Choosing the right resume font might seem like a small detail, but it can make a significant difference in how your application is perceived. In 2019—and still relevant today—recruiters spent only a few seconds scanning each resume. That means readability, clarity, and visual appeal are critical. Your font choice directly impacts all three.
A well-selected font communicates professionalism, attention to detail, and modernity. On the other hand, a poor font choice can make your resume look outdated, cluttered, or even unprofessional. Whether you're applying for a corporate role, a creative position, or an entry-level job, the font you choose should align with your industry while remaining easy to read.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the best resume fonts of 2019, ideal font sizes, formatting rules, and practical tips to help you stand out. You’ll also find examples, tables, expert advice, and common mistakes to avoid. If you need personalized help, our specialists can assist you—just register on our website to get started.
Your resume font is more than just a design choice—it’s a communication tool. Recruiters often scan resumes quickly, and if your font is difficult to read, your application might be skipped entirely. A clean, professional font ensures your content is accessible and visually appealing.
For example, if you're using a modern resume from free resume templates on Behance, the font is often already optimized for readability and design. However, customization is still important.
| Font Type | Perception | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Serif | Traditional, formal | Law, academia |
| Sans-serif | Modern, clean | Tech, marketing |
| Decorative | Creative, risky | Design (limited use) |
Always test your resume on different devices. What looks good on your screen may not translate well to a recruiter’s monitor.
In 2019, several fonts stood out as top choices for resumes due to their readability and professional appearance. These fonts remain widely accepted today.
| Font | Style | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Calibri | Sans-serif | General use |
| Arial | Sans-serif | ATS-friendly resumes |
| Garamond | Serif | Creative professionals |
If you're applying in specialized fields, like architecture, check examples such as English architect CV samples for inspiration.
Using trendy or decorative fonts like Comic Sans or Papyrus. These reduce professionalism.
Stick to one font family throughout your resume to maintain consistency.
Even the best font won’t work if the size is wrong. Font size affects readability and layout balance.
For industry-specific resumes like dental assistant resume builders, clarity is especially important.
Using font sizes below 10 pt to fit more content.
Understanding the difference between serif and sans-serif fonts can help you choose the right tone for your resume.
| Feature | Serif | Sans-Serif |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Classic | Modern |
| Readability | Good in print | Better on screens |
For example, resumes in finance or insurance—like those in insurance resume examples—often benefit from serif fonts.
Use sans-serif fonts for online applications and ATS systems.
Font choice is only one part of resume design. Formatting plays a crucial role in how your content is perceived.
If you're also writing a cover letter, check guides like payroll supervisor cover letter examples for matching style.
Need help? Our specialists can optimize your resume formatting—just register on our website to get expert assistance.
Overloading the resume with different font styles and sizes.
Even small font mistakes can cost you an interview. Here are the most common ones:
If you're targeting international roles, such as in Israel, explore Israel resume help guides for formatting standards.
Our experts frequently fix these issues—simply register on our website to get started.
When in doubt, use Calibri or Arial—they are universally accepted.
Our specialists can guide you step-by-step—just register on our website for personalized support.
Calibri and Arial were the most recommended due to readability and ATS compatibility.
Use 10–12 pt for body text and 14–16 pt for headings.
No, they are still suitable for traditional industries.
It’s best to limit your resume to one or two fonts.
Avoid decorative fonts like Comic Sans or overly stylized fonts.
Yes, standard fonts improve parsing accuracy.
Yes, consistency across documents is important.
Absolutely. Our experts can assist—just register on our website.