Best Resume Fonts and Sizes: ATS-Approved Fonts That Pass Screening
Welcome to your ultimate guide on crafting an effective resume that not only stands out but also passes through the applicant tracking systems (ATS) with flying colors. In this article, we will delve into the top 10 ATS-friendly fonts, recommended font sizes by section, and much more. Let's get started!
Top 10 ATS-Friendly Fonts with Examples
Selecting the right font is crucial for your resume's readability and appeal. Here are ten fonts that have proven to be ATS-friendly:
| Font Name | Example |
|---|---|
| Arial | Arial is a widely used font that is often preferred by ATS systems due to its simplicity and readability. |
| Calibri | Calibra is another clean, modern font that is highly ATS-friendly. It has a professional look but remains easy on the eyes. |
| Cambria | Cambria is a serif font with a balanced design, making it ideal for long text documents like resumes. |
| Helvetica | Helvetical is an iconic sans-serif font that is recognized by many ATS systems. Its simplicity can make your resume look modern and clean. |
| Lato | Lato is a versatile, sans-serif font with a touch of elegance. It's great for making your resume stand out without appearing too cluttered. |
| Open Sans | Open Sans is a popular choice among designers and professionals alike due to its readability and clean, modern look. |
| Raleway | Raleway is a sleek, sans-serif font that adds a touch of sophistication without being overly formal. It's great for making your resume stand out. |
| Roboto | Roboto is a modern and clean sans-serif font that has gained popularity in recent years, especially among tech and design professionals. |
| Tahoma | Tahoma is a simple, easy-to-read font that works well for resumes. It's clean and unobtrusive, making it suitable for any industry. |
| Verdana | Verdanas is another classic serif font that has a professional appearance but remains legible on screens. It's often preferred by ATS systems. |
Recommended Font Sizes by Section
The size and style of your text can significantly impact how your resume is perceived, especially when it comes to ATS parsing. Here are the recommended font sizes for different sections:
- Name/Contact Information: 18-20pt (bold)
- Career Objective/Summary: 14-16pt
- Education: 12-13pt
- Skills: 12-13pt (bold)
- Experience: 12-13pt
- Awards and Honors: 12-13pt (bold)
Serif vs Sans-Serif Debate: Which Is Best?
The debate between serif and sans-serif fonts for resumes is a long-standing one. Here's a breakdown of their pros and cons in the context of ATS parsing:
- Serif Fonts (e.g., Cambria, Verdana):
- Easier to read for extended periods.
- Professional look that can be more appealing to hiring managers.
- Potential drawback: Can sometimes appear too formal or old-fashioned depending on the font choice.
- Sans-Serif Fonts (e.g., Arial, Helvetica):
- Modern and clean appearance that can be more ATS-friendly.
- Easier to read on digital screens.
- Potential drawback: Can sometimes appear too casual or lacking in professional gravitas for certain industries.
Fonts to Avoid
While many fonts can be ATS-friendly, it's important to avoid using overly decorative or unconventional fonts that might confuse the system. Here are some examples of fonts to steer clear of:
- Cursive Fonts (e.g., Brush Script):
- These can be difficult for ATS systems to read and process.
- Handwritten or Calligraphic Fonts:
- Such as Copperplate, these fonts are not recommended due to their variability in size and style.
- Dramatic or Decorative Fonts (e.g., Comic Sans):
- While they might make your resume stand out, they can also raise red flags with hiring managers and ATS systems alike.
How Font Choice Affects ATS Parsing
The choice of font can significantly affect how your resume is parsed by an ATS. Here are some key points to consider:
- Consistency Is Key: Ensure that the font you choose is consistent throughout the document. Consistency helps maintain readability and ensures uniformity.
- Simplicity Wins: Keep your design simple, avoiding excessive use of colors, bolding, or underlining, which can interfere with parsing.
- Use Standard Font Sizes: Stick to standard font sizes (10-12pt) for body text. Smaller or larger fonts might not be properly recognized by the system.
Font Pairing Guide
Picking a font that works well with your main font can enhance the overall look of your resume. Here are some popular font pairings:
| Main Font | Secondary Font (Heading) | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Arial | Times New Roman or Cambria | Arial for body text, Times New Roman or Cambria for headings. |
| Calibri |
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