One thing I learned from a class I took in college is that the fonts that you use determines who you are. For our homework for that lesson, we were asked to print out our name using a font that typifies us. Bonus points if we could also do the same with the names of our family.

That being said, I am a Verdana person. Still, I did not put much notice into it. I just like using Verdana. It must have been its slender lines when it is in its normal font face and how it fattens up when in bold that appealed to me. It is not as formal looking as a serif font like Times New Roman and it is not as irregular as Comic Sans. Where am I getting these descriptions from?

On to the topic, the font that you use could give the HR person perusing your resume an idea of your personality and if you are a right fit for the job.

Standard practice in the corporate setting is to go for the formal fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, and Verdana. There is no actual research yet with regards to people’s perception of fonts used in resumes, but the closest would be is the Washington State University study of people’s reaction to fonts used as marketing tools. According to the research, it is a safe bet to go for Grade Six fonts, like the ones mentioned above since they evoke a feeling of comfort.

The study also shows that there are certain fonts that can be appropriate in certain fields. Grade One fonts are feminine, and thus can be utilized in women-dominated jobs. Grade Two fonts, on the other hand, are what are called the ‘edgy’ fonts, thus they can be put in by job-seekers whose professions are more right-brain inclined. Grade Four fonts are more masculine and more apt for stereotypically manly jobs.

Another point to consider is whether the resume would be submitted online or needs to be a hardcopy. Sans serif fonts are perceived to be easier on the eyes when viewed from a PC monitor and are also more contemporary.

It also helps if the font you use is appropriate to the field you are trying to get into. It would seem odd if you would be submitting a resume in good old TNR if you are applying for a design position. Now that is called out of place.

Font size and layout also matter in the resume, but these are better reserved for another topic. As with the content, how your resume is presented is as important a factor whether you will get that job you are aspiring for or if you have to try your luck somewhere. Or if you have to construct a new resume altogether.