Best Font for Resume 2023 Reddit: Secrets to Make Your Resume Stand Out

Your resume is your first impression. This is the one document that gets you through the door or closes it forever. With this level of importance, one often overlooked aspect is the font. Yes, you read that right. The font you choose can impact how a recruiter perceives your professionalism and attention to detail. Reddit users have a lot to say about it, and we're here to break it all down.

Why Font Choice Matters

Before we dive into the best fonts, let’s talk about why font choice matters. When recruiters look at your resume, they don't just read it — they also scan it for aesthetics, clarity, and organization. Fonts affect readability, the subconscious "feel" of the resume, and even whether or not the content looks too crowded or well-spaced.

In 2023, we’re more than familiar with remote work, ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems), and even AI-assisted hiring tools. With these advancements, your font choice isn’t just about looking good on paper; it’s about making your resume machine-readable and professionally appealing.

Reddit Insights: The Most Popular Fonts in 2023

Reddit's various career-related communities offer diverse opinions on resume fonts, but certain recommendations pop up time and again. These fonts aren’t just based on personal preferences, but actual hiring trends and recruiter feedback. Below are the top fonts Redditors are recommending for resumes in 2023:

• Calibri: Mentioned as a "safe choice" across various Reddit threads, Calibri is modern, clean, and widely accepted. This sans-serif font is easy to read on screens and works well for both human eyes and ATS systems. It has replaced Times New Roman as the new "default" in Microsoft Word and is quickly becoming a standard in professional settings.

• Garamond: For those looking for a touch of elegance and class, Garamond often comes up. It’s a serif font that’s less stiff than Times New Roman but still exudes professionalism. According to many Reddit users, Garamond strikes the perfect balance between old-school respectability and modern readability.

• Helvetica: Reddit threads have universally praised Helvetica for its simplicity and neutrality. Helvetica is a sans-serif font, meaning it doesn't have the small strokes at the ends of letters. This makes it incredibly easy to read, and its clean lines make it ideal for tech jobs, creative positions, and modern industries.

• Georgia: If you want a serif font that stands out in a sea of Times New Roman resumes, Georgia is your go-to. Reddit users love Georgia for its readability both on screens and printed formats, making it a versatile choice for hybrid job markets.

• Arial: Some Redditors find Arial overused, but many others argue that its simplicity and ATS-friendliness make it a strong contender. It’s clear, straightforward, and works well across different formats.

A Word About ATS and Why It Matters

In 2023, it’s estimated that more than 90% of large companies use ATS software to filter resumes before they even reach a human. These systems scan your resume for keywords, format, and structure to decide whether you’re a potential fit.

But here’s the kicker: certain fonts don’t play well with these systems. If you’re using a font that’s too ornate, too custom, or simply uncommon, the ATS might not be able to properly parse your resume. That’s why sans-serif fonts like Calibri and Helvetica are often recommended, as they maintain legibility and consistency across different platforms.

Reddit users have shared plenty of horror stories where resumes that looked beautiful were tossed out because the font was incompatible with the ATS. This is why sticking to classic, professional fonts is crucial.

Font Sizes: Reddit's Advice

Choosing the right font is one part of the equation, but font size also plays a critical role in how your resume is perceived. Reddit threads are packed with debates over whether to go small and fit more content or use a larger, more readable size. Here’s the consensus:

• Header: For your name, Redditors suggest using a slightly larger font size, around 18-22pt. This helps your name stand out and creates a clear hierarchy.
• Sub-headers (Section Titles): A size between 12-14pt works well for section titles like "Work Experience" or "Education."
• Body Text: Stick to 10-12pt for the body of your resume. Anything smaller and it becomes difficult to read; anything larger and your resume might feel cluttered.

Common Pitfalls: Fonts to Avoid

While certain fonts are praised, Reddit is also filled with warnings about fonts that should be avoided. Some may seem creative or unique, but they often backfire:

• Comic Sans: This font is universally derided on Reddit as unprofessional. Avoid it at all costs unless you're applying for a job as a clown.

• Times New Roman: While still widely used, Redditors often describe it as “stale” and “boring.” It might not hurt your chances, but it won’t help either.

• Courier: This typewriter-style font was once used in resumes, but in 2023, it comes off as dated and inefficient. Plus, it’s hard to read in dense text blocks.

How Font Choice Reflects Your Personality

Believe it or not, the font you choose can reflect your personality. Redditors often discuss how different fonts create a subconscious impact on the reader. Here are some examples:

• Sans-serif fonts (e.g., Helvetica, Arial) suggest you're modern, efficient, and tech-savvy.
• Serif fonts (e.g., Garamond, Georgia) give off a traditional, formal, and thoughtful vibe.
• Custom fonts may seem like a way to stand out, but they can also signal a lack of professionalism, especially if they’re hard to read.

Real Reddit Stories: Success and Failure

Several Reddit users have shared personal stories about how font choice directly impacted their job applications. One user recounted how switching from Times New Roman to Calibri led to a noticeable increase in interview requests, while another described how an ATS couldn’t read their resume due to a fancy custom font.

In the end, it’s clear that choosing the right font can be a small change with a huge payoff.

Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple, Keep It Professional

In 2023, resume fonts are as much about functionality as they are about aesthetics. The fonts most recommended on Reddit — Calibri, Garamond, Helvetica, Georgia, and Arial — offer the perfect balance of readability, professionalism, and ATS compatibility.

Don’t overthink it. Pick a classic, readable font, keep your formatting clean, and let the content of your resume speak for itself.