Imagine spending hours perfecting your resume, only to have it overlooked because the hiring manager couldn’t read it easily. Frustrating, right? In today’s fast-paced hiring world, your resume needs to make a great first impression—fast. And one of the simplest yet most overlooked ways to do that is by choosing the best font size for your resume.
Perfecting your resume’s font size is just one step toward a standout application. At JobHun, we offer tools to ensure your resume shines. Craft a professional, ATS-optimized resume with our free AI resume builder, designed for clarity and impact. Plus, verify your resume’s compatibility with hiring systems using our ATS-friendly resume checker. Elevate your job search with these resources today.
Best Fonts to Pair with Correct Sizes
If you're using Google Docs, check out our Google Docs resume creation tutorial to apply the best font sizes quickly and effectively. Selecting the best font size for your resume is only half the battle—you need a font that complements it. Here are some professional, ATS-friendly options:
Calibri: Clean and modern, shines at 10–12 pt.
Arial: Simple and reliable, perfect at 10–11 pt.
Georgia: Slightly traditional, looks sharp at 11 pt.
Times New Roman: Classic (if a bit dated), best at 11–12 pt.
Steer clear of script or decorative fonts—they’re tough to read and often don’t play nice with ATS systems. With your font and size combo locked in, let’s avoid some common slip-ups.
Font size isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about readability. A resume that’s easy on the eyes is more likely to keep a recruiter engaged, while one that’s too small or too large can be off-putting. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about font sizes for resumes in 2025, from why it matters to specific recommendations for different sections and resume types. Let’s make sure your resume not only looks professional but also gets the attention it deserves. Headers also impact readability—see our tips on using a running header on your resume with the right font sizing.
Why Font Size Matters on a Resume
You’ve got about six seconds to catch a recruiter’s eye—that’s the average time they spend scanning a resume. If your text is too small, they might strain to read it; too large, and it might look unprofessional or like you’re trying to fill space. The right font size strikes a balance, ensuring your resume is:
- Easy to read at a glance.
- Professional-looking, signaling attention to detail.
- ATS-friendly, so it passes through Applicant Tracking Systems without issues.
Think of font size as the foundation of your resume’s readability. Get it right, and you’re one step closer to landing that interview.
Now that you know why font size matters, let’s talk about how to choose the right one.
Recommended Font Sizes by Section
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here, but there are industry-standard recommendations that work for most resumes. Here’s how to break it down by section:
- Name: 14–16 pt (stand out without overwhelming)
- Headings (e.g., Experience, Education): 11–12 pt
- Body text (job descriptions, skills): 10–11 pt
- Contact info: 10–11 pt (same as body text)
For a quick visual, check out this table:
| Section | Recommended Font Size |
|---|---|
| Name | 14–16 pt |
| Headings | 11–12 pt |
| Body text | 10–11 pt |
| Contact information | 10–11 pt |
Pro tip: Keep a 1–2 point difference between headings and body text for a clean, cohesive look. Ready to tweak it based on your resume style? Let’s dive into that next.
Font Size by Resume Type
Different resume types might need slight adjustments. Whether you’re a student cramming everything onto one page or a creative professional showing off your flair, here’s how to tailor it:
- One-page resume: Stick to 10–11 pt for body text to fit everything without looking cramped.
- Creative resume (e.g., designers): You can push up to 12 pt for body text if it fits your design, but don’t sacrifice readability.
- Tech resume: Keep it simple with 10–11 pt—clarity is key, especially with technical terms.
- ATS-friendly resume: Use 10–12 pt for body text. ATS systems can trip over very small or large fonts, so stay safe in this range.
No matter your resume type, readability is the priority. Now, let’s pair those sizes with the right fonts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even tiny errors can throw off your resume’s vibe. Watch out for these:
- Going below 10 pt: It’s a strain to read and annoys recruiters.
- Mixing too many sizes: Stick to 2–3 sizes max to keep it tidy.
- Over-the-top headings: Above 16 pt for your name or 12 pt for sections can look amateurish.
- Squished margins: If your font size forces tiny margins, rethink your layout or content.
Quick fix: Print or PDF your resume to spot readability issues. Feeling good about avoiding pitfalls? Let’s explore your formatting options. For a polished application, ensure your resume file name is formatted correctly to match your font and design standards.
Builder vs. Manual Formatting: Word and Google Docs Tips
Not a design whiz? No worries—here’s how to nail font sizes with or without help:
- Resume builders: These often have pre-set font sizes that are ATS-ready and readable. Perfect if you’re short on time or confidence.
- Microsoft Word: Use the “Styles” tool to keep headings and body text consistent.
- Google Docs: Start with a template, but double-check the sizes match our recommendations.
Bonus tip: Save as a PDF to lock in your formatting across devices. Still have questions? We’ve got answers coming up.
FAQ: Font Size Questions from Real Job Seekers
Here’s what job seekers like you are asking:
- Can I use different font sizes in my resume? Yes, but cap it at 2–3 sizes (e.g., name, headings, body text) for a polished look.
- What’s the best font size for an ATS-friendly resume? Go with 10–12 pt for body text—it’s safe for both humans and machines.
- Is 12 pt too big for body text? It’s fine for shorter resumes, but 10–11 pt saves space on one-pagers.
- Should my font size be the same throughout? Nope, vary it slightly between sections for hierarchy—just keep it consistent within each one.
Got all that? Let’s sum it up.
Key Takeaways
Here’s your cheat sheet for font size success:
- Focus on readability: Use 10–11 pt for body text, 11–12 pt for headings, and 14–16 pt for your name.
- Adjust for your resume type: Tweak sizes slightly for one-pagers, creative, or tech resumes.
- Pick smart fonts: Pair with clean options like Calibri or Arial.
- Dodge mistakes: Avoid tiny text or too many size variations.
- Use tools if needed: Resume builders can simplify formatting.
Choosing the right font size might feel like a small detail, but it can make or break that crucial first impression. If formatting stresses you out, why not try a online resume builder? Many come with font size presets to take the guesswork away. Give it a go, and watch your resume transform into something recruiters can’t ignore.