The Best Fonts to Use on Your Resume and Why They Matter

By | February 23, 2023

When it comes to crafting your resume, every detail counts. From the wording to the formatting, every aspect of your resume can have an impact on whether or not you land your dream job. One detail that often gets overlooked is the font. While it may seem like a minor detail, the font you choose can actually have a significant impact on how your resume is perceived by potential employers.

So, what are the best fonts to use on your resume? Here are some top choices:

  1. Calibri: This modern font is a popular choice for resumes because of its clean and sleek appearance. It’s easy to read and looks professional, making it a great choice for any type of job.
  2. Arial: Another popular sans-serif font, Arial is a classic choice that is easy to read and looks great on a resume. It’s a good choice for any type of job, from entry-level to executive positions.
  3. Times New Roman: This serif font is a classic choice that has been used for decades. It’s a good choice for more traditional industries, such as law or finance.
  4. Georgia: This serif font is similar to Times New Roman but has a slightly more modern feel. It’s a good choice for industries that require a more traditional appearance, such as academia or government.
  5. Helvetica: This sans-serif font is a modern and clean choice that looks great on a resume. It’s a good choice for creative industries or jobs that require a modern appearance.

Now that you know some of the best fonts to use on your resume, it’s important to understand why they matter. First and foremost, your font choice can impact how readable your resume is. If you choose a font that is difficult to read, such as a cursive font, potential employers may struggle to read your resume and may be less likely to consider you for the job.

In addition, your font choice can also impact the overall impression you make on potential employers. For example, if you choose a font that is too playful or informal, it may give the impression that you are not taking the job search process seriously.

So, what should you avoid when it comes to fonts on your resume? Here are some fonts to steer clear of:

  1. Comic Sans: This playful font is never appropriate for a resume. It’s difficult to read and gives the impression that you are not taking the job search process seriously.
  2. Papyrus: This font is often seen as outdated and unprofessional. It’s a good idea to steer clear of this font if you want to make a good impression on potential employers.
  3. Courier: While this font is easy to read, it can look outdated and unprofessional. It’s a good idea to choose a more modern font for your resume.
  4. Brush Script: This cursive font may be beautiful, but it’s not appropriate for a resume. It’s difficult to read and can give the impression that you are not taking the job search process seriously.
  5. Impact: This bold font may stand out, but it’s difficult to read and can be overwhelming on a resume. It’s best to choose a more readable font that still looks professional.

In summary, choosing the right font for your resume is an important detail that can impact how potential employers perceive you. Stick with professional and modern choices, and avoid any fonts that are difficult to read or look unprofessional.

Product suggestion: “The Resume Design Book: How to Write a Resume in College & Influence Employers to Hire You” by Eric M. Wood. This book offers practical tips and advice for designing a professional and effective resume, and is a great resource for anyone looking to improve their resume writing

Disclosure: Some of the links to products on this blog are affiliate links (paid link). It simply means, at no additional cost to you, I’ll earn a commission if you click through and buy any product.

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