How to Choose the Font Size for Your Resume

The font you choose to use on your professional resume is important for several reasons. Firstly, applicant tracking systems (ATSs) are typically the first readers of your resume, especially if you submit your application online through a job forum. These systems are better able to recognize and interpret regular, easy-to-read text compared to fancy or too small fonts.

Additionally, studies have shown that hiring managers and recruiters only look at resumes for an estimated six seconds before deciding whether a candidate is a good fit for a position. If the font on your resume is hard to read or too distracting, recruiters are much more likely to skip over it and move onto the next application.

Learn more: Can Your Resume Beat The Bots? How to Make It ATS-friendly

The following are a few the best fonts for resume:

• Times New Roman
• Calibri
• Cambria
• Arial
• Helvetica
• Georgia
• Garamond
• Didot
• Avenir Next

When it comes to the size of the font on your resume, you want to stick to between 10 and 12. Twelve is typically preferred as it is easier to read without being too big. Each font will vary in its exact size for each font size, so it’s important to play around with the size of your font before submitting your resume. For example, a Times New Roman size 10 font is typically smaller than a Georgia size 10 font, even though they are both technically the same size.

Learn more: Avoid the Most Common Resume Mistakes with This Simple Checklist

The following are steps and tips you can use when deciding which font and font size you will use on your professional resume:

1. Choose a clear and professional font

When it comes to deciding on a font for your resume, the most important thing to keep in mind is that you want a font that is both professional in appearance and easy to read. The more complex or fancy the font is, the more difficult it can be for the ATS or recruiter to skim through. Good font options that are both professional and easy to read include Times New Roman, Sans Serif, and Cambria.

2. Use only one font

While it may be tempting to design your resume in a fun and creative way. However, unless you are applying for a graphic design or artistic position, it’s best to stick with one font throughout your entire resume. This ensures a concise and uniform appearance and makes it easier to skim over for hiring managers and recruiters.

In some instances, it may be appropriate to use two complementary fonts. In this case, you’ll want to use two fonts that are uniform in appearance and do not look unprofessional or unintentional. You’ll likely need to play around with various fonts to decide which two fonts best go together. Another option is to use all capitalization for a heading or name and use lowercase letters for the bodies of each section on your resume.

3. Use font features to differentiate resume sections

You can make your name and headings stand out on your resume by using font features such as bolded, italicized, or underlined font. For example, at the top of your resume, you could put your full name in bold with your contact information and address underneath in plain text. Then, you could put each section title, such as Professional Experience and Education, in bold and underline it to clearly separate the title from the body content.

You could also put the name of the company and company address for each previous work position in italics to separate it from your job title and duties. Be sure that the font features you use are cohesive and the same throughout the entirety of your resume. For example, if you bold and underline one section title, be sure to do so for the rest of the section titles on your resume.

4. Don’t use fonts that are too thin or too light

There are several fonts that are thin and/or light in nature. While these fonts may certainly be attractive, they can be difficult to read. This is especially true for a recruiter or hiring manager who is only spending a few seconds on each resume. Be sure that the font you choose is easy to read on a screen and that each letter is clearly decipherable so you don’t leave hiring managers guessing or frustrated.

5. Avoid making your font size smaller to meet a page goal

If your goal is to keep your resume to one page, you may be tempted to reduce your font size to squeeze in all of your resume content. However, this can make your resume look too condensed as well as make it difficult to read. A two-page resume is rarely frowned upon unless the job posting specifically asks for a one-page resume, so don’t be afraid to make your resume a little longer to ensure good readability. You can always create a one-page resume to give out at job or networking events and use the longer version of your resume for applications.