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How to Choose the Best Font and Font Size for Cover Letters

Keep it Professional

Choose one simple font, pick an appropriate font size, how to make your font selection, include plenty of white space, sending email cover letters.

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When you are writing a cover letter , it's important to use a font—or type style—that is clear and easy to read. Consider that hiring managers have to review dozens, if not hundreds, of applicants for a position. They may immediately pass over a cover letter and resume that isn’t instantly legible.

Be sure to make your font large enough so that the reader doesn't have to squint to read your letter, but not so large that your letter doesn't fit well on the page.

When it comes to choosing a font to use in your cover letter, your best bet is to keep it simple and professional. You want your words and message to stand out, not your font choice.

Avoid using unprofessional novelty-style fonts such as Comic Sans, handwriting, or script-style fonts.

Ideally, the font used in the cover letter will be both the same size and style as the one used in your resume, to help you present a cohesive package.

Review these tips for determining the right font for your cover letter, as well as what size it should be, and which styles are and are not appropriate to use in a cover letter.

Using a simple font will ensure that your cover letter is easy to read. Basic fonts like Arial, Courier New, Calibri, Verdana, and Times New Roman work the best. Most word processing and email programs will default to a professional and easily readable choice.

Limit yourself to one font in your cover letter; it's best not to mix several fonts in one document.

There is no need to use different styles in a cover letter. Avoid underlining or italicizing, and use boldface text only when emphasizing quantifiable achievements that need to “pop” on the page.

Depending on how much content you have in your letter, select a 10- or 12-point font size.

It's best if you can format your cover letter so it fits on one page, with margins that are no larger than 1” and no smaller than .7”.

If your letter includes a heading with your name and contacts information, you may choose to make this font slightly larger.

When you are using Microsoft Word, you can select a template for your letter or start from scratch with a new document. If you're using a different word processing program, the process is similar.

• Select a font from the list at the top of your document before you start writing your letter, or:
• Type your cover letter.
• Highlight the content of your letter.
• Either select the font from the pop-up window or select the font from the list at the top of the document.
• Select the font size you want to use the same way.
• Proofread your cover letter.
• Print your cover letter, even if you are going to upload it online, to make sure that it is formatted, properly spaced, and looks the way you want it to.

Regardless of the font size, you select, there needs to be space at the top of the letter and between each paragraph and each  section of your cover letter . Here's how to  space your cover letter .

You may need to try a couple of different sizes to make sure that your cover letter fits on a single page, and you have enough white space in between paragraphs. Review these formatting tips to be sure your letter will make the best impression.

The information above applies primarily to instances where you are sending a traditional cover letter by snail mail or when you are sending a formal cover letter as a Word or PDF attachment to an email message .

Copying and pasting a cover letter into the body of an email message may change the formatting, making it difficult to read for an employer who may have a different computer system.

The safest thing to do when you are copying and pasting your cover letter into an email is to remove the formatting and reformat it as plain text. Send a copy to yourself before you send it to an employer to double-check that it reads correctly.

How to Format a Cover Letter: Best Font, Size and Layouts

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Best format for a cover letter

Tips for choosing the best font for a cover letter, common font sizes for a cover letter, how to format a cover letter.

A cover letter is meant to highlight why you’re the perfect fit for the position you’re applying for. It should capture the employer’s attention, leaving them with a memorable impression of you. Every job that you apply for should have a unique cover letter. This article explains how to present the information in your cover letter in a visually organized format, using the best font, size and layout.

Learning how to format a cover letter is one of the first things you’ll need to do before applying for a job. Most employers will insist that you submit both a resume and a cover letter when applying for a job. This is important to know especially when applying for your first job⁠ because you might not have any previous experience with this process. A well-written cover letter will consist of a meaningful introduction, concise examples of relevant skills and work experience, and a brief conclusion. 

The most effective cover letters focus on having these elements for the best format:

• Readable font style
• Standard font size
• Visually appealing layout

The body of the cover letter should be written in about three short paragraphs, on one page and you should identify the reason behind why you want to join the organization. However, if you submit your resume using the incorrect fonts, font sizes or layout, you may be eliminated from the job pool no matter how compelling your personal story is.

The secret to writing a pleasant-looking cover letter is to make sure you’re including all of the fundamental sections while also focusing on using the best fonts, font sizes and layout. 

Some of the best fonts to use are:

• Book Antiqua

The best cover letters use fonts that are easy to read in print and on screens. Make sure your cover letters are written using fonts that make it easy for both a human recruiter and a software tracking system to read. In most cases, it is a good idea to use simple, modern fonts and avoid adding color to the font. Keep in mind, this doesn’t mean to eliminate all creativity in your cover letter.

Essentially, you need to make sure that the font used in your cover letter does not overwhelm the ability of the hiring manager or software bots to read or properly scan. To satisfy both parties, you’ll need to find a balance between design and simplicity.

Too large or too small of a font size can be a challenge for both the hiring manager and the parsing software to read. The ideal font sizes are 10, 11 and 12.

Here are some tips you can follow to help you decide what font size to use for your cover letter:

• Use the font size 10 when trying to keep the cover letter to no longer than one page
• Use font size 12 when you’re trying to fill the page out a bit more
• In all other cases, the preferable font size is 11

For example, if you’re using font size 11 and your cover letter fills only about half the page, go ahead and increase it to 12 to fill out the page to make the entire document more visually appealing. Also, in cases where your cover letter exceeds one page, do not decrease the font to below 10 to try and fit it all on one page. The best solution is to rework the letter to decrease the overall word count.

The formatting of a cover letter should align with the business and the industry for which you are applying. For example, if you’re applying for a position in the finance industry, you should not have a creative or flashy-looking cover letter with colorful borders and exotic fonts. Instead, focus on creating content that matches keywords, while keeping a clean, modern look. 

Here are some steps you can follow to format your own cover letter:

1. First, begin by listing the date and your contact information

2. second, address the hiring manager with a salutation or greeting, 3. third, use the opening paragraph to introduce yourself and state why you’re interested in the open position, 4. next, use the middle paragraph to outline your relevant experience, qualifications or skills that make you the ideal candidate, 5. then, include a closing paragraph to thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration, 6. finally, add a complimentary phrase and your signature to close the letter in a friendly way.

Each of the elements in your cover letter should all use the same font and font size throughout the entire document. The layout should be consistent with a typical business letter with a left-margin justification. Also, the cover letter should be single-spaced and a return should be placed between each of the six sections. Finally, when submitting the cover letter, make sure it is in a compatible file format, such as a Microsoft Word document or PDF. This will ensure that the parsing software and the hiring manager can properly open the document.

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Choosing The Best Font For Cover Letters and Resumes

• Cover Letter Format
• Salutation and Greeting
• Who To Address When Unknown
• How To Start A Cover Letter
• How To End A Cover Letter
• Best Cover Letter Font And Size
• Cover Letter Spacing
• Cover Letter Length
• Key Elements Of A Cover Letter
• How To Write An Address
• Official Letter Format
• Cover Letter Opening

Find a Job You Really Want In

When seeking the ideal job, your cover letter font, as well as your resume font, are your initial opportunities to showcase your qualifications and professionalism. Your choice of fonts and font size plays a pivotal role in leaving a lasting impression on potential employers. Discover how selecting the best cover letter fonts and font sizes for your application can significantly impact your job application’s success..

Key Takeaways:

Pick the appropriate font for the role and be stylistically consistent throughout your resume . This helps makes a more professional appearance

Good choices for standard, professional fonts to use on a resume include Times New Roman, Arial, Helvetica, and more – always stick to fonts that look simple and clean.

A page that’s too cluttered with text looks unprofessional and doesn’t give the hiring manager a good reading experience, so make sure to use white space appropriately.

Why does font matter in a cover letter?

Picking an appropriate font size for a cover letter, personalize your font selection, including white space, reminders for email cover letters, best fonts for your resume 2023 faq, final thoughts.

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Choosing the right cover letter font and resume font is important because can make or break whether your document is visually appealing and giving the impression you want. To pick your cover letter’s font, you should first think about what your intention is for your letter. For cover letters, the main intention is for your words and message to do all the talking. This means the font should not be artsy, fun, or obscure. It should allow your words to be immediately legible.

Additionally, consider being consistent in your font choice for both your cover letter and resume. The stylistic consistency may seem like a small detail, but it allows for recruits or hiring managers to easily flow from one document to the next, without any distractions in the way.

The size of your font is equally as important as choosing the correct font for your cover letter. If the text of your letter is too small or visibly challenging, your application might be passed up for another candidate.

There are three general options when picking a font size, 10, 11, or 12. Your cover letter should always fit on one-page, so consider this when formatting your first draft. A smaller font is appropriate if it helps keep all of your text on one page. However, if your cover letter is on the shorter side , choosing font size 12 is equally as appropriate.

It’s also important to note that different fonts come in a variety of sizes.

Once your cover letter is written, spend some time on formatting to make sure it looks good and fits on one page. If you have already selected the smallest size and your copy bleeds into a second page, try adjusting the margins or see where you can cut to condense the letter.

While there is no science behind picking the perfect font, there are specific fonts that are highly regarded for their perception of being easily readable, professional, and clean. Below, we outline some of the best cover letter fonts to choose from.

Arial features crisp lines and no-frills, an easily readable and familiar font for a cover letter . Being one of the most popular cover letter fonts in the world, it’s also beneficial as the standard font for Microsoft Word and Google Docs. There’s a good chance your recruiter or hiring manager has this font existing in their word processor of choice.

Avenir is a good way to be bold on your resume and cover letter but without taking the risk. This font features playful curves that help liven up any piece of copy to stand-out in the best way possible. It’s a good choice of font if you are looking to get into the design space or any creative type of job.

Calibri was initially designed by Microsoft as a candidate to replace Times New Roman in Word, and it’s a standard font usually found on resumes or cover letters. With its clean and simple typeface, it’s easily one of the most readable fonts out there. It’s both familiar and friendly, a great choice for any cover letter.

Cambria has a serif face and traditional design that makes it easy to read both in print or on the computer screen, even in low resolutions. The even spacing and proportions make this an ideal choice for cover letters.

Garamond is a more delicate font, but with a classic serif form, good for conveying an air of sophistication on resumes. Based on sixteenth-century designs, the Garamond style typefaces are perfect for both print and digital cover letters readability.

Georgia is a popular font developed by Microsoft, and can be a good choice for cover letter font because it’s unique yet clean. The serif typeface is both elegant and legible, with a mixture of both thick and thin strokes. This font is also used by Georgiacompanies in their branding, such as Amazon and the New York Times.

Helvetica is one of the most widely used sans-serif fonts in the world. Its neo-grotesque design was first brought to popularity by Swiss designers. Its neutral and clean look has made it a top choice for many businesses.

Times New Roman is the most traditional font of all, and is likely the most popular choice for resume font. It is popular for most job seekers with its simple and elegant design. Keep in mind that since this is one of the most common resume and cover letter fonts, it’s not something to use if you’re looking to be unique or convey creativity. But that’s not to say it’s not a great choice. This is a safe and easy font choice for your cover letter.

Trebuchet MS is a great font choice if you are looking to fill a little extra space on your cover letter. Being a bit broader with thicker lines, this font will fill the page and allow for easy readability. It’s also a common font found in most word processors and Google Docs.

Verdana was initially designed to be readable in small sizes and on low-resolution screens, making it perfect if you need to use a smaller font size for your cover letter. It has a large x-height with wide proportions and letter-spacing to allow for easy legibility.

Montserrat is a contemporary sans-serif font that reads as both stylish and legible on cover letters. Its clean and minimalist design, coupled with uniform stroke widths, lends a modern and fresh look to your application materials. Montserrat is an excellent choice for those seeking a clean and trendy aesthetic while maintaining readability and professionalism in their resume or cover letter.

Baskerville is a classic serif font known for its elegance and readability, two qualities you may want to embody when writing your cover letter. With roots dating back to the 18th century, Baskerville offers a sense of tradition and sophistication. The well-defined letterforms and high contrast between thick and thin strokes make it a perfect choice for conveying professionalism and attention to detail in your resume or cover letter.

Going with one of the listed fonts for your cover letter and resume puts you in a good place for the formatting of your cover letter. As with many things, font choice is subjective, and you should make the choice you feel most comfortable with.

The last thing to be mindful of is how many fonts you choose to use for your cover letter.

Since there are a few different pieces to a cover letter, you may be tempted to use different fonts for headers , introductions , or conclusions . However, it’s good practice to only use one font for your cover letter. Maintaining this consistency ensures a smooth reading process for your recruiter or hiring manager.

When formatting your cover letter, it’s always important to remember that there is a significant amount of space required at the top of your letter. Additionally, you should leave white space between each paragraph and each new section of the cover letter .

Usually, word processors have templates that you can use to make sure you properly space your cover letter. Again, don’t forget that your entire cover letter should fit on a single page, so it’s important to take some time to play with the formatting once you are done writing your letter. Perfecting your formatting ensures you will make a stellar first impression.

The best practices outlined in this article are mostly for cover letters that are in hard-copy or emailed as a Word document or PDF attachment. If your job application instructs you to include your cover letter in the body of the email, you might be tempted to copy, paste, and send.

However, be mindful of how the formatting shifts when you copy and paste things into an email, making it tricky for the hiring manager or recruiter to read. Be sure you either fix the formatting in the body of the email or copy and paste it as plain text directly into the email.

What role does font choice play in my resume and cover letter?

Font choice plays a crucial role in your resume and cover letter as it directly impacts readability and the overall impression you make on potential employers. The right font can enhance professionalism, clarity, and visual appeal, while the wrong choice can distract from your content or make it difficult to read.

Should I use a serif or sans-serif font for my resume and cover letter?

Whether to use a serif or sans-serif font depends on your personal preference and the style you want to convey. Serif fonts, with their small decorative strokes, often exude tradition and professionalism. On the other hand, sans-serif fonts are clean and modern, offering a sleek and contemporary look. Ultimately, the choice should align with your industry and the image you want to project.

The font you choose is your resume’s first impression, so choosing the right one can you get your job applications started on the right foot. The way your resume is organized and how it looks at a glance can say a lot about you even before the hiring manager even starts to read it.

Be sure to use a simple, professional font and break your resume down into sections balanced out by plenty of white space.

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Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.

Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.

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• Resume Help
• Best Resume Fonts for 2024: Size, Style, List & Guide

Best Resume Fonts for 2024: Size, Style, List & Guide

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What is the best font for a resume? Any fonts to avoid? And font size?  Serif or sans serif? What about bolding and italicizing ? And those pesky section heading titles?

So many questions... Luckily for you, we've got all the answers you need to decide on the right resume font. 

Read on, see some examples, explanations and find all the answers. With this guide, you’ll learn how to choose a perfect font for your resume.

This font guide will show you:

• The best resume fonts to choose and fonts to avoid.
• What size font for a resume and a cover letter works like a charm on employers.
• Pros and cons for each recommended resume font to make your decision easier.
• Tips and tricks for standard professional fonts to use on a resume.

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Learn more about formatting your resume, CV, cover letter and more:

• Resume Margins
• Resume Header
• 99+ Resume Ideas
• References on a Resume
• Google Docs Resume Template
• Cover Letter Format
• Biodata Format
• Reference Letter Format
• Reverse Chronology Format
• PDF Resume Templates

What Font to use for a Resume

Recruiters and hiring managers take 7 seconds to initially scan your resume, according to our HR statistics report . That’s just about how long it takes the average person to read these two sentences. The font you pick has to be legible. What is the best font for a resume? Here are our recommendations:

Resume Font Size

The standard font size for resumes is 12 points in a classic and easily readable font. Larger fonts are good for emphasizing your name and section headings. If you can't fit your content on one page you could try using a sans-serif font at 10 points, but that's the minimum font size you should use. 

Common Resume Fonts

• The most common font type used is black Times New Roman at 12 points in size.
• Other serif fonts, those that have tails, that work well include Cambria, Georgia, Garamond, Book Antiqua, and Didot.
• Sans serif fonts, those without tails, that work well include Calibri, Helvetica, Verdana, Trebuchet MS and Lato.
• Use  bolding ,  italicising and CAPITALIZING to emphasize important information such as your name and section headings, but be consistent.

Now let's take a look at each of our recommended resume fonts in more detail.

What is the Best Font for a Resume in 2024:

Lucas de Groot, a Dutch type designer, was commissioned by Microsoft to create Calibri to replace good old Times New Roman as the default font for Office. It’s a contemporary font that simply tries to maximize relatability, skipping dated serifs but without the intense flourish of other modern fonts—perfect for a today’s resume .

Pros : As a default font, Calibri will usually render correctly when a hiring manager opens your resume. It’s a professional and easy-to-read font, and it won the TDC2 2005 Type System award from the Type Directors Club.

Cons : As a default font, it also means other job seekers may use Calibri, which means your resume might not stand out from others.

Alternative : Carlito is a font created by Google that is a match for Calibri, metrically compatible, and intended as an open-source substitute.

Like Calibri, Cambria was also commissioned by Microsoft by a Dutchman and created in 2004. With its serifs (those little lines at the end of each stroke in a letter; we’ll get to them soon), Microsoft states that it was “designed for on-screen reading and to look good when printed at small sizes.” And that makes it a great font for the content of your resume and cover letter.

Pros : Cambria makes it easy for readers to quickly decipher smaller text sizes.

Cons : It is often described as “traditional,” which may make it less suitable for more modern jobs.

Alternative : Caladea is a font created by Google that is a match for Calibri, metrically compatible, and intended as an open-source substitute. However, it seems now that Google Docs includes Cambria to choose from, as well.

3. Helvetica

A Swiss designer created Helvetica, a neo-grotesque typeface; Originally named Neue Haas Grotesk, it was soon licensed by Linotype and renamed to resemble the Latin word for Switzerland, “Helvetia.” It’s a font that remains popular in the advertising industry as a gorgeous, easy-to-read sans-serif font. Both the New York City subway system and major corporations like BMW use Helvetica for their signs.

Pros : A lot of professionals rank Helvetica as one of the more beautiful sans-serif fonts. A perfect font to use on a CV!

Cons : Helvetica comes preloaded on Macs, but you aren’t going to find it listed under fonts in Microsoft Word. You’re going to have to buy it if you want to use it and don’t have a Mac.

Alternatives : Arial is the default font for Google Docs and also a standard font for Microsoft Word, which means it will display correctly cross-platform and on most computers. To most non-specialists, it is difficult to distinguish the differences. Roboto is another, less-similar resume font alternative created by Google and available for open use.

Pro Tip: Even if you save your resume as a .pdf file, the font can go screwy in transit. To make sure your typeface stays intact, embed the font in the file. When saving (or “printing”) as .pdf in Microsoft Word, go to Options > Save and check the item that reads “Embed fonts in the file” or similar.

Designed for Microsoft in the early 90s, Georgia is still one of the most popular fonts used today; it’s used by the New York Times online and by many big corporations, such as Yahoo, Amazon, and Twitter. Georgia is a font that’s easy to read online, making it ideal if you plan to send your resume as a PDF.

Pros : You can find Georgia across writing platforms. It’s accessible and a fine replacement font for other serif typefaces, like Times New Roman. Recently (2013) re-released and updated, so it’s up to date.

Cons : Georgia’s popularity may make it hard for you to stand out. Also, it was inspired by Scotch Roman designs of the 19th century, so if you want to stand out, you might want to go with something else.

Alternative : Times New Roman remains one of the most-used resume fonts, even today. People love to hate it because it’s not a creative font, but it’s still a safe (if boring) choice for most job seekers.

Matthew Carter created Verdana for Microsoft as the sans-serif sister to Georgia. He designed the font so that it is easy to read in small print on computer screens. Verdana remains one of the best professional fonts for resumes, CVs, and cover letters alike.

Pros : Great for job seekers who need to squeeze more onto their resumes, as it was optimized for small-print legibility.

Cons : If you’re seeking a “wow” CV font, keep on looking. Verdana doesn’t look all that different from Arial and Arial looks like Helvetica.

Alternative : The Futura font is a common replacement for Verdana; however, in 2010, Ikea switched from using Futura to using Verdana. They paid millions to their marketing team to come up with that suggestion, so make of that what you will.

6. Garamond

Garamond is a family of fonts with a long history, coming from 15th and 16th-century designs. Many describe Garamond as timeless. Jean Jannon later designed a similar typeface that most other digital versions of Garamond resemble. Monotype’s version, dated 1922, is bundled with Microsoft products and remains the most popular of this typography family.

Pros : Among designers and ad managers, Garamond is a favorite. It meets all the requirements of a good resume font: easy to read, attractive, classy, and not something everyone and their mother uses.

Cons : Some might say that Garamond’s timelessness is just a more optimistic way of saying that it’s old; it is from the 1400s, remember?

Alternative : Cormorant is inspired by Garamond’s design, but it is openly available and Google Fonts financed the development to enable its libre release.

7. Trebuchet MS

A trebuchet is a medieval siege engine that launches projectiles of slow, painful death (such as buckets of stones or dead bodies to spread disease) long distances and over defending walls. Vincent Connare "thought that would be a great name for a font that launches words across the Internet". Connare knows his fonts—he is behind the world-renowned (but not resume-friendly) Comic Sans font, as well.

Pros : Microsoft released Trebuchet as one of their core fonts for the web. You can find it easily even on competitors such as Google Docs.

Cons : If you want to utilize some additional features for the Trebuchet MS font, such as small caps or text figures, you’ll have to pay for the commercial version, Trebuchet Pro.

Alternative : Fira Sans is a decent alternative to Trebuchet, and it is openly available on Google Fonts. Also, Source Sans Pro is freely available for commercial use.

Łukasz Dziedzic, a Polish typeface designer, designed the Lato font for a large corporate client, which is why he wanted this typeface to have both serious and friendly qualities. That dual nature gave it the “feeling of the summer,” so he named the font after the Polish word for summer.

Pros : As an open source font (SIL Open Font License), you can download and use it for free. Lato is also a corporate font, so you can rest assured that it’ll work well on your resume. It can be found in the Google Font library openly.

Cons : Lato is not a standard Microsoft Word font. That might mean that it will not load when some hiring managers open your resume.

Alternative : Open Sans is a great replacement for Lato, being one of the most popular professional fonts on the web today, openly available, and able to be used commercially.

9. Book Antiqua

If you imagine modern resume templates ought to prefer typography named Web Nova or Selfie Futura instead of this, you’d be wrong. Book Antiqua is a Microsoft clone of the industry-fave Palatino font, and it is one of the best serif fonts to use for resumes.

Pros : As a Microsoft version of Palatino, it is readily available on most operating systems and office programs.

Cons : Palatino is based on humanist styles of the Italian Renaissance, so it may make your resume feel, well, antiqua .

Alternative : Iowan Old Style is similar, stylistically, but with its higher x-height, it is more easily read on screens and small displays. Also, Apple licensed it, so it is available by default on Macs and Pages.

Didot is an elegant font designed by Firmin Didot just before the French Revolution. While not as old and classic as Garamond, it was born during the Enlightenment and the reign of Marie Antoinette, so it’s a good font for dressing up your resume.

Pros : Many professionals associate the font with fashion; Ralph Lauren and Marks & Spencer use Didot on their websites. Its elegance qualifies as a safe choice if you must go with something fancy.

Cons : You must purchase Didot if you want to use it on your resume. Too much Didot on a page takes it from tastefully elegant to endangering your resume from suffering the same fate as Madame Déficit .

Alternative : Bodoni is a font family with numerous variations. You’ll have more to sort through, but many are also available freely to the public.

When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check . Start building a  professional resume template here for free .

When you’re done, Zety’s resume builder will score your resume and our resume checker will tell you exactly how to make it better.

Alternative Resume Fonts

The above are our list of best resume fonts, but what if you’re using an online builder, like ours, which isn’t allowed to distribute many of those fonts commercially? Or what if you want a less-common alternative?

My suggestion for an alternative font is to use Google’s very own Noto font family . Noto stands for “ NO more TO fu,” tofu being the term for the boxes that replace letters or symbols that a system can’t render.

According to Google, “Noto provides pan-language harmony, yet maintains authenticity. The goal is great online readability across languages without losing the character that makes each script special.”

Noto fonts, available in both serif and sans-serif versions, cover a whopping 93 different language scripts (alphabets), almost 600 languages, and over 230 geographical regions on earth. It truly is a world-uniting font, perfect for today’s globalized industries, and one I highly recommend.

Serif vs. Sans-Serif

What is a serif font?

Serifs refer to the little lines at the end of each stroke in a letter; these fonts are referred to as a serif, or serifed, typeface. They originated way back in Roman antiquity, and they may feel dated compared with similar sans-serif counterparts.

What are sans-serif fonts?

Sans-serif fonts are those that do not have the lines at the end of each stroke; because of that, designers often describe them as fresh, modern, and good for resumes.

Serif or sans-serif fonts for my resume?

Serif fonts are said to be slightly easier to read, as those little brushstrokes on each letter help your hiring manager’s brain to compute what they’re reading just a little bit faster. However, sans-serif fonts are prized on modern resumes for their contemporary look and seamless integration with today’s resume designs.

What About Italics and Bold?

Bold text is great for drawing particular attention to a few words. Though you may have already increased the font size for titles, bolding can help subtitles stand out without having to enlarge them.

Italics are useful for supporting text, just like the smaller font size we mentioned before. Use them in places like the city and state related to a university of a degree listing, for example.

Avoid underlining words or phrases in a resume or cover letter, as it just adds too much formatting and makes the document feel cluttered.

Pairing Resume Fonts

One common trick that many visually-inclined resume makers use is to pair two fonts on a resume. The best font pairs agree with each other, work together in harmony, and don’t fight the reader for attention.

Many job seekers who pair fonts choose two contrasting typefaces, perhaps a standard script with a cursive script, or sans-serif with serif. Then, they would use one for the main content, and the other for larger elements, such as their name and section titles.

Make sure the font on your resume is consistent with your cover letter font , too!

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here.  Here's what it may look like:

See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Key Takeaway

So, what’d you think? Not so hard, after all, was it?

• Commonly used professional fonts for resumes are Arial , Calibri , Cambria , Garamond , Georgia , Helvetica , and Times New Roman . They are popular and good for your resume, because they boost its readability.
• Make sure the resume format is legible and easy on the eyes for whomever reads it.
• Use a universal resume font that will open on every computer; you don’t want tofu!
• Differentiate headings and section titles from the main resume content by tastefully increasing the text size, using bold, and pairing fonts together.

Have any questions on how to choose the best resume font? Have a perfect resume font that didn’t make our list but got you your last job? Share it with us or just give us a shout in the comments below and we’ll answer your question. Thanks for reading!

About Zety’s Editorial Process

This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines . We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Font for a Resume

What is the best font for a resume.

Consider sans-serif fonts like Arial, Verdana, and Helvetica, which are known for their clarity. You can also use the tried-and-true ones like Times New Roman or Georgia. The same rule applies when creating a CV and looking for the best CV fonts.

Best fonts for a resume have to meet the following criteria:

• Have good spacing and readability.
• Read well within the 10–12 pts size range for the resume body and 14–16 pts for the headings.
• Be ATS-friendly.

If you use a professional resume builder , you’ll be able to fill out your resume first and then play around with fonts and resume layouts to find the best fit—without having to start each time anew.

What is the best font size and format for a resume?

For proper resume formatting , go with 11–12 pts for the main body (10 if absolutely necessary) and 14–16 pts for resume headings . Make sure your font of choice reads well with the size. Times New Roman is a classic, but if you prefer a cleaner look, explore sans-serif fonts (like Verdana or Helvetica). Stay away from heavy and cursive fonts (no Comic Sans!). Also, feel free to use bold type , italics , and underlining to make your resume easier to read (and highlight the important bits).

When you have all the information filled out, you’ll see if you can afford to go down a font size or if you should consider a two-column resume structure. Don’t sacrifice readability to fit your document into one sheet, though. It’s a misconception that your resume should be one page always—if you’re an experienced candidate, two pages are fine.

What is the best font for the ATS?

There are only a couple of fonts that will help you get past the ATS. The best ones are Times New Roman and Arial. Besides, Arial will allow you to fit as much information on the page as possible (but always consider if a two-page resume would be a better choice).

Keep in mind that utilizing unconventional fonts to create an eye-catching resume may prevent it from being ATS-compliant . Instead, make proper use of headings and bold type to separate the sections and make the document look presentable.

What is the best font for a professional or executive resume?

Here are some professional resume fonts to pick from:

• Times New Roman

Creating a perfect resume for any industry starts with ensuring good readability, so make sure your resume is well-structured and has enough white space. The best resumes for business environments usually avoid overly creative resume templates and fonts, steering toward a more classic look.

Is Times New Roman outdated?

It’s conservative, but not at all outdated. In fact, if you’re applying for a job in a more traditional sphere, it may be just right. So, if you’re creating a resume in Word , and your first instinct is to choose Times New Roman, don’t fight it. It reads great, it’s familiar, and it looks professional. Make sure not to go below 10.5 pts, though, as it will affect readability.

If you’d like to create a more modern style resume , try space-efficient sans-serifs like Tahoma, Verdana, or Arial. Also, don’t forget about standard resume margins (one inch on all sides).

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6 Best Fonts for a Cover Letter (And How to Choose One)

When it comes to job search, every small detail can play for or against you. Spelling, layout, stylistic highlights, fonts — the tiny design tweaks can amplify or muddle the first impression you are to make. 

All of the above is true for cover letters too. The easiest way to make the wrong first impression is by using a terrible cover letter font. OK, but which ones are good ones and which ones are bad? 

I’ve talked to our graphic design team (the one behind all our resume templates !) to get their scoop on the best fonts for cover letters. 

What is the Best Font for a Cover Letter?

The best font for a cover letter is Times New Roman . It’s a classic serif typeface that’s been in use for over 85 years. Times New Roman uses space economically which makes it easier to fit your cover letter into one page. This font looks equally great in print and in digital documents, plus it is supported by all major word processors and email apps. So your cover letter will be 100% readable! 

What is the Best Font Size for a Cover Letter?

The best font size for a cover letter is 12 points . This is a standard font size for most business documents — not too big, not too small for different screen sizes. You can also opt for 10 or 11 points cover letter font size if you need to fit more information into one page, but this can affect the readability of your letter. 

Best Fonts for a Professional Cover Letter: Overview

Times New Roman is a clear leader, recommended for use by career advisors from MIT , Purdue University , and Boston University among others for both resumes and cover letters. 

But because Times New Roman is a serif font, it might be hard to read for people with dyslexia or other types of reading disorders . So if you want to be extra mindful, you can look for another professional cover letter font. 

Just make sure it is: 

• Serif or sans serif (avoid calligraphic typefaces) 
• Readable (i.e. don’t have too many fancy elements) 
• Widely supported by word processing apps 
• Not Comic Sans (which is universally deemed unprofessional) 

To help you narrow down your choice, here are several more best fonts for a professional cover letter we recommend using. 

1. Arial 

Arial font has been around since the 1980s. You are probably well-familiar with it if you are a Windows user. Arial has been the default font for this operating system since the 1990s. It’s a web-friendly sans serif typeface. However, many graphic designers suggest avoiding Arial in print as it ends up looking somewhat plain, especially in bigger sizes. 

But since most of us dispatch email cover letters these days, it shouldn’t be much of a concern. 

2. Helvetica 

Helvetica is a Swiss-born typeface as its name indicates (Helvetia is the Latin word for Switzerland). Originally created by a freelance designer for a Haus foundry, it became hugely popular thanks to Apple. While Microsoft chose Arial as the main font for its OS, Apple picked Helvetica for the same purpose. 

Helvetica is also a sans serif font and it’s very readable. That’s because it has even kerning in any variation — bold, italic, or skinny — which gives the reader a sense of clean spacing. 

3. Calibri 

Calibri is a digital-native sans serif post. It was created specifically for online documents in the early 2000s — and presented to the general public with Microsoft Office 2007 and Windows Vista releases. Up till today, it remains the default font in MS Office. 

It has a pleasant rounded feel to it, paired with a tight layout. Thanks to it, you can flexibly change text size without losing resolution. So if you need to fit a longer cover letter into one page , try using Calibri in size 11. 

4. Georgia 

Don’t let this name trick you — the Georgia typeface was designed in the US in the 1990s for Microsoft corporation (again). But it was introduced only in 2006 as one of the standard fonts.

Georgia was originally envisioned as an alternative serif font to Times New Roman, which would look better on smaller screen sizes. Times New Roman becomes hard to read in small sizes. 

Overall, Georgia is a great cover letter font option for those who want to add some extra “personality” to your cover letter, while still maintaining professionalism. 

5. Garamond

Garamond is another fine example of a time-tested font. It was modeled after an old-styled Latin typeface, used by a 16th-century engraver Claude Garamond. But don’t let its age deter you, Garamond looks fresher compared to other popular serif fonts like Times New Roman and Georgia.  So if you want to give your cover letter a subtle creative flair, go for this option. 

Verdana typeface family is another ‘brainchild’ of Microsoft Corporation, released in the late 1990s.  It was modeled after humanist sans serif fonts such as the ones still used by the London Underground.

Yet Verdana has a more modern feel to it and touts generous width and spacing between letters. It also has a prominent distinction between frequently confused letters just as  lowercase i j l, the uppercase I J L, and the number 1.

Making Cover Letter Font Selection Easier 

If you feel that typography isn’t your forte, go with a “safe” choice of Times New Roman. Yes, it’s somewhat overused, but this fact doesn’t make it less professional. Alternatively, opt for popular sans serif fonts such as Ariel, Helvetica, or Verdana. There you go — you now have no more excuses for not working on your cover letter !

Elena runs content operations at Freesumes since 2017. She works closely with copywriters, designers, and invited career experts to ensure that all content meets our highest editorial standards. Up to date, she wrote over 200 career-related pieces around resume writing, career advice... more

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What’s the Best Resume Font, Size, and Format [For 2024]

When you’re working on your resume the font might be the last thing on your mind.

But details matter.

And something that might seem insignificant at first, like your resume font, can have a huge impact on whether you get the job or not.

Why’s that?

Consider the resume readability.

You may have the best resume in the world, but if the font is assaulting the HR manager’s eyes, well , chances are, they’re not going to give you a call back any time soon.

Similarly, if you go with the most boring font that’s almost camouflaging with the background, they just might forget about your resume by the end of the day.

Most HR managers don’t spend a whole lot of time on actually analyzing your resume. The very first they look at is the resume layout and only then do they go through the contents.

If the layout is good (e.g. 1 page, looks good, easy-to-scan, etc.) and the font looks readable - only then will they decide if it’s worth a read or not.

And remember, this is only done in a matter of seconds.

So, imagine someone glances at your resume. What first impression is your font giving off?

Do you want your resume to stand out and go in the right box?

If so, read on to find out: 

• What's the Best Resume Font & Size

How to Format Your Resume

How to make your resume (the easy way), what’s the best resume font & size.

When it comes to font and font size, we generally recommend going with something that stands out, but not too much.

The font you go with has a direct impact on the readability, and so, it needs to look good on PDF as well as paper.

Before we dive into the best resume fonts though, let’s take a look at one font you shouldn’t ever use :

Comic Sans.

Yes, you’ll stand out. No, not in the good way.

Jokes (and bashing comic sans) aside, the most common font people tend to use is Times New Roman, 12pt.

Now, there’s nothing necessarily wrong with that, but you should know that it’s going to be the default font for most people.

Do you want your resume to stand out among all the Times New Roman resumes?

If so, consider using:

• Ubuntu - Ubuntu is a modern, humanist-style, typeface developed in 2010. It looks great everywhere, maximizes readability, and does not belong to any specific industry. You can use it for all job applications and your resume is guaranteed to stand out.
• Roboto - Looks familiar? You might recognize this font because Google developed it for its Android operating system in 2011. But don’t worry, it’s free for commercial use. It has a tech look to it, but feel free to use it in any industry - tech or otherwise.
• Overpass - Relatively newer font, developed in 2015, Overpass is a digital typeface font inspired by Highway Gothic. It looks very formal and classy, making it ideal for more conservative industries. But you can’t go wrong with using it in other industries as well because of its sleek design.

Once you’ve picked your font, you move on to:

Resume Font Size

In a resume builder , such as ours, the font sizes are pre-defined in order to create a font hierarchy across the document that will result in increased readability of your resume.

When faced with a situation where you are not relying on a resume builder and have to choose the font size yourself, as a rule of thumb, we recommend going with 10-12pt for normal text and 14-16pt for section titles and headers.

This approach should save you some space and also won’t make the HR manager have to squint to read the text.

It’s important to note that once you decide on a font and font size, they should be consistent throughout the whole resume.

Basic Layout Info

When it comes to the resume layout, here’s what you need to know:

• Line spacing - Go for 1.0 or 1.15 line spacing between text and double lines after subheadings. Feel free to adjust this accordingly based on the space of your resume
• Bullet points - You can use bullet points in your resume experience section to make it easier to skim through. Just make sure you don’t overuse them, limit them up to 6 points within each section.
• Resume length - Stick to one page, unless you have 5+ years of experience (2/3 pages at most, in that case).

So, once you’ve got the basic layout and the feel of your resume down, you can now move onto actually writing the main sections within your resume. Here’s how you do that:

You probably already have a general idea of what you should include in your resume.

Sounds simple, right? 

Simply list your qualifications and call it a day.

Well, not quite.

The sections you list on your resume have to be relevant to the HR manager and the job you’re applying for. 

No one wants to hear your whole life and backstory.

Instead, here’s what to include and how .

Contact Information

Let’s start with the basics.

Your name, professional title, email address, contact information . These are all things that go on any resume ever. 

After all, they need a way to contact you, right?

Make sure the spelling is correct, and everything is up to date.

Thinking of including your social media handles?

As long as they’re relevant - go for it.

Your LinkedIn profile is important for most HR managers.

But your Behance link might be relevant only if you work in design. Likewise, you might want to include Github only if you’re in IT.

Resume Summary or Objective?

Do you have more than 2 years of work experience?

Include a resume summary that sums up your previous jobs and qualifications in 50 words or less. Don’t just repeat what’s on the resume below. Instead, offer insight that might compel the HR manager to learn more about you.

Now, if that’s not the case, feel free to include a resume objective that mentions your motivations and why you’re the perfect candidate for your job. If you don’t have a lot of experience, feel free to lean on what inspires you instead.

Work Experience

This is the section most HR managers jump to in your resume.

If you want to convince them that you’re the right fit, make sure you list work experience that’s relevant to the position and offers actionable insight.

If possible, quantify the impact you made when working for each role and be very specific about your contributions.

• Improved revenue by 20% by optimizing Facebook ads.
• Created Facebook ads.

At the end of the day, the HR manager wants to hear about your accomplishments, not responsibilities.

Most job ads typically list the type of skills they’re looking for straight away. This is your chance to stand out and prove to the HR manager that you’ve actually read the job ad.

To perfect your skills section, get a good mix of hard and soft skills .

What’s the difference?

Well, your hard skills include specific knowledge and expertise that comes from training. For example, if you’re applying for a tech job, your hard skills should include specific knowledge needed for the job.

For example:

Your soft skills , meanwhile, are self-developed and come from experience. I.e. skills you’ve learned from life, such as communicating with people, working in a startup, and so on.

• Communication
• Self-Driven

When thinking about some of the skills to put on your resume , read the job ad carefully. You want to mention the skills that are relevant for the job - no one cares about your Expert knowledge of Underwater Basket Weaving.

This is fairly straightforward, yet, many people make the mistake of filling this section with unnecessary information.

When writing your education section, only include the important things, such as:

• University name
• Years attended
• (Optional) GPA - Is it more than 3.5? Then you might want to include it. 
• (Optional) Honors - Were you top of the class? Go for it.
• (Optional) Minor program - Relevant to the job? Feel free to include.

Keep it simple, no need to waste space with the background of your university or what motivated you to choose your major.

Optional Sections

Want to stand out from the crowd AND leave a good impression? Some of these optional sections might help…

• Hobbies and interests
• Volunteering Experience
• Certifications and Awards
• Publications

There’s a lot more to making a good resume than what we’ve covered so far. Want to learn more? We have a super-comprehensive guide for that. Give it a read, and you’ll be an expert in no time!

Now that you know what goes in a resume, you might be wondering - “what’s the best way to make one?”

Yes, you can do the whole thing manually and hand-craft your own resume with Microsoft Word

But think about it - do you really want to go through all the hassle?

If you’re going to be hand-crafting your resume from scratch, you need to get everything right. 

You need to format it right, get the layout right, make sure it’s ATS-friendly (CV screening software HR uses), and really dive into the details.

This is extremely time-consuming.

Instead of manually knitting up a resume, you could be making better use of your time.

Work smarter, not harder, right?

If you want to make your life easier, try Novorésumé’s resume builder . It’s free (with premium options) and really simplifies the process of creating a resume.

Our templates were developed with recruiters and employers in mind, so you can rest assured that you’re always sending in your best work.

Whether you’re a college student or a senior executive - Novoresume templates have your back when it comes to best resume formatting practices.

Key Takeaways

Ready to get back into the job search with the best resume font practices that will have the HR manager grabbing your resume from a full-stack?

Make sure your resume font reflects that and that it’ll have your resume radiating with the font choice the next time you send it in.

Here’s a quick recap of what we’ve learned so far:

• Best resume fonts are: Ubuntu , Robot , Overpass . The worst one? Comic Sans
• Best resume font sizes are: 11-12pt for normal text, 14-16pt for section titles and headers.
• The most-used resume formatting order is: Contact information , work experience , skills , and education .

With that said, if you don’t want to worry about the specific resume formatting and getting the details right - you can always use a resume builder to make your life much easier.

There is no reason as to why you should be pouring your sweat, blood, and tears into the painstaking hours of perfecting your resume, down to the margins and fonts manually, when you can just use a resume builder (which is free) to do it for you.

If you want to learn other ways to save time and stay up to date with the latest career advice, be sure to check out our career blog .

Suggested reading:

• How to Pick the Best Resume Format [+Examples]
• What to Put On a Resume (To Get The Job You’ll Love)
• 100+ Achievements to Write in Your Resume [Examples for 2024]

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Best Font for Resume: Tips on Size, Types, and Styles

What is the best font for a resume? Check our guide and learn the differences between Calibri and Cambria and see what font size you should use on your resume.

A nightmare scenario. You’ve prepared a perfect resume. You’ve got the right skills and top-class experience for the job. You even included a cover letter. Yet, nobody called back.

Why?  Because your resume is as illegible as a doctor’s prescription. Good resume layout is key. And to have a good layout, you need to use the best font for a resume. Otherwise, nobody will care to lay their eyes upon it.

This guide will show you:

• A list of best fonts for resumes.
• How to properly use resume fonts to make resumes pop.
• Tips and examples of how to pick the best font for a resume.
• How to choose between different types of resume fonts, as well as bold, italics, and underlines.

Save hours of work and get a job-winning resume like this. Try our resume builder for free. Start by choosing a resume template .

Create your resume now

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1. What is The Best Font for a Resume?

With so many creative resume designs and fonts available, one can be tempted to use them to reflect their personality and style. However, with unusual resume characteristics like non-standard fonts, a resume can become hard to read. Here’s how to find the best font for a resume to make it both appealing and legible.

Resume Font Size

The best font size for resume text is between 11–12pts. If you can’t fit in all crucial information on one page, then 10pts is the way to go. Smaller fonts can also be useful for less consequential text, such as dates worked at a past job.

For resume subsections and their headings, you can increase that size 2–4pts (13–16pts) to help them stand out and help scannability. Finally, your name at the top can be another 2–4pts larger than that (15–20pts) to help it stand out well and act as a sort of resume page title.

Best Fonts for a Resume

Common resume fonts include both serif and sans serif fonts that we will describe further in the article:

Trebuchet MS

Book Antiqua.

2. The Best Resume Fonts to Apply in 2024

The Calibri font is one of the sans serif, modern fonts. It is the default font in Microsoft Office, and it has recently been added to Google Docs.

Its widespread usage means that HR managers and ATS software will be able to open your documents and render them correctly (that does not mean you shouldn't use an  ATS-friendly resume template ).

Calibri is often considered the best font for a resume. Many resume experts agree that it is among the best sans serif fonts—it constantly makes all the top-10 lists.

Great Calibri alternatives include Raleway , Helvetica Neue, and Open Sans .

Expert Hint : Serif vs sans serif, what do they mean? Serifs are those tiny brushstrokes at the ends of letters’ lines (such as the three points of a letter y). Sans-serif fonts are more modern typefaces which don’t include those brushstrokes.

The Cambria font is like Calibri’s serif counterpart, and it is also one of the most popular and best resume fonts in use.

Likewise, Cambria is available for both Google Docs and Microsoft Office products, so hiring managers will be able to view your resume as you intended. It is our choice among the best serif fonts on our list.

Excellent alternatives for Cambria include the Source Serif 4 and ITC Charter font types.

Noto fonts is Google’s largest typeface project in which they aim to have one font family that can cover every available language and glyph out there.

Also, Noto fonts is open source and freely available, making it a great choice for resume writers, especially if needing to use a non-Latin alphabet.

Noto is available in both serif and sans serif variants. Looking for the best resume Google fonts? This is it.

Expert Hint : Serif or sans serif for resumes? An old study used to say serif fonts help legibility. However, newer studies say that sans serif fonts are easier to read on older screens, but serif fonts are okay for headings and section titles.

The Georgia font is considered one of the best resume fonts, too.

Georgia is our second serif font on the list, and many large names use it today; it is the New York Times font as well as Amazon’s.

Best resume font alternatives for Georgia include Droid Serif and PT Serif .

5. Helvetica

The Helvetica font has been a popular choice of designers and advertisers for decades. Helvetica is used by the NYC subway system and the UK’s National Health Service.

Though this sans serif font has been around for over a half century, it still remains one of the foremost modern fonts.

Neue Haas Grotesk and Proxima Nova are some great substitutes for Helvetica, as well as the similarly-popular Arial font.

Expert Hint : Never use a script font or cursive font on a resume or a cover letter. It’s hard to read, and THAT makes you hard to hire.

6. Garamond

The Garamond font is a blend of traditional serifs mixing with a more modern design. Though the Garamond typeface family is centuries old, designers continue to praise it as one of the most elegant fonts.

The Cormorant font is a popular, freely-available replacement for Garamond.

The Verdana font is a sexy, full-figured typeface which was created for Microsoft to be a sans serif counterpart to the Georgia font we mentioned earlier.

Verdana is a top resume font, due to its excellent readability even at very small font sizes—perfect for employers!

A popular Verdana alternative is Microsoft’s Tahoma font.

The Lato font was created for Poland’s first independent daily newspaper just two decades ago, but since has grown into a worldwide phenomenon.

Lato is an open source font, and it covers Latin, Cyrillic, Greek, and IPA alphabets and scripts, making it perfect for many international CVs.

Expert Hint : Typeface vs font? When you think of a font such as the Century Gothic font, Times New Roman font, or Didot font, you are technically referring to a specific typeface (a font family). Calibri (as a whole) is a typeface, while Calibri italicized, 12pt is a font . You better know the difference if getting a job in design!

9. Trebuchet MS

The Trebuchet font (or Trebuchet MS) is a sans serif font created for Microsoft by Vincent Connare, who also created the notorious Comic Sans font which renders all resumes unreadable.

(Avoid Comic Sans at all costs!)

As Microsoft puts it, he “created a font that works at heading and display sizes as well as small sizes and low resolutions.” That makes Trebuchet perfect for the large text of modern  resume headers .

Fira Sans and Allerta are two awesome substitutes for Trebuchet MS.

10. Book Antiqua

Finally, a wildcard: the Book Antiqua font. This font may seem dated, but it’s held on for years and years. Today, it is still popular on more traditional resume formats .

Book Antiqua is a “a roman typeface based on pen-drawn letters of the Italian Renaissance.” Definitely one of the most classy fonts out there.

Expert Hint : Ever saw a font you like online and couldn’t figure out its fonts style? There are tools that can help you identify the fonts that you spotted.

The ResumeLab builder is more than looks. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Easy. Improve your resume in our resume builder now .

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Nail it all with a splash of color, choose a clean font, and highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You're the perfect candidate, and we'll prove it. Use our resume builder now .

3. Ideal Font Style for Resumes

To accentuate important information such as your name or section headings, you can use additional text styling. Bolding and italicising work best in this case as long as they're applied in a consistent manner.

Bold font— Bold text is particularly useful for drawing the reader’s attention to specific words or phrases. In the case of resume writing, you can guide their gaze over to resume keywords .

In the resume work experience section , bolding is great to start off each entry, specifically to highlight the position you have/had. Check the example:

Relevant coursework:

• Effective Writing for Strategic Public Relations
• Social, Legal, and Ethical Foundations of Public Relations
• Business and Economic Foundations of Public Relations

Italic font —Italics are great for supporting text, such as dates and explanatory statements.

In the resume work history area, italics comes in handy for the second line, where you give the company name you worked for, along with the city and state. See the example:

Junior Flight Attendant

jetBlue Airways, New York, NY

January 2016–Present

And what about other text adjustments?

Underline —Don’t underline text on your resume. Underlining will already be used on digital resumes to identify and email addresses and URLs, such as your LinkedIn profile. Any more underlined text and the resume starts feeling messy.

Font Color —For most resume designs, you’re best sticking with a black color font. Black stands out best against light (hopefully white) backgrounds, making it clear and legible. It's all about balancing resume style and readability .

However, if you have a dual-tone resume, with say a heading area in dark blue, white text goes well here.

Kerning —In typography, kerning is the adjustment between letters. In some more advanced word processing programs, you may be able to adjust this font spacing. Letters too close together have been proven to be hard to read.

Line spacing —When writing, line spacing is the space that separates one row (line) of text with the row above or below it. For resumes, keep it single-spaced. In terms of line space size, that should equate to 1.0–1.15.

Expert Hint : Use resume font styling such as italics and bold sparingly. Too much will be counterproductive to the points you were trying to highlight. Also, don’t use too many colors on your resume, whether in text or otherwise.

4. Pairing Resume Fonts to Increase Readability

Graphic designers and other artistic people often pair fonts together. Why pair resume fonts? If you find two fonts that complement each other well, it can really make your resume stand out and pop. As a job seeker, you want that!

On resumes, the most common font pairings come where body text is either serif or sans serif, with headings and subsection titles being the opposite.

Here’s what that may look like:

Together, the sans serif title with the serif body text (or vice versa) provide a stark contrast that make it a more pleasurable (which could translate to longer!) reading experience. Try using a font generator to preview how your resume text would look using different fonts. 

Expert Hint: “ Should I include a cover letter in my application documents?” Our recent survey revealed that 4 out of 5 recruiters will consider a cover letter from you an important part of your job application. Learn how to write a cover letter asap!

Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.

CREATE YOUR COVER LETTER NOW

Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here .

• In experts’ opinion, Calibri is the best font for a resume and a cover letter, too.
• Comic sans and other script or funky typefaces make the worst fonts.
• Body text should be 11–12pts, while subsection headings can be 13–16pts.
• Use bold and italics sparingly to accentuate particular passages.
• Pairing resume fonts together may help your resume to shine.
• A good resume layout is key. The proper font and margins  will make your resume more visually appealing and easier to read. 

Got any questions on what font to use for a resume? Any helpful tips for font pairing? Let’s talk about it in the comments below, and, as always, thanks for reading!

About ResumeLab’s Editorial Process

At ResumeLab, quality is at the crux of our values, supporting our commitment to delivering top-notch career resources. The editorial team of career experts carefully reviews every article in accordance with editorial guidelines , ensuring the high quality and reliability of our content. We actively conduct original research, shedding light on the job market's intricacies and earning recognition from numerous influential news outlets . Our dedication to delivering expert career advice attracts millions of readers to our blog each year.

Career expert who has been sharing his expert knowledge since 2017. His advice will guide you smoothly through all recruitment processes: from job hunting to getting a promotion. Christian offers comprehensive advice on career development and each step of the job search, from start to finish and beyond. His guides cover looking for new jobs, sending application documents such as resumes and cover letters, acing interview questions, and settling into the new position. Since 2017, he has written over 200 in-depth, meticulously-researched career advice articles in collaboration with the most renowned career experts in the world. Hundreds of thousands of readers visit Christian’s articles each month. Christian majored in Communication & Culture, Anthropology at the City University of New York. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling and learning about cultures and traditions from around the world.

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Best Font for Cover Letter

The best font for cover letter purposes is one that is clear and easy to read. Hiring managers will quickly pass over a cover letter that isn't instantly legible. Keep your cover letter font professional, simple and consistent with your resume font.

An important consideration is the fact that your cover letter may be viewed on a desktop, laptop or mobile device so stick to a universal font that renders well on all screens.

5 Best Font for Cover Letter Styles

Hiring managers and recruiters largely agree on these being the 5 best font for cover letter styles.

Helvetica is a modern favorite that works well for all cover letters. It only comes preloaded on Apple computers so Arial is an excellent alternative if you don't have a Mac.

Arial is the standard font for Google Docs and Microsoft Word, meaning that it will display accurately on all computers. It renders well on all screen sizes and its crisp lines make it clear and simple to read.

It is sometimes considered too familiar and bland for jobs in creative and trendy companies and a more contemporary font may be better suited for these type of cover letters

2. Times New Roman

Times New Roman is a popular and traditional font that presents as classic and professional. It is a good cover letter font to use when you want to convey a serious and formal approach. An appropriate choice for jobs in traditional and conservative industries.

3. Trebuchet MS

A less used, modern and clean cover letter font with an energetic feel. Very easy to read and renders well on all screen sizes, particularly smaller devices.

Its thicker lines and wider body makes it useful when you are trying to fill up space such as for entry level cover letters. A good choice for jobs in marketing, media, publishing and start-ups.

This font has taken the place of Times New Roman as the MS Office default font so it is familiar and easy to access on all devices. Its tighter layout is useful when you have to fit a large amount of text on one page for your cover letter.

A modern and clean font that has been described as warm and gentle by its designer, this cover letter font works well for jobs in nursing, social work, teaching and care-related professions

A classic font with a contemporary feel that was designed specifically for easy reading on computer and mobile screens.

An ideal font for a professional cover letter look with elements of elegance and trendiness.

All of these 5 cover letter fonts are legible, clean-looking,  professional and render accurately on most devices. They are unlikely to cause problems with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and will ensure your cover letter can be easily read.  They are suitable for both on-screen and print versions of your cover letter.

What is the best font for cover letter style?

Top tips for best font for cover letter

• stick to one font style and size throughout your cover letter
• your cover letter and resume font should be the same style and size to present a consistent and professional look
• italics, bold and highlighting should be used sparingly, if at all, as they detract from the clean and easy-to-read look of your cover letter
• ensure your cover letter fits on one page
• Print your cover letter, even if you are going to upload it online, to make sure that it looks the way you want

What is the best cover letter font size?

Your cover letter font should be sufficient size to be easy to read but not so big that your cover letter does not fit on one page.  You may need to try a couple of different sizes to make sure that your cover letter is legible and fits on a single page.

For most font styles 12-point is the standard size and is easy to scan and read in different formats. Some fonts may look better at 10.5- or 11-point. To find the best size for your cover letter, try each of the standard sizes to find the most legible version.

If your cover letter includes a heading with your name and contact details you may choose to make this slightly bigger than the body text. If this creates problems with keeping your cover letter to a single page, rather bold those details. 

How to format your font and cover letter

Include sufficient white space for a clean, easy-to-scan and legible look. There needs to be space at the top of the letter and between each paragraph of your cover letter. Using bullet points is a useful way to increase legibility and to make an impact with your cover letter.

Use the right spacing for your cover letter for readability. Single, double and 1.5 spacing are the most common selections. 

The cover letter must be clearly formatted and easy to read. Long sentences and insufficient line spacing are to be avoided because they clutter the letter and make it  hard to scan and read quickly. 

How to create a cover letter that works

How to save and send your cover letter

Save your cover letter correctly. The best way to do this is to save it as a PDF file to preserve its original appearance and style.

Send it as a PDF attachment to an email message. Copying-and-pasting a cover letter into the body of your email message may corrupt the formatting and make it hard to read for the hiring manager who may well have a different computer system. When you email your cover letter in word processing format, such as a Microsoft Word file, the formatting may not transfer properly.

A good way to check if your cover letter renders correctly is to send the email with  the attachment to yourself first so you can review it before sending it to the hiring manager.

Font styles to avoid in your cover letter

Just as there are best font for cover letter styles there are some fonts you should never use for your cover letter. 

• avoid unprofessional and novelty-type fonts such as Comic Sans which come across as childish
• avoid heavy and bold cover letter fonts such as Impact which are hard to read and look messy
• Fonts that try to look like type (Lucida Console) or handwriting (Script) are considered insufficiently professional or serious

What is the best font for resumes?

You can find a great article on the best resume fonts for 2023   plus loads of tips on writing a job-winning resume.

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Font Size of Cover Letter: [Expert Recommendations for Maximum Impact]

When preparing a cover letter, one often-overlooked aspect is the font size. Choosing the right font size can make a significant difference in the overall presentation, readability, and impact of your application. As hiring managers and recruiters receive numerous applications, it’s essential to ensure that your cover letter is visually appealing and easy to read, which can contribute to making a positive first impression.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to selecting the ideal font size, as preferences can vary across industries and organizations. However, there are general guidelines to follow when determining the appropriate font size for your cover letter. Typically, a font size between 10 and 12 points is considered standard for cover letters in most professional settings, as it ensures a balance between readability and aesthetics without appearing cluttered.

Consider the specific industry or company you are applying to, as certain industries may have unique standards or expectations. For instance, creative industries may be more forgiving of vibrant and experimental font choices, while more conservative industries may value a formal and traditional look. By keeping your cover letter’s font size legible, consistent, and well-suited for the target audience, you will effectively convey your message and increase your chances of securing an interview.

Font Size of Cover Letter

When crafting a cover letter, selecting the right font size contributes to a positive first impression. Using an appropriate font size ensures your cover letter is easily legible and visually appealing. Generally, cover letter font size should fall between 10 and 12 points. This range is considered optimal for readability while maintaining a professional look.

To choose an appropriate font size for a cover letter, several factors should be taken into consideration. These include the font type you’ve selected, the length of your letter, and the overall visual impression it leaves on the reader. It’s recommended to test various font sizes within the 10-12-point range to see which one best suits your chosen font and content.

Keep in mind that some fonts appear larger or smaller than their actual size indicates. For example, Arial and Times New Roman are popular choices, but Arial at size 12 may seem larger than Times New Roman at size 12. In such cases, adjust the font size accordingly to provide a well-balanced appearance.

Additionally, using bold text, italics, and bullet points can help emphasize essential information in your cover letter. Be sure to use these formatting options judiciously, as overusing them can create visual clutter and detract from your message. Stick to a simple, clean design that highlights your content while adhering to relevant size guidelines.

In conclusion, choosing the right font size for your cover letter demonstrates your attention to detail and professionalism. Stay within the ideal range of 10-12 points, and ensure alignment with the overall design and chosen typeface. An effective font size will lead to a positive first impression and a higher likelihood of your cover letter receiving the attention it deserves.

Selecting the Appropriate Font

When writing a cover letter, selecting the right font is crucial to make a positive impression on the reader. While the content of your cover letter is important, the font you choose can impact overall readability and professionalism.

The choice of a font depends on several factors such as the typeface, best fonts, and whether it is a serif or sans-serif font. Considering these factors will help you create a visually appealing cover letter that complements your content.

Serif fonts are characterized by a small line or stroke attached to the end of a larger stroke in a letter or symbol. Some of the popular serif fonts include Times New Roman, Georgia, and Garamond. Serif fonts are commonly seen as traditional and professional, making them a good choice for cover letters in formal industries.

On the other hand, sans-serif fonts do not have the additional lines or strokes. Examples include Arial, Helvetica, and Calibri. These fonts are often considered to be modern and clean, which may be fitting for creative industries or companies with a contemporary vibe.

To make the best choice for your cover letter, here are some tips:

• Readability is key. Choose a font that is easy to read at a glance. Avoid overly stylized or intricate typefaces.
• Font size should be between 10 and 12 points for optimal readability.
• Consistency is essential. Use the same font throughout your cover letter and resume to maintain a cohesive look.

In summary, selecting an appropriate font for your cover letter will contribute to giving a confident, knowledgeable, and clear impression. Match the font style with your industry and job position to ensure a cohesive and professional appearance.

Recommended Fonts for Cover Letters

When selecting fonts for cover letters, it’s crucial to choose those that are professional, legible, and visually appealing. Here are some excellent font options to ensure that your cover letter stands out for the right reasons:

Arial is a popular sans-serif font known for its readability and clean design. It is suitable for both print and digital formats.

Calibri has become a standard font for professional documents due to its default status in Microsoft Word and legibility. It’s a modern sans-serif font with a subtle style that looks great on screen and in print.

Garamond is an elegant serif font that adds a touch of sophistication to your cover letter. The timeless design is ideal for those in creative or traditional industries.

Georgia is a versatile serif font that works well on screen and in print. Its strong readability makes it an excellent choice for cover letters that need a good balance between professional and approachable.

Helvetica is a classic sans-serif font well-regarded for its clean and modern look. It lends a professional appearance to cover letters in various fields.

Times New Roman is a traditional serif font that’s been a staple in professional documents for decades. It’s a safe and conservative choice, particularly for formal industries like law or academia.

Verdana is a sans-serif font with a contemporary twist. Its wide letters help ensure clear legibility, making it an attractive choice for cover letters.

Avenir is a modern sans-serif font with a futuristic touch. It’s perfect for those in creative or innovative industries who want their cover letter to have a distinctive look.

Tahoma is a clear, neat, and friendly sans-serif font. Its legibility makes it suitable for cover letters that capture the reader’s attention.

When choosing a font for your cover letter, keep in mind that it should be easy to read and suit the tone of the industry you’re targeting. With one of these recommended fonts, you’ll be sure to create a professional and visually appealing cover letter.

Unsuitable Fonts for Cover Letters

When it comes to cover letters, the choice of font is crucial in creating a professional and polished first impression. While readability and clarity are the main priorities, there are some fonts that should be avoided in cover letters. Using unsuitable fonts can not only make it difficult for the reader to absorb your message but also make your application appear unprofessional.

• Script fonts are generally a poor choice for cover letters because they can be challenging to read, which is essential for a document that aims to communicate your qualifications and work experience. Examples of script fonts that should be avoided are Brush Script , Vivaldi , and Zapfino .
• Decorative fonts deserve mention as well, as they are often overly embellished and can distract from the content of your cover letter. This category includes fonts like Comic Sans , Papyrus , and Curlz MT . These fonts can make your application appear juvenile or unprofessionally designed.
• Another group of fonts that should be evaded are those that lack distinction, as they can cause your cover letter to blend in with the rest instead of standing out. These fonts include Arial , Calibri , and Lato . While they might be easy on the eyes, they may not give your cover letter a memorable visual appearance.

To ensure your cover letter is both visually engaging and easily understood, opt for more professional and universally accepted fonts such as Times New Roman , Garamond , and Cambria . These fonts are not only readable but also convey a sense of professionalism and competency in your writing.

Formatting Tips for Cover Letters

When it comes to creating an effective cover letter, the presentation is just as important as the content. With the right font size and formatting, you can leave a lasting impression on potential employers. Here are some tips to ensure your cover letter looks professional and polished.

Font Size and Typeface : It is crucial to choose a font size and typeface that are easy to read. Generally, a font size of 10 to 12 points is recommended for the body text. Make sure to use a typeface that is clear and professional, such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.

Margins and White Space : To make your cover letter visually appealing, it’s essential to have well-balanced margins and white space. Aim for a margin of 1 inch on all sides of the document. Adequate white space between paragraphs, headings, and sections improves readability and gives your cover letter a clean look.

Keep It to One Page : A cover letter should be concise and ideally limited to one page. Employers are more likely to read a short, focused letter than a long, rambling one. Demonstrate your ability to prioritize and communicate effectively by presenting your most relevant qualifications and experiences in a succinct manner.

Alignment and Spacing : For a professional appearance, align your text to the left margin. This ensures consistency and is easier to read than justified text. Use single line spacing in the body of your letter, and add a space between each paragraph and section.

Consistent Format : Maintain a consistent format throughout your cover letter, including font size, typeface, and heading styles. This uniformity not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also allows the reader to easily navigate your document and focus on the content.

By following these formatting tips, you’ll ensure your cover letter stands out for its professionalism and attention to detail.

Structuring a Cover Letter

Include your name, email address, phone number, and the date at the top of the cover letter. Your contact information should be professional, using a common font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, at 10 or 12 points in size.

Begin with a salutation, addressing the hiring manager by name if possible. This demonstrates that you have researched the company and know who you are addressing. It’s also more inviting than a generic greeting such as “To Whom It May Concern.”

Opening Paragraph

The opening paragraph should state your purpose for writing the cover letter. Clearly mention the job you are applying for, and if you have any connection to the company or a referral, include that as well. This sets the stage for the rest of the letter.

Middle Paragraph

The middle paragraph(s) allows you to articulate your qualifications and relevant experiences, providing specific examples to demonstrate your skills. Customize this section for each job application, tailoring it to the employer’s needs. Use bullet points to highlight relevant achievements and accomplishments.

Closing Paragraph

Reiterate your interest in the position and summarize how your skills and experiences make you an ideal candidate. Provide your contact information and express your willingness to discuss further in an interview.

Letter Ending

End your cover letter with a polite and professional closing such as “Sincerely,” followed by your name and signature (if submitting a hard copy). Ensure your email address and phone number are included below your name.

Tailoring Your Cover Letter

When applying for jobs, it is essential to customize your cover letter to address the specific requirements for each role. To accomplish this, pay attention to the job description and integrate the keywords mentioned into your cover letter. Consider the following tips to tailor your cover letter effectively:

• Cover Letter Fonts : Use a professional and easy-to-read font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Font size should ideally be between 11 and 12 points.
• Header : Include your contact information, the date, and the recipient’s details (company name, job title, and company address) at the top of your cover letter.
• Addressing the Recipient : Whenever possible, address the hiring manager directly by using their name, which you can typically find in the job posting or on the company website. If not, use a neutral salutation like “Dear Hiring Manager.”
• Job Title : Mention the job title you are applying for early in your cover letter (e.g., in the first paragraph). This establishes that your application is targeted towards that specific position.
• Middle Paragraph : This is where you connect your qualifications to the job requirements. Show how your skills and accomplishments are relevant to the position. Demonstrate your understanding of the company’s goals and explain how your experience will help you contribute.
• Company Name : Express your interest in the company by mentioning their name and showing that you are familiar with their values and reputation. This demonstrates your passion for both the role and the organization.
• Communication and Professionalism : Focus on maintaining a clear and concise style throughout your cover letter. Proper grammar, punctuation, and formatting show your attention to detail and professionalism.

By tailoring your cover letter to each job application, you convey your genuine interest in the position and your ability to meet the specific job requirements. Remember, a well-crafted, tailored cover letter can significantly improve your chances of landing an interview.

Digital and Email Cover Letters

When creating digital and email cover letters, it’s essential to choose the right font size to ensure clear communication with potential employers. A well-designed email cover letter should enhance your brand, create interest from clients, and showcase your professionalism.

In general, when sending an email cover letter, either paste it into the body of the email or send it as a PDF attachment. For application systems requiring plain text, make sure to choose a simple font.

An appropriate font size for email cover letters should be between 10 and 12 points. Since different sans serif fonts can have varying readability, it’s crucial to preview the email to ensure it’s visually appealing. Here are some common sans serif fonts that work well for email applications:

During the launch of a project or in regular communication with your clients, consistency is key. Maintain a similar font style and size across all digital communications to establish a coherent brand image. Avoid using fancy typefaces or extremely large or small font sizes, as this can hinder readability.

In conclusion, the appropriate font size and style are vital elements in creating professional and effective digital and email cover letters. By adhering to these guidelines, you can optimize your communication and increase your chances of success in job applications and digital business interactions.

Cover Letter Presentation

A well-presented cover letter can make a significant difference in catching the attention of potential employers. The appearance of your cover letter is crucial, as it is the first impression you will make on the hiring manager. In this section, we will discuss the importance of font size and other formatting elements in presenting a well-crafted cover letter.

The choice of font plays a considerable role in the readability of your cover letter. Using a professional font like Cambria ensures that your document maintains a clean and polished appearance. A font size of 11 or 12 is generally recommended, as it is easily readable without appearing overwhelming or too small.

In addition to font size, keeping a consistent format throughout your cover letter will help create a sense of cohesion and make it easier to read. Align your text to the left and use a single line spacing, with a blank line in between paragraphs. This formatting enhances readability and provides an organized appearance.

When presenting your cover letter, it is essential to remember that hiring managers often review numerous applications. To pique their interest and ensure your cover letter stands out, consider highlighting essential points through the use of bullet points or bolded text. However, don’t overuse these elements, as excessive formatting can appear unprofessional.

Refer to cover letter samples to understand the best practices in formatting and presentation and adapt them to your specific situation. By paying careful attention to the appearance of your cover letter, you’ll increase its readability and make a positive first impression on potential employers. Remember, a well-presented cover letter is the gateway to a successful resume and a step towards securing the job you desire.

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Best Resume Font and Size in 2024 [14 + Examples]

How do you pick the best font for your resume from the thousands of options? Here, you’ll find the top 10 resume fonts for 2024, plus font size and styling tips!

Some of our customers have been hired by:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What font should you use for your resume?

Customize your resume with your favorite fonts, alternative open-source fonts.

• Serif vs. Sanserif fonts: Which is better for your resume?
• Key Takeaways
• Frequently asked questions

More resources

If a hiring manager struggles to read your resume’s font, they’ll skip to the next resume . So, keep your font simple and legible –– avoid flashy fonts that are visually complex.

Resume font size

The best resume font size is between 11-12 points. This size range allows for the best readability while making it easier to fit all your content onto one page.

However, different types of text on your resume can vary in size:

Your name (on the contact information): 18-24 points Resume section headings: 14-16 points Resume body text: 10-12 points

Popular resume fonts (that are safe)

Opting for a commonly used font is one of your safest choices when formatting your resume . These safe fonts will be easily read and pass an applicant tracking system (ATS) scan .

Popular serif fonts (those with stylistic tails on each letter) are:

Times New Roman, Georgia, Garamond, Cambria and Didot.

Popular sans-serif fonts (those free of stylistic tails) are:

Arial, Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica and Trebuchet MS.

Best fonts for your resume (for an edge)

The best font for your resume should look professional and reflect your personality. Some people are forever loyal to Times New Roman, whereas others find it uninspiring.

We’ve compiled an in-depth list of resume fonts featured on word processors ranging from traditional options to more modern typefaces.

Best fonts for your resume

This sans-serif font is widely used among many professionals. Arial is the default font in Google Docs and a core font in Microsoft Word, meaning most people are familiar with it. Arial is also available to use in our Resume Builder . This simple and sleek font is a great design choice for most professionals.

Calibri is one of the more modern sans-serif fonts you can use for your resume, having been released by Microsoft Office in 2007. It’s a simple font that’s not as standard and widespread as Arial. It’s also slightly slimmer than Arial, allowing you to squeeze in more text on the page.

Cambria is a serif font that was made to be easily read on digital screens and paper. Cambria is a less dated serif font than Times New Roman or Georgia, so it’s a good pick if you want a less stuffy font.

Avenir Next

The Avenir Next font is a more rounded and appealing version of a sans-serif font. It’s an excellent option for digital resumes and those in digital professions like social media management or graphic design .

Georgia is a well-known, classic and elegant font. Despite being a serif typeface, it was designed for easy reading, even on low-resolution screens, making it an ideal choice for print and digital resumes and cover letters. You can use Georgia in Microsoft Office, Google Docs and our Resume Builder .

Verdana is a sans-serif font with a modern digital appearance, unlike other typefaces that resemble pen strokes or seem typewriter-made. Verdana is a streamlined font that balances out curves and straight lines, making it easy on the eye, which is ideal if you have a text-heavy resume. Find Verdana in Google Docs, Microsoft and our Resume Builder .

Garamond is one of the oldest fonts, designed by a 16th-century Parisian type designer . However, don’t let its history fool you; it’s a classic for a reason. The Garamond typeface evokes formality and prestige, making it an excellent choice for lawyers, doctors and senior executive roles.

Trebuchet MS

Trebuchet MS is among the most popular and was one of Microsoft XP’s brand fonts. Like Verdana, this sans-serif font offers a balanced style appropriate for any job. You can use Trebuchet MS in Microsoft, Google Docs and our Resume Builder .

Lato is a great sans-serif font that’s very trendy and visually appealing. This sans-serif typeface was released in 2010 and has been used on over 9.6 million web pages. It’s also an open-source font, meaning everyone can download and use it on any word processor.

Book Antiqua

As the name suggests, Book Antiqua imparts a classic literary style that will surely be a favorite for education professionals. This serif typeface emulates the pen strokes of the Italian Renaissance, but its antique style doesn’t stop it from being an easily readable option for your resume.

Didot is a serif typeface that’s been around for centuries, literally. The Didot font draws inspiration from a legacy printing firm by the same name that published works by literary greats such as Voltaire. Didot is a beautiful font that you can use for your resume’s body text, and its bold or italic versions can lend a subtle design flair to your section headings.

Resume examples with professional fonts

These resume examples were created with professional fonts like Trebuchet MS, Georgia and Verdana. Find your desired job title and see the achievements and skills you should highlight to land an interview.

Our Resume Builder has 15+ professional fonts and a formatting tool that allows you to proportionately reduce or increase the font size, even if you have multiple font sizes across your resume.

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We’ve also compiled a selection of alternative professional fonts that are open source, meaning that everyone can download and use them on any word processor or design program.

Droid Serif

Merriweather

Serif vs. san-serif fonts: Which is better for your resume?

Two main categories into which fonts are divided are serif and sans serif.

Serif fonts

Serif fonts are fonts that have certain decorative lines or “tails,” as they’re commonly referred to. They generally give off a fancier look.

Sans-serif fonts

Sans-serif fonts refer to typefaces that do not have those decorative lines. Sans-serif typefaces are simpler, cleaner and the easiest to read.

You can use both serif and sans-serif fonts on a resume. Sans-serif fonts are an excellent option for your name and section headings since they’re more eye-catching.

Serif fonts, however, are ideal for your resume’s body text and larger blocks of text.

Combining serif and sans-serif fonts can be a great design choice for your resume, but finding the right combination can take time and effort. Below, we’ve provided a list of serif and sans-serif combinations that work harmoniously on a resume.

Best serif and sans-serif font combinations

Font combinations can also be used on both your resume and your cover letter to give your job application a sense of personal branding. For example, you can use a serif font for your resume headings and a sans-serif font for your resume’s body text. Then, you can use that same serif font for writing your cover letter .

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When to use italics and bold text on your resume

Fonts usually come in “families,” meaning each font is designed with slight alterations but retaining the general aesthetic. Some versions in one font family are the italic, bold, condensed and light versions and various combinations of these subcategories.

Italic and bold are the most common font variations and are programmed into all word processors. With this simple font change, you can add variation to your resume.

For example, you can use the bold or italic version of fonts to make your section titles or essential information like job titles, employers or dates pop.

These font variations give more dynamism to your text so it doesn’t look like a rigid and monotonous swath of text.

Key takeaways

• Pick a resume font size that’s between 10 and 12 points.
• For section titles, use a font size between 14 and 16 points.
• Use bold and italic versions to highlight critical information like section titles, job titles, employers or dates.
• Use a font that recruiters can easily read on digital screens or paper if you have to email your resume or deliver it personally.
• Pair serif and sans serif fonts on your resume and cover letter for a nice touch of personal branding.
• Add bold, italic or fonts with color to add a bit of visual appeal to your resume and to organize it more clearly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best font for a resume.

The best font for a resume is between 10 and 12 points in size. It can be either serif or sans-serif, but it should be proven to be read without trouble on digital screens and paper. Examples of excellent resume fonts are Georgia, Garamond, Arial, Verdana and Helvetica.

Does the resume font matter?

Yes. When formatting your resume, choosing the right font can make or break your resume. For instance, if you opt for a resume font that’s too flashy, i.e., Comic Sans or Lobster, you can come off like you don’t take this seriously and don’t understand what’s work-appropriate.

What is the best format for a resume?

All resumes are organized in three layouts, also called resume formats . The three resume formats you can choose from are chronological , functional and combination formats. The best format for a resume will depend on what your strengths and weaknesses are.

These resume formats organize your resume sections so your strongest information is at the top. At the same time, you can downplay any limitations you have regarding your work history and strategically showcase your best attributes.

What is the best font for applicant tracking systems (ATS)?

Although applicant tracking systems (ATS) have a bad reputation for having strict design standards, when it comes to fonts, there are many options you can choose from.

Some ATS-friendly fonts you can use on your resume are:

• Times New Roman

What is the most professional resume font?

When conveying professionalism, classic serif fonts do an excellent job of showing refinement and traditionalism. Some tremendous professional serif fonts are Times New Roman, Garamond and Cambria.

You can also show professionalism with a sans-serif font, as these show an appreciation for practicality, which many employers prefer. Effective professional sans-serif fonts are Arial, Proxima Nova and Open Sans.

Is Times New Roman effective?

Times New Roman is arguably the most recognizable typeface ever. It’s the font The New York Times newspaper has been using for its entire history. It was the official font for all governmental communications until it was replaced by Calibri earlier this year .

There’s a lot of debate about Times New Roman being an effective font for your resume. It’s a classic for a reason, but if you’d rather avoid seeming lazy for picking an obvious font, some alternative fonts to Times New Roman would be: EB Garamond, PT Serif, Merriweather or Tinos.

What are the worst resume fonts?

The worst resume fonts you could use are those that have design elements that are hard to read or are simply not job-appropriate. Some bad resume fonts are:

• Lucida Console
• And any script or cursive fonts like Brush Script or Edwardian Script

How do I make my resume stand out?

You can make your resume stand out for visual reasons or content reasons. Including visual elements is an easy way to grab a recruiter’s attention, for example, with pops of colors, visually-appealing fonts and design elements like well-formatted columns, lines, etc.

However, to get the best return on that attention, you’ll also need to maximize your resume’s content to land the interview. One of the best ways to make your resume stand out for recruiters is to include the right keywords from the job ad , including measurable achievements , and replacing job responsibilities with unique accomplishments .

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About the Author

Gabriela Hernandez • CPRW, Career Advice Expert

Gabriela Hernandez is one of LiveCareer's resident writers. She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a degree in Journalism. Throughout her career, she has tackled copywriting, blog articles, journalistic writing, academic writing, resume writing, and even prose and verse.

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• Career Blog

The Optimal Resume Font, Size, and Format for Success

In today’s competitive job market, making a great first impression is crucial. One of the most important elements of a winning job application is a well-crafted resume. Choosing the right font, size, and format for your resume can make or break your chances of landing a job interview.

The font, size, and format of your resume are critical because they affect the readability and overall presentation of your document. A poorly formatted resume can be difficult to read and can send a negative message to potential employers. On the other hand, a well-formatted resume can make you stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of getting an interview.

How the design of a resume can impact job application success

In addition to the content of your resume, the design and layout are essential in creating a positive first impression. A thoughtfully designed resume can give employers a sense of your professionalism and attention to detail. Conversely, a poorly designed resume can be a red flag, making employers question your suitability for the job.

Overview of best practices for resume formatting

To ensure your resume is formatted to impress, there are several best practices to follow. These include selecting an appropriate font that is easy to read, choosing a font size that is neither too small nor too large, and using an easy-to-read format that emphasizes your skills and achievements.

In this article, we will dive deeper into each of these aspects of resume formatting to help you create an optimal resume that increases your chances of landing a job interview.

Understanding Fonts

When it comes to creating a successful resume, choosing the right font is critical to its readability and aesthetics. Here are some common resume fonts and their characteristics:

A. Common resume fonts and their characteristics

Times New Roman  – This font is a classic and highly recognizable serif font. It is widely used in the academic and publishing fields due to its legibility and traditional feel. However, it may appear old-fashioned and overused to some readers.

Arial  – This sans-serif font is simple, modern, and easy to read. It is a good choice for those who want a straightforward and clean look. However, it may not be ideal for creative fields or individuals who want to stand out from the crowd.

Calibri  – This font is a popular choice for resumes due to its stylish yet subtle look. It is a versatile font that can be used for both traditional and contemporary fields. However, it may not be suitable for individuals who want to make a bold statement with their resume.

B. How font choice can affect readability and aesthetics

Choosing the right font can significantly impact the readability and aesthetics of your resume. A font that is too small or difficult to read can make it challenging for potential employers to process the information on your resume. Additionally, a font that is too flashy or unprofessional can detract from the content of the document and give off the wrong impression.

C. Choosing a font that aligns with your personal branding

When selecting a font for your resume, it is crucial to consider your personal branding. Your resume should represent your professional identity and showcase your unique skills and qualities. Therefore, your font choice should align with your overall brand and vision.

For example, if you are applying for a creative role in a visually-focused industry, you may want to choose a font that reflects your artistic nature, such as a hand-written script or a bold and colorful font. On the other hand, if you are applying for a corporate position, you may want to opt for a more traditional and conservative font that conveys professionalism and reliability.

Ultimately, the optimal resume font, size, and format for success depends on your specific circumstances and goals. By selecting a font that aligns with your personal branding, you are taking a crucial step towards creating a successful and impactful resume.

Selecting Font Size

Choosing the right font size is crucial in creating an optimal resume that will catch the attention of hiring managers. In this section, we’ll discuss the recommended font sizes for different resume sections, the importance of consistency in font sizing, and how to balance legibility with limited space.

A. Recommended font sizes for different resume sections

• Header and Contact Information:  14-16pt font
• Resume Summary or Objective:  14-16pt font
• Work Experience, Education, and Skills:  10-12pt font

These recommended font sizes ensure that the most important information such as your contact details and career summary stand out, while still providing enough space to articulate your experience, education and skills.

B. Importance of consistency in font sizing

Using inconsistent font sizes throughout the resume can be visually jarring and distracting for the reader. Consistency in font sizing can create visual harmony and help guide the reader’s eyes along the sections of the resume.

C. Balancing legibility with limited space

Balancing legibility with limited space can be a challenge, but there are a few tricks that can help. You can try reducing the margins of your resume, using a smaller font size for certain sections, or considering abbreviations for words that can easily be understood by potential employers.

Selecting the optimal font size is critical to ensuring your resume is easily read and understood by hiring managers. A clear and legible resume can communicate your strengths and capabilities, making it more likely to land you your dream job.

Formatting Guidelines

When it comes to creating a resume that is both visually appealing and easy to read, formatting is key. Here are some guidelines to follow:

A. Margins, spacing, and alignment

One of the easiest ways to make your resume look professional is to ensure that the margins, spacing, and alignment are consistent and well-proportioned. The most common margin size for a resume is one inch, but some may opt for 0.5 inches, depending on the length of their document.

Spacing is also important for readability. Use a 1.15 or 1.5 line spacing to make your resume easier on the eyes. You can also adjust the spacing between bullet points and sections to separate information and make it more digestible.

Make sure your text is aligned to the left-hand side of the document. This creates a clean and organized appearance that is easy to scan at a glance.

B. Utilizing white space effectively

White space is the empty space around and between the different sections of your resume. Proper use of white space can make your resume look more polished and professional, while also making it easier to read.

For instance, too much text-packed together can overwhelm the reader and make them tune out. Try to break up large blocks of text into smaller sections with clear headings, and utilize white space to give those areas some breathing room.

C. Tips for optimizing the overall layout

The overall layout of your resume should be consistent and visually appealing. Here are some tips to accomplish that:

Use a simple and clean font, such as Arial or Calibri, to maintain readability and an uncluttered look.

Keep your font size between 10 and 12 points, depending on the font.

Utilize bold, italics, and capitalization sparingly, using them only for section headings and important information.

Use bullet points to break up information and create visual interest.

Make sure your resume fits on one or two pages, depending on your stage in your career.

Consider using a resume template to ensure your layout stays consistent and professional.

By following these formatting guidelines, you can create a resume that is easy to read, visually appealing, and optimized for success, allowing you to stand out from the competition in your job search.

Enhancing Readability with Typography

In addition to choosing the right font, size, and format for your resume, it’s important to utilize typography in a way that enhances readability and guides the reader’s attention to key information. Here are some tips for using typography effectively:

A. Utilizing bullet points and numbering for clarity

Using bullet points and numbering can make your resume more visually appealing and easier for the reader to scan. This is especially important for job descriptions and lists of achievements or responsibilities. When using bullet points or numbering, be consistent in your formatting and use concise, clear language.

For example, instead of writing:

• Responsible for managing a team of employees and overseeing daily operations
• Increased revenue by 20% through implementation of new sales strategy
• Assisted with development and execution of marketing campaigns

You could write:

• Managed team and daily operations
• Achieved 20% revenue increase through new sales strategy
• Assisted with marketing campaign development and execution

B. Emphasizing key elements with bolding and italicizing

Bolding and italicizing can be effective tools for drawing the reader’s attention to important information such as job titles, company names, and key skills. However, use these formatting techniques sparingly to avoid overwhelming the reader and detracting from the overall readability of your resume.

For example, you could bold your job titles and italicize your company names:

Marketing Manager ,  XYZ Corporation

• Increased website traffic by 30% through SEO optimization
• Managed social media and email marketing campaigns

C. Incorporating underlining and capitalization strategically

Underlining and capitalization can also be effective ways to enhance readability, but like bolding and italicizing, they should be used sparingly and strategically. Use underlining to emphasize section headings or specific keywords, and reserve capitalization for section headings or proper nouns.

For example, you could underline your section headings and capitalize proper nouns:

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE  Marketing Manager, XYZ Corporation

Incorporating these typography tips into your resume can help make it more readable and visually appealing, which in turn can help you stand out to potential employers. Remember to be consistent in your formatting, use concise language, and focus on the key information that will demonstrate your skills and qualifications.

Dealing with ATS Software

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software programs used by employers to process and organize resumes. These systems help recruiters filter out unqualified candidates and save time by automated scanning of resumes. As a job seeker, it is essential to understand how ATS scans resumes.

A. Understanding how ATS scans resumes

ATS software typically scans a resume in two ways: parsing and keyword-search. Parsing is when the software extracts relevant information from the resume, such as employment history, education, and contact information. Keyword-search is when the software looks for relevant keywords that match the job description.

ATS scans also assign every resume a score to determine if it meets the job requirements. Therefore, it is crucial to tailor your resume according to the job description by incorporating necessary keywords and relevant experience.

B. Preparing your resume for ATS compatibility

To ensure that your resume is ATS-friendly, it should be straightforward and easy to read. Avoid gimmicks like adding graphics, images, and tables because the software may not be able to extract information from them.

Stick to a simple and standard font like Times New Roman, Arial or Calibri, using a font size of 11 or 12. Also, use clear section headers and bullet points to make the document easy to read.

Formatting is also crucial to ensure ATS compliance. Save your resume as a .doc or .pdf format and avoid using special characters. It is also vital to avoid headers and footers and to use simple and straightforward language throughout your resume.

C. Avoiding common mistakes that can disqualify your application

Even if you have all the relevant qualifications and experience, if the ATS cannot interpret your resume correctly, you may get disqualified. Here are some common mistakes that can disqualify your application:

• Not using relevant keywords that match the job description
• Overusing keywords to the point where the resume looks spammy
• Using unusual or fancy fonts and formatting
• Uploading an incorrect or incomplete copy of your resume
• Not customizing your resume for each job application

The ATS software is an essential factor in job applications. Understanding how to prepare your resume for ATS compatibility means you have a better chance of your application being accepted. Follow these tips to ensure you don’t miss out on any job opportunities.

Dos and Don’ts of Resume Formatting

When it comes to formatting your resume, there are some best practices that can help you achieve a professional and polished look. There are also some red flags to avoid and common mistakes that can be corrected to help ensure your resume stands out from the competition.

A. Best practices for achieving a professional and polished look

Here are some dos for formatting your resume to achieve a professional and polished look:

• Use a simple and clean font such as Calibri, Arial or Times New Roman in size 10-12.
• Use bullet points and short sentences to make your resume easy to scan and read.
• Use bold or italicized text sparingly to highlight important information.
• Use white space effectively to create a clean and uncluttered layout.
• Customize your resume to the job you’re applying for by highlighting relevant skills and experience.

B. Red flags to avoid when formatting your resume

Avoid these red flags to ensure your resume is not immediately dismissed by a potential employer:

• Using an overly decorative or cursive font that is difficult to read.
• Using color schemes that are distracting or unprofessional.
• Using outdated or irrelevant information that detracts from your skills and experience.
• Omitting contact information, such as your phone number or email address.
• Being inconsistent with formatting choices throughout your resume.

C. Common formatting mistakes and how to fix them

Here are some common formatting mistakes and how you can fix them:

• Mistake: Including long paragraphs that are difficult to read. Solution: Break up your text into shorter, bulleted points that are easy to scan.
• Mistake: Using too many font sizes or types. Solution: Stick to one or two fonts and sizes throughout your entire resume.
• Mistake: Not using bold or italicized text to highlight important information. Solution: Use bold or italicized text sparingly to draw attention to relevant details.
• Mistake: Not using white space effectively. Solution: Break up large blocks of text with strategic white space to create a cleaner, more organized look.
• Mistake: Including irrelevant information that detracts from your qualifications. Solution: Only include information that is relevant to the position you’re applying for.

By following these dos and avoiding these red flags and common mistakes, you can optimize your resume’s font, size, and format for success!

Tailoring Your Format to Your Industry

Tailoring your resume format to your industry can greatly increase your chances of landing an interview. Here are a few key considerations to keep in mind when tailoring your resume format to fit your specific industry or field:

A. Considering your industry’s standards and expectations

It’s important to research the norms and expectations for resumes in your industry. For example, some industries may prefer a more traditional format, while others may be more open to unique designs and layouts. Additionally, certain industries may place a greater emphasis on specific sections of your resume, such as your experience or education.

By understanding your industry’s expectations, you can tailor your resume to better align with what potential employers are looking for.

B. Adapting your format to fit your specific industry or field

Once you’ve researched your industry’s standards and expectations, it’s time to adapt your resume format to best fit your field. For example, if you’re in a creative field like graphic design or advertising, you may want to consider a more visually appealing and creative format.

On the other hand, if you’re in a more traditional industry like finance or law, a simple and straightforward format may be more effective. Tailoring your format to fit your industry shows potential employers that you understand the demands and expectations of your field.

C. Addressing any unique needs or requirements

Finally, it’s important to consider any unique needs or requirements that your industry may have. For example, if you’re applying for a job in a field that requires specific technical skills, you may want to highlight those skills prominently on your resume.

Alternatively, if you’re applying for a job in a field that requires a lot of networking and relationship-building, you may want to emphasize your interpersonal skills and past successes in working with clients or customers.

By taking the time to address any unique needs or requirements of your industry, you’ll be better positioned to stand out and demonstrate your fit for the job.

Tailoring your resume format to your industry requires you to research, adapt, and address any unique needs or requirements. By doing so, you can increase your chances of getting noticed by potential employers and landing an interview.

Conveying Your Personal Brand Through Formatting

In addition to choosing the optimal resume fonts and sizes, the design and format of your resume can also play a big role in showcasing your personal brand to potential employers. Here are a few ways to use formatting to convey your personal brand effectively:

A. How Design Elements Can Reflect Your Personal Brand

The colors, fonts, and graphics you choose can all reflect your personality and values. For example, if you’re a creative professional, you may want to opt for a bold, colorful, and visually striking design that showcases your artistic flair. Alternatively, if you’re in a more conservative field, a simple and clean design may be more appropriate.

Similarly, the fonts you choose can help convey your personality. For example, if you’re an energetic and playful person, you may want to choose a font that is whimsical and fun, while a more serious person may opt for a font that is more traditional and formal.

B. Customizing Your Format to Align With Your Personality and Values

Another way to convey your personal brand through your resume is to customize the format to align with your values and interests. For example, if you’re a socially responsible person who is passionate about environmental causes, you may want to choose a format that emphasizes your community involvement or commitment to sustainability.

Similarly, if you’re a tech-savvy professional, you may want to use a format that showcases your technological skills and interests, such as using hyperlinks or interactive elements in your resume.

C. Using Color, Graphics, and Other Visual Elements to Enhance Your Branding

Finally, using color, graphics, and other visual elements can be an effective way to enhance your branding and show off your skills and accomplishments. For example, including graphs or infographics can help visually demonstrate your achievements, while using icons or images can help break up the text and make your resume more visually appealing.

When choosing colors and graphics, it’s important to keep in mind the industry and company culture you’re applying to. For example, if you’re applying to a more conservative company, using bright colors or flashy graphics may not be appropriate.

Ultimately, the design and format of your resume can be just as important as the content itself. By using design elements and formatting techniques to showcase your personal brand, you can stand out from other applicants and create a strong impression with potential employers.

Sample Resumes and Formats

A. example resumes with different font, size, and format choices.

One of the best ways to shape your resume to grab the attention of hiring managers is by experimenting with different font, size, and format choices. At their core, resumes are a form of communication, so it is important to choose the right style and format that best portrays who you are as a professional.

When searching for example resumes online, you can rely on various platforms that provide them, such as Microsoft Word, Indeed, or LinkedIn. Each platform offers different templates and styles that showcase different aspects of your skills and experience.

B. Pros and cons of each example

There are different pros and cons to each example when it comes to choosing your optimal resume font, size, and format. For instance, a traditional format with a serif font, such as Times New Roman, can make your resume look professional and classic. But if you are applying in a creative industry, such as graphic design or marketing, it may not reflect your creativity and innovation. In that case, a bold sans-serif font, like Helvetica or Arial, might be the best choice.

Similarly, the right font size can make all the difference. A resume with a smaller font size may be tricky to read, while a bigger font may seem unprofessional. A font size of 10 to 12 points is considered to be optimal, depending on the font type.

C. Tips for using samples to guide your own formatting choices

When using sample resumes to guide your own formatting choices, it’s essential to keep in mind the industry you are applying to and the position you are seeking. It can also be helpful to ask for feedback from friends, family, or professional contacts to get a fresh perspective.

Additionally, you can tailor the format and font to highlight your key selling points, such as your experience, education, and achievements. For example, using bold or italics to emphasize words or phrases can make your resume more visually appealing and easier to read.

Choosing the optimal resume font, size, and format is crucial to your success in landing a job interview. By experimenting with different styles, using samples for inspiration, and tailoring your resume to your industry and goals, you can create a compelling and professional document that will impress hiring managers.

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