Imagine submitting a resume with improper font size that is hard to read for recruiters. They would not bother to throw your application in the rejected pile.
Human resource executives usually have little time to squinch their eyes and carefully read your content. They would prefer candidates with the most professional font for their curriculum vitae. Therefore, you would lose the opportunity if you don’t use the right size for letters. The right decision would enhance your professionalism and increase your hiring odds.
In this guide, we will explore the best font size for resumes. You will learn why it is essential to the tips for making the ideal decision.
So, tighten your seatbelts as we take our flight towards the most legible typographic choices!
Why is Font Size So Important for Resumes?
It mainly matters because it impacts how easily your recruiter can read the details required to make your hiring decision.
Nonetheless, here are some more reasons to emphasize its importance:
Usually, recruiters spend less than a minute assessing the application. An extremely small size might put stress on their eyes, while a too-large one would look unprofessional. Choose a size that they can easily read and get to their desired information.
This would enhance the professionalism of your application. It would also improve the spacing between different sections and avoid overcrowding.
What is The Best Font For A Resume? Here Are the Ideal Sizes!
Consider the following points while creating your application. We have gathered them from the experts working at the best resume writing service. These guidelines allow their clients to leave the best impression on their recruiters. You can do it after implementing the procedures.
Body Text
The body text refers to the information you include in your professional summary, experience, skills, education, and other sections. It is the backbone of your curriculum vitae, and the ideal size is around 10 to 12 points. Go for 10 sizes if you have plenty of information to include in one page. This way, you will fit in extensive information and achieve readability.
On the flip side, 12 points is the best font size for resumes for those with less information to include. It is also suitable for fields that expect a clean and well-structured curriculum vitae. 11 is the safest and most common choice. It is not only easy to read but also efficiently manages space.
Section Headings
Ideally, the curriculum vitae consists of many sections depending on the experience level and field. On average, the subheadings break down professional summary, education, work history, skills, languages, certifications, hobbies, and references. Using the same font size as the body text would make it hard for the recruiter to notice different sections. Therefore, keep the size of headings from 12 to 14 points.
Make the same choice for every subheading for better consistency. Don’t make your headings extremely huge, as it may overpower the body text and leave a bad look. Make them bold or all caps to put more emphasis on them.
Your Name
Many candidates don’t realize this, but the name is the most critical element of a CV. It should be eye-popping at a glance. Keep its position at the top. The most professional font size for your name is from 16 to 20. Bold them for better impact. The key is to make it stand out from the rest of the text but not overwhelm other content.
Factors You Should Consider to Choose the Best Font Size For Resume
Choosing the right one can still feel difficult because there are still variations between the ideal sizes. Here are some factors that would make your decision-making effective:
Your Document’s Length
If you have less than ten years of experience, the appropriate number of pages is 1. If your content exceeds a page, choose 10 font sizes to fit everything without eliminating any vital details. On the contrary, select 11 or 12 if you have less text and more space to fill within your document.
Your Target Field
The field you target will also impact your decision. For instance, traditional industries, such as academia, finance, or law, expect the typographic points to be around 11 to 12. This offers a clean and professional impression. Similarly, creative industries, like design and marketing, may offer the flexibility to experiment. You can vary your points and styles slightly, but readability is your top priority.
Typographic Choice
Many legible types of typography are out there that you can use for your document. A size that works for a specific typographic style may not work well for the other. For instance, the Sans-Serif type, including Calibri and Arial, quickly appear large. They are readable in smaller sizes, too, so skilled CV and cover letter writers keep their size at 10. Likewise, Times New Roman or Garamond look tinier. You should size them up while using them.
What is the best font size for a resume?
11 p5t is the best choice for body text. It is legible and efficiently manages space within the application. However, use a larger one for section headings and your name.
Is font size 10 appropriate for a resume?
It may be appropriate for the body text but not certainly for subheadings. However, only use it when you have broad information to include in a single-page document.
Is Calibri okay for a resume and cover letter?
It is a type of Sans Serif, considered a highly readable CV and cover letter font. It is not as famous as Arial, but it can give your document a polished look.
What are the most professional typographic styles for resumes?
Here are the best ones:
Arial
Calibri
Garamond
Cambria
Georgia
Times New Roman
Helvetica
Summing It All Up
Choosing the best font size for your resume is ideal during your job-hunting process. Do it, and you will thank yourself later. It will make your application professional, well-formatted, readable, and appealing to the eyes. While there are different ranges for body text, subheadings, and names, choose according to your specific content length, field, and target audience.
Ultimately, the right decision will leave a positive impression on the recruiter and accelerate your employment search.