If you’re just starting out in your career and putting together your first resume, the font you pick might feel like a small detail. But it’s one of those quiet choices that can affect how hiring managers and applicant tracking systems see your application. The difference between serif and sans-serif fonts isn’t about style alone. It’s about readability, professionalism, and making sure your resume doesn’t get lost in the shuffle.

What’s the real difference between serif and sans-serif?

Serif fonts have little feet or strokes at the ends of letters think Times New Roman. Sans-serif fonts don’t have those extra marks they’re cleaner, like Arial. That’s it. No magic, no secret code. Just two ways to present text.

Which one should I use on my resume as a new grad?

For entry-level job seekers, sans-serif fonts are usually the safer bet. They tend to look more modern and read better on screens which matters because many recruiters scan resumes digitally before printing anything. If you’re applying through an online portal, that first impression is happening on a monitor, not paper.

That said, some traditional industries (like law or academia) still lean toward serif fonts. If you’re applying to those fields, check what others in the field are using. You can find examples in our guide on how to pick resume fonts as a student.

Will my font choice break an ATS?

Not if you stick to common, clean options. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) struggle with decorative or script fonts not serif vs. sans-serif. As long as you avoid anything too stylized, you’re fine. Stick to system-friendly picks like Calibri, Helvetica, Georgia, or Garamond. For a full list of fonts that won’t trip up automated systems, see our page on ATS-safe fonts for student resumes.

Common mistakes new job seekers make with fonts

  • Using multiple fonts to “stand out” this often looks messy, not creative.
  • Picking a font because it’s “unique” without checking how it prints or displays on mobile.
  • Mixing serif headers with sans-serif body text without enough contrast, making the resume feel disjointed.

What size and spacing should I use?

Font size: 10.5 to 12 points for body text. Headers can go up to 14, but don’t go bigger unless you’re designing a creative portfolio. Line spacing should be 1.15 or 1.5 enough breathing room so it’s easy to skim. Tight spacing makes even the best font hard to read.

Should I stress over this decision?

No. Your experience, clarity, and how well you tailor your resume matter far more than whether you picked Lato or Georgia. But since you’re here, you might as well get it right. Pick one clean font, stick with it, and focus your energy on writing strong bullet points and proofreading.

If you want to compare side-by-side examples of resumes using each type, we’ve put together a visual breakdown on our serif vs. sans-serif page for students.

Quick checklist before you hit send

  • Font is either sans-serif (recommended) or a simple serif like Georgia or Garamond.
  • Size is between 10.5 and 12 pt no smaller, no larger.
  • No more than two fonts used total (one for headers, one for body is okay).
  • Resume looks clean when printed and on screen.
  • You’ve spell-checked and proofread font won’t save you from typos.
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