ATS Guide

What is the Best Font for ATS Resumes? (2024 Guide)

Do you want your resume to look stylish? Many job seekers use fancy typography. However, ATS bots hate custom fonts. If the bot cannot read the text, it rejects your resume instantly. Therefore, you must use safe, standard typography. You can test your current file right now using our free ATS CV test tool to see if your font is breaking the parser.

Why Your Resume Font Matters for ATS

First, you must understand how ATS software works. ATS systems do not view your document visually. Instead, they strip away styling and read raw text. Therefore, if you use a font that is not embedded properly, the bot cannot read it.

For example, if you use a custom script font, the ATS might turn it into empty boxes. Consequently, your resume looks blank to the system. As a result, you get auto-rejected. To avoid this, you should use our free ATS CV builder to ensure standard typography.

The Top 5 Best ATS Fonts to Use

Which fonts are safe? You need to use standard, web-safe fonts. These fonts are universally recognized by all parsing software. Here are the best options for your resume.

1. Arial: The Gold Standard for ATS Parsing

Arial is the safest choice for ATS resumes. It is clean, simple, and highly readable. Furthermore, every ATS system can parse it without issue. Therefore, if you want a guaranteed safe choice, use Arial.

2. Calibri: The Modern Default for Microsoft Word

Calibri is the default font for Microsoft Word. Because it is so common, ATS bots read it perfectly. In addition, it has a modern look that humans also enjoy. Thus, it is a great choice for modern job seekers.

3. Helvetica: The Professional Choice for Business Resumes

Helvetica is another excellent choice. It is widely used in the corporate business world. As a result, parsing software handles it effortlessly. However, you must ensure the font is embedded in your PDF.

4. Garamond: The Elegant Serif for Executive ATS Resumes

Some job seekers fear that Arial is too boring. If you want an elegant look, Garamond is a great serif font. It looks professional for executive resumes. Furthermore, older ATS systems parse serif fonts easily.

5. Georgia: The Highly Readable Screen-Optimized Font

Georgia was designed specifically for screen readability. Therefore, it works perfectly for online job applications. Both bots and human recruiters can read it without eye strain.

Fonts to Avoid for ATS Resumes

Some fonts will ruin your chances instantly. Therefore, you must avoid them at all costs. Here are the worst offenders that cause parsing errors.

1. Custom Google Fonts: Why Web Downloads Cause Parsing Errors

Many Reddit users complain about downloading stylish fonts from Google Fonts. However, these fonts are often not embedded in your Word or PDF file. Consequently, the ATS replaces them with a default font, ruining your layout.

2. Script and Handwriting Fonts: The “Canva Problem” for ATS

Script fonts look like handwriting. Unfortunately, they are impossible for bots to read. For example, if you use a Canva script font, the ATS will extract your contact info as blank spaces. Thus, your resume is rejected.

3. Comic Sans and Decorative Fonts: Why Playful Typography Fails ATS

Fonts with extra details or curls confuse the parser. Therefore, avoid fonts like “Comic Sans” or “Papyrus.” Furthermore, they look highly unprofessional to human recruiters.

What Font Size is Best for ATS?

Size matters just as much as the font family. If your text is too small, the bot might skip keywords. On the other hand, if it is too large, your resume will be too long.

For the body text, use 10 to 12 points. For headings, use 14 to 16 points. Therefore, your document will be easy to scan. To get the sizing perfect, use our free ATS CV builder right now.

How to Test Your Resume Font

Before you apply for a job, you must test your font. First, save your resume as a PDF. Next, open the file. Finally, try to highlight the text with your mouse.

If you can highlight and copy the text, the font is safe. However, if the text cannot be highlighted, the font is an image. In that case, you must change it. You can use our free ATS CV builder to generate a safe file instantly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best font to use for an ATS resume?

The best fonts for an ATS resume are standard, web-safe options like Arial, Calibri, and Helvetica. These fonts are universally recognized by parsing software. Therefore, they ensure your text is read accurately. You can use our free ATS CV builder to get these fonts.

Can ATS read custom fonts?

No, ATS systems often cannot read custom fonts. If you use a script or decorative font, the bot will likely turn it into gibberish or empty boxes. Therefore, always stick to standard fonts like Arial or Calibri to ensure your resume is parsed correctly.

Does font size matter for ATS?

Yes, font size matters. If your text is too small, the ATS might skip important keywords. For body text, use 10 to 12 points. For headings, use 14 to 16 points. To get the perfect size, use our free ATS CV builder today.

Is Calibri ATS friendly?

Yes, Calibri is highly ATS friendly. It is the default font for Microsoft Word. Therefore, all modern ATS systems can parse it without issue. It is a safe, modern choice for your resume.

Can ATS read PDF fonts?

Yes, ATS can read PDF fonts, but only if they are embedded properly. If you use a custom font and do not embed it, the PDF will fail the parser. Always test your PDF by trying to highlight the text. If you cannot, run it through our free scanner.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best font for an ATS resume is a standard one. Therefore, you must use Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica. Avoid script and custom fonts entirely. Furthermore, keep your font size between 10 and 12 points. By following these rules, you ensure the bot reads your text perfectly. If you need a safe template, use our free ATS CV builder right now.

Before applying, run your CV through our Free ATS Resume Scanner. If your font fails, use our free ATS CV builder to fix the issue instantly.