CVPebble
This guide accompanies our short video on YouTube.
Your font choice should disappear. If a recruiter notices it, it is usually because the text is hard to read. A plain, familiar font at a normal size is the safe choice.
1. The size to use
Georgetown University's career center advises 10, 11 or 12 point for the main text. New Jersey's career services give the same range of 10 to 12 point, and say section titles can go up to 14 point. Below 10 point, most people struggle to read a CV, especially on a phone.
2. Which font to pick
New Jersey's career services suggest Times New Roman, Cambria or a similar standard font. In our view, any clean, widely installed font does the job. Avoid script or decorative styles, because they are slow to read and may not display the same on every device.
- Use one font, or two at most.
- Keep line spacing comfortable so lines do not touch.
- Save as a PDF so the font looks the same for the reader, as in our format and PDF checklist.
3. Make the structure clear
Both sources suggest making your name stand out. Georgetown says to make it bold and larger than the rest, and New Jersey suggests bold for your name and section headings. Use bold only for those, so the page stays calm. Choose one style for dates and keep it the same throughout.
4. Check it before you send
Look at your CV at normal zoom, then check it on your phone. If you have to pinch to read it, the text is too small. If you are over the page limit, cut words before you shrink the font: see how long a CV should be. For more layout checks, read our ATS-friendly checks.
Frequently asked questions
What is the smallest font size I should use?
Stay at 10 point or above for the main text. Both career services we checked give 10 to 12 point.
Can I use a creative font to stand out?
It is safer not to. A clear layout and strong content stand out more than a decorative font.
Should my name be bigger than the rest?
Yes. Georgetown advises making it bold and larger than the other text.
Sources and scope
This guide, “Best font and font size for your CV”, is original general guidance informed by the career-advice sources below. Reviewed 24 October 2026. Employer instructions take priority. No interview, hiring or ATS result is guaranteed.
