When crafting your resume or curriculum vitae, you might focus on layout, wording, and achievements—but have you ever considered how much the font matters? The font you choose can make or break your first impression. Recruiters often skim resumes in seconds, so using the best CV fonts ensures your content is both legible and professional.
A clean, modern font communicates confidence, attention to detail, and design awareness. On the other hand, a poorly chosen one can make your document hard to read or appear outdated.
Jonathan helps job seekers not only refine their content but also perfect every design element—including layout and font selection. Through personalized coaching, Resume Advisor ensures every CV looks polished, ATS-friendly, and aligned with the candidate’s brand.
Why Font Choice Matters on Your CV
Your CV’s font might seem like a small design detail, but it directly impacts how recruiters perceive you. Fonts influence readability, tone, and even how long someone spends reviewing your document.
Here’s why choosing one of the best CV fonts matters:
- Professionalism: Clean fonts project confidence and reliability.
- Readability: Recruiters should be able to scan your CV quickly, even on screens or printouts.
- First Impressions: The right font can make your application look organized and visually appealing.
- ATS Compatibility: Some fonts are easier for applicant tracking systems (ATS) to process.
- Tone Setting: Fonts like Calibri feel modern, while fonts like Garamond add classic sophistication.
As career experts often note, recruiters spend an average of six to eight seconds scanning a resume. That’s why using one of the best CV fonts helps you grab attention before your words even do.
What Makes a Font “The Best” for a CV?
Before we list the best CV fonts, it’s important to understand what makes a font effective for professional documents.
Legibility
Your font should be clear at all sizes, whether viewed on a laptop, phone, or printed copy.
Professional Appearance
Avoid overly stylized fonts. Stick to clean, minimal typefaces that convey credibility.
Universal Compatibility
The best CV fonts are available on all major systems—Windows, Mac, and online platforms.
Balance Between Modern and Timeless
Trendy fonts may look appealing now but can quickly go out of style. Choose fonts that look contemporary yet classic.
Resume Advisor emphasizes that the right font doesn’t just decorate your CV—it communicates your personality, professionalism, and precision.
The 10 Best CV Fonts for 2025
Now, let’s explore the best CV fonts that can help your resume stand out for all the right reasons.
1. Calibri
As Microsoft Word’s default font, Calibri is a safe and professional choice. It’s modern, clean, and easy to read on screens. Recruiters are familiar with it, making it a reliable pick.
Best for: Corporate, administrative, and general professional roles.
2. Helvetica
Widely considered one of the most professional and minimalist fonts, Helvetica is a favorite in design and business circles. Its clean lines give your CV a polished, modern look.
Best for: Creative, tech, or marketing roles.
3. Cambria
Cambria was designed specifically for on-screen reading and looks equally good in print. It’s part of Microsoft’s ClearType Font Collection, making it perfect for digital submissions.
Best for: Academic, research, or corporate positions.
4. Georgia
Georgia combines traditional serif design with modern clarity. It’s friendly, readable, and elegant without being too formal.
Best for: Communications, writing, or education sectors.
5. Garamond
Garamond exudes timeless sophistication. It’s one of the oldest and most elegant typefaces, ideal for professionals who want a refined aesthetic.
Best for: Law, humanities, or academic careers.
6. Arial
A simple, straightforward sans-serif option that’s perfect for clarity and consistency. Though sometimes seen as plain, it’s one of the best CV fonts for online applications and ATS systems.
Best for: General use, especially in large organizations.
7. Verdana
Designed for clarity on screens, Verdana features wide spacing and large lettering. It’s excellent for accessibility, especially if you’re submitting digital applications.
Best for: Customer service, HR, and IT roles.
8. Lato
A modern sans-serif font that balances personality and professionalism. Lato’s rounded edges make it approachable but still refined.
Best for: Startups, creative agencies, and modern corporate environments.
9. Times New Roman
The classic of all classics. While some recruiters consider it overused, Times New Roman remains a safe, traditional choice for conservative industries.
Best for: Legal, government, and finance sectors.
10. Roboto
A Google font that blends clean geometry with friendly curves, Roboto is one of the most popular web-safe fonts. It’s modern and perfect for resumes submitted through online portals.
Best for: Tech, digital, and UX/UI professionals.
Fonts to Avoid on Your CV
Not every font fits a professional context. To maintain a polished appearance, avoid these types:
- Comic Sans: Too casual and unprofessional.
- Papyrus: Overly stylized and dated.
- Cursive or Script Fonts: Hard to read and not ATS-friendly.
- Impact or Cooper Black: Too bold and heavy for resumes.
Your goal is to make your CV easy to read — not a design experiment.
Ideal Font Size and Formatting for Your CV
Choosing the best CV fonts is only half the equation. How you use them also matters.
- Font Size: 10–12 points for body text; 14–16 points for headings.
- Line Spacing: 1.0 to 1.15 for readability.
- Margins: Around 1 inch on all sides.
- Consistency: Use one font throughout (or two complementary ones, e.g., Calibri for text and Helvetica for headings).
Jonathan from Resume Advisor reminds clients that formatting consistency signals professionalism — small visual details show big attention to detail.
ATS Compatibility: Why It’s Crucial
An ATS (Applicant Tracking System) scans resumes before human eyes ever see them. If your font isn’t machine-readable, your application could be filtered out.
The best CV fonts for ATS include:
- Calibri
- Arial
- Cambria
- Georgia
- Helvetica
These fonts use standard digital structures that ensure your resume passes automated parsing without formatting issues.
As Technology Council points out, ATS readability is one of the top priorities in modern hiring systems.
Resume Advisor: Perfecting Fonts and Formatting for Maximum Impact
Font selection might sound technical, but it’s part of the storytelling process. That’s why professionals trust Resume Advisor to refine every detail of their applications — from content to design.
Jonathan partners directly with each client to:
- Select the Right Font & Layout: Ensuring resumes align with the applicant’s industry and tone.
- Craft Professional Content: Writing clear, powerful, and keyword-optimized resumes.
- Polish LinkedIn Profiles: Matching digital presence with resume formatting for consistency.
- Provide Interview Coaching: Teaching clients to confidently discuss their resumes in interviews.
- Deliver End-to-End Job Search Strategy: From branding to application, Resume Advisor covers every detail.
With Resume Advisor, your resume won’t just look good — it’ll communicate your professional brand effectively, visually, and strategically.
Combining Fonts: Should You Use More Than One?
Using multiple fonts can work if done carefully. The trick is to pair contrasting yet complementary styles.
Recommended Pairings:
- Calibri + Cambria — modern and balanced.
- Helvetica + Georgia — minimalist with a hint of tradition.
- Lato + Roboto — sleek and tech-friendly.
Limit yourself to two fonts maximum. Overdoing it can make your CV look cluttered or inconsistent.
The Psychology Behind Font Choice
Fonts evoke emotions. They subtly influence how recruiters perceive your professionalism and personality.
- Serif Fonts (Garamond, Georgia): Traditional, trustworthy, and refined.
- Sans-serif Fonts (Calibri, Helvetica): Modern, approachable, and efficient.
In short, serif fonts communicate formality, while sans-serif fonts reflect confidence and clarity. Choose based on your industry, role type, and personal brand.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the best CV fonts isn’t just a visual decision — it’s a strategic one. Fonts shape readability, tone, and perception. A professional, clean typeface helps your qualifications shine without distraction.
At Resume Advisor, Jonathan ensures that every element of your career materials — from font choice to formatting — supports your goals. By blending design precision with powerful storytelling, Resume Advisor helps job seekers create resumes that not only pass ATS systems but also impress hiring managers.
The right words get you noticed. The right font helps those words stand out. Choose wisely, and your CV will speak volumes — before you even do.