Top Font Choices for Crafting Your Resume

When you’re making a resume, there’s a bunch of stuff to think about. Like, how you write things, how it looks, and all that jazz. Even the font you choose is super important, even though people often forget about it. It might sound weird, but the font can totally change how your resume comes across.

See, when recruiters look at resumes, they’re usually scanning them quickly. So yours needs to catch their eye. The font you pick not only affects how easy it is to read, but it also shows how professional and unique you are.

In this article, we’re gonna talk about some of the best fonts to use on your resume. We’ll give you all the info you need to pick the right one and make your resume stand out. Let’s get started and find the perfect font to help you get that dream job!

Why do resume fonts matter?

Choosing the right font for your resume is crucial because it shapes how employers see you and your qualifications. Think of it like the tone of your voice in a crowded room—each font has its own personality, just like people do. Some are loud and bold, while others are quiet and reserved. Your font choice can reflect your communication style and personality.

Using a font that’s easy to read, professional, and fits the job you’re applying for helps your resume look good and makes it easier for recruiters to understand your skills and experience. It’s like putting your best foot forward visually, so you can make a great impression.

Things to keep in mind when choosing a resume font

There are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing the best resume font:

The industry you’re applying to

Picking the right font for your resume depends on the industry you’re applying to. Different industries have different vibes, so you want your font to match.

If you’re going for a creative job, like design or art, a funky font can show off your creativity. But if you’re aiming for something more serious, like finance or law, a classic, professional font is the way to go. Matching the font to the industry helps your resume fit in and stand out in all the right ways.

Type of job you’re seeking

The font you pick for your resume can change depending on the job you’re going for.

If it’s an entry-level gig, a simple font might do the trick. But if you’re aiming for a higher-up position, you’ll want something fancier and more professional.

Company culture matters too. If it’s a laid-back startup, a cool, trendy font might fit right in. But if it’s a more serious place, stick with something traditional.

Whatever font you choose, stick with it all the way through your resume. Mixing fonts can make things messy and less pro-looking. Maintain consistency for a clean look.

Personal Brand

Your personal brand distinguishes you from other job candidates. It’s all about your unique skills, experiences, and qualities that make you stand out.

The font you use on your resume can help reinforce your personal brand and leave a good impression on employers.
For instance, if you’re all about creativity and visuals, go for a font that shows that off. But if you’re more about being professional and detail-oriented, stick with a classic font.

Just make sure the font you choose matches your personal brand and the image you want to give off to employers. But remember, readability is key. Don’t go for a font that’s too fancy and hard to read. Your resume content is what matters most, so keep it clear and easy to understand.

What are the top resume fonts of 2024?

Fonts fall into two main categories: serif and sans-serif. Serif fonts have those little lines or decorations at the ends of letters. They give off a more classic vibe. Sans-serif fonts, on the other hand, don’t have those extra lines. They’re more modern and friendly-looking.

Times New Roman

Times New Roman is a classic serif font often used for resumes. Here’s a breakdown of its pros and cons:

Pros:

• Readability: It’s easy to read, both in print and on screens.
• Familiarity: Many people are familiar with this font, which can make your resume feel accessible.
• Compact: It’s space-efficient, allowing you to fit more content on a page without sacrificing readability.

Cons:

• Generic: Because it’s so commonly used, it might make your resume seem ordinary.
• Visual Appeal: It’s not the most visually striking font, lacking the modern or stylish look of other options.
• Less Impressive: Using Times New Roman might make your resume look less visually impressive compared to other fonts.

Arial

Arial is a sans-serif font often chosen for resumes. Here are its pros and cons:

Pros:

• Readability: It’s highly legible, modern, and professional.
• Accessibility: Many people are familiar with Arial, making your resume easy to read.
• Clean Design: Its simple, clean appearance helps recruiters quickly find information.
• Availability: Arial is widely available on most computers and devices.

Cons:

Lack of Distinction: It’s not as unique or distinctive as some other fonts. Potentially making your resume less visually striking.

Calibri

Calibri, a sans-serif font, is frequently utilized for resumes due to its sleek and contemporary look.

Pros:

• Readability: Designed for on-screen reading, Calibri remains highly legible even at smaller sizes.
• Consistency: It’s a widely available font on most modern computers and devices. Ensuring consistent display across platforms.

Cons:

Lack of Uniqueness: Since Calibri is popularly used, it might not distinguish your resume from others using the same font. Potentially diminishing its ability to stand out.

Common resume fonts

Just like with colors on your resume, the font you choose can depend on factors like your industry, the job you’re after, and even your own personality. In traditional fields, it’s usually best to stick to classic, professional fonts.

If you’re designing your resume with a classic, professional feel, try using Teal font.

But if you’re in a creative field, like graphic design, you’ve got more room to be playful. Feel free to explore fonts that really show off your personality.

Ten Professional Resume Fonts

Here’s a a list of ten great fonts you can use for your resume:

1. Arial Narrow: A neat sans serif font that fits a lot of text on a page. Pair it with Arial Black for headings.
2. Book Antiqua: An elegant serif font, but it can feel heavy with lots of bullet points. Use lighter sans serif fonts for headings.
3. Bookman Old Style: Despite its name, it’s modern-looking and lighter than Book Antiqua. Adjust text size if needed.
4. Calibri: Microsoft Word’s default font, known for clarity and readability, suitable for any profession.
5. Cambria: A formal serif font, similar to Calibri but with a more stylized look.
6. Century: A traditional serif font conveying professionalism, great for traditional industries.
7. Corbel: A clear sans serif font, but watch out for vertical positioning of numbers.
8. Franklin Gothic Book: A formal sans serif font, ideal for various fields.
9. Garamond: A smooth, professional serif font, but may seem old-fashioned.
10. Tahoma: A friendly sans serif font, suitable for tech and other fields.
11. Times New Roman: Despite being overused, it’s graceful and suitable for resumes.
12. Verdana: Bold and no-nonsense, ideal for corporate settings.

Each font has its pros and cons, so choose the one that best fits your profession and style. You can find these fonts in Google Docs and Microsoft Word. But remember, there’s no exact list of “traditional” resume fonts. It depends on what people think is traditional. The most important thing is to pick a font that’s easy to read and looks professional.

Creative resume fonts

If you’re applying for a creative job like graphic design or marketing, you can have fun with your resume fonts! Here are some cool options to try:

Didot
Lato
Montserrat
Raleway
Muna
Rollo
Roboto
Poppins
Proxima Nova
Playfair Display
Open Sans
Madley
Swifted
Museo Sans
Bebas Neue
Futura
Jeko
Avenir

Some of these fonts are available for free on platforms like Google and Canva. But if you’re up for it, you can find even more creative fonts on Creative Market. They might cost a bit, but they could be just what you need to make your resume stand out!

What fonts should you avoid in your resume?

Stay away from Comic Sans for your resume – it’s become a meme and isn’t taken seriously. Unless you’re aiming for a funny job, skip it!

Avoid cursive or script fonts too. They can be tricky to read, especially on screens.

Also, don’t use fonts that are too fancy with lots of extra stuff. And steer clear of fonts that are really thin, light, slanted, or super thick – like Impact. They can make your resume hard to read.

What is the best font size for a resume?

Honestly, the font you pick for your resume isn’t as crucial as how you size and format the text.
If your text is tiny and crammed together, it’s a big turn-off for recruiters. Give your text some breathing room with white space. It’s like a little break for the eyes, and it makes your resume easier to skim.

Here are some quick tips on font sizes to help your resume stand out:

• Make your name big, like 18 to 24 points, so it catches attention without taking up too much space.
• Use headings in sizes between 12 and 16 points.
• Stick to a font size between 10 and 12 points for the main body text of your resume.

Final Word

Choosing the right font for your resume is crucial because it affects every word on the page. But many people don’t pay much attention to it and just stick with the default style.

However, your font choice should match your personal style and demeanor. Consistency between your resume and how you present yourself in person is important to hiring managers. If they don’t match, it can raise questions about who you really are and if you’re the right fit for their company.

So, take your font choice seriously. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. Trust your gut and pick a font that you like. When you choose instinctively, you’re more likely to find one that reflects your personality and leaves a positive impression in an interview.