Resume fonts are crucial for making your resume stand out and getting past ATS systems. This article explains why certain fonts work better, their pros and cons, and offers formatting tips to ensure your resume looks great and is ATS-friendly.
What’s the Best Resume Font for 2024?
Jobscan has tested the most popular applicant tracking systems (ATS) and found out that the best way to present your resume is by using standard or web-safe fonts.
Unique or uncommon fonts can sometimes cause issues for ATS, making it harder for your resume to be properly read.
Top 10 ATS-Friendly Resume Fonts:
Serif or Sans Serif – What’s the Difference Between the Two Types?
In any case, the fonts can be classified in to two main categories which are serif fonts and sans serif fonts. Artworks got which are called little feet / or factors of wedge type is known as serif in nature, this type of font tends to look old school and is mostly used in printing for reading ease. On the contrary, sans serif fonts do not have these embellishments, and are ideal for web use as they maintain a neat and contemporary appearance.
In addition, we always recommend printing out a sample page or saving your resume in different formats when applying for any of the above positions, regardless of the font or its size that you choose.
To eliminate unnecessary issues with font and formatting, it is advised to use a resume builder template.Jobscan’s free resume builder offers a range of ATS-friendly templates and takes care of the professional formatting for you.
The Top 10 Best Fonts for your Resume
1. Calibri
Calibri is a modern, minimalist font that was incorporated in Microsoft Word in 2007. The design has a nice curvy outline making it easier to read both, on-screen and off-screen.
Pros: It places a more contemporary spin on documents giving them a neat and business-like appearance, and it is easy to read in computer and print formats.
Cons: Being the default interface font, most users are accustomed to using Calibri so it will sometimes be seen as being ‘overused’ or uninteresting.
2. Cambria
Introduced with Microsoft Office in 2007, the Cambria typeface was intended for clarity when viewed on-screen without sacrificing style in small sizes.
Pros: Cambria offers a blend of modern and traditional styles, making it versatile for various professional documents, whether printed or digital.
Cons: In case of creative or design-related tasks, Cambria may seem too basic or uncreative for some people.
3. Georgia
Originally created for Microsoft in 1993, Georgia is a screen font which has serifs. Due to its legibility, it has become a favorite type of font for web pages, newsletters, articles, and professional applications as well.
Pros: Georgia’s crisp character design makes it easy to read, even at smaller sizes, both online and in print.
Cons: Due to its frequent use, particularly online, Georgia may come across as a common or uninspired option.
4. Helvetica
So famous is the font, that a whole documentary was produced for the 50th anniversary of its existence, as it did reshape the design world.
Given that it is closely associated with corporate branding, it is often used by professionals in the corporate world.
Pros: Helvetica’s status as a classic font gives it a timeless, modern appeal that endures over time.
Cons: Helvetica is a default font on Macs but isn’t included with Microsoft Windows, which uses Arial—a similar alternative.
5. Arial
A widely accepted font, Arial is sans serif which was designed by Microsoft to replace the font Helvetica.. It has become one of the most commonly used fonts for both print and digital media.
Pros: There is hardly any risk in using Arial in any software as it has gained popularity worldwide, thanks to Microsoft Windows’s overreliance on the font.
Cons: Arial was supposedly designed as a cheaper alternative to Helvetica however, some consider this typeface lacks all the bells and whistles which makes Helvetica so unique.
6. Times New Roman
First appearing in 1931 on the pages of The Times of London, Times New Roman is a basic serif font that later found use in newspaper to books and scientific works. Even though some people say it’s a bit out of fashion, the usage of the font is still alive to this day.
Pros: If someone needs to pack as much text onto one page, as many resumes call for, Times New Roman is a good introduction.
Cons: Good for all sorts of printed matter, Times New Roman may not be as appropriate, especially on screens where clarity is a must, as more often than not a sans serif is better.
7. Garamond
Garamond is a serif typeface of the 16th century which continues to be a popular choice for book typography, branding and a multitude of applications that require printing.
Pros: Garamond is ideal for space-saving which allows more text to be written in a smaller area than with other fonts.
Cons: Though this typeface is excellent for print, Garamond may not be a good typeface for the digital field where sans serif fonts are usually used for enhanced visibility.
8. Palatino
Originating from the 1940’s, Palatino possesses this remarkable timeless appeal that is not only traditional, but very sophisticated too. It’s a great substitute of Times New Roman for those who would want something slightly different than the conventional option.
Pros: Palatino works perfectly in print, and digital formats continuously, which is why it is widely used in books, magazines and on the web.
Cons: The bold version of Palatino might lack the strong visual presence found in other typefaces.
9. Tahoma
Designed in 1994, Tahoma is a sans serif font created with the computer user in mind. This typeface is most ideal for engineers and even technology specialists due to its neat and techy style.
Pros: Tahoma stays sharp and legible even at smaller sizes.
Cons: Since Tahoma is frequently used in almost all Microsoft products, this font can sometimes appear as too exposed and somewhat older than required.
10. Verdana
Intended for use in documents and displays computers, this sans serif font was developed by Microsoft Corporation. This particular font is best for writing resumes since it serves its purpose well.
Pros: Verdana’s adaptable design makes it effective for both screen and print use.
Cons: One downside of Verdana stands out. The wider spacing in Verdana may lead to more wasteful layouts than what can be obtained from the other fonts.
ATS System: Avoid These Resume Formatting Mistakes
Upon submission of your resume, there is typically a very high likelihood that it gets dumped straight into an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). An ATS scans, files, and saves the client’s resume in a database. The database so created is where the hiring managers go to look for candidates, usually by inputting queries like skills or job titles.
Always remain vigilant about the formatting of your resume, as incorrect styles may hinder the ATS from crawling your resume successfully. To avoid this, keep these formatting techniques in mind, and also try out Jobscan’s free resume builder which ensures your resume is ATS friendly.
1. Choose the Right Resume Format
There are three main resume formats:
- Chronological: Lists work experience in reverse chronological order.
- Hybrid: Features skills at the top, followed by reverse chronological work history.
- Functional: Emphasizes skills over work history.
We recommend the hybrid format because it highlights skills, which are crucial in today’s job market. The chronological format is also a solid choice. Avoid the functional format, as it may not effectively showcase your work history and can confuse an ATS.
Add a summary at the top of your resume to quickly convey your professional identity and what you offer.
2. Stick to Standard Fonts:
To make your resume ATS-friendly, steer clear of using script, cursive, or decorative fonts.Stick with standard fonts that are easy for the ATS to read and appear professional.
3. Use Appropriate Font Sizes
Guidelines for font sizes are:
- 10 to 11 points: Ideal for most text, ensuring readability and space efficiency.
- 12 points: More readable but may lengthen your resume.
- 14 to 16 points: Suitable for headings and your name.
Maintain standard one-inch margins on all sides.
4. Avoid Graphics and Logos
Whereas visual Maker can enhance how the resume appears to people, it can also be problematic for the applicant tracking system which is meant for text only interpretation.
5. Utilize Bullet Points
Use simple bullet points like circles or dashes to present information clearly. This helps both ATS and human readers quickly understand your qualifications. Begin each bullet point with strong action verbs.
6. Be Consistent with Date Formatting
Ensure your date formats are consistent throughout your resume. Examples include:
- January 2020 – December 2022
- Jan 2020 – Dec 2022
- 01/2020 – 12/2022
Use specific dates rather than just years, as some ATS require detailed date formats.
7. Clarify Abbreviations and Acronyms
ATS may not recognize all abbreviations.In the first place, use the full form, and thereafter use the abbreviation, if available e.g. so “Melinda Philip, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)”.
8. Customize Your Resume for Each Job
Sending the same resume over and over again is counterproductive. Make use of the resume objective which carries the keywords given in the job description for the purpose of having the ATS system of the employer screen your CV favourably.
In particular, utilize Jobscan’s resume scanner unlike any other to improve this step by clearly showing how your resume matches the requirements of the job and where you might be missing keywords. Always remember these suggestions if you want to be successful and be more likely to get the job!
Closing Thoughts:Resume Fonts
Now, you’ve got everything you need to pick the best font for your resume. No matter the job, one of the 10 fonts listed will work perfectly. Plus, you’ve got tips on formatting to create a polished resume.
Start by choosing the font style that suits your desired role—serif or sans-serif—and browse the list until you find the perfect match!