There are so many different font styles to choose from that it can be quiet confusing. The main point to remember is that your CV is a formal document and therefore you should be conservative and not to go for an outlandish or unusual font.

 

Fonts can go a long way in creating that all important first impression with a recruiter.

 

The most common fonts for writing a curriculum vitae are Times New Roman and Arial. These are used because they are clear, easy to read and look professional. Other modern and popular fonts that you should consider are:

  • Courier
  • Helvetica
  • Verdana

 

When writing your resume also bear in mind that in the age of the Internet a CV is just as likely to be read on a computer screen as it is on a piece of paper.

 

Recommended font size for a CV
The most common size that candidates use are between 10 to 12 points, with 10 being the most popular. Anything smaller that this may be difficult for some people to read. Whilst anything bigger like 14 points will look unprofessional.

 

How many different types of fonts are there?
You may not know it but there are estimated to be over 200,000 different font styles in total to choose from. However the standard Word tools will tend to have roughly 40 different fonts.

 

What is the difference between a serif and sans serif font?
In serif the type face has extra strokes, curls and curves, while san serif (which means without serif) the lines are clear and straight.

 

Why are fonts important in a CV?
It is widely acknowledged that the right font can make your resume more readable and also go a long way in conveying your message to the recruiter. They can help to create an impression of the candidate that is modern and professional.

The last thing you want is a hiring manager who finds it difficult to read your CV because of the font style or size.

 

Related links:

Should text be justified in a CV

What not to put in your CV

Why CVs are rejected

Writing a career objective statement