Professional Resume Fonts: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Typeface

Selecting the right font for your resume might seem minor, but it can be pivotal in making a strong first impression. When recruiters review resumes, they look for clarity, professionalism, and ease of reading—qualities that the right typeface can significantly enhance. Today, we’re going to explore some of the best fonts for resumes, why they’re effective, and how each can help your resume stand out. Let’s begin.

Arial

Arial is a modern font that is clean, widely recognized, and straightforward. Its simplicity keeps your resume focused on your qualifications, and it’s compatible with most digital platforms, ensuring your resume looks the same on any screen. Arial is great for job seekers who are looking for a universally recognized, no-fuss font that conveys professionalism. Keep in mind that when you’re using simple fonts such as Arial, make sure you choose a strong layout with concise formatting to make your resume pop.

Times New Roman

A classic font, Times New Roman conveys a sense of tradition and reliability. It has been used in countless professional documents and is highly readable in print, making it a dependable choice for resumes that need to feel formal. This font is great for job seekers applying for jobs in finance, law, or academia, where a conservative appearance is valued. When using Times New Roman, ensure that your resume has clear section breaks and headers, as the font can look a bit cramped if not spaced properly.

Calibri

Calibri is Microsoft’s default font, and for good reason. Its rounded letter shapes create a smooth reading experience, giving your resume a polished, professional look. Calibri can be used for a range of industries, especially if you’re applying digitally and want a font that looks refined and easy to read on screens. A good rule of thumb for using Calibri is to adjust the sizes of body text and headers to be different from one another in order to make each section stand out.

Garamond

Known for its timeless, slightly elegant appearance, Garamond is a bit more visually appealing than a font like Times New Roman, while also retaining the look of professionalism. This font is best suited for those in creative fields or roles such as publishing, education, or design. To use Garamond effectively, try pairing it with design elements such as lines or borders—this will help balance the font’s softer look while maintaining a clean resume structure.

Verdana

Designed for screen readability, Verdana has wider spacing that reduces strain on the eyes, especially in smaller font sizes. Its straightforward appearance projects clarity and approachability. This font is great for those who are looking for jobs in tech, customer service, or other roles where straightforward communication is essential. The key to using Verdana correctly is to avoid smaller font sizes, as its thickness can reduce readability.

Helvetica

Helvetica is celebrated for its minimalist design and clean lines, making it an excellent choice if you’re looking to give your resume a modern feel. It’s often associated with high-end branding, so it can give your resume a contemporary edge. Helvetica is an excellent choice for those who are looking for roles in marketing, design, or tech where creativity and sophistication are valued. For the best results, try using Helvetica with headers and bullet points to maximize readability.

Georgia

Georgia was designed specifically for readability on screens. It has a bit more personality than Times New Roman, making it a good choice if you want a traditional look with a modern twist. Georgia’s a strong font for job seekers in digital marketing, content creation, or media. You could also use Georgia in tandem with other fonts. For example, you might use Arial for your body text and Georgia for headers—this contrast can be visually appealing, and might catch the hiring manager’s eye.

Cambria

Cambria was designed as part of Microsoft’s ClearType font collection, making it especially readable on screens. It is formal and easy on the eyes, giving your resume a tight, organized look. Job seekers looking for roles in government, academia, or tech would make good use of Cambria. If you decide to use this font, try varying the sizes between your headers and body text to create a clear visual hierarchy.

Tips for Choosing Your Font

Earlier we mentioned that you can sometimes combine font styles. This is true, but it’s best to limit yourself to two fonts so your resume doesn’t look cluttered. When using two fonts, choose styles that complement one another. If the fonts clash, your resume won’t be visually appealing, and the hiring manager might not give you a fair chance. If you’re in doubt, stick with one font style.

Typically, 10-12 point font works best for body text. For headers, increase the font size slightly; usually 14-16 point. Checking out different font styles in the preferred sizes may help you decide which font works best for your resume. Along with this, check to ensure that the style you’re choosing is suitable for your industry and role.

Avoid novelty fonts or particularly goofy fonts like Comic Sans. These fonts may work in other situations, but they’re generally not appropriate for a resume as they detract from the professionalism you’re aiming to project. Lastly, ensure that your resume layout is consistent regardless of which font or fonts you decide to use—a well-organized resume will always beat a cluttered, messy one.

The font you choose can subtly influence how hiring managers perceive your application. Remember, your resume is often the first step in making a professional impression, so take the time to ensure it’s polished, readable, and reflective of your career aspirations. Whether you choose a classic like Times New Roman or a modern font like Helvetica, your font choice should support a resume that’s as strong and compelling as the experience you’re bringing to the table.