Best Font and Size for Resume: Complete Guide to Make Your CV Stand Out

Choosing the best font and size for your resume may seem like a minor detail, but in reality, it plays a critical role in how recruiters perceive your application. Studies show that hiring managers spend only 6–8 seconds scanning a resume. In that short time, readability, structure, and visual clarity determine whether your resume gets shortlisted or rejected.

The right font enhances professionalism, improves readability, and ensures your resume passes Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). On the other hand, poor font choices—too small, too decorative, or inconsistent—can instantly reduce your chances. Whether you're a student, a professional, or changing careers, understanding typography is essential.

In this comprehensive guide, we will break down everything you need to know about resume fonts and sizes. You’ll learn which fonts are best, how to choose the right size, formatting tips, common mistakes, and expert strategies. If you want a complete resume makeover, check out our guide on what the perfect resume should look like.

If you're unsure where to start, our specialists can help optimize your resume design and content. Simply register on our website to get professional assistance.

Table of Contents

• Why Font Choice Matters in a Resume
• Best Fonts for Resume (Top Picks)
• Ideal Font Size for Resume Sections
• Formatting Tips for Maximum Readability
• Fonts and ATS: What You Need to Know
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Expert Tips to Improve Resume Design
• FAQ

Why Font Choice Matters in a Resume

Font selection is more than aesthetics—it directly impacts how your resume is interpreted. A clean, professional font communicates clarity, while a poor choice creates confusion or appears unprofessional.

Key Reasons Font Matters

• Improves readability
• Creates a professional first impression
• Ensures ATS compatibility
• Highlights important sections

Recruiters often skim resumes quickly. If your font is hard to read or inconsistent, your content—even if strong—may be overlooked. This is especially important when writing supporting documents like a cover letter for a job application.

Font Types Explained

Font Type	Description	Best Use
Serif	Traditional fonts with small lines	Academic or formal resumes
Sans-serif	Modern, clean fonts	Most professional resumes
Script/Decorative	Stylized fonts	Not recommended

Need help choosing the right font? Our experts can guide you—just register on our platform.

Best Fonts for Resume (Top Picks)

Choosing the right font can instantly elevate your resume. Below are the best fonts recommended by hiring professionals.

Top Resume Fonts

Font	Style	Why It's Good
Arial	Sans-serif	Clean and widely accepted
Calibri	Sans-serif	Modern and default in many systems
Times New Roman	Serif	Traditional and professional
Helvetica	Sans-serif	Highly readable and elegant
Georgia	Serif	Readable on screens

Best Font Choices by Industry

• Corporate: Arial, Calibri
• Creative: Helvetica, Georgia
• Academic: Times New Roman

If you're creating a CV instead of a resume, check our detailed guide on how to write a professional CV.

Ideal Font Size for Resume Sections

Font size is just as important as font style. It determines readability and how much information fits on your resume.

Recommended Font Sizes

Section	Font Size
Header (Name)	16–20 pt
Section Titles	12–14 pt
Body Text	10–12 pt

Checklist: Perfect Font Size Setup

• Use at least 10 pt for body text
• Keep headings larger than content
• Maintain consistent spacing
• Avoid overcrowding

If you're including additional elements like scholarships, refer to how to list scholarships on a resume.

Formatting Tips for Maximum Readability

Proper formatting enhances readability and ensures your resume is easy to scan.

Key Formatting Rules

• Use bullet points
• Maintain consistent spacing
• Align text properly
• Use bold for emphasis

Checklist: Resume Formatting

• One-page layout (for most roles)
• Clear section headings
• Consistent margins (0.5–1 inch)
• Logical structure

For stronger applications, combine your resume with a compelling cover letter. See sales cover letter examples.

If you need help structuring your resume or objective, explore our resume objective templates.

Our specialists can help you format everything correctly—just sign up here.

Fonts and ATS: What You Need to Know

Applicant Tracking Systems scan resumes before humans do. Using incompatible fonts can cause parsing errors.

ATS-Friendly Fonts

• Arial
• Calibri
• Times New Roman

Avoid These

• Custom fonts
• Script fonts
• Icons instead of text

Not sure if your resume passes ATS? Our experts can review it—just create an account.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistakes Summary

• Using too many fonts
• Choosing unreadable sizes
• Over-designing
• Ignoring ATS compatibility

These errors can reduce your chances even if your experience is strong.

5 Practical Tips to Improve Your Resume

• Use one professional font consistently
• Keep font size between 10–12 pt
• Use bold for section headings
• Leave enough white space
• Test readability on different devices

Need personalized advice? Our specialists are ready to help—just register now.

FAQ

1. What is the best font for a resume?

Arial, Calibri, and Helvetica are the safest and most professional choices.

2. What font size should I use?

10–12 pt for body text and 12–16 pt for headings.

3. Can I use two fonts?

It's better to stick to one font for consistency.

4. Is Times New Roman outdated?

No, it's still acceptable, especially for traditional industries.

5. Are creative fonts ever acceptable?

Only in design-related roles, and even then, use them sparingly.

6. What font is best for ATS?

Simple fonts like Arial and Calibri work best.

7. Should my resume be one page?

Yes, unless you have extensive experience.

8. Can professionals help improve my resume?

Yes, our experts can optimize your resume—just register here.