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 A poorly chosen font may look outdated, difficult to read, or even unprofessional.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"โan 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 modeity 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
Mode, 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 mode 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 mode. 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 mode, 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
Overly decorative fonts like Comic Sans or Brush Script.
Hard-to-read typefaces that reduce clarity, especially at smaller sizes.
Too many font styles"โstick to one font for a clean, unified appearance.
Tiny font sizes"โ10 to 12 pt is usually ideal for body text.
Font Size and Formatting Tips
Name/Header: 14"โ16 pt (bolded)
Body Text: 10.5"โ12 pt
Line Spacing: 1.15"โ1.5 for comfortable reading
Margins: 0.75" to 1" on all sides
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
Creative Fields (design, marketing, media): Lato, Helvetica, or mode serifs like Georgia
Corporate or Legal: Calibri, Cambria, or Garamond
Tech and Startups: Arial, Lato, or Tahoma
Academic or Research: Times New Roman, Georgia, or Cambria
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.