resume cover letter font style

11 Modern & Professional Cover Letter Fonts You Should Use

By Henry Garrison

10 min read

Selecting an optimal cover letter font makes your document professional, legible, and visually appealing . Since the majority of your letter is written—with little to no graphical elements—the choice of font is one of the most important ones. A good typeface leaves a strong first impression on hiring managers and helps them experience your letter optimally.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best fonts to use for your cover letter. We’re going to find out what makes them good, in which situations, and for which professions. We’ll even mention some of the fonts you should avoid. 

Without further ado, let’s jump right in!

Key Takeaways

A good cover letter font makes the document professional, visually pleasing, and easy to read .

Some of the best fonts for a cover letter include Arial, Calibri, Garamond, Helvetica, and Cambria.

Fonts to avoid include Comic Sans, Courier, Papyrus, and any other script with an overly ornate typeface.

Serif fonts are typically better for traditional roles , while sans-serif variants are tailored toward modern professions.

Appropriate use of bolding, italicizing, capitalization, and color enhances the legibility and visual appeal.

The Importance of Using the Right Cover Letter Font

Choosing the right cover letter font is imperative, as it impacts both the aesthetics and functionality of your cover letter .

For starters, a good font significantly enhances the readability of your cover letter . It helps the document convey information quickly and efficiently. This allows hiring managers to find relevant details effortlessly, even when quickly skimming through your document.

Another benefit of a well-chosen font is that it demonstrates your attention to detail and professionalism . Choosing a clean, elegant, present-day typeface emphasizes expertise and respect for industry standards, while an inappropriate font can make you appear unprofessional and careless.

In addition to choosing the right typeface, you should also consider your cover letter font size. The optimal size is between 10 and 12 pt , and going above or below these conventional values significantly reduces the readability of your letter and makes it less aesthetically pleasing.

Finally, you can use a good font to enhance the overall message of your cover letter. For instance, serif fonts should be your choice to convey elegance and sophistication. Alternatively, sleek sans-serif variants are great when applying for contemporary or tech-oriented roles.

11 Best Cover Letter Fonts

For starters, here are some of the best fonts for a cover letter. We’ll examine each one's strengths and weaknesses and give you suggestions for which industries it is best suited for.

Arial is one of the most widely used fonts and a default for Google Docs. It’s a great all-around cover letter font due to its clean and simple sans-serif design, making it easy to read on-screen and when printed.

This typeface's contemporary and straightforward look makes it perfect for cover letters in the technology field and when applying to modern companies in business or finance. Arial’s adaptability makes it perfect for the majority of business documents.

Ultimately, Arial is one of the safest choices for your cover letter font, regardless of the job you’re applying for. However, it can make your document appear too generic when applying for roles that require a touch of creativity.

#2. Calibri

Calibri is another highly popular font and a default typeface for Microsoft Office. It was designed to be modern and professional, ensuring compatibility across systems, devices, and documents .

When you set the same cover letter font size and spacing, Calibri allows you to fit more text in the same amount of space compared to Arial. This makes it perfect if your writing is lengthy but you want to maintain an elegant and minimalist look.

This is another sans-serif font tailored to modern jobs and professions . For instance, Calibri is a great pick for a marketing or consulting cover letter .

#3. Garamond

Garamond can add a touch of elegance and style to your cover letter. This timeless serif font has a lengthy history and widespread application.

While Garamond might be outdated for some modern industries, it’s perfect for those roles where you want to convey a sense of tradition, reliability, and sophistication .

For instance, if you’re into the arts or publishing , you can use Garamond as your cover letter font to demonstrate finesse while subtly hinting at an in-depth knowledge of the craft.

#4. Helvetica

Helvetica is one of the most famous fonts in the world . It’s popular due to its exceptionally crisp and clear look, which makes it highly versatile and usable in both traditional business documents and contemporary graphic design.

The neutral and flexible nature of Helvetica makes it a solid pick for your cover letter, regardless of the industry you’re in. Still, it’s a sans-serif font with an artistic pedigree . That’s why you should consider it when writing a cover letter for architecture , social media, graphic design , advertising, and similar roles.

#5. Cambria

Cambria is a serif font that sports a traditional look with a modern appeal . This combination makes it perfect for classic fields that require a contemporary approach, such as law, business , or education.

One of this font’s key strengths is its flexibility, since it was designed for both printing and reading on screens . This versatility extends to this typeface’s usability, making Cambria easy to scan and interpret.

Ultimately, it’s a balanced font and a solid pick for most traditional fields . A minor downside of its classic appearance with a modern twist is its neutrality, so it might not be as distinctive as some other typefaces.

#6. Trebuchet MS

Trebuchet MS is a humanist typeface designed to have a warm and friendly appearance . One of the main characteristics of this cover letter font is that it’s approachable while still being clean and professional. That’s why it’s great for non-profit cover letters or job seekers in the education and communication industries.

On the other hand, keep in mind that this sans-serif font is less formal than other similar options, so you should avoid using it for highly traditional fields.

#7. Georgia

Georgia is, in a way, similar to Cambria in that it’s another classic font designed with modern use cases in mind . It’s a traditional serif typeface with a background in historic typography. The contemporary twist is that it was developed to be easily readable on screens.

This cover letter font’s strengths are also its weaknesses. Georgia’s classic and readable style makes it perfect for digital marketing or publishing cover letters. On the other hand, this font might be too casual for formal applications.

#8. Verdana

Verdana is another humanist font designed with a focus on legibility. Its excellent readability on screens makes it perfect when you’re submitting a soft copy of your cover letter, though these benefits extend to printed copies as well.

The main factors contributing to Verdana’s readability are its larger x-height and wider spacing compared to similar fonts. These attributes make this sans-serif typeface look clean and spacious and make it a solid pick for tech, media, customer service , and similar fields .

Tahoma is a straightforward sans-serif typeface and a great cover letter font when you just want to make your writing legible and professional. It’s a reliable choice when you’re applying for a practical role in business, customer service, or similar fields .

The simplicity of Tahoma’s design makes it utilitarian to the point where it can be seen as too plain. It’s a solid font that might not grab attention like other typefaces on this list, but it also won’t be a poor pick, regardless of the role that you’re applying for.

#10. Times New Roman

Times New Roman is one of the most famous serif fonts, renowned for its highly traditional appearance . While this font conveys extreme seriousness and traditional reliability, it can be seen as old-fashioned when used inappropriately as a cover letter font.

That’s why you want to use Times New Roman in specific instances when applying for certain positions in law, academia, or government . When used properly, this font’s history in print and professional documents can emphasize your intent, thoughtfulness, and dedication.

#11. Baskerville

Baskerville combines elements of elegance and formality to create a sophisticated look far greater than most serif fonts convey. This is another cover letter font to use sparingly, as it can appear too ornate and decorative for many modern professional environments.

As such, Baskerville is another typeface to consider when applying for positions in academia, publishing, or law . However, you should keep in mind that you’ll give your cover letter a stately and refined look that’s best used for highly formal and classic roles.

5 Cover Letter Fonts You Should Not Use

Now that you know which cover letter fonts to use, let’s go through some options you shouldn’t use under any circumstances .

#1. Comic Sans

Comic Sans is widely regarded as a highly informal and playful font . However, this sans-serif typeface is unprofessional to the point of being considered childish.

What makes this font unique and famous is its whimsical style , making it perfect for comics and cartoon speech bubbles. Using it for your cover letter can seriously undermine your chances, as it’s seen as unprofessional.

#2. Courier

Courier is a monospaced font designed to replicate the look of a typewriter . While this can evoke a sense of nostalgia in certain instances, the font is considered outdated for cover letters and other business documents.

Due to its monospaced nature, the Courier has legibility issues . Plus, typewriter-style documents are better suited for drafts and similar writing than professional business correspondence.

#3. Papyrus

Papyrus is a highly stylized font famous for its artistic representation of ancient scripts . While it’s a distinctive typeface, it is entirely inappropriate in business settings. The textured and overly graphic nature of the letters makes them difficult to read, detracting from the quality, seriousness, and professionalism of your cover letter.

Impact is a strong and bold font designed to grab attention . As such, it’s much better suited for posters and headings than cover letters. The heaviness of this typeface will make your writing appear aggressive. This makes it not only difficult to read but also overwhelming when used for large bodies of text.

#5. Bradley Hands

Bradley Hands is another informal font that mimics the style of handwriting . It’s an entirely unprofessional typeface that—like all the other script fonts—should never be used for a cover letter.

Choosing Between Serif vs. Sans-Serif Fonts

Choosing between serif and sans-serif fonts depends on your field and the impression you want to convey .

Serifs are small strokes attached to the ends of larger strokes of characters associated with classic and sophisticated fonts . Notable examples include Times New Roman, Garamond, and Georgia. These fonts are typically found in print, whether it’s books, newspapers, magazines, etc.

As a result, serif cover letter fonts are usually recommended when applying for traditional professions like law, banking, academia, etc .

On the other hand, sans-serif fonts don’t have these decorative small strokes, making them clean and modern variants . Some of the examples of these fonts include Arial, Calibri, and Helvetica. The big perks of these fonts are their readability and versatility.

All of this makes sans-serif fonts great picks for contemporary industries and modern jobs , such as digital marketing, graphic design , software engineering , and so on.

Furthermore, sans-serif fonts are typically better viewed on screens , which is something to consider when sending a digital copy of your cover letter.

Cover Letter Font Size & Spacing

Cover letter font size and spacing are just as important as the font itself . Optimal values enhance the visual appeal of your document and ensure its readability, while inadequate size and spacing have the opposite effect.

The ideal font size is between 10 and 12 pt . For instance, both Google Docs and Microsoft Word have 11 pt as their default font size. That makes 11 pt the best starting point for your cover letter.

If your cover letter has a lot of text and crosses the one-page length limit , you can reduce the font size to 10. That way, you can keep your cover letter concise without cutting any content. However, you shouldn’t reduce the font size below 10 pt. Instead, you should trim and modify your writing.

Conversely, if you have a short cover letter and want to enhance its readability further, you can increase the font size to 12 pt. This also helps individuals with visual impairments, but you shouldn’t go overboard and increase the font size beyond 12 pt, as that will make it seem unprofessional.

Line spacing should be 1.0 (single spacing) or 1.15 within paragraphs. This is the optimal spacing for professional documents that ensures the best legibility. Just like with font sizes, you can use smaller or bigger line spacing depending on how much writing your letter has.

Additionally, you should use double spacing between sections and paragraphs to make them more distinct.

If you want to ensure optimal size and spacing effortlessly, you can use our cover letter builder . It features ready-made templates where everything is set up. You can just add your text and download a finished product.

Let’s see what good font size and spacing should look like on an example of a cover letter designed using our builder :

Cover Letter Example

Cover letter templates

Cover letter font styling and formatting refer to specific techniques you can use to enhance the visual appeal and legibility of your cover letter . Here are some of the key ones:

Cover Letter Font Styling & Formatting

Bolding . Bolding specific parts of your cover letter is great for drawing attention to them. You can use it to emphasize your key skills or most notable achievements. This is also a great technique for structuring your cover letter, so you can bold section headings in addition to making their font size 2–4 pt larger.

Italicizing . Italicizing is a more subtle form of emphasizing text compared to bolding. It’s often used for specific parts of a cover letter, such as job titles, publications, foreign words, and other noteworthy parts of the document.

Capitalization . Capital letters are commonly used for names, headings, and acronyms. When used sparingly and appropriately, they significantly increase the appeal of your document and demonstrate your attention to detail.

Color . The established way of writing cover letters is in black font on a white background. You can choose a dark shade of gray for your font color as well, but you should avoid anything else, as it can be distracting. Exceptionally, a touch of color (e.g., a dark shade of blue) can be used for your name in the header.

However, you shouldn’t go overboard with styling and formatting . Here’s what you should avoid:

Dont's

Overusing bold text . By bolding too much of your writing, you’ll reduce clarity and significantly reduce the impact of bolding. 

Underlining . Underlining is no longer a common styling technique, as it can be mixed up with online links, so you should avoid it.

Being inconsistent . You should stick to one cover letter font size, uniform margins, and consistent line spacing, or you’ll get a disorderly look.

4 Final Tips For Choosing the Right Cover Letter Font & Size

Now that you know all the ground rules regarding cover letter fonts and format, here are some final tips to help you make the perfect choice.

#1. Avoid Using More than One Font

Having more than one font in your cover letter creates a confusing and unprofessional experience . Multiple fonts in a single letter can be distracting, increasing the time needed to read it. That’s why it’s best to choose one versatile font that you can use for both writing and section headings.

That way, you’ll create a consistent visual language that looks clean and professional. As a bonus tip, you should also use the same font for your resume . That’s how you'll end up with a uniform application package demonstrating attention to detail.

#2. Play With the Design

You should experiment with different design elements until you create the perfect combination. Most apps you can use to create a cover letter (including our builder) allow you to effortlessly modify everything from your cover letter font to size and color, your document’s line spacing and margins, and more.

By playing with these values, you’ll get a clean and visually appealing layout. You should aim for a balanced look where all the design elements exist in harmony, creating a positive impression on hiring managers and potential employers.

#3. Keep it Simple

Simplicity is key when choosing the right cover letter font and format. That’s why it’s typically best to go with a simple typeface that isn’t overly stylized, stick to one font, keep its size uniform, avoid excessive colors, and so on.

Less is more in business correspondence, and a simple cover letter leaves room for the reader to focus on your skills and qualifications. Plus, it can be a strong indicator of good writing skills .

#4. Keep The Job You’re Applying For in Mind

Your cover letter should be tailored to the job you’re applying for . This goes not only for the contents of your letter but for its font, too. That’s why it’s important to consider different aspects when choosing a cover letter font, such as the type of industry that you’re in and the company’s culture.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a cover letter font is much more than an aesthetic decision. It directly impacts the influence your document has on the reader and the first impression it leaves. A good font demonstrates your professionalism and attention to detail, helping you best convey information about your competence.

Now that you know what font is best for your cover letter, all that’s left is to write and submit it. Remember to keep the industry, company, and role in mind when choosing the font; you’ll be one step closer to the interview. Before you get there, you might want to brush up on the most common interview questions and answers . Best of luck!

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What are the best cover letter fonts?

Should you use a serif or a non-serif font for cover letters?

What is the correct font size for a cover letter, what font size is too small for a cover letter, cover letter spacing and white space.

What is the best cover letter fonts? There's no single correct answer to this frequently asked question. But when it comes to choosing the right font for your own cover letter, you have quite a few great options.

The best fonts to use in a cover letter are those that are attractive, clean and easy to read. 

You want hiring managers to take one glance at your cover letter and think “Looks good!” before they even start reading. Then you want them to read every word, focusing on your content — not distracted by a strange font choice or a font size that’s too big or too small.

If you choose some odd-looking, avant garde font to make your cover letter stand out , it will — but for all the wrong reasons. The recruiter is likely to frown and wonder why you chose such a weird font, and you’ve already got one strike against you. 

There is no shortage of online advice about how to choose the best font for cover letters, including YouTube videos such as this one.

Choosing between serif and sans serif fonts

Your choice of cover letter font ultimately comes down to two basic font types: serif and sans serif.

Serif fonts : A serif is a decorative flourish, a small line or stroke added to the letters of the alphabet. For example, a capital A in a serif typeface will have a small horizontal line at the bottom of the two diagonal lines that form the primary part of the letter — they look like tiny pedestals that form a base for the letter. 

Serifs are added to the parts of letters that end in mid-air; for example, a lowercase “i” as in “ice” will generally have a serif at the top pointing left and a serif at the bottom pointing both right and left. But you’ll probably never see a serif on the letter “o” because it’s a circle where no part of the letter ends in mid-air. 

Sans serif fonts : Sans serif fonts don’t use serifs, so they look more like the alphabet displayed above the blackboard in an elementary school classroom. For example, if you print the letter “i” on a piece of paper with a pencil, you probably just draw a straight vertical line and add a dot on top of it. That’s sans serif. But if you add little decorations to the vertical line, those are serifs.

There is no right or wrong answer to the question of using a serif or non-serif cover letter font, as long as it's easy on the eyes and doesn't distract your reader. Perhaps with the exception of header text only, you should use the same font consistently throughout. It can be a matter of personal preference, as well as compatibility with the occupation, employer and industry. In terms of “personality,” serif fonts tend to be perceived as more traditional, formal, mature and reliable, while sans serif fonts are commonly described as sleek, modern and clean.

Chances are, you've heard the rule that serif fonts are easy to read. However, there's little weight to that argument.

Research into the theory suggests that serif fonts may produce a "tiny legibility increase" when the type is small or far away. However, the study authors concluded that overall there is "no difference in legibility between typefaces" that are serif or sans serif.

The top 8 cover letter fonts to use

Here is our list of good fonts for cover letters:

• Arial : Sort of like a Helvetica for the 21st century, Arial is a modern sans serif font popular for its legibility and clean lines. This one always makes the list of best fonts for cover letters.

• Calibri : Another good sans serif option, Calibri is the current default font for Microsoft Word.

• Cambria : A good-looking serif font designed for computer screens, commissioned by Microsoft.

• Garamond : A classic serif font like you’d expect to see in a pricey new book by a top publisher.

• Georgia : Currently a very popular serif font, said to read well in small sizes; call it the new Times New Roman.

• Lato : A “serious but friendly” sans serif font created by Google for computer screens, but it doesn’t come with Microsoft Word applications.

• Trebuchet : A sans serif font from Microsoft, also designed to look good online. If you're looking for the best fonts for cover letters, look no further than this one.

• Verdana : Another sans serif font from Microsoft, Verdana looks sort of a like a chilled-out version of Arial.

Fonts to NOT use in your cover letter

Now you know about the best fonts for cover letters, let's talk about the worst. Unless you’re really loving unemployment, don’t use these fonts in a cover letter:

• Brush Script : If you favor fonts that look like cursive, you might as well just grab a pen and write the letter with your own hand.

• Comic Sans : If you’re designing a comic book, go for it, but this is not one of the best cover letter fonts. Avoid it at all costs.

• Courier : May be useful for forging a document to look like it was written on a typewriter in the 1970s, but useless in a modern cover letter.

• Impact : Any font that’s this heavy and bold makes it look like you’re trying to compensate for something lacking in your pitch.

Situational fonts for cover letters

You’ll hear conflicting advice on certain fonts, these are generally considered situational fonts and you need to consider the image, character, and context for the job:

Helvetica : There’s nothing wrong with the world’s most famous font, but it’s so old that many consider it yesterday’s choice.

Times New Roman : Same goes for this classic serif font: It still works after all these years, but you won’t get points for originality.

Roboto, Open Sans, Ubuntu : These are clean and legible fonts that are widely used in the tech/IT industry, but they may not be as popular with more traditional jobs and employers. You can feel a bit safer using these when applying to a software company or an IT startup.  Just be advised that you might end up with an overly sleek and techy feel to your document.

Cover letter font size and spacing

Whatever font you choose, do not make the mistake of running it too big or too small. Too big and it looks childish; too small and the reader needs a magnifying glass. And you can always count on resume.io for occupation-specific advice and a top-of-the-line online cover letter builder to boost your career!

A good rule of thumb is to start with a 12-point font size. Font size depends on the font style; for some fonts, 12 points could be too large or 10 points too small. Getting it right may take some trial and error. 

People sometimes ask if an 11-point font is OK for a cover letter, and the answer is yes. Font sizes are typically described in even numbers, but there’s no reason you can’t make your font size 11, or even 11.3, as long as it looks good on the page.

Most cover letters should be one page only , and most first drafts exceed one page, so writers resort to downsizing the font to make it fit. This IS an allowable tactic, but don’t make it any smaller than 10 points.

The temptation to increase your resume to two pages is real, but is it the right thing to do? For a director-level job seeker, the answer will be yes, but what about everyone else? If you do opt for two pages, make the most of them.

In addition to choosing the right font size for your application letter , you need to set appropriate cover letter margins — one inch on the top, bottom, left and right is a good rule. 

Another consideration is cover letter spacing . Every typeface comes with a default amount of “leading” (rhymes with “sledding”), which means the amount of space between lines. This setting is adjustable, but don’t downsize it to squeeze your letter onto one page. Allow for an appropriate amount of white space in your cover letter, or it will look like you’re trying to cram 12 pounds of stuff into a 10-pound bag. 

What do the best cover letter fonts look like?

Look no further than resume.io for samples of what you might decide is the best font for cover letters. And if you’re ready to create your own cover letter, this is also the right place to get started right away. Check out our professionally designed, field-tested cover letter templates in four design categories: simple , creative , modern and professional . 

Our top-of-the-line cover letter builder tool makes it easy to customize your own version for hassle-free, high-quality results in no time. 

You can always count on resume.io for the advice to boost your career! Our job-winning resources include a wide selection of occupation-specific writing guides and free cover letter examples . 

Key takeaways

• Readability is the deciding factor for choosing a cover letter font that’s clean, attractive and non-distracting.
• Our top 8 list of cover letter fonts includes a good selection of serif and non-serif font types to suit your preference.
• With good reason, several fonts belong on a “do not use in a cover letter” list. Others may be okay in certain situations, depending on the image, character and context for the job.
• Cover letter font size and spacing are vitally important considerations, along with font style.

Best of luck with choosing the right fonts and formatting choices for your cover letter. And even if you’ve forgotten everything we’ve said here, remember: Don’t use Comic Sans!

Choosing a Resume + Cover Letter Font? 10 Tips & Examples

What is the best font for your resume? It’s not a loaded question. Too often people over think typography choices for resumes or cover letters because they think the type has to look “designed.” The reality is that it just needs to be highly readable.

So where do you start? Today, we’ve got ten great options to help you choose a readable, well-designed typeface to help your resume or cover letter stand out.

All these fonts stand out from the crowd, while also keeping your resume clear, classy, and readable!

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1. Bolt Sans

The number one thing to think about when choosing a cover letter or resume font is how will it look in print? There are so many great typefaces available for download, but they aren’t all designed to be printed.

You need a high-quality typeface with an extensive character set so that you won’t be struggling to find certain characters or print elements later.

Bolt Sans is a simple sans serif with a modern feel. It has normal spacing (so it won’t be tough to use with larger text blocks) and has a light minimal feel. The characters are exceptionally easy to read while maintaining some personality.

Pro tip: Use the same typeface for your resume, cover letter and portfolio website. By selecting a font that includes web font options, you don’t have to worry about matching typefaces from print to web. (Bolt includes OTF, TTF and web fonts.)

2. Addington CF

A strong serif typeface can communicate reliability and professionalism. This might communicate just what you want to a potential employer.

Addington CF is a strong sans serif in a modern style. The trusty typeface looks lovely at almost any size and is highly readable.

Pro tip: When using a serif typeface consider using it as the body text element while pairing it with a sans serif for headers or other display elements within the resume.

3. RNS Sanz

What is the best font for your cover letter? Start with a typeface that’s strong and looks great at small sizes and in heavier text blocks. You might have to try the text out to see how it looks before committing to a certain typeface.

Pro tip: Stick to dark text on a light background (black on white is idea) for your resume and cover letter. Reverse type or colors can be difficult to read (or control based on individual printers) and should be avoided.

4. CA Texteron

Small details are the things that set the best fonts apart from the rest. When picking out a typeface, look for details that appeal to you and your style.

CA Texteron is a great example because it includes stunning serifs with interesting shapes with round and edgy letterforms.

Pro tip: Read font descriptions and look for weights that work in smaller sizes and with decent letterspacing. Low-contrast stroke weights are also more ideal.

5. Quiche Font Family

There no rule that says you need to construct a resume or cover letter with a serif or sans serif. Either option can work quite well, and you probably want to make a choice based on the personality you want to showcase.

Quiche Font Family is an easy readying, high-contrast type family with a lot of extras, including swashes, alternates, and ligatures to help you add a little something extra to your job inquiry. It also toes the line between serif and sans serif with display options that have more polish (and ball terminals) than the standard regular or thin weights.

Pro tip: Choose a robust font family and stick to style within the family for your resume and cover letter package. You don’t need a collection of fonts here; one great font can be a do-it-all solution. (The Quiche Display option makes for great headers.)

6. Fibon Sans

Help your resume and cover letter stand out with a typeface that isn’t the default in standard word processing software.

Fibon Sans has just enough personality to stand out without sacrificing readability. It’s modern and has weights that are appropriate for large blocks of copy (like you might find in a cover letter).

Pro tip: Avoid typefaces that include limited character sets or only all capitals. Your resume and cover letter need a mix of upper and lowercase styles for ease of readability.

7. Colorado

If you have a lot of information, you might feel inclined to use a more condensed typeface. Do so with caution.

Colorado is a nice option because it has a medium stroke width with clean and minimal lines.

Pro tip: If you plan to use a more condensed typeface, opt for one with a thicker stroke weight. Thin lines and condensed lettering can be a dangerous mix.

It’s OK to pick a fun font option for your resume and cover letter. The key is to balance light-feeling elements with a strong overall presence and readability.

Auro has a light feel with flowing shapes while maintaining readability. The typeface is fun but not too much fun for a resume or cover letter.

Pro tip: It (almost) goes without saying but stay away from Comic Sans or any typeface that seems too light. Emojis and smiley faces are not acceptable.

9. Modelica

The description of this typeface says it all: “Modelica is a minimal, robust, reliable and pragmatic geometric sans. Its clean shapes and generous x-height make it a very competent face for both, display and body copy purposes.”

The smooth geometry of this typeface in combination with multiple widths and styles makes it versatile and easy to work with.

Pro tip: Use bolder thicker weights for can’t miss elements in your resume or cover letter such your name or headers throughout the resume. Don’t use super condensed variations as a “trick” to cram more information in; because they can get tough to read when there’s a lot of information to digest.

10. Venice Serif

A super simple serif can help you tell a story on your resume without getting in the way of your portfolio.

Venice Serif is modern and stylish, with plenty of functionality. It has an almost monospaced style with a tall x-height that makes it look classic but more polished than some other similar options.

Pro tip: This font style is reminiscent of code. (Maybe it is the shape of the letters.) Use it for a resume that includes coding or development in your skill set. Even if that’s not the main focus area of the job you are applying for, this font style can subtly reinforce that idea.

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Choosing The Best Font For Cover Letters and Resumes

• Cover Letter Format
• Salutation and Greeting
• Who To Address When Unknown
• How To Start A Cover Letter
• How To End A Cover Letter
• Best Cover Letter Font And Size
• Cover Letter Spacing
• Cover Letter Length
• Key Elements Of A Cover Letter
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• Official Letter Format
• Cover Letter Opening

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When seeking the ideal job, your cover letter font, as well as your resume font, are your initial opportunities to showcase your qualifications and professionalism. Your choice of fonts and font size plays a pivotal role in leaving a lasting impression on potential employers. Discover how selecting the best cover letter fonts and font sizes for your application can significantly impact your job application’s success.. Key Takeaways: Pick the appropriate font for the role and be stylistically consistent throughout your resume . This helps makes a more professional appearance Good choices for standard, professional fonts to use on a resume include Times New Roman, Arial, Helvetica, and more – always stick to fonts that look simple and clean. A page that’s too cluttered with text looks unprofessional and doesn’t give the hiring manager a good reading experience, so make sure to use white space appropriately. In This Article    Skip to section Why does font matter in a cover letter? Picking an appropriate font size for a cover letter Personalize your font selection Including white space Reminders for email cover letters Best fonts for your resume 2023 FAQ Final thoughts Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs Show More Why does font matter in a cover letter?

Choosing the right cover letter font and resume font is important because can make or break whether your document is visually appealing and giving the impression you want. To pick your cover letter’s font, you should first think about what your intention is for your letter. For cover letters, the main intention is for your words and message to do all the talking. This means the font should not be artsy, fun, or obscure. It should allow your words to be immediately legible.

Additionally, consider being consistent in your font choice for both your cover letter and resume. The stylistic consistency may seem like a small detail, but it allows for recruits or hiring managers to easily flow from one document to the next, without any distractions in the way.

Picking an appropriate font size for a cover letter

The size of your font is equally as important as choosing the correct font for your cover letter. If the text of your letter is too small or visibly challenging, your application might be passed up for another candidate.

There are three general options when picking a font size, 10, 11, or 12. Your cover letter should always fit on one-page, so consider this when formatting your first draft. A smaller font is appropriate if it helps keep all of your text on one page. However, if your cover letter is on the shorter side , choosing font size 12 is equally as appropriate.

It’s also important to note that different fonts come in a variety of sizes.

Once your cover letter is written, spend some time on formatting to make sure it looks good and fits on one page. If you have already selected the smallest size and your copy bleeds into a second page, try adjusting the margins or see where you can cut to condense the letter.

Personalize your font selection

While there is no science behind picking the perfect font, there are specific fonts that are highly regarded for their perception of being easily readable, professional, and clean. Below, we outline some of the best cover letter fonts to choose from.

Arial features crisp lines and no-frills, an easily readable and familiar font for a cover letter . Being one of the most popular cover letter fonts in the world, it’s also beneficial as the standard font for Microsoft Word and Google Docs. There’s a good chance your recruiter or hiring manager has this font existing in their word processor of choice.

Avenir is a good way to be bold on your resume and cover letter but without taking the risk. This font features playful curves that help liven up any piece of copy to stand-out in the best way possible. It’s a good choice of font if you are looking to get into the design space or any creative type of job.

Calibri was initially designed by Microsoft as a candidate to replace Times New Roman in Word, and it’s a standard font usually found on resumes or cover letters. With its clean and simple typeface, it’s easily one of the most readable fonts out there. It’s both familiar and friendly, a great choice for any cover letter.

Cambria has a serif face and traditional design that makes it easy to read both in print or on the computer screen, even in low resolutions. The even spacing and proportions make this an ideal choice for cover letters.

Garamond is a more delicate font, but with a classic serif form, good for conveying an air of sophistication on resumes. Based on sixteenth-century designs, the Garamond style typefaces are perfect for both print and digital cover letters readability.

Georgia is a popular font developed by Microsoft, and can be a good choice for cover letter font because it’s unique yet clean. The serif typeface is both elegant and legible, with a mixture of both thick and thin strokes. This font is also used by Georgiacompanies in their branding, such as Amazon and the New York Times.

Helvetica is one of the most widely used sans-serif fonts in the world. Its neo-grotesque design was first brought to popularity by Swiss designers. Its neutral and clean look has made it a top choice for many businesses.

Times New Roman is the most traditional font of all, and is likely the most popular choice for resume font. It is popular for most job seekers with its simple and elegant design. Keep in mind that since this is one of the most common resume and cover letter fonts, it’s not something to use if you’re looking to be unique or convey creativity. But that’s not to say it’s not a great choice. This is a safe and easy font choice for your cover letter.

Trebuchet MS is a great font choice if you are looking to fill a little extra space on your cover letter. Being a bit broader with thicker lines, this font will fill the page and allow for easy readability. It’s also a common font found in most word processors and Google Docs.

Verdana was initially designed to be readable in small sizes and on low-resolution screens, making it perfect if you need to use a smaller font size for your cover letter. It has a large x-height with wide proportions and letter-spacing to allow for easy legibility.

Montserrat is a contemporary sans-serif font that reads as both stylish and legible on cover letters. Its clean and minimalist design, coupled with uniform stroke widths, lends a modern and fresh look to your application materials. Montserrat is an excellent choice for those seeking a clean and trendy aesthetic while maintaining readability and professionalism in their resume or cover letter.

Baskerville is a classic serif font known for its elegance and readability, two qualities you may want to embody when writing your cover letter. With roots dating back to the 18th century, Baskerville offers a sense of tradition and sophistication. The well-defined letterforms and high contrast between thick and thin strokes make it a perfect choice for conveying professionalism and attention to detail in your resume or cover letter.

Going with one of the listed fonts for your cover letter and resume puts you in a good place for the formatting of your cover letter. As with many things, font choice is subjective, and you should make the choice you feel most comfortable with.

The last thing to be mindful of is how many fonts you choose to use for your cover letter.

Since there are a few different pieces to a cover letter, you may be tempted to use different fonts for headers , introductions , or conclusions . However, it’s good practice to only use one font for your cover letter. Maintaining this consistency ensures a smooth reading process for your recruiter or hiring manager.

Including white space

When formatting your cover letter, it’s always important to remember that there is a significant amount of space required at the top of your letter. Additionally, you should leave white space between each paragraph and each new section of the cover letter .

Usually, word processors have templates that you can use to make sure you properly space your cover letter. Again, don’t forget that your entire cover letter should fit on a single page, so it’s important to take some time to play with the formatting once you are done writing your letter. Perfecting your formatting ensures you will make a stellar first impression.

Reminders for email cover letters

The best practices outlined in this article are mostly for cover letters that are in hard-copy or emailed as a Word document or PDF attachment. If your job application instructs you to include your cover letter in the body of the email, you might be tempted to copy, paste, and send.

However, be mindful of how the formatting shifts when you copy and paste things into an email, making it tricky for the hiring manager or recruiter to read. Be sure you either fix the formatting in the body of the email or copy and paste it as plain text directly into the email.

Best fonts for your resume 2023 FAQ

What role does font choice play in my resume and cover letter?

Font choice plays a crucial role in your resume and cover letter as it directly impacts readability and the overall impression you make on potential employers. The right font can enhance professionalism, clarity, and visual appeal, while the wrong choice can distract from your content or make it difficult to read.

Should I use a serif or sans-serif font for my resume and cover letter?

Whether to use a serif or sans-serif font depends on your personal preference and the style you want to convey. Serif fonts, with their small decorative strokes, often exude tradition and professionalism. On the other hand, sans-serif fonts are clean and modern, offering a sleek and contemporary look. Ultimately, the choice should align with your industry and the image you want to project.

Final thoughts

The font you choose is your resume’s first impression, so choosing the right one can you get your job applications started on the right foot. The way your resume is organized and how it looks at a glance can say a lot about you even before the hiring manager even starts to read it.

Be sure to use a simple, professional font and break your resume down into sections balanced out by plenty of white space.

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Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.

Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.

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Why are cover letter font, size, and style important?

So you’ve slaved away for days on end drafting a great cover letter to go with your resume but you end up choosing an unprofessional font for your cover letter and all your hard work goes in vain because of a minor mishap.

Not exactly a situation that job seekers dream about, isn’t it?

You see, your cover letter font is important because it directly impacts your letter’s readability and appeal.

If the recruiters can’t read the contents of your cover letter with ease, the chances of you being shortlisted are slim.

Whereas, a well-chosen cover letter font with the right styling, size, space, and margin can help you make a good impression on the recruiters.

Read on to learn more about cover letter font and the following related FAQs:

• What font is best for cover letter?
• How to choose a cover letter font?
• What font size should a cover letter be?
• How to set cover letter margins and font spacing?
• What cover letter font style should you use?
• What are some common FAQs about cover letter font?

Top 10 Cover Letter Fonts

When it comes to cover letter font type, the options are plenty. The key is simply to ensure that the font you select looks professional and simple.

Here are some top cover letter fonts that you can choose from:

Times New Roman: If you want to play it safe and go for the traditional approach, Times New Roman is your best choice. This font type is widely used when candidates are applying for government jobs and other traditional industries such as law and medicine.

Helvetica: Being a contemporary font option, this is a suitable choice for your cover letter font if you are seeking jobs in marketing, sales, or business. Due to its concise design, it does not distract the readers from the content.

Calibri: With its modern and light design, Calibri makes for an elegant cover letter font. This font’s popularity has toppled Times New Roman as the default font in Microsoft Word.

Arial: If you are unsure of the type of fonts job seekers generally use in your industry, Arial is a great option for your cover letter font. Due to its sleek and minimal design, the majority of candidates prefer this font style.

Garamond: Garamond is a popular cover letter font used by job seekers in their applications. It is a classic serif font that is commonly used by professionals in both creative and academic industries.

Trebuchet MS: Due to its slightly larger and bolder design, Trebuchet MS takes up more space and is well suited for fresh graduates who are writing a short cover letter with less content.

Didot: Didot is a good cover letter font if you are applying for jobs in the fashion, architecture, or graphic design industries as this cover letter font is considered to be more artist-friendly and creative among others.

Tahoma: This cover letter font type can be a great option for job seekers from any industry as it is very reader-friendly, modern, and simple.

Georgia: Since this font is commonly used by newspapers, it is one of the most popular fonts in the writing industry. With its modern yet classic design, Georgia is a good cover letter font if you are targeting jobs in the writing or creative industries.

Cambria: If you are sending your cover letter in an online format, Cambria is a great font for your cover letter as it was specially designed to facilitate screen reading.

Also read: How to write a cover letter in 2022?

Tips on How to Choose a Cover Letter Font

Even if you want to stray away from a traditional font like Times New Roman and want your cover letter to stand out from the rest, your top priority must be your cover letter’s reader friendliness.

Your cover letter font must not distract the recruiters from its content. Avoid using fonts that include special characters or are too stylish.

Since the majority of employers use the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to select suitable candidates based on the use of relevant keywords in their resumes and cover letters, it is best to use simple cover letter fonts to ensure that the ATS can easily scan your cover letter for the same.

However, this doesn’t mean that your cover letter font must be bland or outdated. You can choose a modern and sharp font that can help your cover letter stand out by following these tips:

Do Your Research

Yes, you need to research the company you’re targeting to probe the type of font they have used in their websites, job listings, press releases, etc.

The chances of them resonating with your cover letter will be higher when they see a familiar font in your cover letter as opposed to a completely new font.

Accordingly, choose a font (from the recommended list) that matches their font type for your cover letter.

Consider the Industry Type

When you are choosing a cover letter font, you must also consider the nature of the industry you’re in.

For instance, if you are applying for jobs in the creative industry such as graphic design, writing, fashion, marketing, etc, you can choose a font with a slightly stylish design like Didot, Helvetica, Proxima Nova, and Garamond.

While aspiring candidates in conventional industries like medical, law, and engineering fields, must stick with traditional fonts like Times New Roman and Calibri.

Ensure Uniformity

Always ensure that you use only one cover letter font throughout your letter.

Mixing and matching is the last thing you want to do in your cover letter as it will distract the recruiters from the content and it also doesn’t look professional.

Instead, you can use different font sizes and types to segregate the headings and the body.

Choose the Correct File Format

To ensure that your cover letter font remains intact, you must save your file in a PDF format unless the recruiters have specified any other format like .doc or Docx. in the listing.

Also read: What are some good cover letter examples?

Cover Letter Font Size and Spacing

The standard cover letter font size commonly used by candidates is 12 points.

However, depending on the type of font you select, the size can be changed between - 10, 11, and 12, points.

The reason is, that certain fonts can appear too small or too large at 12 points due to their spatial proportions.

And since your cover letter must not exceed one page, you can adjust your cover letter font size to fit the page.

But ensure that you don’t go below 10 points and that the smaller cover letter font size does not affect the readability.

If your font size is too small, recruiters may reject your cover letter even before reading it and the ATS may not be able to scan the small font size.

• Consider showing your cover letter to your friends and family for feedback on its reader-friendliness and appeal.

As for the cover letter margins and font spacing, ensure you follow the below-given guidelines:

• Maintain 1.5 line spacing if you are following the 3 paragraph cover letter format
• Stick to the universal business letter margin standard and keep 1" margins on all sides of your cover letter
• Use single space in your cover letter and skip a line between each section (Header, date, address, subject line, salutation, and the 3 paragraphs)
• Left-align the contents of your cover letter to follow the universal business letter standard

Also read: How to start a cover letter?

Cover Letter Font Style

Once you are done choosing the perfect cover letter font size and type, the next step is highlighting crucial details with a different cover letter font style.

While the body of your cover letter will not have any font style, you can use Bold and Italics to draw the recruiters' attention to certain details.

Avoid using cover letter font style like underlining as it serves the same purpose as bolding.

Besides, bolding is the most commonly used cover letter font style to highlight details in professional paperwork.

Also read: How to write a cover letter for resume?

FAQs about Cover Letter Font

Is 11 point font okay for a cover letter?

Yes, depending on the font type of your cover letter, the font size can range between 10-12 points.

Should my cover letter and resume be the same font?

Yes, to maintain uniformity, you must use the same font in your cover letter and resume.

Why are cover letters important?

Cover letters are important because 65% of hiring managers agreed that a well-written cover letter can influence their hiring decision.

Also Read: How to choose an ideal cover letter template in 2022?

Key Points from the Blog

• A well-chosen cover letter font with the right styling and size can help your cover letter make a good impression on the recruiters.
• Always ensure that the cover letter font you select is simple and easy to read .
• Avoid using cover letter fonts that include special characters or are too stylish as it can distract the recruiters from the content and can block the ATS from picking up keywords from your cover letter.
• Use only a single cover letter font type in your letter to ensure uniformity.
• Although the standard cover letter font size used by candidates is 12 points, you can change it between 10-12 points , according to the font type and the amount of content you have in your letter.
• Use cover letter font style like bolding to draw the recruiters' attention to crucial details.

If you are still confused over cover letter font size and style, you can simply use Hiration’s AI-powered cover letter builder which will help you draft a perfect letter without the hassle of selecting the font type or size. You can also write to us at [email protected] .

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How to Choose the Best Font and Font Size for Cover Letters

Keep it Professional

Choose one simple font, pick an appropriate font size, how to make your font selection, include plenty of white space, sending email cover letters.

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When you are writing a cover letter , it's important to use a font—or type style—that is clear and easy to read. Consider that hiring managers have to review dozens, if not hundreds, of applicants for a position. They may immediately pass over a cover letter and resume that isn’t instantly legible.

Be sure to make your font large enough so that the reader doesn't have to squint to read your letter, but not so large that your letter doesn't fit well on the page.

When it comes to choosing a font to use in your cover letter, your best bet is to keep it simple and professional. You want your words and message to stand out, not your font choice.

Avoid using unprofessional novelty-style fonts such as Comic Sans, handwriting, or script-style fonts.

Ideally, the font used in the cover letter will be both the same size and style as the one used in your resume, to help you present a cohesive package.

Review these tips for determining the right font for your cover letter, as well as what size it should be, and which styles are and are not appropriate to use in a cover letter.

Using a simple font will ensure that your cover letter is easy to read. Basic fonts like Arial, Courier New, Calibri, Verdana, and Times New Roman work the best. Most word processing and email programs will default to a professional and easily readable choice.

Limit yourself to one font in your cover letter; it's best not to mix several fonts in one document.

There is no need to use different styles in a cover letter. Avoid underlining or italicizing, and use boldface text only when emphasizing quantifiable achievements that need to “pop” on the page.

Depending on how much content you have in your letter, select a 10- or 12-point font size.

It's best if you can format your cover letter so it fits on one page, with margins that are no larger than 1” and no smaller than .7”.

If your letter includes a heading with your name and contacts information, you may choose to make this font slightly larger.

When you are using Microsoft Word, you can select a template for your letter or start from scratch with a new document. If you're using a different word processing program, the process is similar.

• Select a font from the list at the top of your document before you start writing your letter, or:
• Type your cover letter.
• Highlight the content of your letter.
• Either select the font from the pop-up window or select the font from the list at the top of the document.
• Select the font size you want to use the same way.
• Proofread your cover letter.
• Print your cover letter, even if you are going to upload it online, to make sure that it is formatted, properly spaced, and looks the way you want it to.

Regardless of the font size, you select, there needs to be space at the top of the letter and between each paragraph and each  section of your cover letter . Here's how to  space your cover letter .

You may need to try a couple of different sizes to make sure that your cover letter fits on a single page, and you have enough white space in between paragraphs. Review these formatting tips to be sure your letter will make the best impression.

The information above applies primarily to instances where you are sending a traditional cover letter by snail mail or when you are sending a formal cover letter as a Word or PDF attachment to an email message .

Copying and pasting a cover letter into the body of an email message may change the formatting, making it difficult to read for an employer who may have a different computer system.

The safest thing to do when you are copying and pasting your cover letter into an email is to remove the formatting and reformat it as plain text. Send a copy to yourself before you send it to an employer to double-check that it reads correctly.

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6 Best Fonts for a Cover Letter (And How to Choose One)

When it comes to job search, every small detail can play for or against you. Spelling, layout, stylistic highlights, fonts — the tiny design tweaks can amplify or muddle the first impression you are to make. 

All of the above is true for cover letters too. The easiest way to make the wrong first impression is by using a terrible cover letter font. OK, but which ones are good ones and which ones are bad? 

I’ve talked to our graphic design team (the one behind all our resume templates !) to get their scoop on the best fonts for cover letters. 

What is the Best Font for a Cover Letter?

The best font for a cover letter is Times New Roman . It’s a classic serif typeface that’s been in use for over 85 years. Times New Roman uses space economically which makes it easier to fit your cover letter into one page. This font looks equally great in print and in digital documents, plus it is supported by all major word processors and email apps. So your cover letter will be 100% readable! 

What is the Best Font Size for a Cover Letter?

The best font size for a cover letter is 12 points . This is a standard font size for most business documents — not too big, not too small for different screen sizes. You can also opt for 10 or 11 points cover letter font size if you need to fit more information into one page, but this can affect the readability of your letter. 

Best Fonts for a Professional Cover Letter: Overview

Times New Roman is a clear leader, recommended for use by career advisors from MIT , Purdue University , and Boston University among others for both resumes and cover letters. 

But because Times New Roman is a serif font, it might be hard to read for people with dyslexia or other types of reading disorders . So if you want to be extra mindful, you can look for another professional cover letter font. 

Just make sure it is: 

• Serif or sans serif (avoid calligraphic typefaces) 
• Readable (i.e. don’t have too many fancy elements) 
• Widely supported by word processing apps 
• Not Comic Sans (which is universally deemed unprofessional) 

To help you narrow down your choice, here are several more best fonts for a professional cover letter we recommend using. 

1. Arial 

Arial font has been around since the 1980s. You are probably well-familiar with it if you are a Windows user. Arial has been the default font for this operating system since the 1990s. It’s a web-friendly sans serif typeface. However, many graphic designers suggest avoiding Arial in print as it ends up looking somewhat plain, especially in bigger sizes. 

But since most of us dispatch email cover letters these days, it shouldn’t be much of a concern. 

2. Helvetica 

Helvetica is a Swiss-born typeface as its name indicates (Helvetia is the Latin word for Switzerland). Originally created by a freelance designer for a Haus foundry, it became hugely popular thanks to Apple. While Microsoft chose Arial as the main font for its OS, Apple picked Helvetica for the same purpose. 

Helvetica is also a sans serif font and it’s very readable. That’s because it has even kerning in any variation — bold, italic, or skinny — which gives the reader a sense of clean spacing. 

3. Calibri 

Calibri is a digital-native sans serif post. It was created specifically for online documents in the early 2000s — and presented to the general public with Microsoft Office 2007 and Windows Vista releases. Up till today, it remains the default font in MS Office. 

It has a pleasant rounded feel to it, paired with a tight layout. Thanks to it, you can flexibly change text size without losing resolution. So if you need to fit a longer cover letter into one page , try using Calibri in size 11. 

4. Georgia 

Don’t let this name trick you — the Georgia typeface was designed in the US in the 1990s for Microsoft corporation (again). But it was introduced only in 2006 as one of the standard fonts.

Georgia was originally envisioned as an alternative serif font to Times New Roman, which would look better on smaller screen sizes. Times New Roman becomes hard to read in small sizes. 

Overall, Georgia is a great cover letter font option for those who want to add some extra “personality” to your cover letter, while still maintaining professionalism. 

5. Garamond

Garamond is another fine example of a time-tested font. It was modeled after an old-styled Latin typeface, used by a 16th-century engraver Claude Garamond. But don’t let its age deter you, Garamond looks fresher compared to other popular serif fonts like Times New Roman and Georgia.  So if you want to give your cover letter a subtle creative flair, go for this option. 

Verdana typeface family is another ‘brainchild’ of Microsoft Corporation, released in the late 1990s.  It was modeled after humanist sans serif fonts such as the ones still used by the London Underground.

Yet Verdana has a more modern feel to it and touts generous width and spacing between letters. It also has a prominent distinction between frequently confused letters just as  lowercase i j l, the uppercase I J L, and the number 1.

Making Cover Letter Font Selection Easier 

If you feel that typography isn’t your forte, go with a “safe” choice of Times New Roman. Yes, it’s somewhat overused, but this fact doesn’t make it less professional. Alternatively, opt for popular sans serif fonts such as Ariel, Helvetica, or Verdana. There you go — you now have no more excuses for not working on your cover letter !

Elena runs content operations at Freesumes since 2017. She works closely with copywriters, designers, and invited career experts to ensure that all content meets our highest editorial standards. Up to date, she wrote over 200 career-related pieces around resume writing, career advice... more

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The best fonts for resume and cover letter

Getting a job is not easy nowadays, with stiff competition and tons of applicants per available job opening. You need each part of your resume to demonstrate that you are ideally suitable for the role. Once you've weighed your experience, expertise, schooling, and credentials, you have yet another decision to consider, what's the right font to include on your resume?

With too many choices open, choosing the right font for a resume can often be a tough call. When the interviewer scans the cover letter for the first time, they usually check for 6 seconds. Employers spend several hours per week scrolling through the endless influx of applications submitted to them.

Picking a font size and style that is quick and easy to understand is the secret to building a solid initial impression. A decent font reflects your integrity and improves functionality, allowing your resume a shot to get it to the top of the stack. Font choice is a vital aspect of your resume as it lays the groundwork for your entire job application. You may consider various fonts for the resume sections and the headers, and you don't have to choose more than two.

The font types stated in this guide are all formal, decent, and clean font options. A selection of a lot of font styles risks being invalid to the applicant monitoring software. Your resume font type should look like an expert, not overshadow your content. Here is a list of the cover letter and resume fonts;

Times New Roman is the known resume font—that's why you should stop using it. The times new roman is quite old, and if you do not want your resume and cover letter to appear outdated, you have to pick something else. And Garamond is a suitable option for that. The new edition has the option of providing your resume a timeless, professional look that is even more compelling than the cliched Times New Roman. As an advantage, if you're unable to compress to a single or two sheets, Garamond can allow you to add more content to your resume without losing functionality by reducing the text size or clogging your template by restricting the resume space.

Helvetica is the most elegant font style for your cover letter and resume. Due to its positive and tidy nature, it has rapidly become a corporate typeface. It's also clear to understand and appealing without getting distracted. Apply this style for a position in a corporate office environment, like customer support or marketing. This san-serif is known to be the master of font styles by several artists and typographers. Due to its sleek, straight lines and outstanding transparency, many company logos have Helvetica font styles like American Airlines, Microsoft, etc. To offer your cover letter and resume a fresh, modern feel that's formal.

Many corporations such as New York Times use this formal iconic typeface. In reality, Georgia was mainly for digital screens and handheld devices. It enables it the perfect font option if you submit an email resume and cover letter. This typeface is ideal if you submit for an online position or if you want to make your resume and cover letter a clean, formal appearance. This font style has letter shapes with heavier strokes that enable it easily-readable even in small sizes. And, it works perfect on any online document, like you're submitting your resume and cover letter as a Pdf file format.

With sharp lines and elegant style, it is one of the familiar font styles in the world. It is the default font for Microsoft Word, which ensures that every computer can view it precisely. A few employers, though, see Arial as very ordinary. But if you're applying for a job with an innovative or cutting-edge business, a much more versatile font might be preferable. Including a font style that is so popular can be seen as a casual preference, not investing a lot of consideration or work into your resume and cover letter.

 This stylish typography will add some design to your resume and cover letter. It is popular with sectors such as fashion and photography. Even so, the serifs are more shown in high volumes, so you'll do your utmost to keep Didot for captions instead of body copy.

While it is the generic MS Word typeface from 2007, Calibri still isn't much famous as Arial. However, this type does have other aspects to it. Like a 12 pt font size in Calibri can generate between 500-750 phrases, the optimal length of a two-page resume.

This flexible font style has a very smooth, sharp look that will offer an up-to-date typeface to a cover letter and resume. It has several levels that you can choose to distinguish the various parts and aspects of your application, and you can likely ignore any compressed variants that might be tough to interpret. Avenir Next is another successful choice; it was launched as a sequel to Avenir to enhance the typeface on-screen display functionality. Avenir may be a less secure option than other typography on this cover letter font collection but consider it. Its unusual form and quirky designs lend it a colorful feature that will enable your resume and cover letter to succeed in a pool of applications.

This clear, elegant sans-serif font style, created in England, will provide your resume and cover letter a feel that is both traditional and unique. British Railways network was using this font style and also in other areas. You may also note that Gill Sans is quite identical to the design typeface used in the iconic Stay Calm and Carry On poster, reintroduced in the British bookshop in 2000. And then it became famous with several copies of the style. Mac OS X and few Microsoft applications include Gill Sans.

Conventional and easily readable, Cambria is a perfect typeface option for resumes and cover letters of all varieties. Its simple style works well on every channel on paper or a pc display. This font is perfect if you want to submit your resume and cover letters for a position in a highly technical sector, like finance or bookkeeping. It is a component of a set of fonts named the ClearType typography series and spread with Microsoft Office systems. Such fonts like Cambria, Candara, have been specially prepared to facilitate properly on computer screens. The company that crafted Cambria designed it for on-screen comprehension while still in use for printing, thanks to its durable letter structure, which maintains readability even in small sizes. It allows Cambria a perfect fit for both online and published resumes and cover letters.

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Here is another guide on How to choose the best fonts for your resume

Selecting the right resume and cover letter font and size

With tons of typefaces to pick from, it can be tough to select the font that will make the ultimate impact on the recruiter and raise the likelihood of going forward in the recruitment process. It might be appealing to pick a font type that reflects your character, but remember that headhunters will eliminate your application if the typeface makes it difficult for them to read your cover letter and resume. Although, your name should not have a similar font size as the rest of the resume. A simple principle is to create the font for your name double, the font size used in the resume and cover letter text.  

Most hiring managers still use the candidate monitoring system to document and arrange work applications. This software can not often read and comprehend complicated typefaces well, so difficult or specific font choices often transform into empty frames or other improper letters. 

If you develop a job application for graphic design or advertising, there are more options regarding aesthetics. Sometimes, imaginative interviewers see the job application as a demonstration of artistic skills and talents, and it should reflect your work. And then, maintaining that your resume is easily readable is a primary goal. Here, we're going to go over a few suggestions to ensure you pick the right font style and size for your resume and cover letter.

• Integrate a formal, easily readable font style

Intricate fonts can make it challenging to understand the resume, which may cause hiring managers to skip it. So use a fresh, clear resume typeface that ensures your content is visible to the recruiter. There are two primary font types, Serif and Sans-Serif. These typefaces are usually decent fonts for cover letters and resumes because of their wide legibility. There have been some Serif font types that recruiters acknowledge as easy and formal, Garamond and Didot.

• Identify the correct size of the resume and cover letter font.

The ideal font size for your cover letter and resume is between 10-12 points. The size you decide will mainly dictate how the font size influences your resume style. Since it's usual strategy to have a  single or two pages resume , proceed with a font size of 10 and explore with size if you feel there is scope.

Although it can be easy to keep the overall resume on a single-page, ignore lowering the font size under 10 points. It's going to make the text rough on the viewer's eyes. If your resume is more than a single-page, then update the text and generate more descriptive suggestions by deleting redundant terms or statements. Just the most appropriate material that best shows your knowledge and expertise as per the job position.

• Incorporate style to the resume and cover letter typeface

You may also insert individuality or meaning by choosing font types for your name and segment titles, like bold text and italicize. Although your whole resume should have a single font, you may stylize or raise the size of essential parts like Skills or Employment. Be compliant with aesthetics, and pick one or two font style to verify that your resume and cover letter is formal and pleasing to the eye.

You may use  examples of standard resumes  available online to help you get started.

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Avoid using these resume fonts and cover letter fonts.

Futura was made in the 1920s and crafted in Germany with a more abstract shape. But it's a tidy, appealing font, and the font structure is a little conventional and peculiar. Futura bends more towards aesthetic and intriguing than functional for text-heavy papers such as resumes, with inconsistencies including tall lowercase letters and a distracting difference between sharp and circular letter-forms.

Crafted to imitate the feel of a typewriter and finally tailored for use on a real electrical typewriter. This typeface certainly looks like you printed your application on a typewriter. Since this is a fixed-width typeface, it may seem a little irregular, even for complete pages of information.

• Century Gothic

It has a clean, industrial look, but it's maybe too unusual for cover letters and resumes. This font's thin size can be confusing, mainly in small sizes.

To make a professional and strong impression with the cover letter and resume. There is no requirement to use the bold, strong typeface. The impact is to employ in resume headlines, so if it contains lowercase characters, individuals use it for body duplication, it is difficult to read.

• Brush Script

You don't have to incorporate the Brush Script typography, which was predictable that it now seems inexpensive and obsolete instead of vintage and nostalgic. Though a few design professions give some leniency to experiment with the presentation of your cover letter and resume. But it's still a decent option to conform to traditional font preferences.

Trajan Pro has a confident, significant style, but it is more fitting to gravure it in concrete than to characterize it on your cover letter and resume. It is due to the typography was driven by the letterings set into the Pillar of Trajan, a temple devoted to the Roman monarch of a similar name. The font has only upper-case and small caps rendering it inappropriate to write clear statements on your cover letter and resume.

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After choosing your font type and tweaking your resume and cover letter correctly, carefully check and receive reviews. Because hiring managers while glancing at your resume can publish it to discuss with company executives or carry it for the interview, so print a sample version and ensure the typeface is visible. And the visual style is stable and does not impact the quality of the cover letter and resume.

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Best Fonts to Use On Your Cover Letter

In This Guide:

Eye-pleasing fonts, get to writing.

Recruiters and human resource specialists look for reasons to keep or throw away cover letters from the second they see them. Your writing style and content of your letter may be the most important factors of whether you make it to the next round or not, but do not overlook the importance of appearance.

You can have the best-crafted cover letter that truly sets you apart from your peers, but if you write it in Comic Sans, someone will likely toss it in the trash before being read. In this article, you’ll learn about some of the best fonts for cover letters.

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There is no single best font for your cover letter, but you cannot go wrong with the options listed below. Whether you are looking for something classic, safe, or professional while still being fun, you will find something that works for you.

Arial is a sans serif font, meaning without strokes at the ends of letters, and is always a safe choice. This classic font is clean and easy to read, making it the standard choice for most business uses — including cover letters. Arial is also a standard sans serif choice for many commonly used applications such as Microsoft Word and Google Docs.

Times new roman

Times New Roman was the standard font for printed work before documents, including cover letters, were primarily read on computer screens and tablets. This is one of the best fonts for cover letters due to it being a serif font, meaning letters have strokes that help make them easier to identify and read.

Calibri has served as Microsoft’s default serif font for nearly 15 years from its creation to today. The software giant is in the process of moving on to new options, but Calibri is still a popular and safe choice for your cover letter. The design consists of more defined lines and curves for lettering, which increases readability.

Lato is one of the best fonts for cover letters for job seekers who want to be professional but add some style. This sans serif font comes in a variety of typefaces from thin to ultra-bold. This modern font was created by Polish designer Łukasz Dziedzic in 2010.

Exo 2 is a redesigned geometric sans serif font created by Portuguese designer Natanael Gama while he was doodling glyphs. This contemporary font grabs attention in the right way while still maintaining professionality. Exo 2 would be one of the best fonts for a cover letter for anyone applying for a creative or non-corporate position.

Helvetica is a classic font that has been a favorite of the business and art worlds since the 1950s. This sans it specifically designed serif font to be neutral, making it one of the best fonts for cover letters as it will not distract the reader from what you have written.

You cannot go wrong with any of the choices mentioned here. Some fonts like Arial and Times New Roman are used more than others, but all are safe options that will not turn an evaluator off from your cover letter on sight. So check them out, make your choice, and write that cover letter!

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