Best Font For Resume 2020: Complete Guide to Choosing the Perfect Resume Typeface
Choosing the best font for your resume is one of the most underestimated decisions in the job application process. While most candidates focus on content, structure, and experience, typography plays a crucial role in readability, first impressions, and applicant tracking system (ATS) compatibility. In fact, recruiters often spend less than 7 seconds scanning a resume—meaning your font can either help or hurt your chances instantly.
In 2020 and beyond, hiring managers expect resumes that are clean, modern, and easy to read across devices. Whether you're applying for a technical role, a creative position, or an entry-level job, the font you choose directly impacts how your qualifications are perceived. A poorly chosen font can make even the strongest resume look unprofessional, while the right one enhances clarity and credibility.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best resume fonts, explain when to use them, highlight common mistakes, and provide actionable tips to optimize your document. If you're unsure how to structure your resume content alongside font choices, check out our guide on best resume sentences that impress recruiters.
Need personalized help? Our specialists can help you craft a professional resume tailored to your career goals. Simply register on our website to get started.
Table of Contents
- Why Font Choice Matters on a Resume
- Top 10 Best Fonts for Resume 2020
- Serif vs Sans-Serif Fonts: Which is Better?
- Font Size, Spacing, and Formatting Tips
- Fonts to Avoid on Your Resume
- Practical Tips to Improve Resume Readability
- Expert Advice & Common Mistakes
- FAQ
Why Font Choice Matters on a Resume
Your resume font affects more than aesthetics—it directly influences readability, professionalism, and ATS compatibility. Recruiters often review dozens or even hundreds of applications daily, so clarity is critical.
Key Reasons Font Matters
- First Impression: Clean fonts signal professionalism.
- Readability: Easy-to-read fonts improve scanning speed.
- ATS Compatibility: Standard fonts ensure parsing accuracy.
- Branding: Your font reflects your personal style.
| Factor | Impact on Resume |
|---|---|
| Font Type | Determines readability and tone |
| Font Size | Affects clarity and spacing |
| Spacing | Improves visual structure |
If you're applying for technical roles, such as those described in our Datapower developer resume guide, readability becomes even more critical due to complex terminology.
- Uses a professional font (Arial, Calibri, etc.)
- Font size between 10–12 pt
- Consistent formatting throughout
- Easy to read on screen and print
Top 10 Best Fonts for Resume 2020
Here are the most recommended fonts that balance professionalism and readability:
| Font | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Calibri | Sans-serif | Modern resumes |
| Arial | Sans-serif | Universal readability |
| Times New Roman | Serif | Traditional industries |
| Helvetica | Sans-serif | Professional roles |
| Garamond | Serif | Elegant resumes |
Best Overall Choice
Calibri stands out as the best font for resumes in 2020 due to its modern appearance and excellent readability on screens.
Use one font for headings and another for body text—but only if they complement each other.
Using more than two fonts creates visual clutter and looks unprofessional.
Need help choosing the right font for your industry? Our specialists can guide you—just register on our website.
Serif vs Sans-Serif Fonts: Which is Better?
Understanding font categories helps you choose the right style for your resume.
Serif Fonts
- Traditional and formal
- Examples: Times New Roman, Garamond
- Best for law, academia, finance
Sans-Serif Fonts
- Modern and clean
- Examples: Arial, Calibri
- Best for tech, marketing, startups
| Feature | Serif | Sans-Serif |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Traditional | Modern |
| Readability (Screen) | Medium | High |
| ATS Compatibility | Good | Excellent |
Use sans-serif fonts if submitting resumes online.
Choosing decorative fonts that are hard to read.
For specialized resumes like healthcare, explore our nursing resume creation guide.
Font Size, Spacing, and Formatting Tips
Even the best font can fail if formatting is poor.
Recommended Settings
- Font size: 10–12 pt
- Headings: 14–16 pt
- Line spacing: 1.0–1.15
- Margins: 1 inch
- Consistent font size
- Clear section headings
- Adequate white space
- No overcrowding
Strong formatting works best with compelling content—see our job application letter examples.
Use bold strategically for section titles.
Using very small fonts to fit more content.
Fonts to Avoid on Your Resume
Some fonts can ruin your chances instantly.
- Comic Sans
- Papyrus
- Courier New
- Brush Script
These fonts look unprofessional or are difficult to read.
If you're applying for roles like hospitality, ensure clarity in documents such as your food and beverage manager cover letter.
Stick to widely accepted fonts to ensure ATS compatibility.
Practical Tips to Improve Resume Readability
Here are five actionable tips:
- Use bullet points instead of paragraphs
- Keep sentences concise
- Use consistent alignment
- Limit font variations
- Proofread thoroughly
For role-specific writing, check our dispatcher cover letter guide.
Need expert feedback? Our specialists can help—just register on our website.
FAQ
1. What is the best font size for a resume?
10–12 pt for body text, 14–16 pt for headings.
2. Is Calibri still good in 2020?
Yes, it’s one of the best modern resume fonts.
3. Should I use multiple fonts?
Only if they complement each other—limit to two.
4. Are serif fonts outdated?
No, they are still useful in traditional industries.
5. What font is best for ATS?
Arial, Calibri, and Times New Roman are safe choices.
6. Can I use creative fonts?
Only for design roles—otherwise avoid them.
7. Does font affect hiring decisions?
Yes, it influences readability and professionalism.
8. Where can I get professional help?
Our specialists can assist—just register on our website.
Articles
- Business Admin Cover Letter
- Local Resume Writer
- Why Goldman Sachs Cover Letter
- Reference Letter Key Points
- High School Activities Resume
- Job Application Letter For A Bank
- Customer Satisfaction Survey Cover Letter
- Resume Advance Canada
- Indeed Cover Letter Tips
- Cover Letter Geology Fresh Graduate
- Sample Cover Letter For Project Coordinator Position
- Formal Letter Format Singapore Example
- Cover Letter For Fresher Fashion Designer
- Supervisor Resume Objective
- Hire Cover Letter Writer
- Cover Letter For Mechanical Engineering Job
- Marketing Resume Keywords
- Curriculum Vitae Ejemplo
- Cover Letter For Overqualified Position
- Quantitative Job Cover Letter
- Resume Exercise Pdf
- Customer Service Duties For Resume
- Deputy Clerk Cover Letter
- Contract Position On Resume Example
- Resume For Fresher Teachers Samples
- Soccer Coach Cover Letter Sample
- Indeed Com Resume
- Generator Technician Resume
- Primary School Cover Letter
- America Vs Cruz Azul Final Resumen