The Best CV Fonts for Conveying Professionalism and Credibility

We all know first impressions matter — but most candidates underestimate just how much detail recruiters notice. Even something as simple as your font choice can shape how your CV is received.

Psychologists have shown that fonts evoke strong emotions. The wrong choice can make your CV look dated or careless. The right one can boost credibility, improve readability, and make it easier for recruiters to focus on your achievements.

With recruiters spending an average of just 7 seconds on an initial scan, you want every design element working in your favour.

In this article, we explain:

• Why fonts matter more than you think

• The best professional fonts for CVs in 2025

• Which fonts to avoid if you want to look credible

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Why Font Choice Matters on Your CV

Your CV is one of your most important personal marketing tools. A polished format signals that you’re detail-oriented and professional. A cluttered, hard-to-read document suggests carelessness — even if your experience is excellent.

A strong font choice will:

• Increase credibility – subconsciously associating you with professionalism and trustworthiness.

• Enhance readability – making it easier for recruiters to scan and absorb key details.

• Optimise space – allowing you to fit more content without sacrificing clarity.

• Support ATS compatibility – ensuring applicant tracking systems can parse your text correctly.

Serif Fonts: Professional, Trustworthy, Credible, Traditional

We recommend serif fonts for most executive CVs.

1. Serif fonts are easier to read

Serif fonts feature subtle strokes at the ends of letters (like in Times New Roman or Cambria). These details guide the eye from one character to the next, improving flow.

Research shows serif fonts are easier to read at smaller sizes — which means you can keep your CV neat, compact, and still legible. Recruiters won’t struggle to follow your content, even when skimming quickly.

2. Serif fonts convey authority and credibility

Brands that want to project timeless authority — from The Times to Harvard University — use serif fonts. The same principle applies to your CV: it feels established, polished, and trustworthy.

Recommended Serif Fonts for CVs:

• Book Antiqua

• Cambria

• Dante

• Garamond

• Georgia

• Times New Roman

Sans Serif Fonts: Modern, Clean, Approachable

Sans serif fonts (like Arial or Calibri) don’t have the extra strokes. They look cleaner and more modern — often associated with tech firms or creative industries.

They’re not a “wrong” choice, but they can feel slightly less formal. If you’re applying for traditional industries (finance, law, consulting), we recommend leaning towards serif fonts instead.

Recommended Sans Serif Fonts for CVs:

• Arial

• Calibri

• Helvetica

• Open Sans

• Tahoma

• Trebuchet MS

• Verdana

Fonts to Avoid on a CV

Some fonts immediately undermine your credibility. Avoid:

• Cursive or decorative fonts (look unprofessional and hard to read)

• Comic Sans or playful fonts (make you look careless)

• Fonts smaller than 10pt (difficult to read, especially on screen)

In Summary

Font choice may not land you the job on its own, but it can absolutely cost you an interview if you get it wrong. Recruiters notice sloppiness — and fonts are part of that detail.

By sticking to classic, professional fonts and avoiding extremes, you ensure your CV is both ATS-friendly and recruiter-approved. The content should shine, but the formatting should never distract.

Your CV is a reflection of your personal brand. Don’t let the wrong font send the wrong message.

To find out more, visit our website www.cvpilots.co.uk If you have any further questions, you can either book a consultation call with one of our team, or get in touch via email on team@cvpilots.co.uk