serif style makes it appropriate for most applications, as it conveys a sense of professionalism and trustworthiness. Calibri's subtle elegance makes it an attractive typeface for job hunters seeking to make a strong impression on employers.

Arial is one of the most popular and widely used fonts for professional documents like resumes. Its simple, clean lines and easy-to-read sans-serif style make it a great choice for job seekers looking to create an attractive, organized resume. Its neutrality also makes it an ideal font for most applications.

This sans-serif style makes it easy to read on screen and in print, while still giving documents a professional appearance. Its rounded corners and subtle curves make it a great choice for job seekers looking to add a hint of sophistication to their applications.

Arial is an ideal font to use for all kinds of resumes because it is legible, highly versatile, and widely available. This typeface offers maximum flexibility when creating a professional-looking document and stands out against the more traditional fonts like Times New Roman. Arial can be used in a variety of sizes and styles, making it perfect for any section of the resume including headings, main body text, and summaries. It also looks sharp when printed or sent as an electronic document. The clean lines make information easier to read while maintaining integrity in the overall presentation. For job hunters looking to make a good impression, Arial is an appropriate font choice.

Cambria is a typeface designed to make reading on screens easier and more enjoyable. It features large x-height, open letterforms with low contrast, and generous spacing between letters. This sans-serif font's wide proportions create a strong readability that makes it suitable for both digital and print resumes. In addition, Cambria features a variety of weights, allowing you to express different tones in your resume.

The low contrast between characters helps create a calm and inviting atmosphere, making it perfect for branding. Cambria's bold character shapes give it a distinctive look that can be used to convey authority, classiness, and modernity. This typeface has a classic yet modern feel to it, which can help create an attractive and effective presentation of your information no matter the font size. Whether you need to express authority and seriousness or warmth and personality, Cambria is a great choice.

Times New Roman

Times New Roman is a serif typeface which has been used by publishers and writers since the 1930s. The clean lines and sharp strokes of Times New Roman make it especially appealing for long texts, like novels and newspapers. This font is also popular for use in print media because it stands out from other fonts.

Serif typefaces have been used for centuries, and the subtle flourish of Times New Roman helps to give documents a classic feel. It is a standard font on most computer systems today, making it easy to access when needed. Its classic, traditional look conveys an air of sophistication and professionalism, making it the perfect choice for resumes, cover letters , and other important documents. Additionally, its familiarity and ease of use make it an ideal choice for those who need to quickly create a professional document.

Garamond is a classic serif font that has been around since the 16th century. It was designed by Claude Garamond, a French type designer and punchcutter, and is known for its readability and gracefulness. The letters have a slightly slanted look to them which adds to its elegant appearance. Its sharp edges help it stand out from other fonts making it great for use in headlines or titles. Its popularity continues today as many digital versions of Garamond can be found on the web and used for various design projects.

Garamond is traditional in appearance, yet has an informal feel. The unique strokes of Garamond give it a subtle flair that stands out from more modern typefaces. This typeface is legible even at smaller sizes, making it a great choice for long documents like books and magazines. Additionally, the curves of this font give it a sense of warmth that creates an inviting atmosphere for readers.

Garamond is an excellent choice for all job hunters who are looking to make a great first impression. Its grace and readability make it suitable for use on resumes, cover letters, and other documents used in job applications. Its classic style gives a sense of sophistication that can help job seekers stand out from the competition.

Trebuchet MS

Trebuchet MS is a graceful sans-serif font. This typeface has an elegant look that stands out from more traditional serif fonts like Times New Roman. The curves and lines of Trebuchet MS give it a modern yet subtle flair that makes it accessible to readers.

Trebuchet MS is a sharp and eye-catching font that works particularly well for headers. The bold strokes of this font give it an authoritative and modern look, making it stand apart from other typefaces. The well-balanced letterforms ensure that the font remains legible even at smaller sizes, which makes it ideal for headlines and titles that need to be both attractive and readable. Plus, its sharp edges create an engaging contrast with softer serif fonts, making Trebuchet MS a great choice for adding emphasis to any document.

Trebuchet MS is an ideal font choice for resumes in creative fields such as design, social media, and marketing. Its boldness helps it stand out, ensuring that your resume will make a great first impression with potential employers.

Book Antiqua

Book Antiqua is a classic serif font with wide letterforms. Originally designed by Monotype Corporation in 1937, the typeface has maintained its traditional look and feel ever since. Its heavy strokes and generous x-heights give it a strong presence, making it ideal for formal documents and logos. The bold weight is even more dramatic, making it an attractive choice for headlines.

Book Antiqua offers more options for a resume than Times New Roman. This font has a range of weights and italicizations, as well as a wide variety of ligatures, so you can customize it to make a statement about your qualifications. Additionally, Book Antiqua was optimized for the web, meaning its characters remain sharp even when resized on digital devices. All in all, this makes Book Antiqua an ideal choice for anyone looking for a modern and eye-catching font that won't lose any clarity or visual impact when viewed on different screens.

Book Antiqua is an excellent choice for job hunters in creative roles due to its classic-yet-modern look. It can be especially helpful when applying for creative positions as employers are looking for individuals who are able to present their skills in a bold manner. Not only does Book Antiqua offer a timeless appearance of sophistication, but its wide letters also allow you to effectively emphasize crucial information while highlighting each section of your resume or portfolio. With this font's traditional look combined with up-to-date design capabilities, Book Antiqua is bound to create an impactful impression on any employer.

For job seekers looking for a traditional role, Book Antiqua is an excellent choice. Its wide letters and classic serif style offer a timeless aesthetic that conveys professionalism and sophistication. But its bold appearance also helps emphasize important words and phrases, making sure your resume stands out from other candidates with more traditional resumes. With Book Antiqua, you can be sure that your application will be noticed and make an impression — perfect for anyone looking to stand out while still remaining professional.

Arial Narrow

Arial Narrow is a version of the popular Arial font that was designed for narrow spaces. This typeface has a simple, modern look that maintains the same proportions as the full-width Arial font. It features all the same characters, glyphs, and accents, allowing it to be used in place of regular Arial while keeping text within a tighter margin.

Despite its narrower width, Arial Narrow retains its sharpness and legibility even at small sizes. It is also available in italic form, giving designers even more options for creating attractive layouts in limited space.

Arial Narrow is the perfect choice for resumes that need to fit into tight spaces. Its condensed letterforms allow it to take up less space than regular Arial while still maintaining a clear and legible font size. This makes it easier to fit more information into the same area, allowing someone's resume to be seen in its entirety without having to shrink the font size excessively.

Georgia is a great font choice if you are looking for a professional yet modern look on your resume. In fact, this is the chosen font for LinkedIn. Its thick serif letterforms give off an authoritative and confident feel, while its rounded edges add a touch of warmth to the text. Georgia also has excellent readability, making it easy for potential employers to quickly scan through it. Additionally, the font supports a wide range of languages and offers multiple weights for more advanced typography.

Georgia is a great choice for resumes because it is bold enough to draw attention to important information while still appearing professional and straightforward. It also looks great when printed, making it an excellent option for paper resumes as well as digital ones.

Helvetica is a classic font choice for resumes and other professional documents — think the New York Times . Its clean and modern aesthetic makes it a versatile typeface for any situation, and its wide availability ensures that it can easily be found on most computer systems. However, the same properties that make it so versatile also mean that it can be seen as generic or uninspired, depending on how it's used.

To ensure your resume stands out from the crowd, use Helvetica in combination with other fonts to create an attractive page design. Consider using bold or italicized versions of the font to add emphasis to key points. Additionally, adding subtle touches, like drop shadows or larger text sizes, can further personalize your resume and make it look more engaging to viewers.

Verdana is a great font choice for resumes because of its simple, professional look. It has a clean, modern style that conveys confidence and authority while also being easy to read. Its letterforms are slightly wider than other sans-serif fonts, which can make text stand out more in certain contexts.

In addition, Verdana is available in multiple weights so you have the freedom to create an attractive page design with subtle touches, such as bold or italicized versions of the font. However, its relatively low contrast means that some of the finer details like headings and accents may not be as prominent as in other fonts.

For a more distinct look, combine Verdana with another font to create an eye-catching design.

Resume formatting tips

Be organized and concise.

When it comes to creating an effective resume, organization and concision are key. To make your resume organized, start by using a consistent format and structure throughout, including the same font, font size, margins, and line spacing for each section. This uniformity will help draw attention to the essential information rather than distract from it.

Resumes should generally be kept to one page in length. This is not only important for providing a concise summary of your skills and experience, but also for helping to draw attention to the key points that you want employers to take note of. By sticking to one page, you can ensure that recruiters will be able to quickly assess your qualifications without getting bogged down in irrelevant or unnecessary information. Furthermore, most employers may discard overly long resumes without reading them.

When making a resume, it is essential to make sure each statement is brief and clear. Each sentence should communicate one idea or skill clearly and concisely. Avoid using prolonged descriptions or vague phrases; instead use short, action-oriented words that succinctly sum up your qualifications.

Focus on using language with higher semantic richness, such as precise terms and engaging adjectives. This will emphasize your accomplishments by making them sound even more impressive.

Finally, make sure that each section is organized in a logical order and that there’s a clear flow throughout the document.

Describe your qualifications

Throughout your resume, avoid using first-person statements. Using the pronoun “I” can come off as self-absorbed or overly opinionated; instead of speaking about your own accomplishments, focus on how you can benefit a potential employer.

Be sure to use passive voice and objective language throughout. Rather than saying “I did this project…” try replacing “this project” with its name or describing what was achieved through it — highlighting results over process.

By avoiding subjective words like “I think/believe/feel etc.,” and sticking to facts and figures that prove your skill set and experience level, you will provide employers with an accurate description of yourself while demonstrating that you are capable of professional communication without being too forward or boastful.

Choose the right voice

It's important to use the correct tense when describing your work experience. For past jobs, you should use past tense wording such as “managed” or “developed," while for present and ongoing positions, you should opt for present tense words like "manage" or "develop."

This will help to create an organized timeline of your career history and make it easier for potential employers to quickly identify what position or positions you currently hold. Careful attention to grammar and word choice keeps resumes professional-looking while providing clarity on your qualifications and experience level.

Punctuate your resume

Paying attention to punctuation is key. Keeping a consistent style of punctuation will help maintain clarity and readability, thus making your resume easier for recruiters to understand and process.

Having the same level of punctuation throughout the document creates a more polished impression; this may not seem like much, but it can make a difference in the eyes of recruiters. As such, use commas, periods, and other similar marks appropriately and with consistency so that employers and recruiters are able to quickly recognize the points you're trying to make on your resume.

Keep sections clear

Breaking up sections and organizing information on your resume plays a major role in making it easier for recruiters to quickly read and understand. Bold, italicize, and underline consistently throughout each section to make sure that the hierarchy of your document is clear and easy to identify. Utilize white spaces to separate and highlight information. For example, you might use italics for job titles, bold for main responsibilities or points, and underlining for section headings.

You can also break up your subsections into bullet points or column lists to provide further structure for the employer when reading your resume. Doing this makes it easier for them to distinguish between different topics within a certain section so they don’t get lost as they’re scanning through your background.

Create flow within the resume

When designing your resume format, it is important to make sure that each section flows logically and clearly from one point to the next. To do this, break up the content into manageable chunks and avoid long paragraphs where possible. Use headings and subheadings to separate sections, as well as bullet points to list relevant qualifications. These techniques will also help recruiters quickly identify what they need to pay attention to in your resume.

Finally, make sure that each section is organized in a logical order and avoid using excessive font styles or colors. This will ensure that recruiters have an easy time understanding your qualifications and that your resume looks professional.

When creating job hunting documents like a resume , cover letter , or CV, it’s important to be consistent in the style, structure, and fonts used. Using a uniform format throughout all documents helps recruiters quickly identify key points and process your experience level at a glance. By keeping formatting elements consistent across each document, you can make sure that the hierarchy of your material is easy to understand.

Ultimately, staying consistent in terms of structure and style with your job hunting documents will help them stand out from other applicants’ submissions while creating an overall professional impression for potential employers. Check out any of the resume templates in this blog post as a reference.

Include essential information

When creating a resume, it is essential to provide contact information and the type of job for which you’re applying. The header should include your name, phone number, email address, website, and any other contact information that employers might need to get in touch with you.

In addition, you should specify the type of job that you’re applying for, whether it be full-time, part-time, or contract. This will let recruiters know what type of position they’re reviewing your resume for and can better assess your qualifications in relation to the job requirements.

Providing accurate contact information is essential so that employers are able to reach out to you if necessary. Make sure that the contact information you provide is up-to-date to ensure that recruiters can get in touch with you quickly and easily.

Explain your qualifications

Creating a short list of your qualifications is an important step in crafting a successful resume. This list should be concise and tailored to the job you want, highlighting the skills and experiences that make you the most qualified candidate.

Your qualifications should include both hard skills (technical or specific knowledge) and soft skills (general abilities related to communication, problem-solving, etc.) as these can help demonstrate why you’re the best fit for the position. It's also important to showcase any relevant certifications or awards that will help set you apart from other applicants.

By creating a comprehensive yet concise list of your qualifications on your resume, recruiters will quickly have an understanding of what makes you stand out from other candidates.

How to include experience and education

It's important to make sure that both experience and education are adequately represented in separate sections. This will allow recruiters to quickly scan for the information they need without having to look through multiple paragraphs. Including a section for each ensures that all relevant qualifications and experiences are represented.

It's important to separate these sections out is so that each one can be addressed separately and in more detail if needed. Separating out the education and experience sections of your resume makes it easier for recruiters to quickly see what you have to offer and determine if you’re the right candidate for the job.

How to select experience and education

When selecting the education and experience to include on your resume, make sure that it is pertinent to the role you are seeking. Start by making a list of all relevant qualifications, experiences, and certifications you have attained that may be applicable to the job in question.

Begin with the most recent qualifications, experiences, and certifications. This will help recruiters quickly assess your current experience level.

Make sure to include any special skills or courses you’ve taken that may be relevant to the job. By doing so, employers can get a clear picture of what abilities you possess and how they may relate to their organization or company.

Selecting the most pertinent and up-to-date information for your resume helps employers better assess you as a potential candidate.

How to include multiple roles at the same organization

If you’ve previously held multiple roles and responsibilities within an organization, it's a great idea to include this information on your resume. This will demonstrate to employers that you have the versatility and adaptability needed for today’s ever-changing business landscape.

Start by writing down all of the roles and responsibilities you’ve held within the company, then prioritize them according to relevance with regard to this job opening. Once you have a list, format them in bullet points so employers can quickly scan through them.

Include any accomplishments or projects that you’re particularly proud of from each position — employers often look for this information when they evaluate candidates. With this strategy, you'll be demonstrating your commitment and capacity to take on multiple roles.

Only include facts in your resume

It is essential to remain honest and truthful when creating documents for future employment. Lying or exaggerating on your resume can be tempting in order to make yourself seem more qualified for a position, but it can have serious consequences.

Not only could misrepresenting yourself lead to potential challenges during the job interview process if employers or hiring managers notice any discrepancies, but it may result in dismissal if they find out after you’ve already been hired. Additionally, lying on your resume can damage your reputation and credibility in the long run.

Choose action words

Using action words like "completed," "advised," and "generated" is an important step in creating an effective resume or application. These words demonstrate concrete actions that you have taken or results that you have achieved, and they help recruiters better understand the impact of your work experience.

For example, instead of simply saying that you “managed a team," use action words to show how you “successfully led a team of 10 employees to meet quarterly goals.” This will help hiring managers quickly understand what kind of work you have done in the past and how it could be beneficial for the role.

Include other activities

It is important to include extracurricular activities that demonstrate your qualifications and help build your brand. Doing this will show employers that you are an active participant outside of the work environment and can help set you apart from other candidates.

Start by making a list of any volunteer or community involvement organizations of which you are a part, any scholarships or awards you have won, and any other affiliations that may be relevant. Be sure to include the name of the organization, your role within it, a short description of the activities you’ve undertaken, and any accomplishments you achieved while participating.

If there is a way to quantify your accomplishments, like the number of people you’ve helped or money raised during a charity event, be sure to include it. Doing this will help employers understand your commitment to furthering yourself and developing your skills outside of the workplace.

Have someone proofread your resume

Having someone qualified and trustworthy proofread your resume before sharing it with prospective employers is a must if you want to make sure it’s up to a professional workplace standard. Proofreading your document can ensure that there are no typos or grammatical mistakes, which could give recruiters the wrong impression of your abilities.

An experienced proofreader can provide helpful feedback and suggestions for improvement. If you don’t know anyone qualified to proofread your resume, there are several online services available to help with this task — some of them even offer personalized advice based on the job that you’re applying for and can suggest how best to showcase your skills and experience.

By getting an experienced proofreader to check your resume, you can rest assured that your document is in perfect shape before submitting it to employers.

When choosing fonts and formatting for your resume, it's important to remember that the goal is to create a document that's professional, organized, and easy-to-read. Popular fonts like Times New Roman and Calibri are usually safe bets, as they look professional and are simple enough to scan through quickly. Also, font size matters — be sure you pick a readable size so your resume looks clean. Finally, coordinate the appearance of your resume with both your CV and references list to present a uniform look in terms of design. Any of Adobe Express’ resume templates will help speed this process along.

With all these resume tips in mind, you can optimize your job search with an effective resume that will surely stand out from the crowd.

This post was updated on February 28, 2024.

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Resume font tips and FAQs

When deciding which font to use on your resume, it is important to consider the difference between serif and sans serif fonts.

Serif fonts are more traditional and feature small lines or strokes that extend off of the edges of each letter. Examples of popular serif fonts include Times New Roman, Georgia, and Garamond.

Sans serif fonts, on the other hand, are more modern and feature a cleaner look without any additional lines or strokes. Popular examples of sans serif fonts include Arial, Calibri, and Futura.

When deciding between serif and sans serif fonts, it is important to consider the type of job you are applying for. Serif fonts are more traditional and can be a great choice for positions requiring you to demonstrate professionalism, in the legal or financial sector, for instance. Sans serif fonts, however, are more modern-looking and better suited for creative industries like marketing or design.

Ultimately, it's important to choose a font that reflects your skill set and best presents your qualifications to potential employers.

In general, script fonts are not recommended for resumes. Not only are they often difficult to read, but they can also give the impression of unprofessionalism.

Additionally, using a script font can make it more difficult for an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) robot to scan — which could cost you an interview. Stick with a classic typeface that conveys a professional image and communicates your qualifications clearly.

Instead, use a crisp and clear font like Times New Roman or Arial that looks professional while still being legible. This will show employers that you are serious about the job and willing to put in extra effort to make sure your resume is presentable.

When making a resume, the margins you use can make a huge difference in how it looks and is received by potential employers. Margins that are too small or too large can be distracting and make it difficult to read your resume quickly. As such, it’s important to pay attention to the margin size when creating a professional-looking resume.

Generally speaking, it’s best to use a one-inch margin on all sides of the document. This allows for plenty of room for your content without looking too cramped or overwhelming.

You can also increase the left and right margins slightly to give more breathing room if desired — just make sure not to go overboard.

Your margins should be no smaller than a half inch.

The length of your resume should depend on the type of job you are applying for, as well as how much work experience you have. Generally speaking, a good rule of thumb is to limit it to one page if you are just out of college or lack industry experience.

As your career progresses, your resume should be updated and expanded to show off your achievements. However, even experienced professionals should aim to keep their resumes concise — two pages maximum is typically recommended for these cases. Employers don't have time to sift through long documents, so make sure yours is easy to read and digest by limiting it to the essential facts about yourself.

In some cases, like when you have lots of experience in a particular field, it can be beneficial to include extra information on a second page. However, this should only be done if necessary — too much irrelevant detail can make your resume hard to read quickly, and employers may decide you are not the right fit before they have a chance to see your qualifications.

When extending your resume onto a second page, it is important that both pages appear consistent in formatting and content. Be sure to include the same header on each page indicating your name and contact information at the top, as this will help employers easily identify that the document belongs to you.

Use the same font and font size throughout your resume and make sure to include page numbers for easy reference. By doing this, you can ensure that both pages look professional when viewed together.

Explore Related Posts

https://www.adobe.com/express/learn/blog/how-to-apply-for-your-first-job-or-internship

https://www.adobe.com/express/learn/blog/10-ways-to-pair-fonts-for-maximum-impact

https://www.adobe.com/express/learn/blog/cover-letter-examples

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• Career Blog

10 Best Fonts for Resume: Complete Guide for 2024

Your resume is the first impression recruiters have of you. It is your chance to showcase your experience, qualifications, and personal brand. However, did you know that the font you choose can affect the readability and overall impression of the document?

Choosing the right font for your resume is essential. It can mean the difference between your application being noticed, or overlooked. Different fonts can affect the readability of your resume and may impact your chances of securing that dream job.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at the importance of selecting the right font for your resume. We’ll explore how different fonts can affect readability and provide key considerations to help you choose the best font for your resume.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a good understanding of why font selection is critical and how to choose the right font for your resume to make it stand out from the crowd. So, let’s get started!

Serif Fonts

When it comes to creating a compelling and professional-looking resume, the choice of font can make or break your chances of getting noticed. Serif fonts, characterized by small lines or flourishes at the ends of their strokes, are often regarded as a classic and traditional choice for resumes.

Definition of Serif Fonts

A serif font is a typeface that features small lines, stems, or projections at the ends of characters. These lines are usually at a 90-degree angle to the main vertical or horizontal stroke of the letterform. Serif fonts are often used in printed materials, such as books, newspapers, and magazines because they tend to be more legible at smaller sizes than sans-serif fonts.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Serif Fonts in Your Resume

One of the advantages of using a serif font is that it can give your resume a classic and professional-looking appeal. It also has better readability and is great at guiding the reader’s eye through the text on a page.

On the other hand, a disadvantage of using serif fonts is that they’re often seen as outdated and boring. They also tend to be less readable when used at smaller font sizes, and can take up more space on a page than a sans-serif font.

Top 3 recommended Serif Fonts for Your Resume

Times New Roman : A classic serif font that has been a standard in the industry for decades. It’s a great choice for conservative or traditional industries such as law or finance.

Georgia : A modern take on a classic serif font that’s a great choice for creative industries such as design or advertising.

Cambria : A versatile serif font that can be used for a wide range of industries and professions. It’s a great choice if you want to give your resume a modern touch.

Sans Serif Fonts

Definition of sans serif fonts.

Sans Serif Fonts are a type of font style that do not have the small lines or strokes at the end of each letter, unlike their Serif counterparts. They often have a cleaner and more modern aesthetic and are generally easier to read on screens.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Sans Serif Fonts in Your Resume

One of the biggest advantages of using Sans Serif Fonts in a resume is that they can make the document look more modern and professional. They are often easier to read, particularly on digital devices, and can help make your resume stand out from the crowd.

However, there are also some potential disadvantages to using Sans Serif Fonts in a resume. First, they can sometimes come across as cold or impersonal, particularly if the rest of your resume style is more traditional. Additionally, some hiring managers may still prefer a more traditional Serif font style.

Top 3 Recommended Sans Serif Fonts for Your Resume

Calibri  – This is a classic Sans Serif font that has been a popular choice for resumes for many years. It is clean, modern, and easy to read, which makes it a great choice for any resume.

Helvetica  – This is another classic font that has been used in a wide range of contexts, from print advertising to branding. It has a clean and modern feel that makes it a great choice for a resume.

Open Sans  – This is a newer font that has gained popularity in recent years due to its clean and modern aesthetic. It is available in different weights, which makes it a versatile choice for a resume.

Example of Sans Serif Fonts in Action

Using Sans Serif Fonts in a resume can help make the document look more modern and professional. For example, you could use Calibri for your resume heading and section headers, and then use Helvetica or Open Sans for the body text. This would create a clean and modern look that would be easily readable on screens or in print.

Sans Serif Fonts can be a great choice for a resume, particularly if you want to create a clean and modern aesthetic. Just be sure to balance this style choice with the rest of your resume design and be aware of potential personal preferences from hiring managers.

Script Fonts

Script fonts are a type of font that imitates handwriting. They are characterized by their flowing and curved lines that vary in thickness. They are elegant, stylish, and often used in invitations, greeting cards, or logos. Script fonts come in various styles, from classic to modern, and are a popular choice for adding a personalized touch to your documents.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Script Fonts in your Resume

Using a script font in your resume can be beneficial in certain situations but also has some drawbacks. The main advantage is that they can make your resume look more creative and sophisticated. They can showcase your personality and creativity while highlighting your professionalism. However, using a script font in your resume can be risky, as it may not be easy to read or scan by resume screening systems. Moreover, some employers may not appreciate the use of a script font in a professional document, depending on their industry or job requirements.

Top 3 Recommended Script Fonts for your Resume

When choosing a script font for your resume, it’s essential to consider legibility, readability, and compatibility with the rest of your resume design. Here are the top three recommended script fonts for your resume:

Lobster  – a popular script font that’s modern, elegant, and easy to read. It’s perfect for headings or titles in your resume.

Alex Brush  – a beautiful, handwritten script font that’s perfect for conveying a personal touch. It’s ideal for highlighting your name or contact information.

Allura  – a sophisticated script font that’s easy to read and gives a modern touch to your resume. It’s versatile and can be used for both headings and body text.

Example of Script Fonts in Action

Imagine you’re applying for a job in a creative industry that values design and originality. You want your resume to stand out and showcase your skills and personality. You decide to use a script font for your heading and name, paired with a clean and modern sans-serif font for the rest of the text.

Using a script font for your name creates a unique and elegant look, while the clean sans-serif font for the rest of the text ensures readability and legibility. By combining these two fonts, you create a balance between creativity and professionalism, making your resume stand out among others.

Using script fonts in your resume can be a great way to showcase your creativity and add a personal touch to your application. However, it’s crucial to choose the right font that balances legibility and originality and complements the rest of your resume design. Following these tips and recommendations can help you create a standout resume that impresses employers and lands you the job you want.

Display Fonts

Definition of display fonts.

Display fonts are fonts that are meant to be used in large sizes, such as headlines and titles. They are decorative in nature, making them ideal for catching the eye and drawing attention to specific elements of a design or document.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Display Fonts in Your Resume

Using display fonts in your resume can help make it stand out and create a sense of personality and style. However, it is important to balance the use of display fonts with legibility and readability. Overusing them can make your resume difficult to read and distract from the content.

Top 3 Recommended Display Fonts for Your Resume

Roboto Slab : A modern, stylish font that balances legibility with personality. It is a popular choice for headings and titles.

Bebas Neue : A bold, sans-serif font that is perfect for making a statement. It is ideal for headlines and titles.

Abril Fatface : A decorative, serif font that is elegant and unique. It is a great choice for creating a sense of style and personality in your resume.

Example of Display Fonts in Action

When using display fonts in your resume, it is important to use them selectively and sparingly. For example, you could use Bebas Neue for your name and section headings, while using Roboto Slab for the body text. This will help create a sense of hierarchy and organization, while still maintaining a professional and legible appearance.

When using display fonts in your resume, it is important to consider the purpose and audience of your document. Use them strategically to add personality and style, while still maintaining readability and clarity.

Combination Fonts

Combination Fonts are a mixture of two or more different font types. This technique of mixing and matching fonts helps to create a professional and visually appealing resume. The combination can be of serif and sans-serif or cursive and bold fonts.

Using Combination Fonts in your resume has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages:

• They stand out in comparison to the typical Times New Roman or Arial fonts.
• They can be used to highlight important information such as headers, skills, or job titles.
• Combination Fonts can help to create visual hierarchy and provide a clear flow of information.

Disadvantages:

• Overuse or misuse of this technique may lead to a cluttered and incoherent resume.
• Too many fonts may cause visual discomfort, thus making it difficult to read the resume.

Here are the top three recommended Combination Fonts for your resume:

Garamond and Helvetica:  This is a perfect combination of a traditional serif with a sans-serif font. Helvetica’s clean and modern feature complements Garamond’s elegant and classic style.

Roboto and Lato:  Roboto is often used in technology and modern-day design, while Lato is a sans-serif font that has been tailored for the web. This pairing provides a professional, readable, and modern feel.

Baskerville and Franklin Gothic:  This combo lies somewhere between traditional and contemporary. The pairing of Baskerville’s timeless serifs with Franklin Gothic’s bolder sans-serif creates a resume that looks elegant, modern, and professional.

Now let’s look at an example of Combination Fonts in action. Our candidate, John, decided to use Garamond and Helvetica throughout his resume. He uses Garamond only for the headings, while Helvetica is used for the body text.

In the header, John used a 16pt Garamond font for his name, followed by a 12pt Helvetica font in bold for his job title. For the body paragraphs, John used an 11pt Helvetica font. In addition, he used Garamond in bold for his section headings.

John’s resume stands out because of his use of Combination Fonts. The combination of the two fonts helps to create a professional and visually appealing resume, which is easy to read and navigate.

Therefore, Combination Fonts can be an excellent way to differentiate your resume from others, but always ensure that you use the right mix of fonts and pay utmost attention to readability.

Font sizes and spacing

When it comes to creating a resume, it’s important to pay attention to font sizes and spacing. These elements can greatly impact the overall look and readability of your document. Here are some tips on how to determine the appropriate font size and spacing for your resume, as well as recommended measurements for various sections.

How to Determine Font Size and Spacing

The font size you choose will depend on the font you select and the amount of space you have available. In general, use a font size between 10-12 points, with a slightly larger font for section headings. Additionally, consider setting your resume margins to approximately 1 inch on all sides to create a clean, professional look.

Spacing is also important. You want to make sure there is enough white space between lines to make your resume easy to read, but not so much that it looks sparse. A good rule of thumb is to use 1.15 or 1.5 line spacing to ensure readability.

Ideal Spacing for Various Sections

Different sections of your resume should have different levels of spacing to create visual hierarchy and make it easy for employers to find the information they need. For example, you may want to use wider spacing in your contact information section to make it stand out, and narrower spacing in your experience section to make it more compact. Here are some ideal spacing recommendations for each section:

• Contact Information: Wider spacing between lines and margins to make it stand out
• Objective or Summary: Slightly wider spacing than body text, but not as much as contact information
• Education: Similar spacing as body text
• Experience: Slightly narrower spacing than body text, but not so narrow that it looks crowded
• Skills: Similar spacing as body text

Recommended Font Sizes for Different Sections

Just like spacing, font size can also be used to create visual hierarchy on your resume. Here are some recommended font sizes for different sections:

• Name and Headings: 14-16 points
• Objective or Summary: 12-14 points
• Body Text: 10-12 points
• Section Headings: 11-12 points

By following these guidelines for font size and spacing, you can create a clean and professional resume that’s easy to read and visually appealing. Remember, your resume is often the first impression you make on potential employers, so it’s important to make it count!

Font Pairing

Font pairing refers to the practice of using two or more fonts in a design to create a harmonious and visually appealing composition. It involves selecting fonts that complement each other in terms of style, weight, and legibility while also conveying the desired tone and message.

In your resume, font pairing plays a crucial role in setting the right tone and highlighting your skills and achievements effectively. The fonts you use can convey your personality, level of professionalism, and attention to detail. By choosing the right font combinations, you can make your resume stand out from the competition and leave a lasting impression on hiring managers.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when pairing fonts for your resume:

• Limit your fonts : Stick to using no more than two or three fonts in your resume, as too many fonts can create visual clutter and distract from the content.
• Choose contrasting fonts : Pair fonts that have contrasting styles or weights, such as a serif and a sans-serif, to create interest and hierarchy in your resume.
• Consider readability : Make sure the fonts you choose are easy to read and legible at various sizes, especially if your resume might be scanned by applicant tracking systems (ATS).
• Be consistent : Use the same fonts consistently throughout your resume to create a cohesive and polished look.

Some popular font pairings for resumes include:

• Roboto and Open Sans : Both sans-serif fonts, Roboto has a more futuristic feel, while Open Sans is more traditional. This pairing is a good choice for tech or design roles.
• Georgia and Helvetica : Pairing a serif and sans-serif font creates contrast and hierarchy. Georgia is a classic serif font, while Helvetica is a timeless sans-serif. This pairing is best suited for traditional or conservative industries.
• Lato and Merriweather : Lato is a clean and modern sans-serif font, while Merriweather is a warm and approachable serif font. This pairing works well for creative or customer-facing roles.

Ultimately, the fonts you choose will depend on your personal style, industry, and the message you want to convey. By following these tips and exploring different font pairings, you can craft a resume that stands out and leaves a positive impression on potential employers.

When it comes to creating a standout resume, font choice and formatting aren’t the only factors to consider. Font color is also an important element that can help catch the eye of a potential employer and emphasize key information.

Importance of font color in your resume

Font color plays a crucial part in determining the overall look and feel of your resume. It can help create a hierarchy of information, highlight important sections, and make the document easier to read. Using color strategically can also help your resume stand out from the stack of black-and-white applications.

Best colors to use for your resume

The colors you choose for your resume should complement the overall design and branding of your application. In general, it’s best to stick to neutral colors like black, gray, and navy blue. These colors are professional, easy to read, and won’t distract from the content of your resume.

If you are applying for a creative role, you can consider using brighter, more vibrant colors like red, green or blue. However, be sure to use them sparingly and in a way that enhances the readability of your resume, rather than detracting from it.

How to use font color to highlight key information in your resume

When using font color in your resume, it’s important to do so strategically. Here are some tips to help you use color to your advantage:

• Use color sparingly:  Stick to one or two colors at most, and use them to highlight key information rather than overwhelming the entire document.
• Create a hierarchy:  Use color to create a visual hierarchy of information. For example, you could use a brighter color to draw attention to your name and contact information, and a darker color for the body text.
• Use color consistently:  If you choose to use color in your resume, make sure you use it consistently throughout the document. This will help create a cohesive and professional look.
• Consider your audience:  Keep in mind the company or industry you’re applying to when choosing font colors for your resume. Some industries may be more conservative, while others may appreciate more creative approaches.

While font choice is important, font color can also play a big part in creating a professional and eye-catching resume. By using color strategically and thoughtfully, you can highlight key information and make your application stand out from the crowd.

Font Accessibility

Font accessibility is an often overlooked but crucial aspect of resume design. While aesthetics should certainly be considered when selecting a font, it’s important to ensure that the font you choose is also accessible for all readers, including those with vision impairments.

Understanding the Importance of Font Accessibility

Individuals with visual impairments often use screen readers to read text on a page. However, certain fonts can be difficult for screen readers to recognize and parse properly. Fonts with particularly thin or intricate lettering may be particularly difficult to recognize, causing confusion or making it difficult to navigate through the information presented.

In addition to being practical, font accessibility is simply good design practice. Making your resume accessible to a wide range of readers ensures that your experience and qualifications are communicated as effectively as possible, increasing your chances of securing an interview.

Guide to Selecting Accessible Fonts for Your Resume

When selecting a font for your resume, it’s important to choose one that is both aesthetically pleasing and accessible. Here are a few tips:

Stick to common fonts : Common fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Verdana are more likely to be recognized by screen readers, increasing the accessibility of your resume.

Avoid fonts with thin or ornate lettering : Fonts with thin or intricate lettering may look stunning to the eye but can be difficult for screen readers to decipher.

Consider font size and spacing : Ensure that your font size and spacing are appropriate for readers with visual impairments, as larger fonts and increased spacing can make text easier to read.

Use bold or italic formatting sparingly : While bold and italic formatting can be used to draw attention to important information, these styles can be difficult to recognize for screen readers. Use these formatting options sparingly and only for necessary information.

Recommended Accessible Fonts for Your Resume

Here are a few fonts that are both commonly used and easily recognized by screen readers:

• Times New Roman

By selecting one of these accessible fonts for your resume, you can ensure that your experience and qualifications are communicated as effectively as possible.

Best Practices for Using Fonts in Your Resume

General guidelines for using fonts in your resume.

When it comes to creating a visually appealing and professional resume, the font you choose can play a significant role. Here are some general guidelines to follow when using fonts in your resume:

• Stick to standard fonts: Times New Roman, Arial, and Calibri are safe bets.
• Use a font size of 10-12 points for the body text and 14-16 points for headings.
• Keep it simple: Avoid using too many different fonts, styles, or sizes.
• Make sure your font is legible and easy to read.
• Use bold or italicized text sparingly and uniformly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Fonts for Your Resume

While choosing the right font may seem like a small detail, it can make a significant impact on your resume’s overall impression. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when choosing fonts for your resume:

• Don’t use a font that is difficult to read or too ornamental.
• Avoid using too many fonts, styles, or sizes, as this can make your resume look cluttered and unprofessional.
• Don’t use fancy or cursive fonts for the body text, as this can make it difficult to read.
• Avoid using font sizes that are too small or too large, as this can make your resume look unprofessional.

Tips for Enhancing the Visual Appeal of Your Resume Using Fonts

In addition to following general guidelines and avoiding common mistakes when using fonts in your resume, here are some tips for enhancing its visual appeal:

• Use a bold or italicized font for headings and section titles to make them stand out.
• Experiment with font size and weight to create hierarchy and visual contrast within your resume.
• Use a sans-serif font for online resumes, as it is easier to read on screens.
• Use color sparingly and uniformly to add visual interest, but not too much that it becomes distracting.

By following these best practices, you can create a professional and visually appealing resume that is sure to catch the eye of potential employers.

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• Resume Tips

The Best Fonts and Size to Use on a Resume (Updated 2024)

12 min read

Finding a job is tough these days, with steep competition and hundreds of applications per open job listing. That’s why your application has to stand out from the crowd. 

You want every aspect of your resume and cover letter to convey that you’re the best fit for the job. After you’ve considered your experience, skills, education, and qualifications, you have another choice to make: what is the best font to use for your resume?

Your resume font is one of those things that can either support your message (I’m perfect for this position!) or send the wrong message (I’m too old/too young/too out of touch for this job). In this guide, we share the inside secrets. We’ll give you the 8 best fonts to use on your resume and how you can choose the right fit for your resume.

Times New Roman

The best fonts for resumes ( video )

Font selection is an important part of your resume creation because it sets a tone for your whole document. You can use different fonts for the body and the headings, but you don’t want to use more than two. 

The fonts listed above – and detailed below – are all good, clean font choices. Of course, any font with too many flourishes risks being illegible to the ATS ( applicant tracking system ). So you want to avoid them at all costs. In short, you want your ideal resume font to come across as professional, not detract from your message. Luckily, we have you covered. Let’s take a look at the best fonts for a resume below.

ZipJob's blog includes hundreds of articles on career resources, resume writing, and the job search written by career experts.

Calibri takes number one on our font list and has really gained popularity lately. It’s one of the best fonts for resumes as it’s clean and clear. This one is professional and more modern-looking than some other fonts, making it a great font to use on both a resume and cover letter.

Lucas de Groot, the creator of the Calibri font, described it as having “a warm and soft character.” Microsoft also has Times New Roman with Calibri as the standard font for Word and other applications.

Calibri is clear and easy-to-read. That means that it’s ideal for your next resume. The hiring manager will have no problem quickly scanning the content of your application.

Arial is another great font to use on your next resume. It’s part of the popular sans-serif font family. Many people have said that Arial is one of the easiest to read. As if that wasn’t enough, it also has a more modern look to it than other fonts.

Looking for some more information? Here is a good description of Arial from Wikipedia :

“Arial contains more humanist characteristics than many of its predecessors and as such is more in tune with the mood of the last decades of the twentieth century.”

Arial is one of the best fonts for resumes. The sans-serif typeface is simple yet effective. If you don’t want your font to detract from the content of your resume, use this font.

3. Helvetica

Next up, it’s one of the most popular fonts in the world. Helvetica is an excellent sans-serif font you can use for your resume. Helvetica is very similar to Arial and requires close inspection to really tell the difference. It, too, offers a clean and modern look that’s easy on the eye. It also comes in a variety of weights and styles.

Also a sans-serif font, Tahoma has a more modern look than the rest of the fonts listed. It was used by Microsoft for many years for a variety of different programs. While it is not as popular as the likes of Arial and Helvetica, it’s still one of the best fonts for a resume.

Tahoma is a great option that gives your resume a kick while still appearing professional. Try this one when you want your application to stand out.

5. Trebuchet

Trebuchet is another san-serif font, created by Vincent Connare. His goal with Trebuchet was simple: to create a font that appeared well on a screen and also provided a contrast in texture to Verdana, which is next on our list.

Trebuchet is a great option since it was designed to appear well on a screen which is how most employers will view your resume. It also provides a modern kick compared to other traditional fonts on our list. 

Verdana is another sans-serif which looks ace on a resume. It was designed in 1996 by Mathew Carter, who worked for Microsoft. Verdana was created to appear well on a small screen as well as screens with low resolution.

Verdana is a good font choice to use on applications. It is a simple typeface that is spaced perfectly, making it super easy for anybody to read.

7. Garamond

Garamond is a collection of old-style serif fonts created by 16th-century French engravers. Although it is a good choice, it may seem a bit stale and outdated to some. If you have a lot of experience, it may be a good choice.

Example:  Garamond is a classic font that is suitable for some types of resumes. If you are applying for a highly traditional role, you may find that this font style gives your application a classic look. 

8. Times New Roman

This is probably the most debated font when it comes to resume writing. Times New Roman is a classic serif typeface that may be a bit too overdone for a resume. Although no hiring manager will dismiss your resume because you used Times New Roman, it may not stand out as well as the other fonts on our list.

Times New Roman may be a bit too “classic” when it comes to making your resume stand out. It is still an acceptable font to use, especially for those who want to go with a traditional look.

Times New Roman is a classic for print that you see in many types of media, including newspapers and books. However, resumes are now often viewed on computers or mobile devices. Sans serif fonts (such as the one we use on this website!) are easier to read on a computer screen. it may help you make your font decision if you know whether or not your resume will be read on paper or on a screen.

8 best fonts to use on a resume (graphic)

Bold and italic font: When to use it 

Now that you know what the best fonts to use are, let’s talk about one crucial point. When should you use bold and italic fonts? You don’t want to go wild when it comes to adding extra character to your text. Here’s a breakdown of when you can use each of them: 

It’s not wise to bold any text within the main body of your resume. That includes your summary and any bullet points you include. However, you may want to use the bold feature when you are adding information, such as your contact details in the header.

Italic font 

Resist the urge to italicize words that you want to emphasize. That can look chaotic. Instead, you can use italic font when you’re including certain details, such as your years of employment or the year you graduated. When and where you use this font will depend almost entirely on the overall style of resume that you choose to use here.

How to choose the font for your resume

Trying to decide which font to use? Let’s go over some factors to keep in mind when choosing a resume font for your next application.

1. Resume readability

Readability is, far and away, the most important thing to consider when choosing a font. It sounds obvious but you’d be surprised how many people completely mess up on this one.

If readability is your only concern, any basic serif or sans serif font will do the trick. It’s also extremely important to avoid those comic-looking childish fonts at all costs.

Some fonts were designed to look better on a screen, while others look better when printed out. Think about who is viewing your resume and how they are likely to view your resume. You should be able to use your own judgment to determine readability.

2. Resume font size

We’ve been so intrigued by font styles that we almost forgot to talk about the size. But it matters more than you might imagine. Too big or too small, and you could ruin your chances of success. Generally, you should use a font size between size 10 and 14.

However, it is very important to realize that some font styles run bigger and some run smaller. For that reason, it’s important to make a judgment on the font size after you’ve already decided on a style. That way, you can make sure that it’s legible.

Your goal is to maximize the ease of reading your resume without making the text look overly bloated. Of course, you’ll have to use your best judgment when deciding if it looks bloated. But, if you stick to fonts smaller than 14 points, you will be fine in nearly every scenario. 

There’s one exception: your name. Your name is often the largest font size on your resume, with good reason – you want it to stand out and stick in your readers’ minds! This part can be about twice as big as the other section headings of your resume .

Another important thing to keep in mind is the font size effect on resume length. Obviously, the size of the font can dramatically change the length of your resume – you should always use this to your advantage.

For example, say your resume is just a line or two over a single page or just a few lines away from filling a full page. Adjusting the font just one-tenth of a point can make the text fill out the rest of a page or prevent it from spilling over into the next one. These slight adjustments can work wonders in making your resume more aesthetically pleasing.

3. Purpose of a resume

Font styles can change the entire feeling of a resume. Remember the message you want to convey with your resume. When you take a quick glance at it, does it convey the purpose you want it to? Does it suit the field to which you’re applying?

Does it look like the resume of an old, seasoned veteran? Or, does it look like it is representing a young professional? A recent college grad?

We don’t mean to suggest your resume font is going to manipulate people into thinking you are something you are not. Just like a piece of art can induce certain feelings, so can a good resume. A great font selection will pop out immediately. It should give hiring managers and recruiters an idea of who you are and what your purpose was for writing the resume they see before them.

Compare these versions of the same resume:

Fonts you should never use on a resume

We hope it goes without saying but absolutely do not use Comic Sans or any similar “fun” font on your resume. It will make you stand out, but not in a good way. It’s so childish that it will convey to the employer that you’re out of touch with the professional world.

Just in case you’re not sure what font-type we’re talking about, here are a few examples:

Wingdings (Wingdings)

Avoid using the above under any circumstances. Not for headings, not for symbols, and definitely not for your name. Keep it professional. Just for comparison’s sake, here is the resume we used above with a Comic Sans font.

As you can see here, the font looks immature and the content doesn’t fit on a single page anymore. The work experience is completely overridden by the unprofessional font choice. This will most likely get your resume tossed out of hand. Say it one last time: You should never use Comic Sans for your resume, cover letter, or any professional communication.

Can you combine fonts on your resume?

The short answer is yes! Most resume templates include a couple of font styles. However, you need to ensure that these fonts work with one another. As a general rule, it is safe to choose one font (perhaps a serif font) for headers and one (maybe a sans-serif font) for the finer details. There are many exceptions to this rule, though. When you are creating the design of your resume, you have to consider how the entire document looks, after all. 

The font you choose for your resume is important. You want to strike the perfect balance of uniqueness, class, and professionalism. Keeping these things in mind when choosing a font can be the difference between a call-back and radio silence.

Remember that the “perfect” resume font is subjective. While you should certainly select a font that doesn’t distract from your message, having a well-written resume is more important. While drafting your resume, keep these factors in mind. You’ll be on your way to the next interview in no time!

Ready to take the next step in your career? To make sure the content and format of your resume are ready for online applications in 2024, check out our free resume review tool . It’s always worth giving yourself the competitive edge. 

Recommended reading: 

3 fonts to never use on a resume

How to choose the right font

Resume font size

Charlotte Grainger, Editor & Content Writer, Charlotte Grainger, Editor & Content Writer

Charlotte Grainger is a freelance writer living and working in Sheffield, UK. She has a passion for career development and loves sharing tips and advice. Follow her on Twitter

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The Best Font Size and Style for Resumes

Resume Font Size Options

• Why Does Font Choice Matter?

The Best Resume Font Type to Use

Be consistent, how to select a font, confirming your font choice, more resume style tips.

Theresa Chiechi / The Balance

When you’re writing your resume , your font choice does matter. It's important to opt for a basic font—choose one that both hiring managers and applicant management systems can easily read. Your resume is no place to use difficult-to-read cursive, handwriting-style, or calligraphy fonts.

Make it easy for hiring managers and potential interviewers to read through your entire resume. Choose a font size that's between 10 and 12.   This will ensure that no one has to squint to read through all the information on this important document.

It's fine to use a larger font size for your name in the heading section of your resume at the top of the page.

Hiring managers and recruiters typically spend seconds glancing at each resume before moving it to the “yes” or “no” pile.   Make your resume difficult to read, and you might wind up losing out on an opportunity that would have been perfect for you.

Keep Your Resume Font Style Simple

There are a few reasons why it's important to keep the font on your resume simple. First of all, many of them are read by applicant tracking systems and not by people. Those systems work best reading plain and simple text rather than that with fancy formatting.

It's not just the machines that benefit from easily readable text—human eyes also find it easier.

Choose a Basic Font Style

Basic bookprint fonts like Arial, Verdana, Calibri, and Times New Roman work well. However, if you are applying to a position in graphic design or advertising (where resume layout and design might be part of your assessment), employers might be open to alternative fonts.

Don't use more than two different font styles (one for the headings and another for the content) or it could be distracting to the reader.

Headings and Margins

You can make section headers a little larger or bold. And don't forget about white space, too. Keep side margins a standard width.

Make your name—which should be placed at the top of your resume—stand out. It can be in a slightly larger font.

Don't overuse capitalization, bold, italics, underlines, or other emphasizing features. Again, basic works best. Do be consistent in your formatting.

For example, if you bold one section heading, bold them all. Make sure all your bullet points are indented the same amount, and that alignment and spacing throughout is consistent.

Select a font from the dropdown list at the top of your document before you start writing your resume.

• Type your resume.
• Highlight the resume.
• Either select the font from the pop-up window or select the font from the list at the top of the document.
• Select the font size you want to use the same way.

Hiring managers may read your resume on screen, but it's also quite likely that they'll print out a copy of your resume. So after you have selected a font and font size, it is always wise to print out a copy of your resume.

Take a look at your printed resume to see if it's easy to scan through. If you have to squint to read, or find the font appears cramped, choose a different one or select a larger size.

Bottom line: You want anyone who sees your resume to be able to easily read it.

If you can read the document yourself, and you're not using a novelty font (e.g., comic sans, a handwriting font, etc.), you've probably made a good choice.

• Be consistent. Your resume, cover letter, and other application materials should look like they’re part of the same package. Choose the same font throughout, and make consistent choices about font size, margin width, and formatting.
• Don’t get fancy. With a few exceptions (such as graphic design or advertising jobs, as mentioned above) it’s best to keep your resume simple. Creative resumes may put off the hiring manager … or get stuck in the applicant tracking system and never reach a HR person.

Remember: the goal is to impress the reader with your skills and experience, not your resume style choices.

• Aiming for one page? Don’t tweak your font size to meet your goal. Writing a resume isn’t like writing an essay in school. You can’t squeak in under the wire by making your font larger or smaller. Plus, resume length is less important than resume content. You can always develop a one-page version to hand out at networking events and job fairs, and keep the longer version for other job searching purposes. 

CareerOneStop. " Resume Format ." Accessed July 20, 2021.

Ladders. " You Have 7.4 Seconds to Make an Impression: How Recruiters See Your Resume ." Accessed July 20, 2021.

CareerOneStop. " Design for Easy Reading ." Accessed July 21, 2021.

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9 Best Resume Fonts in 2024 [+ Size, Color, Fonts to Avoid]

Fonts like Calibri, Cambria, and Georgia are great fonts to use on your resume. Fonts like Times New Roman and Arial should not be used on your resume.

Some of the best resume tips include tips on the best resume font to use.

The font you use on your resume affects the look of your entire resume.

And since the average recruiter only spends 6 seconds reviewing a resume, it’s never been more important to choose your resume font strategically.

You’ll need to use a font that is ATS friendly and easy to read.

Not only is the font type important, but the size and color of the font are equally important.

In this article, we will share the best resume fonts, the worst resume fonts, the best font sizes, and the best font colors for 2022.

Mike Podesto (Founder & CEO – Find My Profession):

Not every resume font is created equal. When it comes to your resume font… stick to the basics! This is NOT the place to show off your “ creativity”.

What Are the Best Fonts for Your Resume?

According to Quora, there are roughly 300,000 fonts in the world that fall into 60,000 font families.

Narrowing down the 9 best fonts for a resume was not an easy task.

Our team of resume experts collectively has more than 20 years of resume writing experience allowing us to present to you the tried and proven resume fonts for 2022.

Here are some of the best fonts for your resume:

• Trebuchet MS
• Book Antiqua

Why aren’t Times New Roman and Arial on this list?

It’s a common misconception that Times New Roman and Arial are great resume fonts. While they are some of the most popular fonts in general, they are not the best for your resume.

Times New Roman is a compact font and can be difficult to read. Arial is overused and won’t capture anyone’s attention!

What about serif vs. sans serif?

There are four major types of fonts: serif, sans serif, script, and decorative.

For purposes of a resume, both serif (small lines off the sides of letters) and sans serif (no lines) can be used. These fonts are the most professional and easiest to read.

Sans serif fonts are considered modern and simple. Serif fonts are elegant and professional.

Examples of the Best Resume Fonts

We have taken all 9 of the best resume fonts mentioned above and provided samples of what these fonts look like on a resume.

Each sample follows a precise uniformity which allows you to see the font in its standard form, bold, and bold + italic. Use the resume font key directly below for reference.

Resume Font Key

3. Garamond

4. Helvetica

8. Book Antiqua

9. Trebuchet MS

What Are the Worst Fonts for a Resume?

Maybe you have a font in mind that you like that didn’t make our list of best resume fonts above.

That’s ok. While we believe our top nine fonts above are the best, there are other fonts that will still get the job done. But avoid the fonts below.

Here are some of the worst fonts for a resume:

• Times New Roman  (overused, hard to read)
• Courier (typeface, outdated)
• Comic Sans (playful, unprofessional)
• Papyrus (playful, unprofessional)
• Impact (too bold, hard to read)
• Futura (bubbly, unprofessional)
• Lucida Console (hard to read, unprofessional)
• Arial (overused, boring)

Despite the opinions of many bloggers (who are not professional resume writers), common fonts like Times New Roman and Arial are not great when it comes to your resume.

As a general rule of thumb, you want to avoid script and decorative fonts that are italic, bold, cursive, or overly playful (see samples below).

Avoid Italic Font

Avoid Bold Font

Avoid Cursive Font

Avoid Playful Font

What’s the Best Resume Font Size?

Adjusting your resume font size can be crucial to making a neat, compact, and fully optimized resume.

• The ideal resume font size is between 10 and 12 pt.

You might notice that some fonts take up more space than other fonts, even if they are the same font size. This is one of the reasons that resume font size is not a one-size-fits-all approach.

If you choose to go with a font like Helvetica, Georgia, Tahoma, Verdana, or Trebuchet MS, you may want to reduce your font size since these fonts are naturally larger.

If you choose to go with a font like Calibri, Cambria, Garamond, or Book Antiqua, you may consider using a larger font size since these fonts are naturally smaller.

In any case, do what you can to play around with font sizing on your resume so that everything fits concisely on either one or two pages.

If your resume does not fill up at least ½ of the second page, your goal should be to fit it all on one page.

Font size does not have to be consistent throughout the entire resume.

It is perfectly acceptable for your resume to use, for example, size 11 font for the main body and size 10 font for less important sections such as your address, email, phone number, etc.

If you are going to use various font sizes, make sure the most important resume sections (work experience, education, etc.) use the larger font size.

The headings on your resume are a great place to use a larger size font as well.

Should You Use Color On Your Resume?

The short answer is….yes!

While you don’t have to use color on your resume, it’s something that we definitely recommend to add interest and highlight sections.

Should I use color for my entry-level resume?

Should I use color for my executive-level resume?

Should I use color for my federal/government resume?

No. The one exception would be for federal or government jobs. For these types of positions, you can throw just about all the best resume font standards out the window.

Besides fed/gov jobs, regardless of the type of job you are going for, industry, or your seniority, color on a resume is generally preferred.

Of course, there is a difference between a CFO resume and a graphic designer resume. Match the boldness of the color you use with your position and industry.

Consider coordinating the colors of your resume with the company’s preferred color palette.

Resume font colors should remain consistent throughout your resume and we recommend never using more than two unique colors (i.e. red and blue).

Below are some good and bad colors to use on your resume:

Where to Add Color to Your Resume

If you are thinking about adding color to your resume, it’s important to have some consistency with the places you are adding color.

The purpose of adding color to your resume is to help key sections stand out.

Job titles, company names, headers, and subheaders are the most common places that people add color to their resume.

You might also consider adding color to the bullet points on your resume to match the overall theme (see sample below).

Take a look at Find My Profession’s resume samples for more ideas on adding color to your resume.

What About the Cover Letter Font?

Your cover letter design should match your resume design.

It’s best for your cover letter to use the same color schemes, font sizes, and font types as your resume.

This creates a uniformity that hiring managers appreciate and also makes it easier to know that your resume and cover letter belong together.

Use any of the recommended font sizes, colors, and types mentioned above and your cover letter will be a cut above the rest.

Key Takeaways

When it comes to resume font, size, and color, there is no one size fits all. You can use a variety of resume fonts and still have an amazing resume.

Here’s what you should remember:

• Acceptable resume fonts include Calibri, Cambria, Garamond, Helvetica, Georgia, Tahoma, Verdana, Trebuchet MS, and Book Antiqua.
• Bad resume fonts include Times New Roman, Courier, Comic Sans, Papyrus, Impact, Futura, Lucida Console, and Arial.
• Add professional colors to your resume to help key sections stand out.

If you don’t want to worry about any of this, you can use a professional resume writer. They know the ins and outs of resume formatting and can take care of it for you! Check out Find My Profession’s resume writing services  for more information.

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Resume Font And Size: How To Choose The Best

Often, searching for a job in a reputable establishment requires you to present a resume that summarizes the characteristics that make you a worthwhile hire.

Due to this document’s importance, it’s crucial to ensure each element fits correctly, once one such factor is the text font.

With a plethora of font styles and sizes to choose, selecting the correct option highlights your professionalism and creativity while remaining as readable as possible. On the other hand, picking an inappropriate font can land your resume in the trash before it’s been read.

For this reason, this ResumeGiants article will shed more light on resume font size and style , and how to choose the best option that produces positive results. Let’s begin!

Here you will find:

What Font Should a Resume Be?

You only have one chance to make a first impression , and learning how to write a good resume with the correct fonts help to achieve this goal. It does this, inviting the hiring manager to consume the document and learn about your skills and experience. 

With over 50 options to select, here’s 3 of the most standard yet professional recommended fonts for any resume:

• Arial 
• Cambria 

Below is a brief explanation of each font style and why we recommend using them in your professional resume:

Arial is currently the corporate world’s most used font for official documents , as it’s regarded as the safest. This reputation comes from the fact that it is clean, professional and easy to read, unlike other unnecessarily complicated options.

Arial is a recommended pick since it helps to hire managers breeze through the letters of your resume instinctively.

Currently serving as the default font on Microsoft Word after the Times New Roman, Calibri is an excellent option for writing resumes since it’s equally safe and readable.

While it’s not as popular as Arial, it remains a common choice due to its smoothness and fluidity when rendered on the computer screen. 

Cambria is another common Microsoft font , like Calibri. It was created in 2004 to look good on-screen and when printed at small sizes.

While they aren’t standard fonts in the corporate world, using them doesn’t damage your chances of getting employed as they cause no hassle when reading.

Currently, over 50 fonts exist to use in your resume; however, your decision should be based on how easy it is to read. Using complex font styles that require high mental efforts to decipher will discourage the hiring manager from reading your document. 

Note: consider using our free professional resume builder , as it has all the tools you need to create the perfect resume with the right font. 

Minimum Font Size for a Resume

As mentioned earlier, font size matters as much as style , since this factor largely determines the layout of your professional resume.

What font size should a resume be? We recommend using a font size between 10 and 12 points : it’s the common option corporations and professional writers use for their documents. 

Another reason why 10 and 12 font points are the optimal range for a resume is that it helps to keep your document within one to two pages. We recommend beginning with size 10 and increasing it to 11 or 12 if you have too much space. 

It’s worth noting that decreasing the font size below 10 points to keep your resume within one page is not recommended since small letters will be difficult on the eyes , making it stressful to read. 

If you find your resume exceeding one page but not occupying substantial parts of the second page, consider revising the content and trimming it to one page. Retain only the important parts that emphasize your experience, skills, and qualifications.

Deciding on the Best Resume Font and Size

Choosing a font can be tricky, especially when presented with thousands of options that reflect your creative, straightforward, or hybrid personality . However, your focus is picking the best option that encourages the recruiter to read your resume, rather than pushing them to discard your document. 

Another factor outside the employer’s comprehension abilities is the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) that recruiters use to record and sort jobs.

These programs don’t always read and interpret flexible and dynamic fonts as well as humans; therefore, these complicated writings will appear as blank boxes or illegible characters, thereby ruining your opportunity. 

Ultimately, we recommend using the typical Arial or Calibri font style as they are the safest and easiest to read. However, you can opt for a more creative and sophisticated font if you’re in an artistic field like advertising and graphic design. 

In such fields, creative resumes are seen as an extension of the individual’s personality and a representation of their work, making them permissible. Nevertheless, always prioritize readability as that factor is responsible for your future employment. 

Use our free resume builder

Shed more light on resume font size and style and to choose the best option with our resume templates. It’s free!

Types of Resume Fonts to Avoid

When choosing fonts, there is a method to avoid the options that produce poor or adverse results for your resume. Here’s what to avoid:

Non-Standard, Custom Fonts:

Avoid fonts in word professors that need to be downloaded to be used as these options aren’t standard to operating systems and may also be converted inaccurately by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). 

Heavily stylized fonts:

Heavily stylized fonts shouldn’t be part of your resume, since Applicant Tracking System (ATS) can’t read them. Besides the programs, even humans encounter great difficulty with this type of font. 

Gimmick Fonts:

Gimmick fonts like Papyrus, Comic Sans, and wingdings should not appear in your resume as they are strictly unprofessional.

Your resume is a corporate document, and it must reflect the attitude of a business person, which gimmick fonts do not portray. 

Narrow or Condensed Fonts or Versions of Fonts: 

Narrow or condensed fonts render poorly on most screens, making it tricky for the human eye to understand the content. This factor completely discourages recruiters from continuing with your resume.

Keep in mind that once you’ve selected a font, ensure to be consistent throughout your resume, cover letter, and other application materials.

This action synchronizes each document, making them appear as part of a single package. 

What About Bold and Italics?

While we recommend being straightforward in your resume and avoiding overwhelming the document with creativity.

The same applies with bold and italics; however, these two elements can be used in the document to draw attention to specific areas of the resume. 

Italics are useful for supporting text, like city, state, and university, bringing them to light without enlarging the text. However, note that underlining words or phrases in a resume or cover letter is unnecessary, as they add too much formatting and make the document cluttered.

Visit resume giant for a perfect resume example with the correct fonts and format. 

Resume Fonts: Conclusion

With the information above, finding the best font style and size for your resume won’t be a hassle.

However, remember to review your resume for errors because the employer may print out your document to show stakeholders or bring it to your interview.

Consider printing a test copy for certainty that the font is readable, consistent, and not distracting.