Good Font for Resume

Good Font for Resume

Choosing the right font for your resume can impact first impressions. Discover clean, professional, and readable fonts that enhance your CV and help you stand out in a competitive job market.

When applying for a job, your resume often serves as your first introduction to a potential employer. While content is key, the design and typography of your resume also play a crucial role. Choosing a good font can enhance readability, show professionalism, and even influence whether your resume passes through applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Why Font Choice Matters

A resume needs to communicate clarity, structure, and competence. A poorly chosen font may look outdated, difficult to read, or even unprofessional. On the other hand, a well-selected typeface can elevate the entire design of your CV and show that you pay attention to detail—an essential quality in many job roles.

Fonts are not just visual elements; they also affect how your resume is perceived. A classic serif font can convey tradition and reliability, while a clean sans-serif font suggests modernity and efficiency. The key is to find a balance that suits both your personality and the industry you're applying to.

Top Fonts for a Resume

Here are some of the most commonly recommended fonts for professional resumes:

1. Calibri

Modern, clean, and default in many applications, Calibri is a safe and reliable choice. It’s highly legible on both screens and paper.

2. Helvetica

A favorite among designers, Helvetica is sleek and neutral. Its balanced design gives a modern and polished appearance to any resume.

3. Garamond

If you’re looking for something more traditional and refined, Garamond is a great serif option. It has a touch of elegance without being too decorative.

4. Cambria

Designed for screen readability, Cambria offers a solid serif structure while remaining modern. It works well for resumes with more text.

5. Georgia

Another serif option, Georgia is slightly more contemporary than Times New Roman but maintains a formal tone.

6. Arial

Simple and widely used, Arial is a no-nonsense sans-serif font that’s clear and familiar.

7. Lato

Lato is a modern, professional sans-serif font with great readability. It’s especially popular for tech and creative industries.

8. Tahoma

Similar to Verdana but slightly narrower, Tahoma is a neat, structured font that keeps things looking crisp.

What to Avoid

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  Overly decorative fonts like Comic Sans or Brush Script.

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  Hard-to-read typefaces that reduce clarity, especially at smaller sizes.

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  Too many font styles—stick to one font for a clean, unified appearance.

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  Tiny font sizes—10 to 12 pt is usually ideal for body text.

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Font Size and Formatting Tips

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  Name/Header: 14–16 pt (bolded)

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  Body Text: 10.5–12 pt

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  Line Spacing: 1.15–1.5 for comfortable reading

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  Margins: 0.75" to 1" on all sides

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Make sure your resume is easily skimmable. Use bullet points, bold job titles, and consistent formatting to highlight key achievements and roles.

Fonts and ATS Compatibility

Many companies use applicant tracking systems to filter resumes before a human ever sees them. Fonts like Calibri, Arial, and Times New Roman are widely recognized by these systems, ensuring that your resume is parsed correctly. Avoid overly stylized fonts that might not render well or confuse the software.

Choosing a Font for Your Industry

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  Creative Fields (design, marketing, media): Lato, Helvetica, or modern serifs like Georgia

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  Corporate or Legal: Calibri, Cambria, or Garamond

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  Tech and Startups: Arial, Lato, or Tahoma

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  Academic or Research: Times New Roman, Georgia, or Cambria

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Final Thoughts

A good font for a resume is one that enhances clarity, feels appropriate for the role, and reflects your professionalism. It shouldn’t draw attention to itself, but rather support the content and structure of your CV. By selecting the right font and pairing it with clean formatting, you create a positive first impression that can increase your chances of landing an interview.