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Font Size and Type for Professional Resumes: A Guide to Readability and ATS Compatibility

Your resume's font choices can make or break your application. The right fonts and sizes ensure your resume is both easy to read and passes Applicant Tracking System (ATS) screening. Let's get this right!

5 min read
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Beginner
FontsTypographyResume DesignProfessionalATS

What You'll Master in This Guide

Ideal font sizes for resume sections
Best font types for ATS compatibility and readability
How font choices impact your resume's visual appeal
1

Introduction

Hey everyone! Choosing the right font for your resume might seem small, but it's HUGE. Recruiters spend seconds glancing at each resume. If yours is hard to read, it's getting tossed. And then there's the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) – that software that screens resumes before a human even sees it. Get the font wrong, and the ATS might miss your awesome skills.

Font Size:

  • Heading: 14-16pt – This makes your name and contact info stand out.
  • Section Headings: 12-14pt – Clearly separate your work experience, skills, etc.
  • Body Text: 10-12pt – This is the sweet spot for easy reading. Anything smaller, and it's a strain on the eyes. Larger than 12pt can make your resume look too bulky.

Font Type:

  • Safe Bets: Stick to classic, easily readable fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri, or Verdana. The ATS is better at reading these standard fonts. Avoid overly fancy or decorative fonts.
  • Modern Options: If you want something a bit more modern, consider using a clean sans-serif font like Open Sans or Lato. Just make sure it's still easy to read and ATS-friendly.

Why This Matters: According to the World Economic Forum, AI is playing a bigger role in initial resume screening. Using the wrong fonts increases the risk of your resume being filtered out before a human recruiter even sees it. LinkedIn Talent Solutions highlights the importance of ATS optimization for successful job applications. The best resume is the one that gets read – and understood!

Pro Tip: RebuildCV automatically optimizes your resume for ATS compatibility and readability, suggesting the best font choices based on your field and experience. Try it out!

Expert Pro Tips

#1

Always preview your resume in print and on different screens before submitting.

#2

Use the same font throughout your resume for consistency.

#3

If you're unsure, simple is always better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different font sizes for different sections?

Yes, using slightly different font sizes for headings and body text improves readability. Just keep it consistent within each section.

Font SizeReadabilityResume Design
What if my dream job requires a specific font?

Unless the job description explicitly requires a specific font, it's best to err on the side of caution and stick to the standard, ATS-friendly options.

Font TypeATSResume Design

Continue Your Learning Journey

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The Role of AI in Resume Screening

Remember, AI is now a major player in the job search. Your resume needs to be both human-readable and ATS-friendly to get noticed. Choosing the right font is a small step, but it's a crucial one in making sure your resume doesn't get lost in the algorithm. RebuildCV helps you get past the ATS and land that interview!

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