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

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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.

bad font for resume

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:

how to write a resume

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

contact information on resume

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?

resume objective summary

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

work experience for resume

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.

skills sections on resume

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

optional section for resume

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!

resume builder

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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Finally! The Answers to All Your Questions About Resume Fonts and Sizes

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Writing a resume involves a lot of decision-making. There are the major choices like what information to include, how to include it , and what resume format is best for you. But sometimes the minor details can trip you up too. What font and font size to use on your resume are decisions that feel like way bigger a deal than they probably should—as anyone who’s ever spent 45 minutes agonizing between Arial and Helvetica can attest. The good news is, the choice is relatively straightforward.

The goal of your font and font size choices is to present your resume information in a way that is both readable and aesthetically pleasing. Here’s what to consider, plus the best fonts and font sizes for your resume according to The Muse’s expert career coaches.

Why Does Your Resume Font Matter?

There are two reasons your resume font matters, according to Muse career coach Heather Yurovsky , founder of Shatter & Shine . “The first is your human resume reader,” she says. “The aesthetics of a resume are important because it gets your reader to focus on the actual content and your experience rather than being hung up on poor font choice.” So you want a font that is very readable and isn’t distracting.

The second reason your font choice matters? The applicant tracking system (ATS). ATSs are programs that help recruiters and hiring managers organize and search resumes, but they “read” some fonts better than others. “The goal is to have your resume pass seamlessly through an ATS so, like the human resume reader, it can focus on the content of the document,” Yurovsky says.

What Are the Best Resume Fonts?

What kinds of fonts fit both these considerations? Put simply, the classics: the fonts that come standard across a range of programs and aren’t overly flashy or designed. These fonts became standard because they’re easy on human eyes, and since they’re standard, ATSs are programmed to read them.

Here are the best fonts according to our experts:

  • Times New Roman

Arial is the font most commonly recommended by our experts. Times New Roman was the go-to font for so long that some of our experts now say it appears dated, but it’s still a safe choice in terms of readability.

How Do You Pick a Resume Font?

So how do you know which of these more traditional, easy-to-read fonts you should pick? That depends on your personal preference and what you think sends the right message for your resume. “The saying, ‘Dress for the job you want’ applies to font choice too!” Yurovsky says.

You might want to consider whether a serif or sans serif font is best for you. If you want to make your resume look more modern (if, for example, you work in tech) you might choose a sans serif font like Arial or Calibri, and avoid serif fonts like Times New Roman and Georgia, says Muse career coach Debra Boggs . But if you work in higher education or the medical field, a serif font like Georgia would be appropriate.

To figure out which type of font you’re looking at, check the capital Ts—if the top has short lines hanging down on either side, those lines are serifs. But if the top of the T is a single line straight across, you have a sans serif font.

Once you’ve decided between serif and sans serif, choosing a font comes down to which one looks best to you!

What Kinds of Fonts Should You Stay Away From?

Now that you have a sense of the classic fonts and basic considerations, you should also know there are a few things you should avoid:

  • Heavily stylized fonts: “Although pretty and design-oriented, stay away from heavily stylized fonts like modern cursive fonts,” since ATSs can’t read them, Yurovsky says, and humans might have trouble, too.
  • Narrow, condensed, or light fonts or versions of fonts: These fonts can be harder on human eyes, especially when you’re reading on a screen.
  • Non-standard, downloaded, or custom fonts : Fonts that aren’t standard to most operating systems may be converted inaccurately by an ATS, says Muse career coach Tina Wascovich .
  • Gimmick fonts: Your resume is a professional document, so your font choice should also be professional. Stay away from fonts like Comic Sans, Papyrus, and, of course, Wingdings.

How Do You Keep It Interesting?

These suggestions and guidelines might sound boring, but don’t worry, “You can still have an aesthetically pleasing resume by using the good old fonts we’ve seen over and over again,” Yurovsky says.

For example, you can use bold and italics for job titles or company names to add to the visual appeal, Muse career coach Jillian Lucas points out. You can also use color and underlines, in moderation—too many colors will look unprofessional and underlining should be reserved for headings since people (and ATSs) tend to read underlined text as hyperlinks.

You can also choose to use multiple fonts on your resume, but make sure to keep it simple. Pick one font for your name and section headings and another, complementary font for the rest of your content, Yurovsky says. More than two fonts will start to distract the reader.

How Do You Choose a Font Size?

When choosing font sizes, you want to find a balance: “Too large a size and your resume is likely to be more than one page without necessarily having the years of experience to back up that resume length,” Yurovsky says. But if you go too small, Lucas says, “the recruiter will be squinting to read your resume. This is the last thing you want and will likely land you in the no pile.”

Your font size doesn’t need to be uniform across your resume. You can change it up to help make your important information—like section headings—stand out. Just be sure to use the same font size for each type of information across your resume and make sure the relative sizes are logical. For example, if you’re using Calibri, Boggs recommends 10.5 point font for bullets and 12 or 14 for company names, dates, and past job titles.

“I always say to build your resume with the sizes you want and see where you land.” Yurovsky says. If you’re spilling onto the second page, consider decreasing one or more of the font sizes while still keeping it readable. But be careful, Muse career coach Leto Papadopoulos says: “I see a lot of people trying to cram in their info with a small font size.” You’re better off looking for other ways to get your resume down to one page .

On the other hand, if you have a lot of white space at the end , you might consider making your fonts a bit bigger. But don’t go overboard and set your bullets to size 16 just to take up more of the page. Recruiters will see right through that.

What Are the Best Resume Font Sizes?

Which exact font sizes are best for your resume will vary based on the font you’ve picked and your situation. So choose your font first and use your own judgement to determine which font sizes are most appropriate.

Here are some general guidelines from our experts to get you started:

  • Your Name: 20-24 point
  • Headings and Subheadings: 11-14 point
  • Body Text and Your Contact Info: 10-12 point

Ultimately, the most important component of your resume is the content. Your font and font size choices should be about making sure your content is clear so you can convince the reader you're right for the job.

resume font size 2022 reddit

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Best Resume Fonts

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.

Mike Podesto

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.

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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

Resume Font Key

3. Garamond

Resume Font - Garamond

4. Helvetica

Resume Font - Helvetica

8. Book Antiqua

Resume Font - Book Antiqua

9. Trebuchet MS

Resume Font - Trebuchet

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

Italic Font

Avoid Bold Font

Bold Font

Avoid Cursive Font

Cursive Font

Avoid Playful Font

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:

Good and Bad Colors For 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).

Sample Resume with Color

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 size 2022 reddit

10 Best Fonts for a Resume: Choosing the Right Style and Size

Uncover the best fonts for a resume as we reveal the ideal styles and sizes to make your content stand out as professional and ATS-friendly.

resume font size 2022 reddit

Imagine walking into an interview in an outfit that doesn’t fit the setting — no matter how qualified you are, that choice will overshadow your experience. The same goes for your resume’s font. It’s the first thing recruiters notice and sets the tone for how they’ll perceive you.

When choosing the best font for your resume, aim for a professional look that’s easy to scan. Fonts like Arial or Calibri are great for fitting more content without sacrificing readability, while Verdana works well if you need to fill some white space. Your font should also match the industry — formal fields may lean toward classics like Georgia or Garamond, while modern industries can prefer Calibri or Helvetica. 

And don’t forget about Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). To get your resume past these digital gatekeepers, stick with simple, ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri, Helvetica, Georgia, or Arial. The right font balances professionalism, readability, and the message you want to send as a candidate.

So, how do you choose the right font? This article will tell you: 

  • The best resume fonts and the ones to avoid. 
  • How to pick the ideal font size for a resume. 
  • Tips on choosing font styles to compliment your resume content. 

Get your resume done immediately with Rezi AI Resume Builder. It will draft the perfect bullet points, a powerful resume summary, and suggest skills tailored to the job you’re after. And the design and layout? It will always stay perfect. Just pick one of the 15+ resume templates and see your resume write itself.

Create a perfect resume in 5 minutes

10 Best Fonts for a Resume

There’s no denying that your skills and experiences matter most in your resume — but it’s not the first thing the recruiter or ATS scanners notice. Your font choice offers an initial glimpse into your professional personality before anyone reads a word.

Opting for a clean, sans-serif font suggests that you’re modern and forward-thinking, while a classic serif font can hint that you’re more traditional. Both are great options, depending on the job and industry. 

I’ve rounded up the best resume fonts and what they say about you. You’ll also find insights into which fonts are best for specific industries and how they align with a company’s culture.

If you’re just here for the bottom line, here it is.

These are the best fonts for a resume in 2024:

  • Avenir Next
  • Merriweather

1. Calibri 

Calibri Font

Calibri is a modern sans-serif font that’s become the go-to for resumes. Microsoft created Calibri to replace the outdated Times New Roman, designed specifically to be clear and readable on screens and in print. Calibri’s clean lines and simple design make it a visually appealing option that keeps your resume looking professional, minus any unnecessary frills.

  • Calibri’s clean design and spacing make your resume easy to scan.
  • Its contemporary look gives your resume a polished, up-to-date feel.
  • As a default font in most word-processing programs, it ensures consistency across different platforms.
  • Calibri is pretty generic and lacks that personal touch — a potential downside in creative fields.

Best for: Ideal for a professional, clean look for most industries like business, administration, and tech. Calibri gives your resume a modern look without distracting from your content.

2. Helvetica

Helvetica Font

Helvetica is a classic font associated with professionalism and clarity (and “inspirational” quotes written over stock images that were popular in the early 2010s). It gives off a familiar vibe, having appeared on popular platforms like The New York Times and Wes Anderson’s movies. Its clean appearance makes it a smart choice for resumes, conveying a sense of openness and reliability.

  • Helvetica’s simple design ensures that your resume is easy to read at a glance.
  • Its classic look helps your resume look professional and polished. 
  • Available in multiple weights, making it easier to differentiate between sections and headings.
  • Due to its minimalist design, Helvetica might highlight a resume lacking in content. 

Best for: Helvetica is great for any industry where a polished, no-nonsense look is key. It’s ideal if you want a clean and familiar appearance, emphasizing clarity and structure.

3. Georgia 

Georgia font

Georgia is a classic serif font — a solid alternative to Times New Roman if you’re after a timeless appeal. It’s rather traditional but not obscure, making it a solid choice for resumes that need to convey professionalism with a touch of warmth. LinkedIn even uses Georgia as its default font, which speaks to its credibility and widespread familiarity. 

  • Georgia’s serif design gives your resume a confident and polished look.
  • Its design is easy to read even in smaller font sizes, perfect for single-page resumes.
  • Works well across various industries, blending traditional and modern aesthetics.
  • Its conservative appearance might not resonate with more artistic or non-traditional industries.
  • As a serif font, Georgia may be less legible in small sizes on digital screens.

Best for: Georgia is best suited for roles where a professional and formal appearance is key. It’s a great choice to show authority and sophistication while maintaining readability.

4. Garamond 

garamond font

Garamond is a timeless serif font that’s been around since the 16th century. Originally designed by Claude (you guessed it) Garamond, this font has stood the test of time with its elegant appearance. It aligns well with formal resumes because it offers a classic look that feels more refined than the overused Times New Roman.

  • Garamond’s classic style gives your resume a distinguished, sophisticated appearance.
  • The slightly slanted, graceful letters enhance readability while adding a subtle touch of flair.
  • Its sharp edges and unique strokes help it stand out, especially in headlines or titles.
  • While elegant, its classic look isn’t the best match for more modern or creative industries.
  • This old-fashioned style has a theatrical quality, which could be a turnoff for more serious industries. 

Best for: Garamond can stand out in fields, such as publishing, academia, or any role with a sense of tradition and sophistication. 

Verdana Font

Verdana is a sans-serif font specifically designed for on-screen readability, making it a solid choice for digital and print resumes. The even proportions and wide letter spacing make it easy to read and will help your resume feel less dense. Verdana’s modern style will give your resume a strong, confident impression.

  • Verdana is highly readable digitally and in print, ensuring your resume is accessible in any format.
  • Verdana’s clean lines convey confidence and authority without feeling overly formal.
  • Available in multiple weights, Verdana allows for attractive and subtle formatting, like bold or italicized sections.
  • The slightly wider characters can make it harder to squeeze in more content on a single page.
  • Verdana’s wide-spaced design might appear less professional for formal job applications. 

Best for: Verdana is ideal for tech, business, or administrative roles, where clear fonts help smooth over any complex jargon. 

6. Avenir Next

Avenir Next

Avenir Next is a modern sans-serif font designed to help boost screen readability, making it a smart choice for a digital resume. Unlike its Avenir counterpart, Avenir Next has a more generous spacing, giving it an updated look that feels professional and approachable.

  • Avenir Next’s sleek design gives your resume a polished, up-to-date feel.
  • Designed for digital display, it’s easy to read on both screens and in print.
  • Avenir Next has multiple weights, so you can easily differentiate between various resume sections.
  • The “book” and “light” weights, as well as condensed versions, can be harder to read, especially in smaller sizes.
  • Avenir Next’s contemporary look might not be the best fit for more traditional industries, 

Best for: Avenir Next is perfect for creatives, tech professionals, and those in design-oriented fields who want a sleek and highly readable resume that stands out while remaining professional.

Arial font

Arial is another classic resume choice because of its versatility and wide availability. We’ve all dabbled in this font, so it’s a solid option if you want to play it safe. Arial can make your resume easily readable and familiar, whether viewed on paper or on a screen.

  • Arial is easy to read, making it ideal for resumes that will pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
  • Works well in various sizes and styles, perfect for different sections of your resume, from headings to body text.
  • Its simplicity ensures that your content stands out without being overshadowed by the font.
  • Arial’s overuse can make it feel unoriginal or non-innovative.
  • Its neutral appearance might not be the best fit if you want your resume to have a distinctive or creative flair.

Best for: Arial is ideal for job seekers who prioritize clarity and functionality. It’s a safe choice if you’re looking for a font that doesn’t distract from your content.

Lato Font

Lato is a relatively new sans-serif font originally designed for corporate use, making it a good choice for all professional resumes. Its fresh, streamlined look offers a subtle and engaging style that feels formal yet friendly.

  • Lato’s blend of professionalism and warmth makes your resume approachable and authoritative.
  • With various weights, from light to bold, Lato allows you to create clear distinctions between different sections of your resume.
  • Its sleek lines and contemporary feel give your resume an updated, polished appearance.
  • While unique, its relative lack of ubiquity might make it less familiar to some recruiters.
  • In very formal industries, Lato’s friendly vibe might not be the best fit.

Best for: Lato is ideal for professionals seeking a balance of professionalism and personality. You can use this font to create a fresh look without sacrificing a serious tone.

9. Merriweather

Merriweather font

Merriweather is an open-source serif font designed to be highly readable on screens, making it an excellent choice for online resumes. This font blends a traditional feel with modern design elements, creating a professional look that’s easy on the eyes.

  • Designed for digital content, Merriweather ensures your resume is clear and legible even at smaller sizes.
  • Its semi-condensed style lets you fit more information on the page without sacrificing readability.
  • Merriweather’s traditional serif feel is balanced with contemporary shapes, making it suitable for many industries.
  • Merriweather might not stand out as much in creative or visually focused industries.
  • The serif design isn’t ideal for fields that favor a more modern, minimalist look.

Best for: Merriweather is perfect for professionals who value a blend of tradition with modernity. It’s particularly suited for online applications for clarity on digital screens. 

Didot font

Didot is a neoclassical serif font known for its elegant and upscale design, making it an interesting choice for resumes that need a touch of sophistication. While it’s highly artistic and rooted in Parisian history, Didot remains readable enough for professional use, particularly in creative fields.

  • Didot can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your resume. 
  • It’s less common than other fonts, so your resume will appear more distinctive. 
  • Didot’s artistic roots make it ideal for creative and design-oriented industries.
  • Didot can be harder to read in smaller sizes. 
  • The font is less suitable for more traditional or corporate roles.

Best for: Didot works best for creative professionals in industries like fashion, photography, or design, looking to convey style and elegance.

What Are the Worst Fonts for Your Resume?

Do you want to grab the recruiter’s attention? A flashy, outlandish font will make you stand out — but not in the way you want. The key is subtlety. You can showcase your traditional or modern style without letting it overshadow your content.

Here are some fonts that you should steer clear of to keep your resume professional. 

Times New Roman

Surprised to see the classic Times New Roman here? It’s a font most of us know well, but it’s time to let go of this old-school favorite. Unfortunately, age discrimination is a thing, and using this outdated font could reveal that you’re behind the times. Plus, the small lines (serifs) at the ends of each letter can make it harder to read. Overall, it just lacks that fresh feel of other more modern fonts. 

I probably don’t even need to say this, but Comic Sans should stay far away from your resume. It’s fun for things like a kid’s birthday invite but for a professional setting? Absolutely not. Its casual, playful feel is the last thing you want when trying to show you’re serious about a job. Stick to fonts that show off your skills, not ones that make recruiters wonder if you’re joking.

Brush Script

Brush Script is another throwback that belongs in the past. Designed in 1942 to mimic brush-written handwriting, it’s way too informal for a resume. It’s also been overused to the point of looking cheap and outdated. Your resume is your chance to show off your professionalism, not to experiment with fonts better suited for a middle school project. 

Looking to make an impact? Ironically, Impact isn’t the way to do it. This bold, sans-serif font is more at home in social media memes or bold headlines than in a resume. Its thick letters make the text hard to read, and using it will only crowd your page. Remember, your font should enhance your content, not overpower it. 

Courier has a vintage charm, mimicking the look of a typewriter, but it’s not practical for your resume. Created in 1955, this monospaced font (where every letter takes up the same amount of space) eats up precious real estate on your page. While it might work for a poetic Instagram quote, it’s not the right choice when you need to present your experience clearly and concisely.

What Is the Best Resume Font Size?

We’ve all been there — staring at endless blocks of text until everything starts to blur, and you’re just skimming. That’s the reality for recruiters spending hours sifting through resumes. 

Want to make their job harder? Use the wrong font size. If they have to squint to read it, you’re not exactly making a great first impression. And if they forgot their reading glasses? Your resume could go straight to the bottom of the pile.

Here’s a quick rundown to get your resume font size just right. 

Your resume font size should be between 10 and 12 points. This range is big enough to read easily, but small enough to fit all your key details on one page .

You want to include everything — your experience, education, and skills. If your text is too small, recruiters will have a hard time finding important details quickly. And going over size 12 could make your resume look crowded or suggest you’re padding it out.

But there are some exceptions. If your font naturally takes up more space, you can go down to 9 points, but avoid going any smaller. If your resume is too hard to read, it’s likely to end up in the “no” pile.

Tip: You can also use other formatting tricks to make your resume more readable. Using bold for your job titles, certifications, degrees, and other highlights can make your resume easier to navigate by directing the recruiter’s attention to the most important parts of each section. 

Section titles

For section titles or headers like your name or different resume sections , bumping the size up to 14–16 points can make these elements stand out without overwhelming the reader. It’s all about finding the right balance — keeping your resume clear and organized without looking cramped or too spread-out.

Learn more about the best ways to present your resume: How to Format a Resume & What Standard Resume Format to Use

Does Your Resume Font Matter?

Yes, your resume font matters — though content will always be king. Your font should complement the main body of your resume, not overshadow it. You need to attract the reader’s attention by making your resume easy to read without overpowering your content with distracting or messy styles. 

The right font can also show a hint of your personality and professionalism. For example, using something like Brush Script for a corporate job makes it look like you’re not taking the application seriously — a surefire way to hurt your chances. On the flip side, a clean, modern font shows you’re detail-oriented, forward-thinking, and professional.

You also have to deal with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which employers use to scan resumes for keywords. These systems struggle with quirky fonts, which might turn your resume into a mess of blank boxes or unreadable text. Stick with a simple, standard font that’s easy for both people and software to read. 

How to Choose the Best Resume Font?

Short answer: To choose the right font for your resume, align it with your industry and role, considering the company’s culture and values. For traditional fields, use classic serif fonts like Garamond. For creative fields, opt for modern fonts like Helvetica. Keep the font size between 10 and 12 points. Maintain consistency in your font styles to keep your resume neat and organized, and use font pairing tools to match fonts effectively.

Of course, your resume skills and experience are what really counts, but if a recruiter has to squint to read your resume, they might not get that far. The wrong font choice can turn them off before they’ve even started.

Take a look at these top tips to guarantee you get off on the right foot. 

Tailor your font to your industry and role

Choosing the right font for your resume is more than just a stylistic choice — it shows your understanding of the field and the position. 

Think about the tone of the industry. For more traditional fields like finance, law, or accounting, stick with classic, serif fonts such as Garamond or Georgia to present yourself as professional and reliable.

With creative fields like graphic design or marketing, you have more leeway. Arial or Calibri are safe bets, but you can also consider fonts with some flair, like Helvetica, Dido, or Lato. Just avoid falling into the style over-substance trap (aka. Comic Sans territory) — your content should always be the main focus.

For tech or startup roles, where you typically find a more laid-back and innovative feel, try fonts like Verdana or Avenir Next. These modern fonts are clean and modern, perfect for showing off your progressive attitude.

Learn how to align the rest of your resume to the job: How to Tailor Your Resume to a Job to Any Job Description

Consider the company culture and values

Not sure how formal your font should be? Dive into the company’s culture and values on its website or LinkedIn page. If you’re applying to a firm known for its traditional and formal environment, opt for traditional fonts like Garamond or Merriweather — they fit right in with a more conservative environment.

If the company has a more innovative culture, such as a startup or a design agency, try modern fonts like Helvetica or Lato for a fresh look that can reflect forward-thinking without being overly flashy. 

Remember: your font should enhance your resume content, not overshadow it. The font should match the company’s style and values to show you blend in well with their team.

Choose the ideal resume font size 

Recruiters often spend less than ten seconds on your resume. If your font is too big, it’ll look like you’re overcompensating and trying to hide gaps (which doesn’t exactly scream honesty). And if your font is too small, it can be challenging for recruiters to read.

The rule of thumb is to use a font size between 10 and 12 points. This range offers readability and lets you fit your content neatly on the page. You want your resume to be easy on the eyes and quick to scan, while still looking professional.

If you need more space or your font is on the larger side, you can get away with adjusting your font to 9 points. The key is to keep your resume clean and approachable, without giving the recruiter a headache.

Use fonts that are easy to read and professional

Being professional doesn’t mean you have to stick with the old standby of Times New Roman (no, seriously, never use it on your resume). Similarly, making your resume easy to read doesn’t mean using Courier New with its extra-wide spacing. The aim is to strike a balance between these extremes.

In the realm of resume fonts, professionalism is about choosing something that doesn’t distract from your skills and experience. Fonts like Georgia, Calibri, or Helvetica are smart choices because they’re simple, familiar, and easy on the eyes. 

These fonts help make your resume look polished and accessible, so recruiters can quickly zero in on the key details. With the right font, your resume will not only look sharp but also effectively communicate your strengths.

Be consistent with your font style 

Consistency is key — an old saying to remember when writing your resume. Nothing screams “amateur” like a mix of loud fonts and styles scattered across the page. Sure, it might catch a recruiter’s eye, but not in a good way.

Mixing different fonts that don’t match can make your resume look cluttered and disjointed. Unless you really know your way around typography, stick with the same font for your headings and a separate one for the main body of text. Use styles that complement each other to keep things clean and easy to follow.

Choose between Serif fonts, which have those little “tails” or flourishes, and Sans Serif fonts, which are cleaner and more modern. Sans Serif fonts like Arial or Calibri are often the go-to for resumes because they’re easy to read.

Use the same size for body text and a slightly larger size for headings, but avoid drastic changes. Make sure your margins and line spacing are uniform as well. This way, your resume will look neat and organized, making it easy for recruiters to spot all the key details.

Try font pairing tools 

You want your resume headings to stand out with different fonts, but how can you complement the rest of your content? Font pairing tools help you combine different fonts that work well together. The key is finding fonts that share similarities but contrast enough to distinguish your headings. 

Pairing fonts that are too similar or completely unrelated can make your resume look messy and disorganized — you want to avoid anything that feels random or out of place. One safe approach is to stick with fonts from the same family, as they’re typically designed to complement each other. You can also match fonts based on size, weight, or spacing.

Tools like Monotype and Fontjoy are great resources for generating font combinations that look good together. They can help you experiment with different pairings to see what best suits the tone and style you want to convey. 

Avoid non-traditional or distracting fonts 

While it’s tempting to use flashy or unconventional fonts to get noticed, they can quickly become distracting and take the focus away from your content. Classic fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica are popular for a reason — they’re easy to read and give a polished look.

Avoid anything too ornate or playful, like Comic Sans or decorative scripts, as they can make your resume appear less serious and harder to read. Definitely don’t use a custom-made font that might not display properly across different devices and word processors. Focus on choosing a font that complements your message without overshadowing it.

That said, you don’t have to stick to a plain black-and-white resume. Adding a touch of background color at the top or around the edges is fine — just make sure you spotlight your content with a white background and a clear font. 

Here’s an overview to help you choose the right font to boost your resume’s impact: 

  • Prioritize readability by making sure your font is easy to read at a glance. You want hiring managers to find the key information in seconds. 
  • Stick with well-established fonts t like Calibri, Arial, or Helvetica to give the best first impression. 
  • Tailor your font choice to the industry and position you want. Creative fields often allow for more personality, while corporate jobs typically call for more traditional options.
  • Aim for a font size between 10 and 12 points for the body text, and use larger sizes between 14 and 16 for headings to make them stand out.
  • Use no more than three font types in your resume to keep it cohesive — one for your name, another for headings, and another for body text. 
  • Steer clear of overly decorative or complex fonts like Comic Sans or Brush Script, as they can distract from your content and make it hard to read.
  • Ensure your font is easy for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to process — avoid intricate styles that these programs might not recognize.
  • After selecting your font, review how it looks on different devices. You want your resume to have high readability, whether on a computer, tablet, or printed out.
  • Trust your instincts. Go with a font that feels right for you — your resume should reflect your personality and professionalism. 

What is the best ATS-friendly font? 

Simplicity is key for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), so classic fonts like Calibri, Arial, and Helvetica are your best bets. These fonts are clean, straightforward, and universally recognized by most ATS software, ensuring your resume is easy to read. While your resume content is crucial, it won’t matter if the ATS can’t decipher it. So, stick to one of these ATS-friendly fonts to boost your chances of making it into the hands of a human recruiter.

Find out more: How to Create an ATS Resume

What are the most professional resume fonts?

For a professional look, stick with classic fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Helvetica, as these fonts are clean and easy to read. Didot and Garamond also work well if you want a touch of elegance. The key is to choose a familiar font that projects professionalism without being too flashy or unconventional.

How big should the font be on a resume?

The ideal font size for your resume is between 10 and 12 points. This range ensures that your text is readable without overwhelming the page. Use 10 to 12 points for body text and 14 to 16 points for headings to create a clear hierarchy and keep your resume organized and accessible.

Is size 10 font too small for a resume?

A size 10 font is acceptable, but it’s on the smaller side. It can work if your font is clean and simple with wider spacing, but be careful. Text that’s too small can strain the reader’s eyes and make your resume harder to scan. Aim for 9 to 11 points if you need to fit more content on the page, but avoid going any smaller. 

What’s the ideal font size for my name on a resume? 

Your name should stand out, so use a font size between 14 and 16 points. This size is large enough to grab attention without being overwhelming. Keeping the name font slightly bigger than the rest makes it easy for hiring managers to see who you are instantly. 

Serif or Sans-Serif font: which is better for my resume?

The choice between serif and sans-serif fonts depends on the impression you want to make. Serif fonts have small lines or “tails” at the ends of letters (like Times New Roman), giving them a classic, formal feel. Sans-serif fonts, like Arial and Calibri, lose the tails, resulting in a cleaner, more modern look.

Sans-serif fonts are typically better for resumes, especially if you’re applying to modern, tech-savvy industries. They’re easier to read on screens and give your resume a sleek, contemporary vibe. However, if you’re aiming for a more traditional or academic field, a serif font could be more appropriate, offering elegance and formality.

You can also combine a serif with a sans-serif font: use one for headings and the other for the main body text.

resume font size 2022 reddit

Lauren Bedford

Lauren Bedford is a seasoned writer with a track record of helping thousands of readers find practical solutions over the past five years. She's tackled a range of topics, always striving to simplify complex jargon. At Rezi, Lauren aims to craft genuine and actionable content that guides readers in creating standout resumes to land their dream jobs.

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The Top 10 Best Fonts For Your Resume

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Agonizing over the best font for your resume? It might seem like a tiny detail, but choosing the best font for your resume can be the difference between a resume that’s skimmed versus one that’s read thoroughly.

This post will provide examples of each font in action as well as their pros and cons. You’ll also find essential formatting tips to ensure your resume is both visually appealing and ATS-friendly .

ATS stands for applicant tracking system . This is the computer software that most companies use today to filter, organize, and file resumes. It’s important to use a font that the ATS can easily read or the information on your resume might get jumbled.

What font is best for a resume in 2024?

Jobscan recently tested some of the leading ATS. We found that using standard or common web fonts is the best option when creating your resume. Some ATS have trouble reading unusual or unique fonts.

The top 10 resume fonts for ATS:

  • Times New Roman

What’s the difference between serif and sans serif?

Fonts fall into two main categories: serif and sans serif.

Serif fonts have small decorative lines or ‘feet’ at the ends of their letters, giving them a classic and traditional feel. These tiny projections can make text easier to read in print.

Sans serif fonts lack these embellishments. Their clean design offers a modern and streamlined appearance, often preferred for on-screen reading.

Whatever font or font size you choose, you should always print a test page or view your resume on different devices to ensure it looks right across various mediums.

To avoid font and formatting mistakes , try using a resume builder. Jobscan’s resume builder is free and comes with a variety of ATS-friendly templates. Just fill in each field and the resume builder will automatically format your information using a professional font.

The top 10 best fonts for your resume

Calibri is a modern sans-serif typeface that became the default font for Microsoft Word in 2007. Its clean design, combined with rounded edges and a warm appearance, makes it highly legible both on screen and in print.

calibri font for resume

Pros : Calibri’s sleek design gives documents a contemporary and professional appearance. It’s easy to read on both digital displays and in print.

Cons : Being the default font for Microsoft Word, Calibri can be perceived as generic or lacking originality.

Here’s what the Calibri font looks like on a resume:

Resume using Calibri font.

Introduced with Microsoft Office in 2007, Cambria was specifically optimized for on-screen reading and to look elegant when printed at small sizes.

cambria font for resume

Pros : Cambria strikes a balance between contemporary and classic. This makes it suitable for a wide range of professional documents, both in print and digital.

Cons : Some might find Cambria too neutral or generic for creative or design-focused projects.

Resume using Cambria font.

Created in 1993 for Microsoft Corporation, Georgia is a serif typeface designed to be read on computer screens. Georgia’s versatility and readability have made it a staple for web content, articles, and professional documents.

georgia font

Pros : Georgia’s clear character design ensures that it remains readable even at smaller sizes, both on screen and in print.

Cons : Given its popularity and widespread use, especially on the web, Georgia might be perceived as a standard or generic choice.

Here’s what the Georgia font looks like on a resume:

Georgia font on resume.

4. Helvetica

Helvetica is so popular that on its 50th anniversary, a documentary film was released chronicling the font’s use in modern design. It has a reputation for representing corporate branding, making it a great choice for corporate candidates. 

helvetica resume font

Pros : As one of the most iconic fonts, Helvetica has a timeless quality that remains modern and relevant, even decades after its creation.

Cons : While Helvetica is a standard font on Macs, Microsoft Windows does not include it. Instead, Microsoft provides Arial, which is similar to Helvetica.

Here’s what the Helvetica font looks like on a resume:

Helvetica font on resume.

Commissioned by Microsoft, Arial was created as an alternative to the popular Helvetica font. Characterized by its clean and modern design, Arial has become one of the most widely used fonts for both print and digital media.

arial font

Pros : As a default font in Microsoft Windows, Arial is widely recognized and compatible across many platforms and devices.

Cons : While Arial was designed as an alternative to Helvetica, some designers believe it lacks the subtle design nuances that give Helvetica its iconic status.

Here’s what the Arial font looks like on a resume:

Ariel font on resume.

6. Times New Roman

Times New Roman is a serif typeface designed in 1931 for The Times of London. It quickly gained popularity beyond newsprint, becoming a standard font for book publishing and academic papers. Some may claim Times New Roman is outdated, but it remains one of the commonly used fonts today.

times new roman font

Pros : Times New Roman allows for a good amount of text to fit on a page without compromising legibility, making it a popular choice for resumes.

Cons : While it’s optimized for print, Times New Roman might not always be the best choice for digital platforms, where sans-serif fonts often prevail for clarity and legibility.

 Here’s what the Times New Roman font looks like on a resume:

Time New Roman font on resume.

7. Garamond

Garamond is a classic serif typeface designed in the 16th century. Its remains a popular choice for book printing, branding, and a wide range of print materials.

garamond resume font

Pros : Garamond is a space efficient font. It uses less horizontal space compared to other fonts.

Cons : While Garamond is optimized for print, it might not always be the best choice for digital platforms where sans-serif fonts are often favored for clarity and legibility.

Here’s what the Garamond font looks like on a resume:

Garamond font on resume.

8. Palatino

Designed in the 1940s, Palatino has a classic and timeless quality that evokes a sense of tradition and sophistication. It works as a great alternative to Times New Roman for those who have grown tired of the more generic font. 

palatino type for resume

Pros : The Palatino font works well in both print and digital media. It’s commonly used in books, magazines, and websites.

Cons : Palatino’s bold version might not have the same visual impact as other typefaces.

Here’s what the Palatino font looks like on a resume:

Palatino font on resume.

Tahoma is a sans-serif typeface designed in 1994. It was specifically created to be legible on computer screens. Tahoma has a technical feel to it and is a great option for engineers.

tahoma resume font

Pros : Tahoma remains clear and readable even when used at small font sizes.

Cons : Tahoma’s frequent use in Microsoft’s products and operating systems can make it feel overused and dated.

Here’s what the Tahoma font looks like on a resume:

Tahoma font on resume.

10. Verdana

Verdana is another Microsoft commissioned sans-serif font. It was developed specifically for improved legibility on digital screens, making it a safe choice for resumes.

fonts for resume verdana

Pros : Verdana’s design versatility allows it to be effective in both on-screen and print contexts.

Cons : Verdana’s relatively generous spacing can sometimes lead to more space-consuming layouts when compared to other typefaces.

Here’s what the Verdana font looks like on a resume:

Verdana font on resume.

Top 8 formatting tips for an ATS-friendly resume

When you submit your resume, it most likely will go directly to an ATS, or applicant tracking system. The ATS then analyzes your information, organizes it, and stores it in a database.

Hiring managers search through the database for suitable job candidates using keywords , such as job titles or skills.

Problems can arise if your resume isn’t formatted correctly. This can cause the ATS to mix up your information and make your resume hard to find.

To avoid this, pay attention to the following formatting tips. You can also use Jobscan’s free resume builder . It will automatically format your resume so it can be easily read by an ATS.

1) Use a hybrid resume format

There are three basic resume formats . Here’s a brief description of each:

  • Chronological – This is the most traditional format, where your work experience is listed in reverse chronological order.
  • Hybrid – This format features skills at the top, followed by a reverse chronological work history.
  • Functional – Instead of focusing on work history, this format emphasizes skills.

We recommend the hybrid resume format because skills sections are increasingly important in today’s job market. The chronological format is also fine to use.

Try to avoid the functional resume format . Hiring managers don’t care for it because they want to see your work history. It might also cause problems for an ATS. 

Whichever format you use, try to add a summary to the top of your resume. This quickly tells hiring managers who you are professionally and what you can bring to the table in a new role.

Read more : How to Write an Effective Resume Summary

2) Avoid non-standard fonts

When selecting a font for an ATS-friendly resume, avoid script, cursive, and decorative fonts. Non-standard fonts like these can be challenging for an ATS to read and may appear unprofessional to a hiring manager.

3) Use proper font sizes

Here’s are some guidelines about the font size to use on your resume:

  • 10 to 11 points – This range is suitable for most resumes. It ensures readability while allowing you to fit a good amount of content on the page.
  • 12 points – This size is clearer and more readable but might make your resume longer if you have a lot of information to include.
  • 14 to 16 points – For headings and your name, you can opt for a slightly larger font size.

Also be sure to use standard resume margins . A standard margin is one inch on all sides.

4) Avoid graphics, logos, and other visual elements

While fancy visual elements can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your resume for human readers, they can sometimes confuse the ATS. ATS are designed to read text, not images .

5) Use bullet points

Bullet points break down complex information into digestible chunks, making it easier for both ATS and human readers to scan and understand your qualifications and achievements .

However, it’s essential to use simple bullet symbols, like circles or dashes. Some ATS might struggle with more intricate symbols. 

PRO TIP : Always use strong action verbs to begin each bullet point on your resume.

6) Be consistent in your date formatting

Make sure that the dates of your employment and education sections are consistently formatted. Here are three examples of how to format your dates:

  • January 2020 – December 2022
  • Jan 2020 – Dec 2022
  • 01/2020 – 12/2022

Whichever format you choose, be consistent throughout your resume. Also, don’t just put the year. Some ATS are designed to look for more specific date formats.

7) Avoid unclear abbreviations and acronyms

ATS are designed to scan resumes for specific keywords. If you use an abbreviation or acronym that the system isn’t programmed to recognize, it might overlook crucial information about your qualifications.

If you do choose to use an abbreviation or acronym, introduce it by first writing out the full term followed by the abbreviation in parentheses. For example, “Certified Public Accountant (CPA).”

8) Tailor each resume to the specific job you’re applying for

One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is only creating one resume that they send out with every application.

Remember, hiring managers search the ATS for suitable job candidates by typing in specific keywords related to the job. These keywords can be found in the job description. 

If your resume doesn’t contain these keywords, it will probably be overlooked. 

It can take more time and effort to tailor each resume , but you’ll get more job interviews. To speed up this process, consider using a tool like Jobscan’s resume scanner .

Just paste your resume and the job description into the scanner and it will give you a score that shows how closely your resume matches the job requirements. You’ll also see exactly which keywords you should include on your resume to increase your score. Here’s a sample of the report you’ll receive:

Required skills for the job as shown by Jobscan's Match Report.

In this example, the scanner is telling you to include the keywords “ms office” and “google suite” on your resume. These are the keywords that the hiring manager is most likely to search for in the ATS database.

Having these keywords on your resume will increase your chances of getting an interview – and the job!

More expert insights on this topic:

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80+ Resume Accomplishments Examples to Show Your Value

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5 Sections You Should Never Leave Off Your Resume

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Action Verbs That Will Strengthen Your Resume

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Robert Henderson, CPRW, is a career advice writer and a resume expert at Jobscan.

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The Best and Worst Fonts for Resumes (and Font Sizes)

resume font size 2022 reddit

Have you ever found yourself wanting your resume to be absolutely perfect to increase your chances at earning an interview with your dream employer?

No doubt you spent hours making sure the substantive content of your resume aligned with the job itself, such as including keywords from the job description , blending soft and hard skills , and making sure your work experience tells the proper career story .

But what about the appearance of your resume? Have you considered that there are certain fonts and sizes you should (and should not) utilize to further increase your success rate? If not, you may want to review the following best and worst fonts and sizes for your resume.

The Top Three Resume Fonts

There was a time when Times New Roman was Microsoft Word’s default font. But if you boot up the application now, you will see that Calibri owns that honor.  Calibri is a modern, refined, and professional font that reads well. It is also a sans-serif font , which renders out more clearly on a screen, thereby increasing legibility.

Cambria is another popular and professional-looking font. Though it is a serif font, it was specifically designed to perform well on-screen and look good when printed out.

3. Garamond

For many, Times New Roman is the default – which is exactly why you should avoid it.  Garamond is a great alternative.  Not only does it provide a classic, polished look, but it also helps fit more text on a page without compromising readability.

The Three Worst Resume Fonts

Right away you should be able to tell why you should avoid this font at all costs. It is bold, which makes for a better personality trait than font. Keep this one off your resume.

2. Lucida Console

As you can tell, this font has a fixed width, which makes it appear boxy and computer-like. Even if your resume will be read on a screen, there are much better alternatives to this one.

3. Times New Roman

In all fairness, there are many fonts worse than Times New Roman. You could scroll through Word’s options and find a host of terrible fonts ill-suited for resumes. But the point here is to emphasize commonly used fonts that you should not be using.  And as previously stated, Times New Roman is overly used and not unique, which will work against your efforts to stand out.

Let’s Talk Font Sizes

Once you have picked the right font, your next thought should be how big or small to make the font size.

The simple and straightforward answer is this: the best resume font sizes are 11 to 12 for normal text and 14-16 for section titles and headers.

You may be tempted to use smaller font sizes so you can fit all of your content onto a single page. Do not do that. Instead, experiment with font types or limiting content before resorting to smaller font sizes.

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  • What Are the Best Fonts for a...

What Are the Best Fonts for a Resume?

13 min read · Updated on March 27, 2024

Marsha Hebert

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

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Which font should you use on a resume?

If you are struggling with this question, you have landed on the right platform.

Here we will guide you in choosing the best fonts for your resume to ensure that you craft your language with a durable visual form.

A resume without a legible font is almost not worthy to the recruiter. So should be of primary concern to improve the readability of the text.

A resume follows the same line as writing a research paper for your school. You put together a cohesive story with no spelling or grammatical errors and a readable resume font size .

Always remember that a hiring manager must go through many resumes in a day.

Hence, it becomes very crucial to present your resume with a professional yet appealing approach. You can do it by selecting the best resume fonts 2022 based on the answers to the following questions:

What's the Best Resume Font & Size?

  • What are the best 14 fonts in a resume in 2022?
  • What fonts to avoid adding to a resume in 2022?
  • What are the differences between Serif vs. Sans Serif fonts?

Should You Use Pairing Fonts in Resume?

It's an open secret that hiring managers take 7.4 seconds to review a resume. And within this limited time, you have to pursue the hiring manager to read your resume.

The font you pick for the resume dramatically impacts how the recruiters will perceive your resume.

Font Size of Resume

Ideally, the font size of a resume must be within 10 - 12 points.

If you are writing the resume header, then the font size can be 14-16 points , but not more than that.

If you can fit your resume content on one page, then you can use sans-serif font at 10 points, but not less than that.

Characteristics of Best Font on Resume

Different fonts can effectively change the perception of a recruiter about a candidate. Here are some of the characteristics of an ideal font for a resume and cover letter.

  • Bold : Boding is helpful if you want to draw the attention of the reader to some specific words or phrases.

For example, if you have a work experience section, you can use the bolding to highlight statistics specifically.

Brainstormed sales strategy while improving conversion rate by 20%

Italics are suitable for supporting text, such as dates and names of honors.

For example:

summa cum laude & magna cum laude

  • Underline: It's advisable not to use any underline in your resume or cover letter.

However, you can underline hyperlinks such as your LinkedIn profile, GitHub link, or email Id.

  • Font Color:

For consistency and professionalism, it's best to use a primary color as the font color, such as black.

However, if you have a duel-tone design in your resume, you can use other complimentary colors in the resume font.

  • Line Spacing:

Make sure to keep the line spacing between 1.0 - 1.5 points. No less than that.

Top 14 Best Resume Fonts

Here are the top 10 best resume fonts in 2022

1. Helvetica

This is a Swiss sans-serif font licensed by Linotype. A lot of professionals rank Helvetica as the most beautiful sans-serif font. Thus, making it the best sans-serif font 2022 as it is sure to divert the recruiter's attention to your resume.

Why use it?

  • This typeface has clean lines and exceptional clarity.
  • It gives a contemporary look to your resume.
  • It has a neo-grotesque typeface.
  • Even prominent corporate logos like (BMW and Microsoft) use it.

Roboto is a less-similar resume font alternative to Helvetica created by Google and available for use openly!

This is a classic serif font choice. It does not compromise on modern digital formatting.

  • It uses thicker strokes.
  • Designed to create more clarity on a computer screen.
  • Looks the same whether you are viewing a Word document or a PDF.
  • The New York Times uses this font, and many big corporations, such as Yahoo, Amazon, and Twitter too!

Georgia's popularity may make it difficult for your resume to stand out.

It has been the default Microsoft Word font since 2007. Calibri even won the Type Directors Club's TDC2 2005 Type System award.

  • Calibri is an excellent choice because of its familiarity.
  • It is easy on the eyes.
  • Reader can swiftly read through it.
  • It has a warm and soft character.
  • Renders correctly when opened.

Calibri's widespread use makes it a ' lazy ' option. But it maximizes relatability, skipping dated serif fonts. It is not as decorated as others.

Google created Carlito as a metrically compatible font match to Calibri. It is open source!

Lato is a sans-serif corporate font! This is a dual-natured font with some unique traits at larger sizes.

  • It was created to look neutral in body copy.
  • It comes in a wide range of weights and styles.
  • It is called a serious but friendly font!
Lato is not a standard Microsoft Word font. It might not load in some systems.

Open Sans is a great alternative for Lato. It is one of the most popular fonts on the web. It is openly available and can be used commercially!

5. Gill Sans

A sans-serif typeface which is London's corporate font!

  • Makes your resume look both classic and modern.
  • It is used widely across the British Railways system, by the BBC, and elsewhere in the UK.

Cambria is one of the most popular resume fonts used in the industry. It's a serif counterpart to the Calibri font.

Why it's used?

  • It looks clean and professional
  • It's available on both Microsoft and Google Docs
  • Source Serif Pro and ITC Charter font can be used as an alternative to Cambria font.

Noto is created to be used in every available language out there. And since it's clean and easily available, it's a great choice for adding to a resume, especially if you want to add a non-Latin alphabet.

8. Garamond

A Garamond font is a mix between traditional serif font and modern designs. On top of that, this font looks elegant and professional and is a great choice to add to a formal resume.

The Verdana font is elegant yet soft font. Microsoft created it to be a counterpart of the Georgia font.

Why is it better?

  • It has a soft feel to it, making the reader feel very comfortable.
  • The size of the font is also very small, which makes it good for resumes with a lot of content

10. Trebuchet MS

The trebuchet MS font is created for Microsoft. It's not an all-purpose font. You can get the most out of this font if you add it to the resume header since these are sharp fonts.

If you are looking for alternatives, you can use Fira Sans and Allerta instead of Trebuchet MS.

11. Book Antiqua

This is one of the traditional fonts you can find out there, which is still in use widely in professional documentation.

  • Book Antiqua font is classy, professional, and easy to read
  • Book Antiqua font is free to use.
  • It's easily available on most platforms

Tahoma font was released from Windows 95, and since then, it has become a favorite for professionals in the last 25 years.

Why it is used?

  • It has a technical vibe, making it best for technical and senior resumes.
  • It's now available for most platforms.
  • It can be used as an alternative to Ariel and Verdana.

Didot is a serif font with a classy and professional look. Because of its upscale look, it's best to use in fashion and photography-related resumes.

It's good for the resume body, but the delicate Didot font shines at the large size. So it's best to use the Didot font in the resume headings.

13. Constantia

Constantia resume font is designed to look good on a computer monitor while remaining applicable on paper.

So if you are applying online and sending your resume via email, you can use the Constantia font to impress the recruiters.

Avenir is a very clean and crisp font that gives a resume a modern look. It has multiple weights that you can use to differentiate between headings and body or highlight some parts of your experience.

Also Read: How to choose a Cover Letter font in 2022?

Serif or Sans-Serif for resume?

Many people confuse between a Serif font and a Sans-Serif font. To keep it simple, Serif and Sans-Serif are twins with the former one with little spikes coming out of his head.

Here we are going to give you a group of best fonts for resume which will help you in selecting the best font for resume to make your resume stand out.

What is a serif font?

Serifs are the little lines at the end of each stroke in a letter. They originated in Roman antiquity and are comparably out-dated from similar sans-serif counterparts.

What is a sans-serif font?

Sans-serif fonts do not have the lines at the end of each stroke. They appear fresh, modern, and good for resumes.

What are the best resume fonts 2022?

Which are the best resume fonts 2022 in serif? Which is the best font for resume in sans serif?

Serif fonts are easier to read. The little brush strokes on each letter help our brain in faster reading.

But, sans-serifs are used as best resume fonts for their contemporary look. They integrate seamlessly with modern resume designs.

Also Read: What are the most common resume mistakes in 2022?

Fonts to Avoid in Your Resume

Some resume fonts must be avoided at all costs. They leave a wrong impression on the employer. You should not risk your job for the sake of a wrong font choice!

Here we discuss top 5 worst fonts for resume 2022:

1. Comic Sans

This font is too comical to be put in a resume. It destroys the seriousness of the resume.

This is the most overused font. Choosing it is a lazy choice. This might mean that you did not put much thought or effort into your resume.

3. Times New Roman

This is the most surprising font on the list. It is simple because it is used so widely! It will not help your resume stand out. It will make it boring and safe .

This is a big and bold font. The font is simply too much for a professional document. It is not easy on the eyes!

This font simply replicates the look of a typewriter . Also, it has a monospaced typeface which looks absurd for the whole page of text.

Now the problem here is which font with the best resume font size 2022 to choose out of a serif or sans serif for resume. To make your resume appear visually stimulating , you can pair two fonts on a resume.

The best font pairs agree with each other. They work together in harmony and do not fight the recruiter for attention.

Pair fonts on your resume using this checklist:

  • Differentiate headings and sections from the main resume content.
  • Increase the text size, use bold, and pair the fonts together.
  • Choose two contrasting typefaces like a standard script with a cursive script, or sans-serif with serif.
  • Use one for the main content , and the other for larger elements, such as the name and section headings .
Use the best serif font 2022 along with the best sans serif font 2022 Example: Georgia and Calibri, Helvetica and Calibri.

Frequently Asked Questions

How small should font size be on resume.

Hiring managers and recruiters typically spend only a few seconds glance at each resume before shortlisting or rejecting it. So choose a font size between 10 and 12 to ensure that he/she does not have to squint to read the information on a resume.

How to Choose a Resume Font?

Choose one of the fonts mentioned above and print out a copy of your resume to ensure that the font style and size you have chosen is apt and making the document look tidy. If it doesn't suit try to change the font style.

Key Takeaways

Selecting a suitable font for your resume is not an easy task. Your selected resume font must be easy to read and look elegant to grab the recruiter's attention.

You can follow these guidelines while selecting your resume fonts and outlining your resume in 2022:

  • Choose Helvetica, Georgia, Calibri, Lato, or Gil Sans fonts for your resume
  • Adjust the resume font size based on the headings and details
  • Avoid using Arial, Times New Roman, Courier, Impact, and Comic Sans fonts in your resume
  • Always choose Bold over Italic to highlight information in your resume

These points will help you use the best resume fonts 2022 appropriately to grab the recruiter's attention.

You can use Hiration's 360-Degree Career Platform with 24/7 chat support and get professional assistance with all your job & career-related requirements.

You can also write to us at [email protected] and we will make sure to reach out to you as soon as possible.

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COMMENTS

  1. What is the best font and font size to use on a resume?

    Size anywhere from 10 - 12... Times New Roman is the most commonly used font which is exactly why you should stay away from it unless you want your résumé to look like everyone else and get lost. If you prefer serif fonts, I use Cambria or Garamond...if you prefer sans serif fonts use Calibri. Reply reply. kanepartners.

  2. The Best Fonts for Resumes in 2024: Examples & Font Sizing

    The following fonts are great to use on a resume: 1. Arial. Arial is a popular sans-serif font that ensures your resume is easy to read. It's one of the most widely available fonts and the default font for Google Docs. Arial is a good choice if you want a clean, no-nonsense look to your resume. 2.

  3. Cover letter and Resume font size should be the same? : r/resumes

    If you can make the 10 a 10.5 that could be better, if you can make the font on your cover letter size 11, that would be great too! And see if you can adjust the spacing. Microsoft Word lets you do 1.0, 1.15, 1.5 etc , but you can customize it yourself. And it might be able to look better. 1.

  4. What is the best font and font size to use on a resume?

    Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, Cambria, Georgia, and Garamond are all great fonts. Arial is great if you need to take up a lot of room on a page. It's a very large font. Conversely, Garamond is a very small font if you need to fit more on your page. The smallest size should be 11-12. Personally, I think dates can be smaller. Thank you.

  5. What are the best resume fonts? A CEO who has read thousands of resumes

    1. Arial. This sans-serif font is often used for branding and website or mobile design, which makes it a great option if you're in the creative field or are applying to a marketing job. 2 ...

  6. What's the Best Resume Font, Size, and Format [For 2024]

    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.

  7. Best Font for a Resume: How To Choose Type and Size

    2. Select the right font size. The optimal font size for a resume is between 10 and 12 points. The size you choose may be largely determined by how the font size impacts your resume layout. A one-page resume is appropriate for new graduates or employees new to a field.

  8. The Best Resume Font and Size (No More Agonizing!)

    Your font size doesn't need to be uniform across your resume. You can change it up to help make your important information—like section headings—stand out. Just be sure to use the same font size for each type of information across your resume and make sure the relative sizes are logical. For example, if you're using Calibri, Boggs ...

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

    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! ... Adjusting your resume font size can be crucial to making ...

  10. What fonts do you use on your resume? : r/typography

    EB Garamond Extra Bold/Bold for headers and EB Garamond Regular for body. A combination of IBM Plex Serif and Plex Sans. Mainly just because I really like Plex. I used to do the tried-and-true combo of Montserrat and Open Sans but I bought a font called Biennale that I'm using for my headings now instead.

  11. 15 Best Resume Fonts to Choose From (A Complete Guide)

    The Best Resume Font Size The highest font size for a resume should be no more than 12 pt. On the other hand, the lowest font size should be 10 pt. If you need to push it down to 9 pt to make everything fit into a single page, so be it. And if you still want to make more room for space, try adjusting the margins.

  12. Best Fonts for a Resume in 2024: Resume Font Tips

    1. Pick a Legible Resume Font Size. Font size impacts not only text legibility but also the emotional response that written words induce. That's why resume font size really matters. Opt for the standard font size for resumes—12 points, as a classic and easily readable font. Larger fonts are good for emphasizing your name and section headings.

  13. The Top 10 Best Fonts For Your Resume

    Here's are some guidelines about the font size to use on your resume: 10 to 11 points - This range is suitable for most resumes. It ensures readability while allowing you to fit a good amount of content on the page. ... January 2020 - December 2022; Jan 2020 - Dec 2022; 01/2020 - 12/2022; Whichever format you choose, be consistent ...

  14. How to Choose the Font Size for Your Resume

    Didot. Avenir Next. When it comes to the size of the font on your resume, you want to stick to between 10 and 12. Twelve is typically preferred as it is easier to read without being too big. Each font will vary in its exact size for each font size, so it's important to play around with the size of your font before submitting your resume.

  15. The Best and Worst Fonts for Resumes (and Font Sizes)

    Once you have picked the right font, your next thought should be how big or small to make the font size. The simple and straightforward answer is this: the best resume font sizes are 11 to 12 for normal text and 14-16 for section titles and headers. You may be tempted to use smaller font sizes so you can fit all of your content onto a single page.

  16. What font size do y'all use on your resumes? : r/resumes

    HourEntertainer3762. • 45 min. ago. I use 10 for the bodies and 11 for the parts that say "skills, education" etc., and my name i make 14. 1. Reply.

  17. Best fonts for a CV / resume? : r/typography

    To fix the misaligned numbers you mention, if you're using Microsoft Word, go into your font options by pressing the small arrow in the bottom right corner of the box where you change the font and size and set bold, italics, etc. Within font options, select the second tab, labeled Advanced. In the box labeled Number spacing, select Tabular.

  18. What Are the Best Fonts for a Resume?

    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.

  19. 14 Best Font for Resume in 2022: With 10+ Examples

    Here are the top 10 best resume fonts in 2022. 1. Helvetica. This is a Swiss sans-serif font licensed by Linotype. A lot of professionals rank Helvetica as the most beautiful sans-serif font. Thus, making it the best sans-serif font 2022 as it is sure to divert the recruiter's attention to your resume.

  20. Font Size? Margins? Font Style? : r/resumes

    The body of your resume should be in 10 to 12 point font. This size range is large enough to read comfortably, but small enough to allow space for detailed content. For headings, you can go slightly larger, 12 to 14 points, to create a clear hierarchy and draw attention to section titles. Margins: Standard resume margins are typically around 1 ...