When crafting your resume, every detail counts—especially your choice of font. It may seem like a minor aspect, but the font you select can influence how recruiters perceive your professionalism, readability, and even your personality. In today’s highly competitive job market, presentation is everything, and your font plays a key role in making a great first impression.
So, what font should a resume be? The answer lies in balancing style with clarity. You want a typeface that looks clean and modern while being easy to read both on screen and in print. Below, we’ll explore the best fonts for resumes, why font choice matters, and some tips for making your document stand out.
Why Font Choice Matters
Your resume has roughly six seconds to catch a recruiter’s attention. What they see in that first glance will shape their overall impression. A clean, professional font helps communicate that you’re detail-oriented and serious about the position.
On the other hand, a confusing or overly decorative font can make your resume harder to read—or even land it in the rejection pile. Recruiters often scan dozens of resumes daily, so using an appropriate font enhances readability and ensures your achievements don’t get lost behind bad design.
Top Fonts Recommended for Resumes
Here are some of the most commonly recommended fonts for resumes, praised for their balance of professionalism and readability:
- Calibri: A modern sans-serif font that’s easy on the eyes and widely used in professional documents. It replaced Times New Roman as the default in Microsoft Word for a reason.
- Helvetica: Sleek and highly readable, this typeface offers a polished aesthetic that’s great for creative and corporate fields alike.
- Garamond: If you’re aiming for a classic and elegant look, Garamond—a serif font—adds a touch of sophistication without sacrificing readability.
- Cambria: Designed for on-screen reading, Cambria is a serif font that remains legible even at smaller sizes, which can be useful for keeping your resume at one page.
- Georgia: Another serif option that’s especially good for digital formats, Georgia combines traditional style with modern readability.
- Arial: Clean, familiar, and versatile, Arial is a safe sans-serif choice that won’t distract from your content.
Fonts to Avoid
Some fonts carry negative associations or simply make your resume more difficult to read. Here are a few you should generally steer clear of:
- Comic Sans: Universally considered unprofessional, this whimsical font is better left to birthday cards.
- Courier: While it may appeal to tech professionals for its typewriter look, Courier can be hard to read and takes up too much space.
- Times New Roman: Although once the standard, this serif font can now feel dated and uninspired. Recruiters might assume you haven’t put much thought into your resume’s design.
- Impact or other decorative fonts: These fonts may look interesting, but they compromise clarity and make your resume appear gimmicky.
What Size Should Your Font Be?
Your font size is just as important as the font you choose. The general rule is to use:
- 10–12 pt for body text, depending on the font
- 12–14 pt for your name at the top
- Bold or italic styles to emphasize headings or job titles
Make sure your formatting is consistent throughout. Avoid shrinking the font size just to fit everything onto one page—it’s better to edit content than to sacrifice legibility.
Should You Use Serif or Sans-Serif Fonts?
This is a common question, and the short answer is: either works, depending on your preference and the industry you’re targeting. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Serif fonts (like Garamond, Georgia, and Cambria) are seen as more traditional and formal.
- Sans-serif fonts (like Calibri, Helvetica, and Arial) offer a modern and clean look.
If you’re in a creative or tech field, a sans-serif font might better align with your industry. For finance, law, or academia, serif fonts may give your resume a more established tone.
Final Tips for Font Selection
When finalizing your resume font, keep these tips in mind:
- Consistency is key: Use the same font throughout the document for a uniform look.
- Test readability: Read over your resume in both print and digital formats to ensure clarity.
- Avoid over-styling: Use bold and italics sparingly to draw attention without overwhelming the reader.
Ultimately, your font choice should reflect both your professionalism and your attention to detail. By using a clean, readable, and industry-appropriate font, you increase the likelihood that your resume will get the attention it deserves.
Remember: the best resume font is one that quietly does its job—making your achievements shine without stealing the spotlight.
