“Your resume’s font speaks before you do.”

In today’s tough job market, details truly matter. One important yet often overlooked detail is font choice. The right font improves readability and clearly shows professionalism. It can even affect potential employers’ hiring decisions. As we move into 2025, choosing fonts that stand out matters greatly.

This blog explores top resume fonts, their histories, and their advantages. You’ll also learn how to use them effectively. Choosing wisely helps improve your resume and professional image.

Why Resume Font Choice Matters?

Your resume is your first impression to employers. Choosing the right font makes your resume stand out and makes it easy to read. A good font leaves a positive impact immediately.

Here are reasons why choosing fonts matters:

• First Impressions: Recruiters spend seconds scanning resumes at first glance. A clear, professional font grabs their attention quickly.
• Readability: An easy-to-read font helps employers digest your information. It reduces eye strain and keeps readers engaged.
• Professionalism: The right font clearly shows your attention to detail. It helps recruiters see you as organized and professional.
• Compatibility: Some fonts work better with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Choosing ATS-friendly fonts ensures that the software will not discard your resume.

What Makes a Good Resume Font?

Certain factors make a resume font considerably better. When selecting a font for your resume, consider the following attributes:

• Legibility: Choose fonts that are easy to read on-screen and print.
• Professional Appearance: Opt for fonts that convey professionalism and seriousness.
• Neutrality: A neutral font ensures the focus remains on your content, not the typography font.
• ATS Compatibility: Ensure the font is recognized by most ATS software to avoid automatic rejection.

What Types of Fonts Should You Consider for a Resume?

Fonts can be broadly categorized into three types:

• Serif Fonts: Recognizable by the small strokes at the ends of each letter, serif fonts have a classic, traditional feel. These fonts are mainly used in printed materials like books and newspapers.
• Sans-Serif Fonts: These fonts skip the extra strokes and give them a simple and modern look. Their clean design makes them a popular choice for screens and digital use.
• Hybrid Fonts: These fonts combine elements of both serif and sans-serif fonts, providing a unique blend suitable for various contexts.

You can explore the resume formats and read more about the tips. Plus, our free and easy-to-use tool will help you create a resume based on your needs in minutes. 

Best Serif Fonts for Resumes in 2025

Georgia

History: Matthew Carter designed Georgia in 1993 for Microsoft. The font is easy to read on screens and helps resumes look clear, even at low resolutions.

Why Should You Use?

• Easy to Read on Screens: Georgia looks clear on digital screens. It’s a perfect choice for online resumes.
• Friendly and Professional: Georgia gives resumes a classic feel. It feels traditional but not old-fashioned.
• Versatile Use: Georgia works well for many job types. You can use it in finance or creative jobs.

Garamond

History: Garamond was first made in the 16th century. French engraver Claude Garamond designed this font.

Why Should You Consider?

• Classic Elegance: Garamond has a timeless and stylish look.
• Easy to Read: This font stays clear even after long reading sessions.
• Saves Space: You can fit more text clearly on each page.

Merriweather

History: Eben Sorkin designed Merriweather specifically for screens. It helps readers avoid eye strain when reading digitally.

Why Should You Use?

• Screen Friendly: Merriweather has large letters and clear shapes. The letters are slightly narrow, perfect for screen reading.
• Modern Feel: It mixes classic serif style with a fresh, modern look.
• Versatile Weights: The font offers many styles and weights. You can easily adjust it for different designs.

Times New Roman

History: The Times newspaper asked for this font in 1931. Stanley Morison and Victor Lardent created it.

Why Should You Consider?

• Widely Known: Many industries use it, making it familiar everywhere.
• Compact Design: Its spacing is tight, fitting more text clearly.
• Formal Look: Gives your resume a trusted, traditional feel.

Suggested Reads: 25 Best Skills to Put On a Resume

Top Sans-serif Fonts for Resumes in 2025

Calibri

History: Calibri was created by Lucas de Groot in 2007. Microsoft made it the default font in Microsoft Office.

Here’s why to consider it:

• Modern and Clean: Offers a fresh, professional look for most industries.
• Highly Readable: Clear letters improve readability on screens and paper.
• Neutral Tone: A simple style keeps readers focused on your resume content.

Helvetica

History: Helvetica was created in 1957 by Swiss designer Max Miedinger. It was designed to be neutral, simple, and versatile.

Learn why: 

• Timeless Design: It is popular due to its clean and professional look.
• Versatile Usage: Works well for corporate branding, signage, websites, and more.
• High Legibility: The letters are clear and easy to read, making them great for print and digital use.

Arial

Designed in 1982 by Robin Nicholas and Patricia Saunders for Monotype, Arial is a widely used sans-serif font known for its versatility across different platforms and documents.

Why Choose Arial:

• Easy Access: Pre-installed on most devices, so it’s ready when you are.
• Clean and Clear: Offers a simple, polished look that improves readability.
• Content-Focused: Its neutral style focuses on what you’re saying—not how it looks.

Montserrat

History: Montserrat is a font inspired by old posters and signs from the Montserrat neighborhood in Buenos Aires. Designer Julieta Ulanovsky created it to preserve the beauty of early 20th-century urban typography.

Here’s why it should be considered:

• Modern Look: Gives a fresh and stylish feel.
• Easy to Read: Clear letter shapes make it perfect for digital screens.
• Versatile: Works well for creative and corporate designs.

Struggling to make a compelling resume? Learn more about how to make a resume: step-by-step with Jump Resume Builder. 

Popular Unique Fonts for Resumes in 2025

Lato

Lato, designed by Polish type designer Łukasz Dziedzic in 2010 for a corporate client, takes its name from the Polish word for “summer”—a reflection of its friendly and welcoming style.

Why Choose Lato Font in Your Resume?

• Balanced Style: This font style blends professionalism with friendliness, making it appropriate for different career fields.
• Versatility: It is available in a wide range of weights and styles, it adapts well to different resume layouts.
• Modern & Clear: Lato’s clean, modern design keeps your resume looking fresh while remaining easy to read.

Raleway

History: Raleway is a modern sans-serif font first designed by Matt McInerney in 2010. Later, Pablo Impallari and Rodrigo Fuenzalida expanded it into a full-font family.

Know why to choose Raleway font in a resume?

• Elegant and Clean: Raleway’s sleek design makes resumes look polished.
• Multiple Weights: You can use different weights to highlight resume sections.
• Great for Creative Fields: Perfect for design, fashion, and the arts jobs.

Roboto

History: Google created Roboto in 2011 as the default font for Android. It blends geometric shapes with soft curves, making it modern and approachable.

Here’s why you should use Roboto font in your resume:

• Modern & Neutral: Roboto’s clean design suits many industries.
• Easy to Read: Designed for screens, it stays clear in digital and printed formats.
• ATS-Friendly: Recognized by applicant tracking systems, ensuring smooth compatibility.

Nunito

Nunito is a clean, rounded sans-serif font first introduced by Vernon Adams in 2012. Jacques Le Bailly later enhanced it by adding more weight options & made it a flexible choice for headings and body text.

Here’s why:

• Friendly and Professional: Nunito’s rounded terminals give it an approachable yet polished look.​
• Excellent Readability: Its design ensures clarity, even at smaller sizes.​
• Versatile Usage: Suitable for both creative and corporate environments.

Also Read:Resume Layout: Examples and Best How-To Tips

Font Size & Formatting Tips for Resumes

Choosing the right font size and layout is key to making your resume look polished and easy to follow.

Font Size:

• Body Text: For the main content, use a font size between 10 and 12 points. This will keep your resume easy to read while maintaining a clean, professional layout.

• Headings: Use a font size between 12 and 14 points for section titles. This creates a clear visual structure and makes it easier for employers to navigate your resume.

Tips for Formatting:

• Consistency: Keep the same font style, size, and spacing across your resume to create a clean, organized look that’s easy to follow.

• Line Spacing: Set your line spacing to 1.0 or 1.15. This keeps the text comfortable to read—neither too cramped nor too spread out.

• Margins: Set margins between 0.5 to 1 inch on all sides. This provides enough white space, making the resume look clean.​

• Emphasis: Use bold text mainly for section titles or job roles, to draw attention to important details. Therefore, avoid overusing italics or underlining, as it can clutter the layout.​

• Bullet Points: Utilize bullet points to list down responsibilities and achievements. This format makes information easy to scan.​

A research study shows that resumes should be formatted based on eye-tracking research about on-screen reading. You should carefully focus on the formatting tips while creating a resume. 

Resume Font Tips to Pass ATS

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes before they reach hiring managers. Ensuring your resume is ATS-friendly increases the chances of it being seen.

Resume Font Tips:

• Standard Fonts: Stick to commonly used fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Most ATS software easily reads these fonts.​

• Avoid Images and Graphics: Applicant tracking systems may not process images or intricate designs, therefore, keep your resume simple and text-based.​

• Use Standard Headings: Label sections with conventional headings like “Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.” This helps the ATS categorize information correctly.​

• Save as a Word Document or PDF: While PDFs are generally safe, some ATS prefer Word documents. Check the job application instructions for preferred formats.​

• Test Your Resume: Use online ATS simulators to check how your resume performs. This can help identify any issues before submission.​

Fonts to Avoid on Your Resume

Using the wrong font can make your resume look unprofessional. Some fonts are hard to read, outdated, or too casual. Here are the ones to avoid:

Comic Sans

Why Avoid:

• Looks unprofessional and informal. 
• Often used in casual documents, not resumes.

Papyrus

Why Avoid:

• Has an outdated design that doesn’t fit modern resumes.
• Hard to read, especially in small text.

Brush Script

Why Avoid:

• The cursive style makes it difficult to read.
• Gives a casual feel, which isn’t right for most jobs.

Courier New

Why Avoid:

• Looks like old typewriter text, making resumes seem outdated.

Choosing the right font helps your resume look polished and professional. Stick to clean, modern fonts for better readability and a stronger impression.

What Are the Best Fonts for Different Job Roles?

The font you choose can impact how your resume is perceived. Pick one that suits your industry to make a strong impression.

Professional Fields (Finance, Law, Business)

• Garamond – A classic font that looks professional and authoritative.
• Times New Roman – A well-known choice that feels formal and reliable.
• Cambria – A modern serif font that works well in corporate settings.

Creative Fields (Graphic Design, Marketing, Advertising)

• Helvetica: Known for its clean lines and timeless style, this font brings a sharp, professional look to creative resumes.
• Montserrat: Bold and modern, it adds a fresh, friendly vibe—great for making your design work pop.
• Raleway: Elegant with a hint of flair, this font helps your resume stand out while staying professional.

Tech and Engineering Roles

• Roboto: Designed with digital content in mind, this modern font offers a clean, tech-savvy look.
• Lato: Combines clarity with a friendly tone—perfect for resumes in tech or software roles.
• Arial: A no-frills, reliable font that’s easy to read and widely accepted in technical industries.

Read More: How Long Should a Resume Be?

Best Practices for Resume Font Pairings

Combining fonts can enhance the visual hierarchy of your resume, making it more engaging and readable. 

Here are some guidelines for effective font pairing:

• Stick to Two Fonts: One for headings and one for body text. This keeps your resume clean and easy to follow.
• Mix Styles for Balance: Try combining a serif font like Garamond with a sans-serif like Calibri to add visual contrast.
• Keep It Consistent: Use the same sizes and styles throughout to maintain a cohesive look.
• Avoid Look-Alikes: Pick fonts that are visually different so your layout doesn’t feel flat or repetitive.

Examples of Effective Resume Font Pairings

• Garamond (Headings) + Calibri (Body): A blend of classic sophistication and modern readability—ideal for a polished, professional look.
• Montserrat (Headings) + Lato (Body): Clean, modern, and stylish—great for creative and tech-driven roles.
• Georgia (Headings) + Arial (Body): A timeless combination that pairs a traditional serif with a no-nonsense sans-serif for easy reading.

Key Takeaways

Choosing the right font for your resume matters more than ever. The right resume font is about clarity, professionalism, and making a strong first impression.

Quick recap:

• Keep It Clear: Select fonts that are easily readable, i.e., easy to view with naked eyes, whether someone’s reading on a screen or holding a printed copy.
• Match Your Industry: Select a font that fits the tone of your profession, whether it’s creative, formal, or technical.
• Be Consistent: Stick with the same font style and size across your resume to keep it looking sharp and professional.
• Think ATS: Stick with standard, simple fonts to ensure your resume passes applicant tracking systems smoothly.
  

Choosing the right fonts with care can give your resume a polished look while clearly showcasing your skills and professionalism.

Remember, your resume is often the first impression you make on potential employers—make it count with the right font choices.

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