Choosing the Right Font for Your Resume: Tips from Experts

As the saying goes, first impressions are everything. This rings true for your resume, too. The font you choose can significantly impact the overall look and feel of your application. We consulted with experts in the recruitment industry to gather their insights on selecting the perfect font for your resume.

Keep it Classic and Professional

Johanna Fleming, a former senior recruiter at HubSpot, recommends sticking with tried and true fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, and Cambria. These fonts exude professionalism and are easy to read, making them a safe bet for any resume.

This sentiment is echoed by Riley Kundtz, a former senior MBA campus recruiter at HubSpot, who finds the traditional formatting and Times font particularly effective when reviewing resumes from experienced MBA candidates.

Modern and Sleek Options

While Times New Roman has been a go-to font for many years, some are now steering away from it. "I personally prefer sans-serif fonts like Helvetica," says Glory Montes, a technical recruiter at HubSpot. "They offer a modern and elegant look, unlike serif fonts like Times New Roman which can feel overused and remind me of late nights writing college papers."

An alternative to Times New Roman is Georgia, which has a wider design that improves readability. On the other hand, Helvetica, a popular choice in advertising, is versatile and works well for both text-heavy pages and documents.

Lesser-Known Options

If you want to stand out from the crowd, consider using a lesser-known font like Garamond. Its serif design conveys a sense of formality and is easy to read both in print and on-screen.

Bridget LeMon, HubSpot's global emerging talent and university recruiting senior manager, suggests Avenir Next and Muna for those looking to break the status quo. However, she reminds job seekers to choose a font that aligns with the position they are applying for.

Choosing the Perfect Font for Your Resume

When it comes to resumes, the right font can make a significant impact on how your application is perceived. Keep these tips in mind when selecting your font:

Consider the Position You're Applying For

Before selecting a font, think about the job you are applying for. A classic and professional font like Arial or Calibri may be more appropriate for corporate positions, while a modern and sleek font like Avenir Next may be a better fit for creative industries.

Focus on Legibility and Cleanliness

The most important factors to consider when choosing a font for your resume are legibility and cleanliness. Avoid overused fonts like Times New Roman and opt for sans-serif fonts like Arial or Helvetica, which offer a cleaner and more modern appearance.

Add Your Personal Touch

Adding a unique font to your resume can help you stand out, but make sure it doesn't compromise the readability of your document. This is especially important when submitting your resume as a Word document.

In conclusion, when choosing a font for your resume, make sure it complements your content and helps recruiters easily find the information they are looking for. With a perfect balance of professionalism, readability, and a touch of your personal style, your resume will make a lasting impression.

How to Choose the Perfect Font for Your Resume

When it comes to creating a professional and visually appealing resume, choosing the right font is crucial. The font you choose can greatly affect the readability and overall impression of your resume. Here are some expert tips to help you choose the perfect font for your resume:

Avoiding Difficult Fonts

According to Fiona Fleming, a recruiter at HubSpot, it's best to avoid using fonts like Script or any derivative fonts as they can make your text difficult to read. Stick to classic fonts with a modern touch for a professional and clear look.

Deciding on the Font Size

To ensure comfortable reading without straining the eyes, Fleming recommends using a font size of 12. This allows enough space to include all necessary information while still being visually appealing. However, for headings and section titles, you can use larger font sizes, as long as you don't go below a font size of 10.5.

Expert Tips for Choosing a Font

• Consider your industry and choose a font that aligns with its style and expectations. For example, a graphic designer would not use Comic Sans, while Times New Roman is commonly used in legal documents.
• Be consistent with your font choice throughout your entire resume for a polished and unified look.
• Pay attention to contrast and colors, but remember that readability should always be the top priority. Avoid using bright or busy colors that can distract from the content.
• Format your resume well by using headers and appropriate margins to make it easy to read at a glance.

Keep in mind that recruiters often have to review thousands of resumes for a single job listing. Stand out for the right reasons by following these expert tips for choosing the perfect font for your resume.

Pro tip:

For inspiration, browse through examples of resumes in your industry to ensure that your resume aligns with the position you're applying for.

Remember, the font you choose may seem like a small detail, but it can have a big impact on the overall impression of your resume. Stick to classic fonts with a modern twist, and avoid overly decorative choices for a clear and professional look. And don't forget, a well-formatted and organized resume can help you make a great first impression on potential employers.

Pro tip:

When saving and sending your resume, always use a PDF format to ensure consistent formatting on all devices.