Best Fonts for Resume
Did you know that over 99.7% of recruiters use filters to search for candidates in applicant tracking systems (ATS)? The best fonts for resume aren't just about looking professional – they could make the difference between getting seen or getting filtered out.
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Understanding Resume Fonts
Why Font Choice Matters for ATS and Recruiters
Recruiters spend just 6–8 seconds looking at a resume during their first review. You have very little time to make an impression, so your font choice becomes your silent ambassador of professionalism. Your resume must first get past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) before human eyes see it. These automated systems can be picky about text recognition. Uncommon or decorative fonts might make the ATS convert your carefully crafted resume incorrectly.
A well-chosen font demonstrates:
- Attention to detail and organizational skills
- Understanding of professional standards
- Thoughtfulness about the reader's experience
- Technical savvy and modern awareness
What Makes a Font Readable and Professional
Readability is the lifeblood of effective resume fonts. Hiring managers look through hundreds or even thousands of applications quickly. Your font should help them scan easily instead of forcing careful reading.
Key characteristics:
- Clear letterforms with consistent spacing
- Good contrast in both digital and printed formats
- Appropriate size (generally 10-12 points for body text)
- Clear difference between characters (particularly important for numbers)
Serif vs Sans Serif: Which Should You Use?
The battle between serif and sans serif fonts has raged since typography's earliest days. Understanding the differences helps you pick the best font for your resume.
Serif Fonts
Serif fonts have small lines or strokes (called 'serifs') at the ends of letters. These decorative touches give text a formal, traditional, and professional look.
Sans Serif Fonts
Sans serif fonts don't have decorative strokes and look cleaner and simpler. They show simplicity, clarity, and modern style.
Sans serif fonts are often your best bet for modern job applications because recruiters first look at resumes on screens, ATS systems handle them better, and they match today's business style.
Top 10 Best Fonts for Resume in 2026
Calibri
Microsoft made Calibri its default font in 2007, and it has become a gold standard in business. This modern sans-serif typeface has clean lines and rounded edges that give it a warm, professional look. Perfect for law, finance, healthcare, and business roles.
Arial
Arial keeps its position as one of the most used sans-serif fonts with its clean, modern look and even character widths. The simple design reads well both digitally and in print. Perfect for tech, marketing, business, and finance.
Times New Roman
Times New Roman may not be as popular as it once was, but this classic serif font still holds its ground. The Times newspaper commissioned it in 1931, and now it serves candidates in traditional industries well.
Georgia
Georgia came to life in 1993 just for digital displays. This serif typeface has a slightly larger x-height and stays clear at any resolution. Many people say it feels friendlier and more personal than Times New Roman.
Garamond
Garamond brings 16th-century elegance to modern resumes. This serif typeface's delicate details make it perfect for academic positions. You can fit more information on your resume with Garamond because it uses space well.
Roboto
Google's flagship font Roboto offers excellent readability with its friendly, open curves. This modern sans-serif is widely used across the web and mobile apps, making it instantly recognizable and professional.
Open Sans
Open Sans is a humanist sans-serif with excellent legibility. Its neutral yet friendly appearance makes it perfect for resumes across all industries. It's optimized for print, web, and mobile interfaces.
Lato
Lato combines serious and warm qualities with semi-rounded details that give it a feeling of harmony. This versatile sans-serif works beautifully at any size and is highly readable on screens.
Merriweather
Merriweather was designed specifically for screen readability. This elegant serif font has strong letterforms that remain clear even at small sizes, perfect for detailed resume content.
Montserrat
Inspired by urban typography, Montserrat offers a clean geometric look that feels both modern and professional. It's particularly popular in creative and tech industries.
Choosing the Right Font Size and Styling
Your resume's typeface selection, size, and styling are vital elements in creating an ATS-friendly document. The right combination will give a readable and professional look that improves your interview chances.
Best Sizes for Headings and Body Text
Makes it stand out
Creates clear differences
Use bold
Reads best
Using Bold, Italics, and Capitalization
Styling should highlight key information without overwhelming readers. Bold formatting works best for section headings, your name, and job titles. Italics can emphasize specific details. Avoid underlining as it can cause ATS parsing issues. Standard capitalization (not all caps) works best.
- Use bold for section headings like 'Work Experience'
- Bold your name and job titles (but not both company name and job title)
- Avoid excessive italics as they reduce readability
- Never use underlining - it causes ATS parsing issues
- Consistency is the golden rule—apply your styling choices throughout
Tailoring Fonts to Your Industry
Each profession has its own expectations about resume layout and font choices. Understanding these industry priorities gives your application a competitive edge.
Fonts for Corporate and Legal Jobs
Classic fonts that show credibility are everything in traditional sectors like law, finance, and corporate environments. Times New Roman remains prominent in legal circles, with Cambria and Georgia as formal yet modern alternatives. Some courts even specify acceptable fonts for legal documents.
Fonts for Tech and Business Roles
Clean sans-serif options dominate tech and business environments where professionalism meets readability. Calibri has become the corporate gold standard because of its simple yet authoritative look. Roboto and Inter create a polished, modern technical feel.
Fonts for Creative Industries
Creative fields welcome more typographic personality. Montserrat and Poppins offer modern geometric looks popular with designers. Garamond brings elegant serifs that work well in marketing materials.
Resume Font Categories
Sans-Serif Fonts
Clean, modern fonts that work well on screens and are highly ATS-friendly. Sans serif fonts usually have wider shapes and consistent design that makes them easy to read even in small sizes.
Recommended: Calibri, Arial, Roboto, Open Sans, Inter, Montserrat
Serif Fonts
Classic, traditional fonts that convey professionalism and authority. Serif fonts have small decorative strokes at the ends of letters, giving text a formal, traditional look.
Recommended: Georgia, Garamond, Cambria, Times New Roman, Merriweather, Lora
Pro Tips for Resume Fonts
Stick to 10-12pt for body text
This range ensures readability while fitting enough content on the page. Text smaller than 10pt becomes hard to scan.
Use one font family throughout
Mixing fonts can look unprofessional. Use bold and italic for variation instead. This attention to detail shows potential employers your professional approach.
Ensure ATS compatibility
Stick to common fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Georgia that ATS systems can easily read. Uncommon fonts might make your resume display as 'tofu' - blank boxes.
Consider your industry
Creative fields can use more unique fonts; conservative industries like law and finance prefer traditional choices like Times New Roman or Georgia.
Test readability on screen
Your resume will likely be read on a computer first. Choose fonts that render well digitally. Sans serif fonts often have an edge for electronic submission.
Avoid decorative fonts
Comic Sans, script styles, and decorative fonts are never appropriate for resumes. They look unprofessional and often cause ATS parsing errors.
Match your cover letter font
Using the same font across all application materials creates a professional, cohesive look that shows attention to detail.
Print test your choice
Some fonts look different when printed. Always do a test print before submitting if you're handing in a physical copy.
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