A recent AvidCareerist post on resume fonts shared an infographic about serif and sans serif fonts and talked about when to use which type of font on your resume. Now comes a new infographic on font psychology.

Sans Serif Font Psychology

Look at some classic choices for sans serif fonts (the second category below) and what each might imply about you to people reading your resume (see the right-hand column). Have a little fun experimenting with these.

Or look at this post, that tests fonts for resumes, where I’ve done it for you. Check which fonts scale well to the volume of information you want to share, their eye appeal, and their subliminal message.

Serif Font Psychology

In addition, check out the serif fonts, and their associations, for fonts you might choose for headings and other limited uses on your resume.

Why Does This Matter?

First, it’s fun. Next, it underscores the fact that people do have cultural and intuitive responses to fonts.

Times New Roman Font

Believe it or not, we’re still processing the change from using typewriters to living with computers and mobile devices. Back in the day (1929 to be exact), Times New Roman ruled. It continued in popularity until the wide adoption of personal computers displaced it with fonts that most people find easier to read on screens.

Thus, using Times New Roman now gives a cultural signal that you’re outdated and possibly resistant to change. In fact, you just might be oblivious and would be willing to update your on-page look with a more contemporary font.

Stick with the Conference Fonts

As long as you go with one of the “Conference” fonts shown below you should be fine for your resume. None of them carry emotional valence that might cause a reader to judge you based on your font choice. Take a look and have some fun!

Image Courtesy of Mr. Cup

Updated February 2019

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