Why Font Choice is Critical
Selecting a font isn't just about making your CV look "pretty." It serves two functional purposes: Readability and Compatibility.
1. The Human Factor (Readability)
Recruiters scan CVs in 6 to 10 seconds. If they have to squint to read your text because the font is too cursive, too condensed, or too light, they will simply move to the next candidate. Your font needs to be invisible—it should facilitate reading, not distract from it.
2. The Robot Factor (ATS Compliance)
Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes. Some fancy, downloaded fonts cannot be parsed by these robots. If the software can’t read your text, your application enters the "black hole," never to be seen by a human. Using standard, system-safe fonts ensures your data is parsed correctly.
The Top Contenders: Best Fonts for Your CV
Fonts generally fall into two categories: Serif (with small decorative feet at the ends of letters) and Sans-Serif (clean edges without feet). Both are acceptable, but they send different messages.
The Sans-Serif Leaders (Modern & Clean)
These are the safest bets for 90% of modern jobs. They look clean on screens and signal efficiency.
- Calibri: The default Microsoft Word font has replaced Times New Roman as the industry standard. It is soft, round, and incredibly easy to read. It is a safe, universally accepted choice.
- Arial: The classic choice. It is crisp and professional. However, because it is so common, some design experts find it a bit "boring."
- Helvetica: A favorite among designers and architects. It is elegant, neutral, and screams professionalism. (Note: Windows users often use Arial as the alternative).
- Roboto: A Google font that looks fantastic on digital screens. It feels slightly more geometric and modern than Arial.
The Serif Leaders (Traditional & Authoritative)
These fonts are excellent for academic, legal, or executive roles where gravitas and tradition are valued.
- Garamond: Often considered better than Times New Roman. It is tighter and more elegant, allowing you to fit more text on the page without it looking cluttered.
- Georgia: Designed specifically for reading on screens, this font is slightly wider than Garamond and is very easy on the eyes.
- Cambria: A robust font that works well for on-screen reading and maintains strong structure even at smaller sizes.
Fonts to Avoid at All Costs
Not all fonts are created equal. Using these can instantly damage your credibility.
- Comic Sans: It signals immaturity.
- Courier New: Unless you are applying for a screenwriting job, avoid typewriter fonts. They look dated and take up too much horizontal space.
- Papyrus / Impact: These are decorative fonts meant for movie posters, not professional documents.
- Times New Roman (Controversial): While technically acceptable, it is often seen as "lazy" or "outdated" by modern recruiters. It suggests you didn't bother changing the default settings from Windows 98.
Sizing and Formatting Rules
Even the best font looks bad if the sizing is wrong. Balance is key.
Ideal Font Sizes
- Body Text: 10pt to 12pt. Anything smaller than 10pt is unreadable; anything larger than 12pt looks like you are trying to fill space because you lack experience.
- Section Headings: 14pt to 16pt.
- Your Name: 18pt to 22pt. Make it stand out at the top.
Bold and Italic
Use these sparingly to guide the eye.
- Bold: Use for Job Titles and Company Names to make them pop during a quick scan.
- Italics: Use for short supporting details, like dates (Jan 2020 – Present)or sub-points.
Why Choose My Perfect Writing for Your CV?
Typography is just one piece of the puzzle. To build a CV that truly converts, you need a comprehensive strategy. Here is how My Perfect Writing UK CV writing service delivers results across the nation.
Local Expertise: From London to Leeds
We understand regional job markets. Whether you are looking for a cv writing service in London, uk, targeting the competitive finance sector, or you need a cv writing service leeds for the growing tech industry there, we have you covered. Our writers know what local employers are looking for.
Comprehensive Career Support
We are more than just a CV company. We are a complete cv and linkedin writing service uk. We ensure your LinkedIn profile matches your new CV perfectly, creating a consistent personal brand. Plus, we act as the best cover letter writing service, crafting persuasive letters that compel recruiters to open your CV in the first place.
Pay 25% Upfront: The Risk-Free Model
When you decide to pay someone to write my cv, you shouldn't have to gamble with your money.
Get a professional CV with transparent pricing —
pay just 25% upfront.
We will design and write your CV. You review the font, the layout, and the content. You
only pay the remaining balance when you are 100% happy.
Specialized Regional Support
Are you based in the Midlands? We have specialized professional cv writers in coventry, west midlands, uk who understand the manufacturing and automotive sectors unique to that area. No matter where you are, we bring local expertise to your application.
CV Editing Service – Have the content, but hate the look? Let us reformat it for you.
Conclusion
The font you choose is the voice of your CV. It speaks volumes before the recruiter reads a single word of your experience. Whether you choose the modern efficiency of Calibri or the traditional authority of Garamond, the goal remains the same: clarity, professionalism, and readability.
Don't let a bad design choice sabotage your hard work. If you are unsure which style suits your industry, or if you are struggling to fit your text onto two pages without using an 8pt font, let the experts handle it. My Perfect Writing offers a top-tier UK CV writing service to ensure every pixel of your application is perfect.
Look as good as you sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix two different fonts?
Yes, but be careful. A common design trick is to use a Sans-Serif font (like Arial) for headers and a Serif font (like Garamond) for the body text. This creates a nice visual contrast. Never use more than two fonts, or it will look messy.
Is the color black mandatory?
Black is standard and safest. However, dark grey (#333333) or navy blue (#000080) are acceptable for headings to add a subtle touch of modernity. Avoid bright colors like red, yellow, or light green—they are unprofessional and hard to read.
What is the best font for a creative CV?
If you are a graphic designer, you have more leeway. You might use a unique font for your name header to show personality. However, keep the body text simple (Helvetica or Lato) to ensure the information remains readable.
Will my font change if I email the CV?
It might! If you use a unique font that the recruiter doesn't have installed on their computer, it will revert to a default font, ruining your layout. Always save and send your CV as a PDF to lock in your fonts and formatting.
Can My Perfect Writing fix my current formatting?
Absolutely. Our design service is perfect for candidates who have good content but a poor layout. We can take your existing text and reformat it with professional typography, spacing, and structure to give it a modern facelift.
Meet Our Professional Essay Writers
Empowering Your Academic Writing Journey with Authority, Expertise, and Experience
Dr. Emma Wilson
PhD in Literature
Prof. James Chen
MSc in Computer Science
Dr. Sarah Ahmed
PhD in Law & Ethics
Ready to Work With Our Expert Writers?
