What is the best font for a resume?

Do you want to show off your personality in your resume?  Maybe use some unique fonts?  Well, your resume actually isn't the place to experiment with all of those fun fonts that you can download.  At least not if your resume will be submitted through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS).  If you haven't heard of an ATS, it is a system that companies use to do the initial screening of resumes.  It can make the hiring process easier for businesses, but it can be much harder for the job applicant to get noticed.  The ATS will "search" your resume, looking for keywords that align with the job in which you are applying.  The more keywords that you have on your resume (that are in the job description), the greater the match.  The greater the match, the better the chance of moving through the hiring funnel. 

Now, what about fonts?  Here's the tricky thing.  If you have some of the more fun, creative fonts on your resume, it will be less legible by the Applicant Tracking System.  In fact, the ATS may not be able to read it at all.  And that company will lose the opportunity of seeing what a great job candidate you are.  

What fonts should you use on your resume?  Serif fonts (like Times New Roman and Garamond) are typically viewed as being more conservative.  These are the fonts that have a little tail on each letter.  Sans serif fonts (like Verdana, Calibri, and Arial) are also popular.  These fonts do not have the fancy tail on each letter, and they are typically viewed as more modern or contemporary.  Serif and Sans serif fonts are easy to read, even by an ATS.  Think about your audience.  What type of company are you applying to work for?  Is it a conservative insurance company or financial institution?  Or is it a cutting-edge public relations firm?  Think less about "showing off" your personality and more about appealing to the person, or people, that will be reading your resume (even if it is a robot!).  The interview is where you will have the opportunity to let your personality shine. 

When it comes to the best font for resumes, the easier it is to read, the better.  

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