The best font size for a resume body text is between 10 and 12 points, with 11 points being a safe default for most applicants. Headings should be 14 to 16 points, and your name can be 18 to 24 points to stand out at the top. These sizes ensure readability for recruiters and compatibility with applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Choosing the right font size is a small detail that makes a big difference. A resume that is too small strains the eyes, while one that is too large wastes space and looks unprofessional. This guide covers the ideal sizes for each resume section, factors to consider, and common mistakes to avoid.
Recommended Font Sizes for Each Resume Section
Your resume has different levels of information, and each should have a distinct size to create a clear visual hierarchy. Here are the recommended sizes based on expert advice:
- Your name: 18 to 24 points. This is the largest text on the page and should be immediately noticeable.
- Section headings (e.g., "Work Experience," "Education"): 14 to 16 points. Slightly larger than body text to break up sections.
- Body text (job descriptions, bullet points): 10 to 12 points. This is the main content and should be easy to read.
- Contact information: 10 to 12 points, matching the body text for consistency.
These ranges are supported by multiple sources. For example, SEEK recommends 10-12 points for body text and 14-16 points for headings. The Muse suggests 20-24 points for your name, 11-14 points for headings, and 10-12 points for body text. Microsoft Create also advises 18-24 points for your name.
Why Font Size Matters for Readability and ATS
Recruiters often skim resumes in seconds, so readability is crucial. A font size that is too small (below 10 points) forces the reader to squint, which can lead to your resume being discarded. On the other hand, a font size that is too large (above 12 points for body text) makes the resume look padded and may push it beyond one page unnecessarily.
Font size also affects how well an applicant tracking system (ATS) parses your resume. ATS software is designed to read standard fonts and sizes. Using a very small or unusual size can cause parsing errors, meaning your resume might not be correctly indexed for keywords. Stick to the recommended ranges to ensure both human and machine readers can process your resume effectively.
Choosing the Right Font to Pair with Your Size
Font size works hand-in-hand with font style. The best resume fonts are clean, professional, and widely available. Common safe choices include:
- Sans-serif fonts: Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, Verdana, Trebuchet MS. These are modern and easy to read on screens.
- Serif fonts: Times New Roman, Georgia, Garamond, Cambria. These convey tradition and formality.
According to Microsoft Create, Calibri is a corporate standard, while Garamond is trusted in publishing and academia. The Muse notes that Arial is commonly recommended by career coaches. Avoid decorative fonts like Comic Sans or Papyrus, as they are unprofessional and may not be ATS-friendly.
When selecting a font, consider the industry. For corporate roles, stick with classic fonts like Calibri or Times New Roman. For creative fields, you might have more flexibility, but readability should remain a priority.
Adjusting Font Size Based on Resume Length and Content
If your resume is slightly over one page, you can reduce the body font size to 10 points to fit more content, but do not go below 10. Conversely, if your resume is too short, increasing to 12 points can help fill the page without looking sparse. However, never sacrifice readability for length; it is better to trim content than to use an uncomfortably small font.
For text-heavy resumes, a smaller size within the range (10-11 points) may be appropriate, while a resume with less text can use 12 points. PurpleCV suggests using 11 points as a default if you are unsure.
Common Font Size Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a font size below 10 points: This is too small for comfortable reading and may be rejected by ATS.
- Using a font size above 12 points for body text: This looks unprofessional and wastes space.
- Inconsistent sizes: Ensure all body text is the same size, all headings are the same size, etc. Inconsistency looks sloppy.
- Using the same size for everything: Without a hierarchy, your resume is harder to scan. Use larger sizes for your name and headings.
- Ignoring the font's natural size: Some fonts appear larger or smaller at the same point size. For example, Arial tends to look larger than Times New Roman. Adjust accordingly to maintain readability.
Final Tips for Resume Font Sizing
To ensure your resume looks polished and professional, follow these best practices:
- Use a single, clean font throughout, or at most two complementary fonts (one for headings, one for body).
- Maintain consistent spacing: single spacing is standard, with a blank line between sections.
- Use bold or italics sparingly to emphasize key information, but avoid underlining (which can be mistaken for hyperlinks).
- Test your resume by printing it or viewing it at 100% zoom to ensure readability.
- Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting, but also have a Word version for ATS submissions if required.
By following these guidelines, you can create a resume that is easy to read, professional, and optimized for both human and digital reviewers.
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