10 Best Fonts for Your Resume in 2023
Choosing the best fonts for your resume can be tricky. When you’re creating your resume, there’s a lot to keep in mind. Between writing the content of your resume and choosing from an endless selection of designs, it’s easy to overlook some of the fundamental aspects. But if there’s one thing you don’t want to neglect, it’s choosing the best font for your resume.
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How to choose the best fonts for a resume?
It only takes the recruiters six seconds to decide if your resume is worth further inspection. Thus, the font and font size can literally make or break your chances. If the recruiter has to struggle to read a small font or is put off by a funky design, your resume will most likely get tossed. So, keep these essential factors in mind when deciding on the best fonts for your resume.
Use a professional easy-to-read font
Readability is the most crucial factor to consider when choosing the best fonts. While this may seem obvious, many job seekers still get this wrong.
To ensure the best possible legibility, aim for any sans-serif, professional fonts. It is crucial to avoid the unprofessional and childish-looking fonts mentioned below.
You can determine the legibility of your resume font yourself rather easily. Later in this article, we will further detail this topic.
Choose the right font size for your resume
The size of the font is another crucial aspect to consider. If you choose a size too big, your resume may be longer than one page. On the other hand, a small font size might make it hard to read and put off the recruiter. As a rule of thumb, you can use different font sizes to make information and headings stand out. Just remember to always stay consistent with the font size – for instance, only use one font size for your body text and only use another font size for section headings.
Make your resume easy to read with these general guidelines.
- Your Name: 18 to 24 points
- Heading and Subheading: 12 to 14 points
- The body of your resume: 10 to 12 points
If your resume ends up being one or two lines too short or long, you can polish it up by adjusting the size of your resume font. Adjusting the font size by as little as one-tenth of a point can change the length of your resume without affecting readability. This can make your resume look more elegant and polished.
What are the 10 best fonts for a resume?
Take a look at the ten best fonts for resume writers in 2023 and decide which one is right for you.
1. Calibri
It is a modern font with excellent legibility and Word’s standard font. It performs exceptionally well on computer screens. Moreover, its design ensures legibility even if you choose a smaller resume font size.
2. Garamond
If you are looking for a more modern version of the standard Times New Roman, Garamond is perfect. This font will give your resume a polished and neat look. Furthermore, Garamond can help you tighten up the space of your resume. It can do this without sacrificing the readability by decreasing the letter spacing.
3. Tahoma
This sans-serif font will give your resume a modern yet professional look. It is one of the newer fonts with a contemporary design. The tight spacing of the letters will allow you to fit more text on one page of your resume.
4. Arial
Arial is a sans-serif font that is legible and simplistic. It is a safe choice as a font for a resume, and it remains a classic among many job seekers. It is often considered the simpler version of the famous Times New Roman.
5. Didot
Didot looks very elegant thanks to the straightforward, rational design and fine strokes. It’s known to draw the readers’ attention due to its ‘dazzle’ effect and thick verticals.
6. Verdana
Verdana was designed in 1996. The goal was to create a simple, elegant font. This allows Verdana to remain readable on large and small screens of any resolution. It has a classic yet original look and can help your resume stand out.
7. Helvetica
Like Arial, Helvetica offers clean lines and outstanding legibility. This font is so popular that some of the world’s biggest brands, such as BMW or Microsoft, have used it in their logos. Its professional appearance makes Helvetica a safe bet for your resume font.
8. Corbel
This font is a more creative design than the standard Calibri. Corbel can make your resume look unique and modern. Released in 2005, Corbel is perfect for those looking for a legible yet creative font for a resume.
9. Times New Roman
Times New Roman remains one of the most used fonts. Yet, its timeless look has its shortcomings. Because of its popularity, a resume with Times New Roman may not stand out as well. Moreover, if you choose a smaller resume font size, Times New Roman may be hard to read. This font thus remains a timeless classic and will not harm, but it might not make your resume stand out.
10. Baskerville
This font stands out best in headings or names and is the most trusted out of all serif fonts. Baskerville has a classic and elegant look. It conveys trustworthiness and reliability.
Which fonts should you stay away from?
Using unprofessional fonts such as Comic Sans or Courier on your resume is never good. While it might make your resume stand out, it will make you seem childish and unprofessional. The recruiters will be less likely to consider a resume written in such fonts. Your chances of landing a job will thus decrease.
Fonts for a Resume FAQs
The best fonts for resume include:
Calibri
Garamond
Tahoma
Arial
Didot
Verdana
Helvetica
Corbel
Times New Roman
Baskerville
The best font size for your resume will depend on your chosen font and circumstances. Choosing a size too big may make your resume longer than one page. On the other hand, a small font will decrease the readability and put off the recruiter.
Remember that your resume font size doesn’t need to be consistent. In fact, you can use different font sizes to make section headings stand out. Just remember to stay consistent with the font size and keep the relative sizes logical. If your resume is a little too short or long, you can polish it by changing your font size. Adjusting the font by even one-tenth of a point can change the length of your resume without affecting the readability.
Choose a font size that’s between 10-12 points for normal text and 14 -16 points for section titles, and 18 – 24 points for headers.
One of the most commonly used fonts for resumes is Times New Roman. This classic serif font has been a staple in the business world for decades due to its timeless appeal and legibility. Its traditional look gives off an air of formality and is widely accepted as a safe choice.
Another popular option is Arial, a clean and modern sans-serif font. Arial offers a sleek and contemporary look while still maintaining readability. It is often preferred by those seeking a more modern or creative approach to their resume design.
Calibri is another widely used font that strikes the perfect balance between professionalism and modernity. With its clean lines and rounded edges, Calibri provides an elegant yet approachable feel to your resume.
Basic fonts like Calibri, Arial, Verdana, and Times New Roman work well.
The best choice is fonts that are readable across most programs and don’t feature any flashy design. Since these fonts have become standard, they are easy to read for both recruiters and the ATS. Still, you have to choose between serif and sans serif fonts. For a more modern resume font, you should opt for sans serif. However, a serif font is more appropriate if you work in the medical field, education, or politics.
Conclusion
Your choice of the best font for your resume plays a crucial role. You should aim for a professional, distinctive, and elegant look. Consider this when deciding on the font for your resume. The look of your resume may make the difference between an interview and rejection.
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