Best Resume Fonts for ATS & Readability (2025 Tests)
Choosing the best resume fonts for ATS is essential to ensure your resume is both readable by humans and easily parsed by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). The right font balances clarity, professionalism, and machine readability, increasing your chances to pass ATS filters and impress recruiters.
| What to Do (Short Checklist) |
|---|
| Use clean, standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman |
| Avoid decorative or script fonts that ATS can misread |
| Keep font size between 10-12 points for readability |
| Use consistent font style throughout the resume |
| Test your resume parsing with ATS tools before applying |
How ATS Parse Resumes Today
ATS software reads resumes by extracting text from document files, relying on standard fonts and clear text layers. Fonts that are uncommon, overly stylized, or embedded as images can cause:
- Misinterpretation or omission of text
- Garbled characters or symbols
- Parsing errors that lower ATS rankings
Thus, selecting fonts widely supported across systems is critical for ATS resume optimization.
Best Resume Fonts for ATS & Readability (2025 Tests) — Core Principles
After extensive 2025 testing, these fonts emerged as the most ATS-compatible and readable:
| Font Name | Characteristics | Usage Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Arial | Sans-serif, clean, highly legible | Great for all resume sections |
| Calibri | Modern sans-serif, default in Microsoft Word | Balanced readability and style |
| Times New Roman | Serif font, classic and formal | Suitable for traditional industries |
| Helvetica | Sans-serif, professional with sleek look | Widely used in professional resumes |
| Verdana | Larger character spacing, highly legible | Good for digital viewing |
Avoid fonts like Comic Sans, Papyrus, or cursive scripts as they hinder both ATS parsing and recruiter reading.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using decorative or novelty fonts that confuse ATS scanners.
- Mixing multiple fonts or inconsistent font sizes across sections.
- Using very small fonts (<10 pts) that reduce readability.
- Embedding text as images or converting to non-editable formats before ATS submission.
- Overusing bold, italics, or all caps that impact clarity.
Decision Aids
Font Selection Checklist:
- Is the font a widely accepted sans-serif or serif?
- Is the font size between 10-12 pt for all body text?
- Is the font consistent throughout the document?
- Have you avoided script, handwritten, or decorative fonts?
- Have you tested resume parsing with ATS tools?
How to Test Your Resume (Parsing Checks)
- Export resume using your chosen font to DOCX or ATS-compatible PDF.
- Upload to free ATS resume checkers online.
- Confirm all text content and keywords are correctly extracted.
- If errors occur, try switching to a recommended font and retest.
FAQ
Q: What fonts do ATS prefer?
A: ATS prefer standard, clean fonts like Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, Helvetica, and Verdana.
Q: Can I use multiple fonts?
A: It’s best to use one font consistently with minor variations (bold/italic) for emphasis.
Q: What font size works best?
A: Sizes between 10 and 12 points are ideal to balance readability and space.
Q: Will a fancy font hurt my chances?
A: Yes. Fancy or script fonts can confuse ATS and frustrate recruiters, lowering your odds.
