What Font Should You Never Use in a Resume?

When creating a resume, it's crucial to choose the right font to make a professional and lasting impression on potential employers. Certain fonts can undermine your credibility and distract from your qualifications. Here, we explore the fonts to avoid and why they can be detrimental to your resume.

Fonts to Steer Clear Of

When crafting your resume, it's best to avoid fonts that are overly decorative, difficult to read, or unprofessional. Here are some fonts that you should consider steering clear of:

Comic Sans MS

Comic Sans MS is often seen as childish and unprofessional, making it a poor choice for a formal document like a resume.

Papyrus

Considered gimmicky and not suitable for formal documents, Papyrus can make your resume appear less serious and credible.

Curlz MT

Too playful and lacking in professionalism, Curlz MT can give your resume a juvenile and unprofessional appearance.

Times New Roman

While Times New Roman is a classic font, it can come across as outdated. For a modern and professional look, consider more contemporary fonts like Calibri or Georgia.

Impact

This font is too bold and can be hard to read in longer texts, making it an unsuitable choice for a resume.

Instead of these fonts, opt for clean and professional alternatives like Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, or Georgia. These fonts are easy to read and convey a professional image.

Key Characteristics of Fonts to Avoid

There are several characteristics to consider when choosing a font for your resume. Here are some fonts to avoid and the reasons why:

Decorative or Playful Fonts

Fonts that are overly decorative or playful can be distracting and unprofessional. Examples include:

Comic Sans Papyrus Brush Script Lobster

Difficult to Read Fonts

Fonts that are small or script-based can be hard to decipher, which can undermine your application's readability. Examples include:

Script fonts such as Brush Script Very thin or light fonts

Uncommon or Custom Fonts

These fonts might not render correctly on different devices, leading to inconsistencies in how your resume appears to different potential employers. Examples include:

Curlz MT Vivaldi Comic Sans Impact

Additional Examples of Fonts to Avoid

Here are some additional examples of fonts that are generally considered inappropriate for resumes:

Courier

Despite being a monospaced font often used for coding, Courier can look outdated and mechanical in a resume context.

Vivaldi

As a calligraphic script, Vivaldi is too ornate and difficult to read for resume text, making it unsuitable.

Times New Roman to Some Extent

While Times New Roman is a classic font, it can be seen as too traditional or unoriginal by many hiring managers. Fonts like Garamond or Garamond offer a more modern and professional look.

Arial to Some Extent

Similar to Times New Roman, Arial is very common and can appear uninspired. Alternatives like Helvetica or Calibri offer a more contemporary look.

Tips for Choosing a Good Resume Font

Choosing the right font is crucial for making a positive impression on potential employers. Here are some tips to help you select the best font for your resume:

Professional and Readable: Opt for fonts that are clean and easy to read, such as Calibri, Helvetica, Garamond, Georgia, or Cambria. Consistency: Use one font throughout your resume to maintain a cohesive and professional appearance. Font Size: Ensure the font size is appropriate, usually between 10 and 12 points for the main text, to maintain readability. Avoid Overly Stylized Fonts: Stick to standard fonts that are commonly accepted in professional settings to ensure your resume is taken seriously.

By avoiding these less suitable fonts and choosing more professional options, you can ensure your resume makes a positive impression on potential employers.