What Font Should I Use for My CV?

Direct Answer

Use a clean, professional font that is easy to read on a screen. The best choices are Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, or Georgia. For most CVs, use a font size between 10 and 12 points for the main text. This ensures both human recruiters and computer systems (ATS) can read your document without errors.

Recommended Professional Fonts

• Modern & clean: Arial, Calibri, or Verdana. These are safe choices that look good on any device.
• Traditional & professional: Georgia or Times New Roman. These are great if you want a more classic look.

Rules for a Readable CV

• Stick to one font: Do not mix different fonts. Use one style for the whole document to keep it looking organized.
• Use standard sizes: Use 10pt to 12pt for your work history and 14pt to 16pt for your section headings.
• Use bold for emphasis: Use bold text to highlight your job titles and headings instead of using fancy or cursive styles.
• High contrast: Always use black text on a white background. It is the easiest to read and prints perfectly.

Fonts to Avoid

• Decorative or cursive fonts: These are very hard to read and often cause errors in automated scanning systems.
• Tiny text: Never go below 10pt. If you have to make the text tiny to fit everything, you should shorten your content instead.
• Light or gray colors: Light gray text is hard to see on a screen. Stick to dark colors for maximum clarity.

Explore other FAQ topics

• What Is the Best CV Format? (And Why It Matters)
• How Far Back Should My CV Go?
• How Long Should My CV Be? (1 Page or 2?)
• How to Make Your CV Stand Out in a Competitive Market
• How to Write a Strong CV Summary (Examples Included)
• Should I Put Hobbies on My CV?

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