Which Serif Font Looks Most Professional On A Resume

Table of Contents

• Introduction: Why Font Choice Matters in Resumes
• What Makes a Serif Font Professional?
• Top Serif Fonts Commonly Used in Professional Resumes
• Best Serif Fonts from NoahType for Professional Resumes
• Tips for Using Serif Fonts Effectively in Resumes
• Conclusion

Introduction: Why Font Choice Matters in Resumes

When applying for jobs, the first impression often comes from your resume design—even before the recruiter reads your content. According to a study by Business Insider, recruiters spend only 7 seconds on average reviewing a resume. A serif poor font choice can make your application look unprofessional or hard to read, which may cost you the opportunity.

That’s why choosing the right serif font can elevate your resume, making it appear more refined, trustworthy, and professional.

What Makes a Serif Font Professional?

Serif fonts are characterized by the small strokes or “feet” at the ends of letters. These details give them a timeless, traditional look often associated with professionalism and credibility.

Key qualities of a professional serif font for resumes include:

1. Readability – Easy to read at smaller sizes (10–12 pt).
2. Elegance – Looks refined without being overly decorative.
3. ATS-friendly – Passes Applicant Tracking Systems without formatting issues.
4. Balance – Works well for both headings and body text.

(Source: Indeed Career Guide)

Top Serif Fonts Commonly Used in Professional Resumes

Some serif fonts are widely recognized as safe and professional choices:

• Times New Roman – A classic, though sometimes overused.
• Garamond – Elegant, timeless, and slightly less formal.
• Cambria – Designed for on-screen readability, often recommended by Microsoft.
• Georgia – A clean serif font that works well both online and in print.
• Palatino Linotype – Modern yet professional.

These fonts are reliable, but if you want your resume to stand out while still looking professional, exploring premium serif fonts can make a significant difference.

Best Serif Fonts from NoahType for Professional Resumes

At NoahType, we design and curate fonts that balance style with professionalism. Here are some serif fonts from our collection that work beautifully for resumes:

1. Braston Serif – A refined serif font with elegant strokes that adds sophistication to headings and body text.
2. Magnify Serif – Perfect for resumes that need a modern and clean look while maintaining authority.
3. Gallient Serif – Strong, bold, and ideal for resume headings that need to stand out.
4. Olivetta Serif – A versatile serif font that balances readability and elegance for long text blocks.
5. Belcastro Serif – Professional with a creative edge, ideal for resumes in design, marketing, or creative fields.

These fonts not only make your resume readable but also give it a unique personality—helping you stand out in a competitive job market.

Tips for Using Serif Fonts Effectively in Resumes

Even with the perfect font, how you use it makes all the difference. Here are some best practices:

1. Font Size: Keep body text between 10–12 pt, and headings between 14–16 pt.
2. Consistency: Use one serif font throughout your resume to maintain a cohesive look.
3. White Space: Ensure enough spacing between sections to avoid clutter.
4. Pairing: If you want contrast, use a serif font for headings and a clean sans serif (like Arial or Helvetica) for body text.
5. Printing & Digital Test: Always check your resume in both print and PDF formats to ensure clarity.

(Source: Zety Resume Guide)

Conclusion

So, which serif font looks most professional on a resume?
The answer depends on the industry and the impression you want to make. For conservative fields, fonts like Cambria or Garamond are excellent choices. But if you want to stand out while staying professional, premium serif fonts from NoahType—such as Braston, Magnify, or Olivetta—offer the perfect balance of style, readability, and credibility.

By investing in the right font, you’re not just formatting words—you’re communicating professionalism before the recruiter even reads your experience.