When it comes to writing a CV, content is crucial, but the way it’s presented can make just as much of a difference. Hiring managers and recruiters often review dozens of resumes in a short period. If your CV is hard to read, too cluttered, or poorly formatted, it may get skipped altogether, even if you’re highly qualified.
That’s why choosing the right font and font size matters. It ensures your CV is readable, professional, and leaves a positive impression at first glance.
Why Font Matters in Your CV
The font you choose directly affects the visual appeal and readability of your CV. A clean, modern font helps organize your information clearly, while a poor font choice can make your resume look outdated, informal, or even unprofessional.
A good font for a CV should:
- Be easy to read on screen and paper
- Look modern and professional
- Not distract from the content
- Pass ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) scanning without issues
Best Fonts for a CV (Tried, Tested & Trusted)
Here’s a list of the top fonts recommended by career experts and recruiters around the world:
1. Calibri
A modern sans-serif font and Microsoft Word’s default, Calibri, is clean, readable, and ATS-friendly. It’s often a safe choice for professionals across industries because it strikes a balance between modern design and traditional professionalism.
Its smooth lines and even spacing make it especially effective for CVs that need to be both digitally scanned and manually read.
2. Arial
Another sans-serif font, Arial, is simple and direct. It works well for both printed and digital resumes and offers excellent readability. Its neutral appearance makes it versatile across various industries, particularly for corporate, administrative, or technical positions.
3. Helvetica
A favorite in the design and tech industries, Helvetica gives your CV a sleek, contemporary feel. It’s great for minimalist layouts.
4. Georgia
Georgia is a serif font that offers a more traditional, elegant look. If you’re applying in academia, legal, or finance fields, this font can make your CV stand out with authority.
5. Garamond
Garamond is a classy serif font with a slightly softer look than Times New Roman. It’s a good option for academic and senior-level roles where a polished tone is appreciated.
6. Cambria
Designed for on-screen reading, Cambria is a serif font that’s very readable even at smaller sizes. It’s a strong choice for traditional or academic roles because of its clarity and formal aesthetic.
Its thick strokes and balanced letter spacing make it ideal for professional CVs, especially when you need to include a lot of information without sacrificing readability.
7. Verdana
Verdana is wide and well-spaced, making it highly legible. It’s a smart pick for roles requiring clear communication, especially in customer service or support roles.
8. Trebuchet MS
A font with personality, Trebuchet MS feels a bit more informal while still maintaining professionalism. Ideal for creative roles and marketing professionals, this font adds a touch of modern flair while keeping readability intact.
It has a distinctive style that makes headings and section titles stand out, without being overly bold or distracting. If you’re applying for a role where creativity, innovation, and individuality are valued, Trebuchet MS can help your CV express those traits while staying clean and structured.
4 Fonts you Should Avoid to make a Professional CV
No matter how creative your CV is, avoid these fonts as they reduce professionalism:
- Comic Sans – Too casual and unprofessional
- Courier New – Looks outdated and hard to scan
- Impact – Too bold, draws unnecessary attention
- Lucida Handwriting or any cursive fonts – Difficult to read and not ATS-compatible
What Is the Best Font Size for a CV?
Font size is just as important as font choice. Too small and it’s unreadable; too large and it looks childish or wastes space. The goal is to make your CV comfortable to scan while maintaining a polished layout.
Recruiters often glance through dozens of CVs in minutes, so your text must be large enough to be legible without straining the eyes, but also compact enough to keep your document concise and well-organized.
Recommended Sizes:
- Main body text: 10.5pt – 12pt
- Headings: 14pt – 16pt
- Subheadings or section titles: 12pt – 14pt
- Name at the top: 16pt – 22pt, depending on layout
Always preview your CV before sending it. On paper and screen, it should look clean and well-balanced.
Tips to Maintain a Clean and Professional CV Look
- Use one font throughout your entire CV to maintain consistency.
- Avoid italics or underlining too much use bold for emphasis.
- Use proper spacing and margins (usually 1 inch on all sides).
- Keep your CV to a maximum of 1–2 pages, especially if you’re applying internationally.
- Save your CV as a PDF to preserve formatting unless instructed otherwise.
Build a Standout CV Without the Stress
The right font and font size may seem like small details, but they help you make a big first impression. A well-formatted CV looks professional, reads easily, and communicates your attention to detail, traits every recruiter appreciates.
Remember, your goal is to stand out for the right reasons: clear communication, strong presentation, and clean design. And fonts play a key role in achieving that.
Oxford CV is the best platform for you to make a professional CV without any stress. Your job-winning resume is just a few clicks away with expert writers, ready-to-use templates, and fast turnaround times. Also, check our CV templates here to choose the perfect design for your next job application.