Choosing the right font might seem like a small detail, but it can have a major impact on how employers perceive your resume. Recruiters often spend less than 10 seconds scanning a resume before deciding whether to continue reading. That means readability, structure, and visual clarity are crucial — and the font you choose plays a big role in all of them.
So, what is the best font to use for a resume? The answer depends on several factors: readability, professionalism, applicant tracking systems (ATS), and the type of job you’re applying for. Some fonts are classic and safe, while others look modern and stylish but may reduce readability or ATS compatibility.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best resume fonts, which ones to avoid, how font size affects readability, and how to combine fonts effectively. Whether you're preparing your first resume or updating an existing one, understanding typography can significantly improve your chances of landing interviews.
If you’re unsure how to structure your resume or choose the right format, our specialists can help. Simply create an account on our website and receive professional assistance: register here.
We will also provide examples, tables, expert tips, common mistakes, and practical checklists to ensure your resume stands out while remaining professional and ATS-friendly.
When recruiters review resumes, they prioritize readability and clarity. Even the most impressive experience may be overlooked if the resume is difficult to read. Fonts affect how quickly hiring managers can process the information presented on the page.
Many companies use automated screening systems before a human ever sees your resume. These systems scan text and extract information such as experience, education, and skills. Some unusual fonts may interfere with this process.
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Readability | Recruiters can quickly scan information |
| Professionalism | Shows attention to detail |
| ATS compatibility | Ensures automated systems can read the document |
| Structure | Improves organization and visual hierarchy |
If you’re unsure how your resume should look for a specific profession, you can review examples like this police officer resume example or learn about specialized formats such as a CDL driver resume guide.
Certain fonts consistently appear in successful resumes because they combine professionalism, readability, and compatibility with modern software systems.
| Font | Type | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Calibri | Sans-serif | Modern, clean, widely accepted |
| Arial | Sans-serif | Simple and extremely readable |
| Times New Roman | Serif | Traditional and professional |
| Garamond | Serif | Elegant and compact |
| Helvetica | Sans-serif | Highly professional and widely used |
If you're building your resume for a university program or internship, resources like Cal Poly resume help guidelines can provide additional formatting recommendations.
Even the best font will fail if the size and spacing are incorrect. Recruiters prefer resumes that are easy to scan quickly.
| Resume Element | Recommended Size |
|---|---|
| Name | 16–18 pt |
| Section Headings | 13–14 pt |
| Body Text | 10–12 pt |
| Contact Details | 10–11 pt |
If you’re also preparing a cover letter, review modern formatting examples such as this 2020 cover letter template guide.
While most resumes use one font, combining two fonts strategically can improve visual hierarchy and make sections easier to scan.
| Heading Font | Body Font |
|---|---|
| Helvetica | Calibri |
| Georgia | Arial |
| Garamond | Calibri |
Entry-level candidates in technology fields may also benefit from reviewing an entry-level IT cover letter example to ensure formatting consistency between documents.
Not all fonts are suitable for resumes. Some may look stylish but fail in professional settings.
| Font | Problem |
|---|---|
| Comic Sans | Looks childish and informal |
| Papyrus | Decorative and difficult to read |
| Courier | Outdated typewriter style |
Recruiters associate these fonts with poor formatting and lack of professionalism.
If you're unsure whether your resume meets professional standards, our specialists can review and improve it. Simply create an account here: register on our website.
Choosing the best resume font depends on your industry, experience level, and the type of role you’re targeting.
You may also want to understand related application documents, such as whether a cover letter can be two pages.
If you're struggling to choose the right format, our professional resume specialists are ready to help. Register on our platform to receive personalized advice: create your account here.
Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, and Times New Roman are considered the safest and most professional resume fonts.
Most resumes use 10–12 pt for body text and 13–14 pt for headings.
Calibri appears more modern and is often preferred in digital resumes, while Times New Roman remains a classic option.
Yes, but limit it to two fonts — one for headings and one for body text.
Standard fonts such as Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, and Times New Roman are compatible with most ATS systems.
Creative roles may allow slightly more modern fonts, but readability should still remain the top priority.
Yes. By creating an account on our platform, you can receive professional assistance from resume experts: register here.
Absolutely. Even strong qualifications may be overlooked if the resume is poorly formatted or difficult to read.