It’s easy to overlook fonts when writing your CV.
But believe it or not, your font choice can make a genuine difference – not just to how it looks, but to how it’s read, judged and even processed.
Whether you’re applying to a startup or a big-name firm, the font you choose affects first impressions. And with so many CVs being read by applicant tracking systems (ATS), a good font can also help you pass the first hurdle.
So, what is the best font to use for CVs?
Let’s walk through the safest, clearest and most professional choices – as well as the ones to avoid!
Key takeaways: Best font for CV guidelines
- Use a clean, professional font – avoid trying something quirky
- Fonts like Arial, Calibri and Helvetica are safe, widely accepted choices
- Avoid fonts that feel “off” or hard to scan (Comic Sans, anyone?)
- ATS systems can struggle with unusual fonts or formatting
Why font choice actually matters
Your CV isn’t just read by a hiring manager. It might be scanned by software, skimmed on a phone or compared with a pile of others in under a minute.
If your font is hard to read, it might end up in the bin – or worse, not get seen at all.
A clean, clear font shows you care about presentation and understand what recruiters are looking for.
You don’t need anything flashy. You need something that makes your content easy to digest.
What are the best fonts for CVs?
Here are some of the best fonts for CVs in the UK and why they work:
Arial
Simple, clean and reliable. Arial is a classic for a reason. It’s easy to scan and familiar to hiring managers. No surprises. And yes, that’s a good thing.
Calibri
For about 17 years the default in Microsoft Word, Calibri is modern without being over-styled. It’s one of the safest choices for a professional CV.
Aptos
Aptos is a good CV font because it is a clean, modern, and professional sans-serif typeface that is designed for on-screen readability. It’s the default font for Microsoft Office as of 2024.
Helvetica
Sleek and minimal. Helvetica is widely used in design and business for its clarity. It’s also very legible onscreen, which helps if you’re applying by email or uploading a PDF.
Verdana
Slightly wider spacing makes this font especially easy to read, even at smaller sizes. It can work well if your CV is text-heavy.
Tahoma
Clear, neat and a good option for digital CVs. It’s slightly more compact than Verdana but still highly readable.
Times New Roman
Times New Roman is a good and safe choice for a CV because it is a classic, professional, and widely-recognized font that is easy to read. While it is a reliable option, some argue that it can appear dated due to its common usage.
Each of these fonts is professional, safe and ATS-friendly. You can’t go far wrong with any of them.
Fonts to avoid
Some fonts might seem fun or creative, but they don’t belong on a CV. Here are a few to steer clear of:
Comic Sans
Even if you’re applying for a creative job, Comic Sans looks unprofessional. It’s too informal and often associated with jokes or casual use.
Papyrus, Brush Script or anything stylised
Fonts with flair might stand out – but not in a good way. They’re harder to read and can look immature or out of place in a professional context.
Stick to fonts that are functional first. That’s what hiring managers – and software – are looking for.
Should you use different fonts on one CV?
Most CV writing advice will accept that using more than one font can work, but only if done sparingly.
For example, you might use Calibri for body text and bold Helvetica for headers. But too many fonts or styles make your CV feel disjointed.
If in doubt, pick one font and use formatting like bold or spacing to create hierarchy. Consistency is key.
Extra formatting tips
Font is just one part of your CV’s layout. Here are a few more ways to keep it clean and effective:
- Use bold for headings, not ALL CAPS
- Line spacing of 1.15 to 1.5 makes your CV easier to read
- Stick to black text on a white background
- Avoid excessive italics or underlining
- Save as a PDF to preserve formatting across devices
And remember: always preview your CV on a phone and computer before sending. What looks good in Word can look completely different on someone else’s screen.
For more help, check out our guide to what a good CV looks like.
FAQs: Best CV font
What is the best font for a CV UK?
Safe, professional fonts like Arial, Calibri or Helvetica work well. They’re widely accepted and easy to read.
What font size is best for a CV?
Use size 10 to 12 for the main content, and 14 to 16 for headings.
Can I use a modern or creative font on my CV?
Only if it’s still professional and easy to scan. Most creative fonts aren’t ATS-friendly.
Should I use bold or italic in my CV?
Use bold for section headings, and italics only if absolutely necessary. Don’t underline – it’s harder to read.
Is Times New Roman OK for a CV?
It’s readable, but some people feel that it looks dated. Unless it’s your preferred font, you may be better off choosing one of the more modern alternatives.
Final thoughts: Best font for a CV (UK)
Choosing the best font for your CV might feel like a small detail, but it can make a big difference.
Your CV should look professional, be easy to read and show that you understand how to present yourself. The right font helps you do that.
Keep it simple. Stick to safe choices. And if in doubt, pick something classic like Arial or Calibri – and focus your energy on writing great content.
Need help pulling it all together?
Our expert team at PurpleCV can create a bespoke CV that not only looks the part but gets results.
To learn more about our CV writing service, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
