Choosing the right resume font might seem like a small detail, but in reality, it plays a critical role in how recruiters perceive your application. In 2015, hiring managers were already dealing with hundreds of resumes daily, and readability became one of the most important factors in screening candidates—especially with the rise of ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems).
A well-chosen font enhances clarity, professionalism, and overall presentation. On the other hand, a poor font choice can instantly make your resume look outdated, unprofessional, or difficult to read. Whether you’re creating your first resume or refining an existing one, understanding the best resume fonts used in 2015 will help you craft a document that stands out.
If you're just getting started, check out this step-by-step guide to creating your first resume. And if you want to ensure your resume passes automated screening systems, explore this ATS-compatible resume guide.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll break down the best fonts, compare options, highlight mistakes, and give you actionable tips to improve your resume instantly. Also, remember that our specialists can help you craft a perfect resume—just register on our website to get started.
The font you choose directly impacts how your resume is read and interpreted. In 2015, recruiters increasingly relied on digital tools to scan resumes, meaning fonts needed to be both human-friendly and machine-readable.
For example, a clean font like Arial ensures clarity, while overly decorative fonts can confuse both humans and software. If you're applying for roles like administrative positions, reviewing a professional executive assistant resume sample can help you understand proper formatting.
Always test your resume by printing it and viewing it on different screens. A font that looks good on your device might not look the same elsewhere.
Several fonts stood out in 2015 due to their readability and professional appearance. Below is a comparison of the most popular options.
| Font | Type | Best For | Pros |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arial | Sans-serif | Modern resumes | Clean, widely supported |
| Times New Roman | Serif | Traditional roles | Professional, classic |
| Calibri | Sans-serif | General use | Modern and readable |
| Verdana | Sans-serif | Digital resumes | Highly legible on screens |
Each font has its strengths. For example, Calibri became increasingly popular due to its clean design and readability. If you're writing a cover letter alongside your resume, you can review this cover letter for work experience placement example.
Stick to one primary font and use bold or italics for emphasis instead of mixing multiple fonts.
One of the most common questions is whether to use serif or sans-serif fonts. Both have their advantages depending on your career field.
| Feature | Serif Fonts | Sans-Serif Fonts |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Traditional | Modern |
| Examples | Times New Roman | Arial, Calibri |
| Best For | Legal, academic | Tech, marketing |
In 2015, the trend was shifting toward sans-serif fonts due to their better readability on screens. However, traditional industries still preferred serif fonts.
If you're applying internationally, you may also want to understand terminology differences like how to say “resume” in Spanish.
Using decorative or script fonts that reduce readability and look unprofessional.
Font choice is only half the battle—size and formatting matter just as much.
| Section | Font Size | Style |
|---|---|---|
| Name | 20 pt | Bold |
| Headings | 14 pt | Bold |
| Body | 11 pt | Regular |
Consistency is key. Avoid switching sizes or styles unnecessarily. If you’re unsure, our specialists can help you structure your resume—just register on our website.
Use white space strategically to improve readability and avoid clutter.
Using font sizes that are too small to fit more content, making the resume hard to read.
Some fonts should never be used in professional resumes, regardless of the year.
These fonts either look unprofessional or are difficult to read. Even if they seem creative, they can hurt your chances.
Trying to stand out with flashy fonts instead of strong content.
Instead, focus on clarity and structure. Pair your resume with a strong application using this HR advisor cover letter guide.
Here are five practical tips to help you make the best choice:
Our specialists can review your resume and suggest improvements tailored to your career goals. Simply register on our website to get expert feedback.
Calibri, Arial, and Times New Roman were the most popular choices due to their readability and professionalism.
Arial is better for modern roles, while Times New Roman suits traditional industries.
Use 10–12 pt for body text and 14–16 pt for headings.
It’s best to stick to one font and use formatting styles like bold for emphasis.
Only in creative industries, and even then, they should be used sparingly.
Yes, non-standard fonts can cause parsing errors in ATS systems.
Yes, for consistency. See this cover letter example.
You can get expert help by registering on our website and working with our specialists.