Best Resume Fonts for Professional Impact | Top Choices for 2023

When it comes to job hunting, your resume is your first impression – and we all know how crucial first impressions are. But while you may focus on crafting the perfect job descriptions or tailoring your skills section, have you ever considered how the font you use could be influencing hiring managers? Selecting the best resume font can mean the difference between standing out or blending into a sea of applications. In this guide, we’ll explore the top fonts to use for your resume in 2023, whether you’re an entry-level job seeker, transitioning professional, or executive.

Why Font Choice Matters on Your Resume

Fonts do more than just display text. They communicate subtle messages about your professionalism, attention to detail, and even your personality. A well-chosen font can enhance readability, improve layout, and convey an air of professionalism. In contrast, a poor font selection can make your resume harder to read, look unprofessional, or even get overlooked by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

First Impressions and Professionalism

Imagine walking into a job interview dressed inappropriately. That’s what using the wrong font can do to your resume. The best fonts for resumes create an immediate sense of professionalism and competence. Whether you’re an executive applying for a C-suite position or a recent graduate seeking your first job, the right font contributes to your overall presentation.

ATS Compatibility

Many companies use ATS to filter resumes before they ever reach a human. If your resume font is overly stylized or difficult for the system to read, your application could be rejected before anyone lays eyes on it. Choosing an ATS-friendly resume font ensures that your resume is both human- and machine-readable.

Top Resume Fonts for 2023

Now that you understand why font choice is essential, let’s dive into the best resume fonts for maximum professional impact in 2023. These fonts are versatile, easy to read, and proven to work well with ATS software.

1. Calibri

Calibri is one of the most commonly used fonts on resumes for good reason. Its clean and modern appearance makes it highly readable, both on screen and in print. This font is also ATS-friendly, making it an excellent choice for professionals across all industries.

• Style: Modern, Clean
• Best for: Entry-Level to Executive Job Seekers
• Why Choose Calibri: Simple, professional, and safe for ATS

 

2. Times New Roman

Times New Roman remains a classic choice for resumes. While some may consider it old-fashioned, its traditional look can be perfect for federal job seekers or those applying for more conservative roles. It’s also highly ATS-compatible.

• Style: Traditional, Formal
• Best for: Federal Positions, Legal Professions
• Why Choose Times New Roman: Timeless and professional, perfect for formal industries

 

3. Garamond

Garamond is a great option if you’re looking for something a bit more unique but still professional. Its classic yet elegant design stands out without being too flashy. It’s well-suited for creative professionals and those in academia.

• Style: Elegant, Classic
• Best for: Creative Roles, Academic Positions
• Why Choose Garamond: A refined choice for those who want to stand out subtly

 

4. Arial

Arial is another safe, modern choice for resumes. It’s clean, simple, and widely recognized. Its minimalistic style ensures readability both on screen and in print, making it a good option for virtually any industry.

• Style: Minimalistic, Modern
• Best for: Entry-Level, Career Transitioners
• Why Choose Arial: Easy to read, simple, and ATS-compatible

 

5. Helvetica

Helvetica is a popular choice among design professionals, but it’s also suitable for more traditional resumes. It’s modern, sleek, and gives off a polished look. Like Arial, it’s easy to read and works well with ATS systems.

• Style: Modern, Sleek
• Best for: Design Professionals, Executive-Level Job Seekers
• Why Choose Helvetica: Clean and professional, excellent for creative industries

 

Fonts to Avoid on Your Resume

While we’ve covered the best resume fonts, it’s equally important to know which fonts to avoid. Certain fonts can make your resume appear unprofessional or difficult to read, which could hurt your chances of being noticed.

• Comic Sans: Often seen as too casual and inappropriate for professional documents.
• Courier: Its typewriter style may come across as outdated.
• Impact: Too bold and difficult to read in large blocks of text.
• Papyrus: Overly stylized and unprofessional for most industries.

 

Font Size and Formatting Tips

Choosing the right font is just the beginning. You also need to ensure your resume is properly formatted for readability and professionalism. Here are some general guidelines:

• Font Size: Stick to a font size between 10 and 12 points. Anything smaller can be hard to read, while anything larger might make your resume look unprofessional.
• Line Spacing: Use 1.0 or 1.15 line spacing to create enough white space without wasting too much room.
• Bold and Italics: Use these sparingly to highlight job titles or section headers. Overusing them can detract from readability.
• Margins: Keep margins between 0.5” and 1” to ensure your resume looks balanced and professional.

 

Resume Example Using the Best Fonts

Here’s a quick example of how you might structure your resume using Calibri, one of the best resume fonts:

John Doe  
123 Main Street  
City, State 12345  
johndoe@email.com  
(123) 456-7890  

Professional Experience  
Marketing Manager | ABC Company | 2018 – Present  
- Developed and executed marketing strategies that increased revenue by 20%.  
- Managed a team of 10 marketing professionals.  

Education  
Bachelor of Science in Marketing  
University of XYZ, 2014 – 2018  

This simple structure keeps your resume easy to read, while the font enhances professionalism without distracting from your content.

Your Next Steps

Choosing the best resume font is a small yet crucial step in creating a professional, polished resume. Whether you’re an entry-level job seeker or aiming for an executive position, the right font ensures that your resume is both ATS-friendly and visually appealing to hiring managers. Remember to pair your font choice with clear formatting, appropriate line spacing, and concise text for maximum impact. Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge of the best resume fonts for 2023, it’s time to update your resume and make a strong, lasting impression.

Ready to take your resume to the next level? Explore our resume writing tips or check out our cover letter guide for even more ways to enhance your job application materials.