When creating a resume, choosing the right font is crucial, as it can influence how potential recruiters perceive your professionalism and attention to detail. Here, we will explore some of the best fonts for resumes that will put your application ahead of the competition.
Related:
Times New Roman
Times New Roman is a classic, easy-to-read font that has stood the test of time. Created by Stanley Morison, its simple yet classy style is a favorite font choice for resumes and books, business cards, and marketing materials like flyers and brochures. Plus, this sans-serif typeface is free. Whether you use Google Docs or Microsoft Word / Microsoft Office to format your resume.
Calibri
If you prefer a font with a modern edge, Calibri is an excellent choice. Designed by Lucas de Groot, it boasts a clean and easily readable appearance that adds a touch of sophistication to your resume. Calibri’s rounded letterforms and generous spacing contribute to its contemporary and professional look. Since it’s a standard font in most word-processing software, you won’t have to go through the hassle of searching for and installing it separately.
Carlito
Looking for a font that combines modernity and versatility? Look no further than Carlito by Łukasz Dziedzic. Carlito, created as a free and open-source alternative to Calibri, also rocks a clean and contemporary characteristic style. It’s a perfect choice if you want the hiring manager to immediately notice how professional and clean your resume is.
Helvetica
When it comes to versatility, few fonts can match the iconic Helvetica. Helvetica, created by Max Miedinger and Eduard Hoffmann, is widely recognized for its clean lines and balanced design. Its neutral and unobtrusive style allows the content of your resume to shine while giving it a modern and stylish appearance. While Helvetica might not be included in the default font lists of most applications, you can easily find it for purchase or download from various sources if you wish to use it in your resume.
Garamond
Created by Claude Garamond, it is a font that stands out for a touch of elegance and sophistication. With its rich history dating back to the 16th century, Garamond is a classic serif font that adds timeless charm to your resume.
Its gracefully curved letterforms and moderate strokes make it highly legible and pleasing to the eye. Like the different fonts we’ve included in the list, Garamond is available and free to use.
Arial
When it comes to simplicity and readability, Arial is a go-to font for many resume writers. Designed by Robin Nicholas and Patricia Saunders, Arial offers a clean and straightforward appearance that ensures your resume is easy to scan and comprehend.
It has uniform stroke widths and a sans-serif style, making it highly versatile for section headings or section headers of your professional resume.
Tahoma
If you’re looking for a font that strikes a balance between modernity and legibility, Tahoma is an excellent choice. Designed by Matthew Carter, Tahoma features crisp letterforms and generous spacing, making it highly readable even at smaller sizes.
Moreover, since it has a clean and professional appearance, it is a great font for conveying a sense of clarity and precision in your resume.
Verdana
Verdana is a top contender for being the best font for on-screen reading. Created by Matthew Carter, Verdana features generous spacing and clear letterforms. This means that this font for resumes is highly legible, even in small sizes on computer screens.
What does this mean for you? Your resume is easy to read, even when the hiring manager views your resume on different devices or platforms.
Georgia
For a touch of sophistication and elegance, Georgia is an excellent choice. Designed by Matthew Carter, this serif font draws inspiration from classic typefaces and adds a contemporary twist. Its well-defined serifs and generous proportions lend a sense of professionalism to your resume while maintaining readability.
It’s so clean and professional-looking that the New York Times, Telegraph, Amazon, Twitter, Yahoo, and The Independent have crowned Georgia as their font of choice!
Cambria
Cambria is another resume font favorite. It features sturdy letterforms and a balanced appearance that ensures optimal readability. Plus, it has ample spacing between the letters!
Didot
When it comes to fonts that make a bold statement, Didot is a standout choice. This elegant serif font, designed by Firmin Didot, is characterized by its high contrast and fine hairline serifs.
Book Antiqua
If you’re aiming for a classic and timeless look, Book Antiqua is a font worth considering. Inspired by the elegant lines of traditional typefaces, Book Antiqua combines serifs with a contemporary touch.
Trebuchet MS
Trebuchet MS is a clean and professional modern font that you can use for your resume. Designed by Vincent Connare, this sans-serif font features rounded letterforms and generous spacing.
Lato
Lato is another creation by Łukasz Dziedzic. Although not as popular as other fonts in this list, you should consider Lato. It has a clean, modern style thanks to its well-rounded and legible letterforms.
Iowan Old Style
Iowan Old Style is a font that stands out for a touch of vintage charm and elegance. It is designed by John Downer and features distinctive serifs and well-proportioned letterforms, which works best for section headers in your resume.
Fira Sans
When it comes to contemporary and versatile fonts, Fira Sans is a fantastic choice. Developed by the Mozilla Corporation, Fira Sans offers a modern and clean appearance with a hint of geometric influence. Its open letterforms and even stroke widths contribute to its legibility, making it an ideal font for resumes.
Source Sans Pro
If you value simplicity and readability, Source Sans Pro is a font worth considering for your resume. This sans-serif font features a harmonious balance between curved and straight lines, making your resume not overly distracting.
Source Sans Pro is free, making it an accessible choice for anyone looking to create a polished and readable resume.
