Resume fonts and typography: What works for ATS and humans

Typography might seem like a minor detail, but it plays a crucial role in how your resume is perceived by both humans and Applicant Tracking Systems. The right font choices, sizing, and spacing can make your resume more readable and professional. The wrong choices can make it look unpolished or even cause ATS rejection.

This guide covers the typography best practices that work for both human recruiters and automated systems.

ATS-Compatible Fonts

Not all fonts are created equal when it comes to ATS compatibility. Some fonts can cause parsing errors or character recognition issues. Stick to these proven ATS-friendly fonts:

Safe Fonts for All Situations

• Arial: The most ATS-friendly font. Clear, modern, and universally compatible.
• Calibri: Microsoft's default font, excellent ATS compatibility.
• Times New Roman: Traditional and professional, widely recognized by ATS.
• Helvetica: Clean and modern, good ATS performance.
• Georgia: Slightly more decorative than Arial but still ATS-safe.

Fonts to Avoid

• Comic Sans: Unprofessional appearance
• Papyrus or decorative fonts: Can confuse ATS character recognition
• Custom fonts: May not be available on all systems
• Very thin or very bold fonts: Poor readability

Font Size Guidelines

Font size affects readability and visual hierarchy. Here's how to use it effectively:

Name and Contact Information

• 14-16pt for your name (largest text on the page)
• 10-11pt for contact details and address

Section Headings

• 12-14pt for main section headings (Experience, Education, Skills)
• Use bold or all caps for emphasis
• Consistent sizing across all headings

Body Text

• 10-12pt for job titles and company names
• 10pt for bullet points and descriptions
• Avoid going below 10pt for readability

Line Spacing and Margins

Proper spacing ensures your resume is easy to scan and looks professional:

Line Spacing

• 1.0-1.15 line spacing for most text
• 1.5 spacing between sections
• 0.8-1.0 spacing between bullet points

Margins

• 0.5-1 inch on all sides (standard)
• Ensure consistent margins throughout
• Avoid narrow margins that crowd the content

Typography Hierarchy

Create visual hierarchy to guide the reader's eye:

1. Your name: Largest, most prominent (14-16pt, bold)
2. Section headings: Next level (12-14pt, bold)
3. Job titles: Important but smaller (11-12pt, bold)
4. Company names and dates: Supporting information (10-11pt)
5. Bullet points: Main content (10pt, regular)

Font Combinations

If you want to use multiple fonts, limit yourself to two:

Safe Combinations

• Arial + Arial Bold: Simple and consistent
• Calibri + Calibri Bold: Modern and clean
• Helvetica + Arial: Similar but distinct
• Times New Roman + Arial: Traditional with modern contrast

Avoid mixing serif and sans-serif fonts unless you're experienced with typography.

Resumeora Template Typography

All Resumeora templates use ATS-tested typography:

• ATS Minimal: Arial 10-12pt, clean and simple
• Modern Pro: Calibri 10-12pt, contemporary feel
• Sidebar Pro: Helvetica 10-12pt, professional spacing
• Header Classic: Times New Roman 10-12pt, traditional style

Industry-Specific Typography

Creative Industries

More flexibility with modern fonts:

• Helvetica or Calibri for clean, modern look
• Georgia for a touch of elegance
• Slightly larger font sizes (11pt body text)

Traditional Industries

Conservative, professional approach:

• Times New Roman or Arial
• Standard sizing (10-11pt)
• Traditional spacing and margins

Tech Companies

Clean, modern typography:

• Calibri or Helvetica
• Consistent, structured layout
• Clear hierarchy for technical content

Common Typography Mistakes

• Using tiny fonts: Anything below 10pt is hard to read
• Inconsistent sizing: Makes your resume look unprofessional
• Poor contrast: Light gray text on white background
• Too many font styles: Confuses readers and ATS
• Justified text: Creates awkward spacing
• Underlining: Can be mistaken for hyperlinks

Testing Your Typography

Always proofread your typography choices:

• Print test: How does it look on paper?
• Screen test: Readable on different devices?
• ATS test: Use Jobscan or similar tools
• Human review: Get feedback from others

Typography Best Practices Summary

Final Thoughts

Good typography serves your content without drawing attention to itself. The goal is clear, professional communication that appeals to both human recruiters and ATS systems. When in doubt, err on the side of simplicity and readability.

Remember: Your resume's typography should make it easy for recruiters to find and appreciate your qualifications. Clean, consistent formatting ensures your content shines through.