Recruiters see hundreds of resumes per week.This means no matter how well your resume is written, an initial glance will dictate whether they take the time to find out more about you.
Since designing an attractive CV is key to creating a great first impression, it’s crucial to select the best resume fonts.That’s why, in this guide, we look at some top choices, considering classic fonts and those that will help you stand out in a crowded market.
Why does font choice matter?
Research shows they only spend between 6 to 8 seconds looking at each resume they receive. For them to get a quick understanding of what you’re all about, you need to make yours super readable. And as we explore in the next section, this means some fonts are better than others.
It’s also important to remember that while some may look fantastic when handing a printed CV over, they might display poorly on smaller computer screens. Be sure to check your fonts across several devices to ensure recruiters and employers can easily pick out key information.
The best font choices in different industries
In many industries, the best resume fonts are those that convey professionalism and a sense of tradition. For example, industries like law and finance often appreciate classic Serif fonts such as Times New Roman. Studies even show that fonts that are familiar to specific readers can boost comprehension and speed up reading.
At the same time, however, these traditional fonts can feel overused and lead to applications not standing out. In more creative or modern industries, it’s better to explore styled fonts, as we do later in the article.
When selecting your fonts, you also need to keep in mind Applicants Tracking Systems (ATS). ATS software is often used by companies to scan your resume and allow hiring managers to shortlist candidates.
While some styled fonts can be paired with classic fonts for things like headings or your name, when used in bulk they can make your resume difficult for the ATS to scan. For optimal results, go for styled fonts when sending your resume to a client directly and more standard fonts when uploading to an ATS.
Nine best fonts to use for resumes
We’ve created this quick guide to help you save time when choosing fonts for your resume…
The best resume font categories
The best fonts for CVs generally come from two main categories. Sans Serif or Serif. There are also styled fonts that can help you stand out.
Sans-Serif Fonts
Sans Serif are clean, modern fonts that are designed to be readable on all digital screens. These are a great go-to for creating a resume that you upload to an ATS.
- Calibri: The staple option. In 2007 Calibri Replaced Times New Roman and Arial in Word and PowerPoint. Its rounded nature is designed to be soft and inviting for readers while maintaining excellent readability on digital screens.
- Helvetica: Switzerland’s stamp on modern graphic design in fonts. Developed in 1957 but still popular today, Helvetica offers an understated and artsy, but still professional version of a Sans Serif font.
- Verdana: Designed with generous spacing to maintain good readability at smaller sizes on lower-resolution screens. Its clean looks make it one of the best fonts for CV main body text.
Serif Fonts
Serif fonts like Times New Roman have a more traditional look. This makes them popular in formal sectors such as legal and finance.
- Cambri: Sturdy font with high contrast to maintain high readability in both small and large sizes. This modern take on Times New Roman is the best font for CVs if you’re looking for a classic look.
- Georgia: Based on print typeface designs, this elegant Serif font was originally designed in 1993. Its defining features are that it reads well in smaller sizes and on low-resolution screens.
- Garamond: Designed in Sixteenth-century Paris, this classic font has been popular for centuries, especially for use in the main body text of books. Garamond offers a sophisticated look and is a great alternative to Times New Roman.
Styled Fonts
Here are some of the best styled fonts for CVs. You can also experiment with our font generator to find more.
- Carlson Titling: All caps display font defined by its ability to fill in smaller spaces comfortably. Popular for logos, it’s a good option for headings on a CV as it’s understated, but still stands out.
- Handwriting: Designed to look like handwritten text in cursive. Can be utilized for features like your name on a printed CV in casual sectors like design, or, as the digital signature of a referee in your supporting information
- Math bold: Professional-looking bold typeface similar to Times New Roman but with more gravitas. Ideal for titles such as the names of previous places of work.
Finding the best fonts for CVs
When you’re applying for your dream job there might be a hundred other people submitting their old-fashioned Times New Roman resumes.
With Picsart’s tools, you can stand out from the crowd.
Pick your fonts, then use the desktop editor or the text editor if you want to easily add fonts to images. If you’re adding your photo to a CV or sending along a professional portfolio, you can use our photo editor tools too!
