Fonts for Resume: Best Font Choices for Your Career

When you're putting together a resume, the best fonts are the ones that are clean, professional, and dead simple to read. You can't go wrong with classics like Calibri, Georgia, Helvetica, and Garamond. Why? Because they're universally recognized by both human eyes and, just as importantly, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Sticking with one of these ensures your resume looks polished and avoids getting mangled by a machine before a person ever sees it.

The Best Fonts for a Resume at a Glance

A professional resume with text highlighted to show font choices

Think of your resume font as the outfit you wear to an interview. You wouldn't show up in something flashy or distracting, right? The same logic applies here. The goal is to let your skills and experience shine, not your typeface.

Your font choice sends a subconscious signal about your professionalism. A crisp, legible font makes a recruiter’s job easier, which leaves a great first impression in those precious few seconds they spend scanning your document. But there's a critical technical side to it, too.

Why Your Font Choice Matters

Most companies now use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to do the first round of resume screening. These software bots are programmed to read and parse standard, common fonts. If you pick something too decorative or unusual, the ATS might garble your information—or worse, discard your application entirely.

A simple, ATS-friendly font is your first line of defense. It’s a smart move that balances professional aesthetics with technical necessity, helping you get past the initial digital gatekeeper.

Choosing the right font is a small detail with a huge impact. It’s a core part of learning how to write a professional resume that can actually navigate today’s hiring process.

To make it easier, I've put together a quick comparison of the top contenders that recruiters and hiring managers love to see.

Top Recommended Resume Fonts Compared

This table breaks down the go-to fonts, so you can pick the one that best fits your industry and personal brand.

Font Name	Type	Ideal Use Case	ATS Friendly
Calibri	Sans-Serif	Modern, clean look for corporate and tech roles	Yes
Garamond	Serif	Elegant, classic feel for academic or law fields	Yes
Georgia	Serif	Highly readable on screens, great for digital	Yes
Helvetica	Sans-Serif	Neutral, professional choice for any industry	Yes

Ultimately, any of these four is a safe and effective bet. They are the gold standard for a reason: they work.

How Typography Shapes First Impressions

https://www.youtube.com/embed/6Jlo9iOZvXY

Before a recruiter even reads a single word, your font choice has already made an introduction. Think of it as the handshake of your resume—it sets the tone instantly.

It's about more than just looking pretty; it’s a subconscious signal of your professionalism and attention to detail. The wrong font can feel like showing up to an interview in a wrinkled shirt. It's distracting and sends the wrong message.

A classic serif font like Times New Roman feels like a perfectly tailored suit—it immediately communicates authority and tradition.
A clean sans-serif font like Calibri is like a crisp, modern dress shirt—smart, clear, and approachable.
Tiny tweaks to spacing, like line height and character width, are the equivalent of good posture. They can make your text feel open and easy to read, or cramped and overwhelming.

Great typography is a balancing act between style and substance, guiding the reader’s eye effortlessly from one accomplishment to the next. For instance, adding a little extra space around your section headings makes them pop, giving your resume a clear, organized structure.

And the data backs this up. Research shows a whopping 54.77% of universities still use Times New Roman, with 9.13% opting for Arial and 3.73% for Calibri. You can see more of the findings here.

Why does this matter? Because both recruiters and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are used to seeing these familiar, standard fonts. Sticking to the classics reduces the risk of your resume turning into a jumbled mess when it gets uploaded or opened on a different computer.

Font Psychology Basics

There’s a reason certain fonts just feel right for certain jobs. Our brains are wired to associate serif fonts—the ones with the little "feet" on the letters—with tradition, reliability, and respectability. This makes them a perfect fit for formal industries.

On the other hand, sans-serif fonts feel more modern, friendly, and clean. They’re easier on the eyes when reading on a screen, which makes them a go-to for tech, marketing, and creative fields where a fresh, approachable vibe is key.

This diagram breaks down the basic anatomy of a font and how it impacts the reading experience.

It shows how details like baseline, x-height, and leading (the space between lines) all work together to create a smooth, readable layout.

"Effective spacing and font selection can boost reading speed by up to 20%," notes design expert Emma Harper.

Getting these details right isn't just for human readers. Consistent, clean formatting ensures an ATS can parse your resume accurately without dropping important keywords or scrambling your contact info.

For more actionable tips beyond just fonts, you might be interested in our guide on how to make your resume better.

Comparing Serif and Sans-Serif

So, which one is for you? It really depends on the context.

In print, the little feet on serif fonts actually help guide the eye along the line of text, making them incredibly easy to read on a physical page. But on a screen, those same tiny details can blur and look messy, especially at lower resolutions. That's where sans-serifs really shine.

Applying for a job in law, academia, or finance? Stick with a trusted serif like Times New Roman or Garamond to project a formal, authoritative tone.
Aiming for a role at a startup or creative agency? A modern sans-serif like Calibri or Helvetica will give off a more current and approachable feel.
No matter what you choose, always check it. Preview your resume as both a PDF and a plain-text file to make sure nothing looks weird or broken.

Typography isn't just a final touch; it’s a strategic part of your job search. Choosing the right font is like picking the perfect outfit for your interview—it should fit the role you’re going for.

A well-chosen font tells both hiring managers and the robots that your content is professional and deserves a closer look.

Keep your body text between 10–12pt and your headings a bit larger, around 14–16pt.
Always use PDF previews to confirm your spacing and alignment look right on different screens.
Stick to just one or two fonts at most to keep your resume looking clean and cohesive.

These small adjustments ensure your resume is clear, credible, and ready to land you that interview.

So, How Do You Pick the Right Font?

Choosing the perfect font for your resume is a bit of a balancing act. You're trying to show some personality, but you also need to be professional and, most importantly, make sure your resume can actually be read—by both humans and robots. A great font choice means your resume looks just as sharp on a hiring manager's giant monitor as it does on a recruiter’s phone screen.

This isn’t just fluff; typography is big business. The global font industry was worth around $965.4 million back in 2021 and is still growing. It’s a clear sign that how we present text really matters. Time and time again, studies show that resumes using standard, familiar fonts like Times New Roman and Helvetica tend to do better. Why? Because they’re readable and professional.

There’s a practical reason these classics are so popular, too. They’re installed on just about every computer out there, which means you don't have to worry about your carefully crafted resume turning into a jumbled mess when someone else opens it.

Think About Your Industry and the Vibe You’re Going For

The font you pick sends a signal. Think of it like a dress code: what you'd wear to an interview at a creative agency is probably different from what you'd wear to a law firm. Your font should match the expectations of your industry.

For traditional fields like law, finance, or academia, stick with classic serif fonts. Garamond or Georgia have a formal, established feel that conveys stability and expertise.
For modern industries like tech, marketing, or design, go for a clean sans-serif font. Something like Calibri or Helvetica looks modern, approachable, and forward-thinking.

If you want to get a better handle on the different personalities of fonts, learning about the different types of typefaces is a great place to start. It helps you choose one that not only looks good but also strengthens your personal brand.

Make Sure the Robots Can Read It (ATS Compatibility)

Here’s the thing most people forget: before a human ever sees your resume, it’s probably going to be scanned by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). These systems are the gatekeepers for most online job applications, and they’re programmed to read simple, standard text.

If you use a font that's too fancy, scripty, or just plain weird, the ATS might get confused and garble your information. That could get your application tossed out before it even has a chance. Sticking with standard, web-safe fonts is always your safest move.

These systems are built for efficiency, not for appreciating your artistic flair. You can learn more about getting your whole resume ready for these bots in our resume ATS scanner guide. By using a tried-and-true font like Arial, Verdana, or Calibri, you give yourself the best shot at having your skills and experience read correctly, helping you get to the next round.

Our Top Font Recommendations in Action

Okay, let's move from the abstract rules to the real world. I know that picking a font can feel like a surprisingly high-stakes decision, but it's pretty simple once you have a handful of can't-go-wrong options. I've pulled together my top choices to show you exactly how they look and feel on a resume.

This infographic really nails the decision-making process. Think of it as a pyramid: you start with the overall style, make sure it’s readable, and then confirm it plays nice with the ATS bots.

As you can see, these pieces all fit together. You need a font that not only looks good but also does its job behind the scenes.

Classic and Timeless Serif Fonts

Serif fonts are the ones with the little "feet" on the ends of the letters. They just feel traditional, authoritative, and reliable. They’re fantastic for readability in print and give any document a classic, buttoned-up vibe.

Garamond
Think of Garamond as the tailored suit of the font world. It’s elegant and classic, but it's also a space-saver, letting you pack more onto the page without things feeling cluttered. Its timeless look makes it a perfect fit for anyone in academia, law, or other formal industries where a touch of tradition is appreciated.

Best For: Headers and body text in traditional fields.
Personality: Professional, classic, and incredibly readable.

Georgia
Georgia was built from the ground up for on-screen clarity. It's a total workhorse. The characters are a bit larger and wider than most, which makes it a dream to read on any digital screen, big or small. If you know your resume will mostly be viewed on a laptop or phone, Georgia is a surefire bet.

Best For: Body text that needs to be super legible on screens.
Personality: Sturdy, clear, and approachable.

When you choose a serif font like Garamond or Georgia, you’re sending a subtle signal. You're saying you respect tradition and care deeply about clarity—a nod to professionalism that hiring managers in more conservative fields will definitely pick up on.

Modern and Clean Sans-Serif Fonts

Sans-serif fonts are the ones without the little feet. This gives them a clean, modern, and efficient look. They really shine on digital screens and project a feeling of being forward-thinking and no-nonsense.

Calibri
Having been the default font in Microsoft Word for years, Calibri is instantly familiar to just about everyone. Its soft, rounded corners make it feel friendly and easy on the eyes, while its clean structure keeps it looking professional. It’s one of the safest and most popular resume fonts out there for any industry you can think of.

Best For: Any section of a modern resume.
Personality: Clean, contemporary, and universally professional.

Helvetica
There's a reason Helvetica is a design icon. Born in 1957, it’s the definition of neutral, clear communication and is a favorite in corporate branding. The best part? It comes in multiple weights (Light, Regular, Bold), which makes creating a clear visual hierarchy for your headers and body text a breeze. It’s no wonder that today, nearly 80% of professional resumes use clean sans-serif fonts like Helvetica. If you're curious, you can discover more insights about resume font trends and see how it stacks up.

Best For: Headings and subheadings where you need absolute clarity.
Personality: Neutral, objective, and confident.

At the end of the day, the right font is simply one that feels right for your industry and is flawlessly readable. Whether you land on a classic serif or a modern sans-serif, just be consistent. Pick one font family and use bolding and size changes to guide the recruiter's eye right to your biggest wins.

Creating Harmony With Font Pairings

Sticking to a single font family is like wearing a solid-colored suit—safe and professional. Yet, when you pair two complementary fonts, it’s more like matching a sleek blazer with a crisp shirt. The result? A resume that feels layered, intentional, and easy to navigate.

By assigning one font to your headings (think your name and section titles) and another to the body text, you instantly boost scannability. Your eye naturally travels from bold, attention-grabbing headers down to clean, readable paragraphs. It’s a subtle way to make sure key achievements don’t vanish into a uniform block of text.

The Classic Contrast Rule: Serif And Sans-Serif

One of the simplest—and most reliable—strategies is combining a serif font with a sans-serif font. Here’s why this pairing works:

Serif For Headers, Sans-Serif For Body:
Use an elegant serif such as Georgia or Garamond for titles. Then switch to a modern sans-serif like Calibri or Lato for your bullet points and descriptions. You get a timeless vibe without sacrificing readability.
Sans-Serif For Headers, Serif For Body:
Flip it around with a bold sans-serif such as Helvetica or Arial in your headings. Follow up with a highly legible serif like Georgia in the body. It feels fresh yet grounded.

The point isn’t to follow a rigid formula, but to create enough contrast so a hiring manager can scan your resume in seconds and still catch your most important details.

Proven Font Pairings That Always Work

To save you from endless font testing, here are a few combinations that look sharp on-screen, print well, and play nicely with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

You’re not just picking two fonts—you’re choosing a partnership that highlights your story and keeps the reader engaged.

Below is a quick reference to help you implement these pairings effortlessly.

Effective Font Pairing Examples for Resumes

Primary Font (Headers)	Secondary Font (Body)	Use Case
Helvetica	Garamond	A modern, clean header paired with a classic, space-saving body. Ideal for corporate roles.
Georgia	Verdana	A strong, screen-friendly serif for headings combined with a clear sans-serif for digital submissions.
Calibri	Cambria	A soft, friendly sans-serif header with a sturdy serif body. Great across industries from tech to HR.

Whether you stick with a single font or embrace a pairing, consistency is everything. Apply your choices uniformly, and you’ll transform your resume from a plain document into a polished presentation of your skills and experience.

Fine-Tuning Your Resume Layout

A person adjusting the layout of a resume on a computer screen

You can pick the perfect font, but if the layout is a mess, it's all for nothing. Think of your font as the lead actor and the layout as the stage direction—you absolutely need both for a killer performance. Good formatting creates a visual roadmap, guiding the hiring manager’s eyes exactly where you want them to go.

These little details are what turn a basic document into a polished, professional pitch. You'd be surprised how much small tweaks to size, spacing, and margins can affect readability and the first impression you make.

Getting Font Sizes Just Right

Font size isn't just about looks; it's a powerful tool for creating a visual hierarchy. It tells the reader what’s most important without you having to spell it out. When every word is the same size, nothing stands out, and you force the recruiter to hunt for the good stuff.

Here’s a simple, field-tested framework that works every time:

Your Name: This should be the biggest thing on the page. Aim for 18–22pt.
Section Headers: Keep these smaller than your name but bigger than the rest of the text, somewhere around 14–16pt. A little bolding here adds some extra punch.
Body Text: This is the meat of your resume. Set it between 10–12pt. Anything smaller is a headache to read, and anything bigger can make the page feel empty.

This tiered system makes sure your name and key sections are instantly recognizable, making your whole resume scannable in seconds.

The Power of White Space

Ever seen a resume that’s just a solid wall of text? It’s overwhelming, and honestly, it often gets tossed aside. White space—that empty area around your text and between your sections—is your secret weapon against clutter. It gives your words room to breathe and makes the entire document feel more organized and approachable.

Don't think of white space as wasted room. It's a strategic design choice that sharpens focus and improves readability by cutting out the noise.

To really nail the use of white space, focus on two key things:

Line Spacing: Set your line spacing somewhere between 1.15 and 1.5. This adds just enough vertical room to keep lines of text from blurring together, which is a common problem with single-spaced documents.
Margins: Just stick with the standard one-inch margins on all sides. I know it's tempting to shrink them to cram more in, but tight margins instantly look cramped and unprofessional.

Beyond the fonts, the way you arrange everything is critical; it can even be helpful to explore various design layout examples from other fields for a little inspiration. Getting these layout details right ensures your resume looks fantastic, whether it's on a screen or printed out. And if you want to skip the manual adjustments, a good resume builder can handle all these formatting rules for you, so you can just focus on what to say.

A Few Lingering Questions About Resume Fonts

Getting to the finish line on your resume often brings up those small, nagging questions. You know, the ones that feel minor but could secretly make or break your first impression. Let's tackle some of the most common ones head-on.

What Is the Safest Font Choice?

If you're paralyzed by choice and just want one font that will always work, go with Calibri. It’s clean, modern, and has been a Microsoft default for ages.

That means pretty much every hiring manager on the planet is used to seeing it. More importantly, it’s a slam dunk for every Applicant Tracking System (ATS), so you can be confident your resume will get parsed correctly without any weird tech hiccups.

Should I Use Serif or Sans-Serif Fonts?

Honestly, this mostly boils down to the industry you're in and the vibe you want to give off. Neither is flat-out "better" than the other, but they definitely send different messages.

Serif Fonts (like Garamond or Georgia): These have that classic, traditional look with the little "feet" on the letters. They're a great fit for more formal fields like law, finance, or academia where you want to project a sense of authority and established expertise.
Sans-Serif Fonts (like Helvetica or Arial): These are the clean, no-fuss modern fonts. They feel fresh and approachable, making them perfect for tech, creative roles, and marketing.

At the end of the day, readability is king. Whether you pick a serif or sans-serif font, just make sure it's a standard, well-respected one. Steer clear of anything too decorative or quirky.

Will My Formatting Get Messed Up When I Send My Resume?

There’s a very good chance it will, and this is a classic rookie mistake. If you send a Word document and the recruiter’s computer doesn't have your specific font installed, it will swap in a random default font. The result? Your perfectly crafted layout turns into a jumbled, unprofessional-looking mess.

The fix is incredibly simple: always, always, always save and send your resume as a PDF. Think of a PDF as a picture of your document. It locks everything—your fonts, your margins, your spacing—in place. What you see is exactly what they'll see. It's the single best way to guarantee a polished, consistent first impression.

Ready to build a resume that gets noticed? The Eztrackr AI resume builder uses ATS-friendly templates and formatting to ensure your resume looks professional and passes every scan. Take the guesswork out of your job search at https://eztrackr.app.