Does It Matter What Font I Use?

John Krautzel
Posted by in Career Advice


Many things can affect your resume's chance of success, including the amount of detail you include about your work history as well as the length and format. Did you know that even the font you use to type your resume can have an impact on how a recruiter regards your job application? While there are many fonts that are likely to be acceptable to an employer, some fonts should definitely be avoided.

Choosing a professional resume font is essential if you want to make a good impression on an employer. Some fonts can be easily ruled out such as Comic Sans, which looks juvenile to many people. Using a playful, whimsical font is likely to make your resume stand out, but probably not in a good way. You run the risk of looking like an attention-seeker, which could suggest to an employer you are difficult to manage.

In general, you should choose a simple font that is easy to read and as accessible as possible. Avoid choosing a very obscure font as some systems might not have this font included, which could mean that a hiring manager is unable to read your resume.

Serif fonts have tails on the letters that draw the eye along the text, which many people find attractive. However, sans serif fonts, which do not have these tails, are also suitable for use as a resume font. Sans serif fonts are used on many websites and are gaining popularity in the digital age. The choice between a serif or sans serif font is personal preference, so choose whichever looks best for your resume.

Some people advise using one of the two most popular fonts, Arial or Times New Roman, for your resume. On the other hand, this could suggest a lack of creativity, which could be detrimental if you are applying for a very creative job. Many slightly less common, but still highly professional, fonts are also available, including Georgia, Trebuchet, and Baskerville.

According to an experiment conducted by the New York Times, the font you use can affect what people think about the words that you write. The study found that people are most likely to agree and least likely to disagree with statements written in Baskerville, a serif font. On the other hand, people are much less likely to accept text written in Comic Sans. Other fonts, including Georgia and Trebuchet, divide opinion.

he font you use for your resume and cover letter can affect how employers view your job application. If you want a safe option for your resume font, then choose something normal like Times New Roman or Arial. Other options for a trustworthy resume font include Baskerville. Whatever resume font you choose, avoid quirky options such as Comic Sans if you want to be taken seriously.

 

Photo courtesy of Naypong at FreeDigitalPhotos.net


 

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