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6 Best Fonts for a Cover Letter (And How to Choose One)

When it comes to job search, every small detail can play for or against you. Spelling, layout, stylistic highlights, fonts — the tiny design tweaks can amplify or muddle the first impression you are to make. 

All of the above is true for cover letters too. The easiest way to make the wrong first impression is by using a terrible cover letter font. OK, but which ones are good ones and which ones are bad? 

I’ve talked to our graphic design team (the one behind all our resume templates !) to get their scoop on the best fonts for cover letters. 

What is the Best Font for a Cover Letter?

The best font for a cover letter is Times New Roman . It’s a classic serif typeface that’s been in use for over 85 years. Times New Roman uses space economically which makes it easier to fit your cover letter into one page. This font looks equally great in print and in digital documents, plus it is supported by all major word processors and email apps. So your cover letter will be 100% readable! 

What is the Best Font Size for a Cover Letter?

The best font size for a cover letter is 12 points . This is a standard font size for most business documents — not too big, not too small for different screen sizes. You can also opt for 10 or 11 points cover letter font size if you need to fit more information into one page, but this can affect the readability of your letter. 

Best Fonts for a Professional Cover Letter: Overview

Times New Roman is a clear leader, recommended for use by career advisors from MIT , Purdue University , and Boston University among others for both resumes and cover letters. 

But because Times New Roman is a serif font, it might be hard to read for people with dyslexia or other types of reading disorders . So if you want to be extra mindful, you can look for another professional cover letter font. 

Just make sure it is: 

• Serif or sans serif (avoid calligraphic typefaces) 
• Readable (i.e. don’t have too many fancy elements) 
• Widely supported by word processing apps 
• Not Comic Sans (which is universally deemed unprofessional) 

To help you narrow down your choice, here are several more best fonts for a professional cover letter we recommend using. 

1. Arial 

Arial font has been around since the 1980s. You are probably well-familiar with it if you are a Windows user. Arial has been the default font for this operating system since the 1990s. It’s a web-friendly sans serif typeface. However, many graphic designers suggest avoiding Arial in print as it ends up looking somewhat plain, especially in bigger sizes. 

But since most of us dispatch email cover letters these days, it shouldn’t be much of a concern. 

2. Helvetica 

Helvetica is a Swiss-born typeface as its name indicates (Helvetia is the Latin word for Switzerland). Originally created by a freelance designer for a Haus foundry, it became hugely popular thanks to Apple. While Microsoft chose Arial as the main font for its OS, Apple picked Helvetica for the same purpose. 

Helvetica is also a sans serif font and it’s very readable. That’s because it has even kerning in any variation — bold, italic, or skinny — which gives the reader a sense of clean spacing. 

3. Calibri 

Calibri is a digital-native sans serif post. It was created specifically for online documents in the early 2000s — and presented to the general public with Microsoft Office 2007 and Windows Vista releases. Up till today, it remains the default font in MS Office. 

It has a pleasant rounded feel to it, paired with a tight layout. Thanks to it, you can flexibly change text size without losing resolution. So if you need to fit a longer cover letter into one page , try using Calibri in size 11. 

4. Georgia 

Don’t let this name trick you — the Georgia typeface was designed in the US in the 1990s for Microsoft corporation (again). But it was introduced only in 2006 as one of the standard fonts.

Georgia was originally envisioned as an alternative serif font to Times New Roman, which would look better on smaller screen sizes. Times New Roman becomes hard to read in small sizes. 

Overall, Georgia is a great cover letter font option for those who want to add some extra “personality” to your cover letter, while still maintaining professionalism. 

5. Garamond

Garamond is another fine example of a time-tested font. It was modeled after an old-styled Latin typeface, used by a 16th-century engraver Claude Garamond. But don’t let its age deter you, Garamond looks fresher compared to other popular serif fonts like Times New Roman and Georgia.  So if you want to give your cover letter a subtle creative flair, go for this option. 

Verdana typeface family is another ‘brainchild’ of Microsoft Corporation, released in the late 1990s.  It was modeled after humanist sans serif fonts such as the ones still used by the London Underground.

Yet Verdana has a more modern feel to it and touts generous width and spacing between letters. It also has a prominent distinction between frequently confused letters just as  lowercase i j l, the uppercase I J L, and the number 1.

Making Cover Letter Font Selection Easier 

If you feel that typography isn’t your forte, go with a “safe” choice of Times New Roman. Yes, it’s somewhat overused, but this fact doesn’t make it less professional. Alternatively, opt for popular sans serif fonts such as Ariel, Helvetica, or Verdana. There you go — you now have no more excuses for not working on your cover letter !

Elena runs content operations at Freesumes since 2017. She works closely with copywriters, designers, and invited career experts to ensure that all content meets our highest editorial standards. Up to date, she wrote over 200 career-related pieces around resume writing, career advice... more

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A Guide To The Best Fonts For a Cover Letter (With Examples)

Written by Mark DeGrasso

May 3, 2023.

When it comes to your job search, every detail counts, including the font you choose for your cover letter. While you may think that the content of your letter is the most important thing, the font you use can make a significant impact on the reader’s perception of you. In this article, we will guide you through the process of selecting the best font for your cover letter, giving you the edge you need to stand out from the crowd.

Tips On Choosing the Perfect Font For Your Cover Letter

Choosing the right font for your cover letter is an important step in creating a professional and polished impression on potential employers. While it may seem overwhelming to choose from the vast array of options available, there are some key considerations to keep in mind that can help make the decision easier.

First and foremost, it is important to stick to professional fonts that are widely recognized and easy to read. Arial, Helvetica, and Times New Roman are all excellent choices that are commonly used in business settings. These fonts are straightforward and legible, making them a safe bet for any cover letter.

Another important factor to consider is the legibility of your chosen font in small sizes. While you may be tempted to choose a more decorative or unique font to stand out, it is important to remember that your cover letter may be viewed on a variety of devices and printouts. Choosing a font that is easily readable in small sizes can help ensure that your letter is accessible to all potential employers.

It is also important to avoid fonts that may be difficult to read or give off an unprofessional impression. Decorative or cursive fonts, while visually interesting, can be challenging to decipher and may not be appropriate for a professional cover letter.

When considering your font choice, it can also be helpful to think about the company you are applying to and their brand. Do they have a particular font that they use in their materials? If so, using that font in your cover letter can help demonstrate that you are a good fit for the company and its values.

Finally, it is always a good idea to test your font choice by printing a copy of your letter and reviewing it for legibility and readability. This can help ensure that your cover letter is polished and professional, and that you are presenting yourself in the best possible light to potential employers.

The Top Ten Fonts For Your Cover Letter and Why

When it comes to creating a cover letter, choosing the right font can make all the difference. While there are countless fonts to choose from, some are more conducive to a professional cover letter than others. Here are the top ten fonts to consider:

• Arial   – This clean, sans-serif font is a standard in the business world. It is easy to read, widely recognized, and can be used in various sizes. Arial is a safe choice that can work well for any industry.
• Helvetica   – Similar to Arial, this versatile font has a classic look and is easy to read in small and large sizes. It is a popular choice in the design industry and can work well for creative roles.
• Times New Roman   – This serif font is an excellent choice for a traditional industry, such as law or academia. It is easy to read and adds a touch of professionalism. Times New Roman has been a popular choice for many years and is a safe bet for any conservative industry.
• Calibri   – Another sans-serif font that is easy to read, Calibri has been widely used since its debut in Microsoft Office in 2007. It has a modern look and is a good choice for industries that value innovation and creativity.
• Garamond   – This serif font has been around for centuries and is known for its timeless elegance. It is an excellent choice for creative fields or those where a classic touch is desired. Garamond is a great choice for industries such as art, fashion, or luxury goods.
• Georgia   – Similar to Garamond, Georgia is a classic serif font that is easy to read and has a timeless feel. It is particularly suited to fields such as journalism or publishing, where a traditional look is valued.
• Verdana   – This simple sans-serif font is an excellent choice for electronic communication as it is easy to read on-screen. It has a modern look and is a good choice for industries that value simplicity and ease of use.
• Baskerville   – This elegant serif font is another excellent choice for traditional industries. It is classy and easy to read in small sizes. Baskerville is a great choice for industries such as finance , law, or government.
• Trebuchet MS   – A sans-serif font that is easy on the eyes, Trebuchet MS is a good choice for a sleek look. It has a modern feel and can work well for industries such as marketing or advertising.
• Century Gothic   – This elegant sans-serif font is an excellent choice for those looking for a modern, sophisticated look. It has a unique look that can make your cover letter stand out. Century Gothic is a great choice for industries such as technology or design.

Remember, the font you choose for your cover letter should reflect your personality and the industry you are applying to. While these top ten fonts are a great starting point, be sure to choose a font that is easy to read and professional.

Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that the font is just one aspect of your cover letter. The content and formatting are equally important in making a strong impression on potential employers. Be sure to proofread your cover letter carefully and tailor it to the specific job you are applying for.

Using the Right Font Can Make or Break Your Cover Letter

Your cover letter is your chance to make a great first impression with a potential employer. It’s important to remember that the font you choose can have a big impact on how your letter is perceived. While the content of your letter is essential, the font you use can make a difference in how you are perceived.

When it comes to choosing a font for your cover letter, it’s important to consider the industry and company culture. For example, if you’re applying for a job in a creative field, you may want to consider using a more playful or unique font. However, if you’re applying for a job in a more traditional industry, such as finance or law, you may want to stick with a more classic and professional font.

Another thing to consider when choosing a font for your cover letter is readability. You want to make sure that your letter is easy to read and that the font you choose is not too small or too difficult to read. A font that is difficult to read or unprofessional can make a negative impression on the reader.

One popular font choice for cover letters is Times New Roman. This font is classic and professional, making it a great choice for traditional industries. Other popular font choices include Arial, Calibri, and Helvetica.

Ultimately, the font you choose for your cover letter should be based on what is appropriate for your field, the company culture, and the application process. Take the time to choose the best font for your cover letter, and you will increase your chances of making a great first impression.

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What are the best cover letter fonts?

Should you use a serif or a non-serif font for cover letters?

What is the correct font size for a cover letter, what font size is too small for a cover letter, cover letter spacing and white space.

What is the best cover letter fonts? There's no single correct answer to this frequently asked question. But when it comes to choosing the right font for your own cover letter, you have quite a few great options.

The best fonts to use in a cover letter are those that are attractive, clean and easy to read. 

You want hiring managers to take one glance at your cover letter and think “Looks good!” before they even start reading. Then you want them to read every word, focusing on your content — not distracted by a strange font choice or a font size that’s too big or too small.

If you choose some odd-looking, avant garde font to make your cover letter stand out, it will — but for all the wrong reasons. The recruiter is likely to frown and wonder why you chose such a weird font, and you’ve already got one strike against you. 

There is no shortage of online advice about how to choose the best font for cover letters, including YouTube videos such as this one.

Choosing between serif and sans serif fonts

Your choice of cover letter font ultimately comes down to two basic font types: serif and sans serif.

Serif fonts : A serif is a decorative flourish, a small line or stroke added to the letters of the alphabet. For example, a capital A in a serif typeface will have a small horizontal line at the bottom of the two diagonal lines that form the primary part of the letter — they look like tiny pedestals that form a base for the letter. 

Serifs are added to the parts of letters that end in mid-air; for example, a lowercase “i” as in “ice” will generally have a serif at the top pointing left and a serif at the bottom pointing both right and left. But you’ll probably never see a serif on the letter “o” because it’s a circle where no part of the letter ends in mid-air. 

Sans serif fonts : Sans serif fonts don’t use serifs, so they look more like the alphabet displayed above the blackboard in an elementary school classroom. For example, if you print the letter “i” on a piece of paper with a pencil, you probably just draw a straight vertical line and add a dot on top of it. That’s sans serif. But if you add little decorations to the vertical line, those are serifs.

There is no right or wrong answer to the question of using a serif or non-serif cover letter font, as long as it's easy on the eyes and doesn't distract your reader. Perhaps with the exception of header text only, you should use the same font consistently throughout. It can be a matter of personal preference, as well as compatibility with the occupation, employer and industry. In terms of “personality,” serif fonts tend to be perceived as more traditional, formal, mature and reliable, while sans serif fonts are commonly described as sleek, modern and clean.

Chances are, you've heard the rule that serif fonts are easy to read. However, there's little weight to that argument.

Research into the theory suggests that serif fonts may produce a "tiny legibility increase" when the type is small or far away. However, the study authors concluded that overall there is "no difference in legibility between typefaces" that are serif or sans serif.

The top 8 cover letter fonts to use

Here is our list of good fonts for cover letters:

• Arial : Sort of like a Helvetica for the 21st century, Arial is a modern sans serif font popular for its legibility and clean lines. This one always makes the list of best fonts for cover letters.

• Calibri : Another good sans serif option, Calibri is the current default font for Microsoft Word.

• Cambria : A good-looking serif font designed for computer screens, commissioned by Microsoft.

• Garamond : A classic serif font like you’d expect to see in a pricey new book by a top publisher.

• Georgia : Currently a very popular serif font, said to read well in small sizes; call it the new Times New Roman.

• Lato : A “serious but friendly” sans serif font created by Google for computer screens, but it doesn’t come with Microsoft Word applications.

• Trebuchet : A sans serif font from Microsoft, also designed to look good online. If you're looking for the best fonts for cover letters, look no further than this one.

• Verdana : Another sans serif font from Microsoft, Verdana looks sort of a like a chilled-out version of Arial.

Fonts to NOT use in your cover letter

Now you know about the best fonts for cover letters, let's talk about the worst. Unless you’re really loving unemployment, don’t use these fonts in a cover letter:

• Brush Script : If you favor fonts that look like cursive, you might as well just grab a pen and write the letter with your own hand.

• Comic Sans : If you’re designing a comic book, go for it, but this is not one of the best cover letter fonts. Avoid it at all costs.

• Courier : May be useful for forging a document to look like it was written on a typewriter in the 1970s, but useless in a modern cover letter.

• Impact : Any font that’s this heavy and bold makes it look like you’re trying to compensate for something lacking in your pitch.

Situational fonts for cover letters

You’ll hear conflicting advice on certain fonts, these are generally considered situational fonts and you need to consider the image, character, and context for the job:

Helvetica : There’s nothing wrong with the world’s most famous font, but it’s so old that many consider it yesterday’s choice.

Times New Roman : Same goes for this classic serif font: It still works after all these years, but you won’t get points for originality.

Roboto, Open Sans, Ubuntu : These are clean and legible fonts that are widely used in the tech/IT industry, but they may not be as popular with more traditional jobs and employers. You can feel a bit safer using these when applying to a software company or an IT startup.  Just be advised that you might end up with an overly sleek and techy feel to your document.

Cover letter font size and spacing

Whatever font you choose, do not make the mistake of running it too big or too small. Too big and it looks childish; too small and the reader needs a magnifying glass. And you can always count on resume.io for occupation-specific advice and a top-of-the-line online cover letter builder to boost your career!

A good rule of thumb is to start with a 12-point font size. Font size depends on the font style; for some fonts, 12 points could be too large or 10 points too small. Getting it right may take some trial and error. 

People sometimes ask if an 11-point font is OK for a cover letter, and the answer is yes. Font sizes are typically described in even numbers, but there’s no reason you can’t make your font size 11, or even 11.3, as long as it looks good on the page.

Most cover letters should be one page only, and most first drafts exceed one page, so writers resort to downsizing the font to make it fit. This IS an allowable tactic, but don’t make it any smaller than 10 points.

The temptation to increase your resume to two pages is real, but is it the right thing to do? For a director-level job seeker, the answer will be yes, but what about everyone else? If you do opt for two pages, make the most of them.

In addition to choosing the right font size for your application letter, you need to set appropriate cover letter margins — one inch on the top, bottom, left and right is a good rule. 

Another consideration is cover letter spacing. Every typeface comes with a default amount of “leading” (rhymes with “sledding”), which means the amount of space between lines. This setting is adjustable, but don’t downsize it to squeeze your letter onto one page. Allow for an appropriate amount of white space in your cover letter, or it will look like you’re trying to cram 12 pounds of stuff into a 10-pound bag. 

What do the best cover letter fonts look like?

Look no further than resume.io for samples of what you might decide is the best font for cover letters. And if you’re ready to create your own cover letter, this is also the right place to get started right away. Check out our professionally designed, field-tested cover letter templates in four design categories: simple , creative , modern and professional . 

Our top-of-the-line cover letter builder tool makes it easy to customize your own version for hassle-free, high-quality results in no time. 

You can always count on resume.io for the advice to boost your career! Our job-winning resources include a wide selection of occupation-specific writing guides and free cover letter examples . 

Key takeaways

• Readability is the deciding factor for choosing a cover letter font that’s clean, attractive and non-distracting.
• Our top 8 list of cover letter fonts includes a good selection of serif and non-serif font types to suit your preference.
• With good reason, several fonts belong on a “do not use in a cover letter” list. Others may be okay in certain situations, depending on the image, character and context for the job.
• Cover letter font size and spacing are vitally important considerations, along with font style.

Best of luck with choosing the right fonts and formatting choices for your cover letter. And even if you’ve forgotten everything we’ve said here, remember: Don’t use Comic Sans!

Best Fonts to Use On Your Cover Letter

In This Guide:

Eye-pleasing fonts, get to writing.

Recruiters and human resource specialists look for reasons to keep or throw away cover letters from the second they see them. Your writing style and content of your letter may be the most important factors of whether you make it to the next round or not, but do not overlook the importance of appearance.

You can have the best-crafted cover letter that truly sets you apart from your peers, but if you write it in Comic Sans, someone will likely toss it in the trash before being read. In this article, you’ll learn about some of the best fonts for cover letters.

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There is no single best font for your cover letter, but you cannot go wrong with the options listed below. Whether you are looking for something classic, safe, or professional while still being fun, you will find something that works for you.

Arial is a sans serif font, meaning without strokes at the ends of letters, and is always a safe choice. This classic font is clean and easy to read, making it the standard choice for most business uses — including cover letters. Arial is also a standard sans serif choice for many commonly used applications such as Microsoft Word and Google Docs.

Times new roman

Times New Roman was the standard font for printed work before documents, including cover letters, were primarily read on computer screens and tablets. This is one of the best fonts for cover letters due to it being a serif font, meaning letters have strokes that help make them easier to identify and read.

Calibri has served as Microsoft’s default serif font for nearly 15 years from its creation to today. The software giant is in the process of moving on to new options, but Calibri is still a popular and safe choice for your cover letter. The design consists of more defined lines and curves for lettering, which increases readability.

Lato is one of the best fonts for cover letters for job seekers who want to be professional but add some style. This sans serif font comes in a variety of typefaces from thin to ultra-bold. This modern font was created by Polish designer Łukasz Dziedzic in 2010.

Exo 2 is a redesigned geometric sans serif font created by Portuguese designer Natanael Gama while he was doodling glyphs. This contemporary font grabs attention in the right way while still maintaining professionality. Exo 2 would be one of the best fonts for a cover letter for anyone applying for a creative or non-corporate position.

Helvetica is a classic font that has been a favorite of the business and art worlds since the 1950s. This sans it specifically designed serif font to be neutral, making it one of the best fonts for cover letters as it will not distract the reader from what you have written.

You cannot go wrong with any of the choices mentioned here. Some fonts like Arial and Times New Roman are used more than others, but all are safe options that will not turn an evaluator off from your cover letter on sight. So check them out, make your choice, and write that cover letter!

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How to Format a Cover Letter: Best Font, Size and Layouts

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Best format for a cover letter

Tips for choosing the best font for a cover letter, common font sizes for a cover letter, how to format a cover letter.

A cover letter is meant to highlight why you’re the perfect fit for the position you’re applying for. It should capture the employer’s attention, leaving them with a memorable impression of you. Every job that you apply for should have a unique cover letter. This article explains how to present the information in your cover letter in a visually organized format, using the best font, size and layout.

Learning how to format a cover letter is one of the first things you’ll need to do before applying for a job. Most employers will insist that you submit both a resume and a cover letter when applying for a job. This is important to know especially when applying for your first job⁠ because you might not have any previous experience with this process. A well-written cover letter will consist of a meaningful introduction, concise examples of relevant skills and work experience, and a brief conclusion. 

The most effective cover letters focus on having these elements for the best format:

• Readable font style
• Standard font size
• Visually appealing layout

The body of the cover letter should be written in about three short paragraphs, on one page and you should identify the reason behind why you want to join the organization. However, if you submit your resume using the incorrect fonts, font sizes or layout, you may be eliminated from the job pool no matter how compelling your personal story is.

The secret to writing a pleasant-looking cover letter is to make sure you’re including all of the fundamental sections while also focusing on using the best fonts, font sizes and layout. 

Some of the best fonts to use are:

• Book Antiqua

The best cover letters use fonts that are easy to read in print and on screens. Make sure your cover letters are written using fonts that make it easy for both a human recruiter and a software tracking system to read. In most cases, it is a good idea to use simple, modern fonts and avoid adding color to the font. Keep in mind, this doesn’t mean to eliminate all creativity in your cover letter.

Essentially, you need to make sure that the font used in your cover letter does not overwhelm the ability of the hiring manager or software bots to read or properly scan. To satisfy both parties, you’ll need to find a balance between design and simplicity.

Too large or too small of a font size can be a challenge for both the hiring manager and the parsing software to read. The ideal font sizes are 10, 11 and 12.

Here are some tips you can follow to help you decide what font size to use for your cover letter:

• Use the font size 10 when trying to keep the cover letter to no longer than one page
• Use font size 12 when you’re trying to fill the page out a bit more
• In all other cases, the preferable font size is 11

For example, if you’re using font size 11 and your cover letter fills only about half the page, go ahead and increase it to 12 to fill out the page to make the entire document more visually appealing. Also, in cases where your cover letter exceeds one page, do not decrease the font to below 10 to try and fit it all on one page. The best solution is to rework the letter to decrease the overall word count.

The formatting of a cover letter should align with the business and the industry for which you are applying. For example, if you’re applying for a position in the finance industry, you should not have a creative or flashy-looking cover letter with colorful borders and exotic fonts. Instead, focus on creating content that matches keywords, while keeping a clean, modern look. 

Here are some steps you can follow to format your own cover letter:

1. First, begin by listing the date and your contact information

2. second, address the hiring manager with a salutation or greeting, 3. third, use the opening paragraph to introduce yourself and state why you’re interested in the open position, 4. next, use the middle paragraph to outline your relevant experience, qualifications or skills that make you the ideal candidate, 5. then, include a closing paragraph to thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration, 6. finally, add a complimentary phrase and your signature to close the letter in a friendly way.

Each of the elements in your cover letter should all use the same font and font size throughout the entire document. The layout should be consistent with a typical business letter with a left-margin justification. Also, the cover letter should be single-spaced and a return should be placed between each of the six sections. Finally, when submitting the cover letter, make sure it is in a compatible file format, such as a Microsoft Word document or PDF. This will ensure that the parsing software and the hiring manager can properly open the document.

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Choosing The Best Font For Cover Letters and Resumes

• Cover Letter Format
• Salutation and Greeting
• Who To Address When Unknown
• How To Start A Cover Letter
• How To End A Cover Letter
• Best Cover Letter Font And Size
• Cover Letter Spacing
• Cover Letter Length
• Key Elements Of A Cover Letter
• How To Write An Address
• Official Letter Format
• Cover Letter Opening

Find a Job You Really Want In

When seeking the ideal job, your cover letter font, as well as your resume font, are your initial opportunities to showcase your qualifications and professionalism. Your choice of fonts and font size plays a pivotal role in leaving a lasting impression on potential employers. Discover how selecting the best cover letter fonts and font sizes for your application can significantly impact your job application’s success..

Key Takeaways:

Pick the appropriate font for the role and be stylistically consistent throughout your resume . This helps makes a more professional appearance

Good choices for standard, professional fonts to use on a resume include Times New Roman, Arial, Helvetica, and more – always stick to fonts that look simple and clean.

A page that’s too cluttered with text looks unprofessional and doesn’t give the hiring manager a good reading experience, so make sure to use white space appropriately.

Why does font matter in a cover letter?

Picking an appropriate font size for a cover letter, personalize your font selection, including white space, reminders for email cover letters, best fonts for your resume 2023 faq, final thoughts.

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Choosing the right cover letter font and resume font is important because can make or break whether your document is visually appealing and giving the impression you want. To pick your cover letter’s font, you should first think about what your intention is for your letter. For cover letters, the main intention is for your words and message to do all the talking. This means the font should not be artsy, fun, or obscure. It should allow your words to be immediately legible.

Additionally, consider being consistent in your font choice for both your cover letter and resume. The stylistic consistency may seem like a small detail, but it allows for recruits or hiring managers to easily flow from one document to the next, without any distractions in the way.

The size of your font is equally as important as choosing the correct font for your cover letter. If the text of your letter is too small or visibly challenging, your application might be passed up for another candidate.

There are three general options when picking a font size, 10, 11, or 12. Your cover letter should always fit on one-page, so consider this when formatting your first draft. A smaller font is appropriate if it helps keep all of your text on one page. However, if your cover letter is on the shorter side , choosing font size 12 is equally as appropriate.

It’s also important to note that different fonts come in a variety of sizes.

Once your cover letter is written, spend some time on formatting to make sure it looks good and fits on one page. If you have already selected the smallest size and your copy bleeds into a second page, try adjusting the margins or see where you can cut to condense the letter.

While there is no science behind picking the perfect font, there are specific fonts that are highly regarded for their perception of being easily readable, professional, and clean. Below, we outline some of the best cover letter fonts to choose from.

Arial features crisp lines and no-frills, an easily readable and familiar font for a cover letter . Being one of the most popular cover letter fonts in the world, it’s also beneficial as the standard font for Microsoft Word and Google Docs. There’s a good chance your recruiter or hiring manager has this font existing in their word processor of choice.

Avenir is a good way to be bold on your resume and cover letter but without taking the risk. This font features playful curves that help liven up any piece of copy to stand-out in the best way possible. It’s a good choice of font if you are looking to get into the design space or any creative type of job.

Calibri was initially designed by Microsoft as a candidate to replace Times New Roman in Word, and it’s a standard font usually found on resumes or cover letters. With its clean and simple typeface, it’s easily one of the most readable fonts out there. It’s both familiar and friendly, a great choice for any cover letter.

Cambria has a serif face and traditional design that makes it easy to read both in print or on the computer screen, even in low resolutions. The even spacing and proportions make this an ideal choice for cover letters.

Garamond is a more delicate font, but with a classic serif form, good for conveying an air of sophistication on resumes. Based on sixteenth-century designs, the Garamond style typefaces are perfect for both print and digital cover letters readability.

Georgia is a popular font developed by Microsoft, and can be a good choice for cover letter font because it’s unique yet clean. The serif typeface is both elegant and legible, with a mixture of both thick and thin strokes. This font is also used by Georgiacompanies in their branding, such as Amazon and the New York Times.

Helvetica is one of the most widely used sans-serif fonts in the world. Its neo-grotesque design was first brought to popularity by Swiss designers. Its neutral and clean look has made it a top choice for many businesses.

Times New Roman is the most traditional font of all, and is likely the most popular choice for resume font. It is popular for most job seekers with its simple and elegant design. Keep in mind that since this is one of the most common resume and cover letter fonts, it’s not something to use if you’re looking to be unique or convey creativity. But that’s not to say it’s not a great choice. This is a safe and easy font choice for your cover letter.

Trebuchet MS is a great font choice if you are looking to fill a little extra space on your cover letter. Being a bit broader with thicker lines, this font will fill the page and allow for easy readability. It’s also a common font found in most word processors and Google Docs.

Verdana was initially designed to be readable in small sizes and on low-resolution screens, making it perfect if you need to use a smaller font size for your cover letter. It has a large x-height with wide proportions and letter-spacing to allow for easy legibility.

Montserrat is a contemporary sans-serif font that reads as both stylish and legible on cover letters. Its clean and minimalist design, coupled with uniform stroke widths, lends a modern and fresh look to your application materials. Montserrat is an excellent choice for those seeking a clean and trendy aesthetic while maintaining readability and professionalism in their resume or cover letter.

Baskerville is a classic serif font known for its elegance and readability, two qualities you may want to embody when writing your cover letter. With roots dating back to the 18th century, Baskerville offers a sense of tradition and sophistication. The well-defined letterforms and high contrast between thick and thin strokes make it a perfect choice for conveying professionalism and attention to detail in your resume or cover letter.

Going with one of the listed fonts for your cover letter and resume puts you in a good place for the formatting of your cover letter. As with many things, font choice is subjective, and you should make the choice you feel most comfortable with.

The last thing to be mindful of is how many fonts you choose to use for your cover letter.

Since there are a few different pieces to a cover letter, you may be tempted to use different fonts for headers , introductions , or conclusions . However, it’s good practice to only use one font for your cover letter. Maintaining this consistency ensures a smooth reading process for your recruiter or hiring manager.

When formatting your cover letter, it’s always important to remember that there is a significant amount of space required at the top of your letter. Additionally, you should leave white space between each paragraph and each new section of the cover letter .

Usually, word processors have templates that you can use to make sure you properly space your cover letter. Again, don’t forget that your entire cover letter should fit on a single page, so it’s important to take some time to play with the formatting once you are done writing your letter. Perfecting your formatting ensures you will make a stellar first impression.

The best practices outlined in this article are mostly for cover letters that are in hard-copy or emailed as a Word document or PDF attachment. If your job application instructs you to include your cover letter in the body of the email, you might be tempted to copy, paste, and send.

However, be mindful of how the formatting shifts when you copy and paste things into an email, making it tricky for the hiring manager or recruiter to read. Be sure you either fix the formatting in the body of the email or copy and paste it as plain text directly into the email.

What role does font choice play in my resume and cover letter?

Font choice plays a crucial role in your resume and cover letter as it directly impacts readability and the overall impression you make on potential employers. The right font can enhance professionalism, clarity, and visual appeal, while the wrong choice can distract from your content or make it difficult to read.

Should I use a serif or sans-serif font for my resume and cover letter?

Whether to use a serif or sans-serif font depends on your personal preference and the style you want to convey. Serif fonts, with their small decorative strokes, often exude tradition and professionalism. On the other hand, sans-serif fonts are clean and modern, offering a sleek and contemporary look. Ultimately, the choice should align with your industry and the image you want to project.

The font you choose is your resume’s first impression, so choosing the right one can you get your job applications started on the right foot. The way your resume is organized and how it looks at a glance can say a lot about you even before the hiring manager even starts to read it.

Be sure to use a simple, professional font and break your resume down into sections balanced out by plenty of white space.

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Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.

Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.

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Why are cover letter font, size, and style important?

So you’ve slaved away for days on end drafting a great cover letter to go with your resume but you end up choosing an unprofessional font for your cover letter and all your hard work goes in vain because of a minor mishap.

Not exactly a situation that job seekers dream about, isn’t it?

You see, your cover letter font is important because it directly impacts your letter’s readability and appeal.

If the recruiters can’t read the contents of your cover letter with ease, the chances of you being shortlisted are slim.

Whereas, a well-chosen cover letter font with the right styling, size, space, and margin can help you make a good impression on the recruiters.

Read on to learn more about cover letter font and the following related FAQs:

• What font is best for cover letter?
• How to choose a cover letter font?
• What font size should a cover letter be?
• How to set cover letter margins and font spacing?
• What cover letter font style should you use?
• What are some common FAQs about cover letter font?

Top 10 Cover Letter Fonts

When it comes to cover letter font type, the options are plenty. The key is simply to ensure that the font you select looks professional and simple.

Here are some top cover letter fonts that you can choose from:

Times New Roman: If you want to play it safe and go for the traditional approach, Times New Roman is your best choice. This font type is widely used when candidates are applying for government jobs and other traditional industries such as law and medicine.

Helvetica: Being a contemporary font option, this is a suitable choice for your cover letter font if you are seeking jobs in marketing, sales, or business. Due to its concise design, it does not distract the readers from the content.

Calibri: With its modern and light design, Calibri makes for an elegant cover letter font. This font’s popularity has toppled Times New Roman as the default font in Microsoft Word.

Arial: If you are unsure of the type of fonts job seekers generally use in your industry, Arial is a great option for your cover letter font. Due to its sleek and minimal design, the majority of candidates prefer this font style.

Garamond: Garamond is a popular cover letter font used by job seekers in their applications. It is a classic serif font that is commonly used by professionals in both creative and academic industries.

Trebuchet MS: Due to its slightly larger and bolder design, Trebuchet MS takes up more space and is well suited for fresh graduates who are writing a short cover letter with less content.

Didot: Didot is a good cover letter font if you are applying for jobs in the fashion, architecture, or graphic design industries as this cover letter font is considered to be more artist-friendly and creative among others.

Tahoma: This cover letter font type can be a great option for job seekers from any industry as it is very reader-friendly, modern, and simple.

Georgia: Since this font is commonly used by newspapers, it is one of the most popular fonts in the writing industry. With its modern yet classic design, Georgia is a good cover letter font if you are targeting jobs in the writing or creative industries.

Cambria: If you are sending your cover letter in an online format, Cambria is a great font for your cover letter as it was specially designed to facilitate screen reading.

Also read: How to write a cover letter in 2022?

Tips on How to Choose a Cover Letter Font

Even if you want to stray away from a traditional font like Times New Roman and want your cover letter to stand out from the rest, your top priority must be your cover letter’s reader friendliness.

Your cover letter font must not distract the recruiters from its content. Avoid using fonts that include special characters or are too stylish.

Since the majority of employers use the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to select suitable candidates based on the use of relevant keywords in their resumes and cover letters, it is best to use simple cover letter fonts to ensure that the ATS can easily scan your cover letter for the same.

However, this doesn’t mean that your cover letter font must be bland or outdated. You can choose a modern and sharp font that can help your cover letter stand out by following these tips:

Do Your Research

Yes, you need to research the company you’re targeting to probe the type of font they have used in their websites, job listings, press releases, etc.

The chances of them resonating with your cover letter will be higher when they see a familiar font in your cover letter as opposed to a completely new font.

Accordingly, choose a font (from the recommended list) that matches their font type for your cover letter.

Consider the Industry Type

When you are choosing a cover letter font, you must also consider the nature of the industry you’re in.

For instance, if you are applying for jobs in the creative industry such as graphic design, writing, fashion, marketing, etc, you can choose a font with a slightly stylish design like Didot, Helvetica, Proxima Nova, and Garamond.

While aspiring candidates in conventional industries like medical, law, and engineering fields, must stick with traditional fonts like Times New Roman and Calibri.

Ensure Uniformity

Always ensure that you use only one cover letter font throughout your letter.

Mixing and matching is the last thing you want to do in your cover letter as it will distract the recruiters from the content and it also doesn’t look professional.

Instead, you can use different font sizes and types to segregate the headings and the body.

Choose the Correct File Format

To ensure that your cover letter font remains intact, you must save your file in a PDF format unless the recruiters have specified any other format like .doc or Docx. in the listing.

Also read: What are some good cover letter examples?

Cover Letter Font Size and Spacing

The standard cover letter font size commonly used by candidates is 12 points.

However, depending on the type of font you select, the size can be changed between - 10, 11, and 12, points.

The reason is, that certain fonts can appear too small or too large at 12 points due to their spatial proportions.

And since your cover letter must not exceed one page, you can adjust your cover letter font size to fit the page.

But ensure that you don’t go below 10 points and that the smaller cover letter font size does not affect the readability.

If your font size is too small, recruiters may reject your cover letter even before reading it and the ATS may not be able to scan the small font size.

• Consider showing your cover letter to your friends and family for feedback on its reader-friendliness and appeal.

As for the cover letter margins and font spacing, ensure you follow the below-given guidelines:

• Maintain 1.5 line spacing if you are following the 3 paragraph cover letter format
• Stick to the universal business letter margin standard and keep 1" margins on all sides of your cover letter
• Use single space in your cover letter and skip a line between each section (Header, date, address, subject line, salutation, and the 3 paragraphs)
• Left-align the contents of your cover letter to follow the universal business letter standard

Also read: How to start a cover letter?

Cover Letter Font Style

Once you are done choosing the perfect cover letter font size and type, the next step is highlighting crucial details with a different cover letter font style.

While the body of your cover letter will not have any font style, you can use Bold and Italics to draw the recruiters' attention to certain details.

Avoid using cover letter font style like underlining as it serves the same purpose as bolding.

Besides, bolding is the most commonly used cover letter font style to highlight details in professional paperwork.

Also read: How to write a cover letter for resume?

FAQs about Cover Letter Font

Is 11 point font okay for a cover letter?

Yes, depending on the font type of your cover letter, the font size can range between 10-12 points.

Should my cover letter and resume be the same font?

Yes, to maintain uniformity, you must use the same font in your cover letter and resume.

Why are cover letters important?

Cover letters are important because 65% of hiring managers agreed that a well-written cover letter can influence their hiring decision.

Also Read: How to choose an ideal cover letter template in 2022?

Key Points from the Blog

• A well-chosen cover letter font with the right styling and size can help your cover letter make a good impression on the recruiters.
• Always ensure that the cover letter font you select is simple and easy to read .
• Avoid using cover letter fonts that include special characters or are too stylish as it can distract the recruiters from the content and can block the ATS from picking up keywords from your cover letter.
• Use only a single cover letter font type in your letter to ensure uniformity.
• Although the standard cover letter font size used by candidates is 12 points, you can change it between 10-12 points , according to the font type and the amount of content you have in your letter.
• Use cover letter font style like bolding to draw the recruiters' attention to crucial details.

If you are still confused over cover letter font size and style, you can simply use Hiration’s AI-powered cover letter builder which will help you draft a perfect letter without the hassle of selecting the font type or size. You can also write to us at [email protected] .

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How to Choose the Best Font and Font Size for Cover Letters

Keep it Professional

Choose one simple font, pick an appropriate font size, how to make your font selection, include plenty of white space, sending email cover letters.

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When you are writing a cover letter , it's important to use a font—or type style—that is clear and easy to read. Consider that hiring managers have to review dozens, if not hundreds, of applicants for a position. They may immediately pass over a cover letter and resume that isn’t instantly legible.

Be sure to make your font large enough so that the reader doesn't have to squint to read your letter, but not so large that your letter doesn't fit well on the page.

When it comes to choosing a font to use in your cover letter, your best bet is to keep it simple and professional. You want your words and message to stand out, not your font choice.

Avoid using unprofessional novelty-style fonts such as Comic Sans, handwriting, or script-style fonts.

Ideally, the font used in the cover letter will be both the same size and style as the one used in your resume, to help you present a cohesive package.

Review these tips for determining the right font for your cover letter, as well as what size it should be, and which styles are and are not appropriate to use in a cover letter.

Using a simple font will ensure that your cover letter is easy to read. Basic fonts like Arial, Courier New, Calibri, Verdana, and Times New Roman work the best. Most word processing and email programs will default to a professional and easily readable choice.

Limit yourself to one font in your cover letter; it's best not to mix several fonts in one document.

There is no need to use different styles in a cover letter. Avoid underlining or italicizing, and use boldface text only when emphasizing quantifiable achievements that need to “pop” on the page.

Depending on how much content you have in your letter, select a 10- or 12-point font size.

It's best if you can format your cover letter so it fits on one page, with margins that are no larger than 1” and no smaller than .7”.

If your letter includes a heading with your name and contacts information, you may choose to make this font slightly larger.

When you are using Microsoft Word, you can select a template for your letter or start from scratch with a new document. If you're using a different word processing program, the process is similar.

• Select a font from the list at the top of your document before you start writing your letter, or:
• Type your cover letter.
• Highlight the content of your letter.
• Either select the font from the pop-up window or select the font from the list at the top of the document.
• Select the font size you want to use the same way.
• Proofread your cover letter.
• Print your cover letter, even if you are going to upload it online, to make sure that it is formatted, properly spaced, and looks the way you want it to.

Regardless of the font size, you select, there needs to be space at the top of the letter and between each paragraph and each  section of your cover letter . Here's how to  space your cover letter .

You may need to try a couple of different sizes to make sure that your cover letter fits on a single page, and you have enough white space in between paragraphs. Review these formatting tips to be sure your letter will make the best impression.

The information above applies primarily to instances where you are sending a traditional cover letter by snail mail or when you are sending a formal cover letter as a Word or PDF attachment to an email message .

Copying and pasting a cover letter into the body of an email message may change the formatting, making it difficult to read for an employer who may have a different computer system.

The safest thing to do when you are copying and pasting your cover letter into an email is to remove the formatting and reformat it as plain text. Send a copy to yourself before you send it to an employer to double-check that it reads correctly.

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Best Font for Cover Letter

The best font for cover letter purposes is one that is clear and easy to read. Hiring managers will quickly pass over a cover letter that isn't instantly legible. Keep your cover letter font professional, simple and consistent with your resume font.

An important consideration is the fact that your cover letter may be viewed on a desktop, laptop or mobile device so stick to a universal font that renders well on all screens.

5 Best Font for Cover Letter Styles

Hiring managers and recruiters largely agree on these being the 5 best font for cover letter styles.

Helvetica is a modern favorite that works well for all cover letters. It only comes preloaded on Apple computers so Arial is an excellent alternative if you don't have a Mac.

Arial is the standard font for Google Docs and Microsoft Word, meaning that it will display accurately on all computers. It renders well on all screen sizes and its crisp lines make it clear and simple to read.

It is sometimes considered too familiar and bland for jobs in creative and trendy companies and a more contemporary font may be better suited for these type of cover letters

2. Times New Roman

Times New Roman is a popular and traditional font that presents as classic and professional. It is a good cover letter font to use when you want to convey a serious and formal approach. An appropriate choice for jobs in traditional and conservative industries.

3. Trebuchet MS

A less used, modern and clean cover letter font with an energetic feel. Very easy to read and renders well on all screen sizes, particularly smaller devices.

Its thicker lines and wider body makes it useful when you are trying to fill up space such as for entry level cover letters. A good choice for jobs in marketing, media, publishing and start-ups.

This font has taken the place of Times New Roman as the MS Office default font so it is familiar and easy to access on all devices. Its tighter layout is useful when you have to fit a large amount of text on one page for your cover letter.

A modern and clean font that has been described as warm and gentle by its designer, this cover letter font works well for jobs in nursing, social work, teaching and care-related professions

A classic font with a contemporary feel that was designed specifically for easy reading on computer and mobile screens.

An ideal font for a professional cover letter look with elements of elegance and trendiness.

All of these 5 cover letter fonts are legible, clean-looking,  professional and render accurately on most devices. They are unlikely to cause problems with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and will ensure your cover letter can be easily read.  They are suitable for both on-screen and print versions of your cover letter.

What is the best font for cover letter style?

Top tips for best font for cover letter

• stick to one font style and size throughout your cover letter
• your cover letter and resume font should be the same style and size to present a consistent and professional look
• italics, bold and highlighting should be used sparingly, if at all, as they detract from the clean and easy-to-read look of your cover letter
• ensure your cover letter fits on one page
• Print your cover letter, even if you are going to upload it online, to make sure that it looks the way you want

What is the best cover letter font size?

Your cover letter font should be sufficient size to be easy to read but not so big that your cover letter does not fit on one page.  You may need to try a couple of different sizes to make sure that your cover letter is legible and fits on a single page.

For most font styles 12-point is the standard size and is easy to scan and read in different formats. Some fonts may look better at 10.5- or 11-point. To find the best size for your cover letter, try each of the standard sizes to find the most legible version.

If your cover letter includes a heading with your name and contact details you may choose to make this slightly bigger than the body text. If this creates problems with keeping your cover letter to a single page, rather bold those details. 

How to format your font and cover letter

Include sufficient white space for a clean, easy-to-scan and legible look. There needs to be space at the top of the letter and between each paragraph of your cover letter. Using bullet points is a useful way to increase legibility and to make an impact with your cover letter.

Use the right spacing for your cover letter for readability. Single, double and 1.5 spacing are the most common selections. 

The cover letter must be clearly formatted and easy to read. Long sentences and insufficient line spacing are to be avoided because they clutter the letter and make it  hard to scan and read quickly. 

How to create a cover letter that works

How to save and send your cover letter

Save your cover letter correctly. The best way to do this is to save it as a PDF file to preserve its original appearance and style.

Send it as a PDF attachment to an email message. Copying-and-pasting a cover letter into the body of your email message may corrupt the formatting and make it hard to read for the hiring manager who may well have a different computer system. When you email your cover letter in word processing format, such as a Microsoft Word file, the formatting may not transfer properly.

A good way to check if your cover letter renders correctly is to send the email with  the attachment to yourself first so you can review it before sending it to the hiring manager.

Font styles to avoid in your cover letter

Just as there are best font for cover letter styles there are some fonts you should never use for your cover letter. 

• avoid unprofessional and novelty-type fonts such as Comic Sans which come across as childish
• avoid heavy and bold cover letter fonts such as Impact which are hard to read and look messy
• Fonts that try to look like type (Lucida Console) or handwriting (Script) are considered insufficiently professional or serious

What is the best font for resumes?

You can find a great article on the best resume fonts for 2023   plus loads of tips on writing a job-winning resume.

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30+ Best Fonts for Resume + Cover Letters

Writing the perfect resume or cover letter takes careful creative thinking. And choosing one of the best fonts for a resume or cover letter can help your words have an impact, look professional, and stand out!

Of course, the contents of these documents are the key thing. But you do need to carefully consider the design of your resume or cover letter to make it appear professional.

In addition to finding the right resume template to represent yourself, choosing the best font for your resume and cover letter is one of the most important tasks that requires attention. It might determine whether you’ll come across as a true professional or an amateur (especially for any creative position).

There are many different styles of fonts you can choose to compliment a resume template . To help you get a headstart, we handpicked a collection of the best fonts for resume and cover letters to help you find the right font for your design.

Best of luck with your job application!

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Amber Queen – Signature Font

This stylish signature font is the perfect typeface you can use to craft an elegant title for your resume or cover letter. It’s also a great choice of font for giving your name more personality.

Rustic Towns – Signature Font

Rustic Town is a yet another elegant signature font you can use with your resume to make your title and headers look more creative. The font includes both uppercase and lowercase letters as well.

Zayley – Serif Regular Font

Zayley is a modern serif font that features a high-end luxury design. It’s ideal for crafting professional resumes for corporate positions. While the font looks great in all-caps, it includes lowercase letters with multilingual support.

VISIA Duo – Geometric Typeface

If you’re looking for a unique font combo to use in your creative resume design, this font will come in handy. It includes natural and outline typeface designs you can use to craft titles and text in your resume and cover letters.

Carolin Duo – Font Family Pack

Carolin Duo is another bundle of fonts that you can use to design modern resume and cover letters. The font comes in serif and sans serif typefaces as well as in multiple font weights.

Nordhead – Business & Corporate Font

Nordhead is a professional font designed for business and corporate designs. This makes it a great choice for crafting resumes and cover letters for applying to corporate jobs.

Adallyn – Serif Font Family Pack

Adallyn is an elegant serif font family that comes with 5 different styles of typefaces ranging from regular to bold font weights. It also features a unique style of character design that’ll help you stand out from the crowd.

Halva – Professional Rounded Font

This font comes with a minimal and modern design that makes it a great choice for using with resumes that use a casual design approach. The font features rounded letters with its own stylish look as well.

SPOTNIK – Ultra Modern Creative Font

Spotnik is a modern space-themed font you can use to craft ultra-modern resumes for applying to startups and creative agencies. The font comes in two different weights allowing you to use it for both titles and paragraphs.

Mallicot – Elegant Script Font

Mallicot is an elegant script font that features a stylish flowing letter design. It’s perfect for crafting resumes for professionals in specific industries such as fashion, design, and luxury brands.

Zevida – Sans Serif Font Family

Zevida is a family of sans serif fonts that includes font weights ranging from thin to regular and bold. It incldues both uppercase and lowercase letters.

Summer – Handwritten Font

Summer is a unique handwritten font you can use to craft the headers and titles in your resumes. It will especially fit in nicely with your resume designs for creative professionals.

Zimra – Serif Font Family

Zimra is a family of serif fonts that features both uppercase and lowercase letters in 5 different weights. You can use this font to design creative headers as well as with body text.

Focus Grotesk – Geometric Sans-Serif Typeface

Focus Grotesk is a creative and minimalist sans serif font that comes with 10 typefaces including 5 different font weights and 5 italic versions of the weights. The handcrafted design of the font will make your resume and cover letters look more attractive as well.

Morton – Grotesque Font Family

Morton is another elegant grotesque font that features a simple and elegant design. It features a classic condensed design and comes in 9 different weights to fit both your resume title and body text.

Camilie – Elegant Font Family

Camilie is a modern font family that features a thin design. It comes with 5 different font weights ranging from ultralight to regular and bold. It also supports multilingual characters as well.

LORIN – Modern Geometric Typeface

Lorin is a geometric sans serif font featuring 4 different weights including light, bold, and extra bold. The font features a modern elegant design that’s suitable for designing many different types of resume and cover letters.

Metrisch – Modern Resume Font

Metrisch is a modern sans serif font family that comes in 6 different font weights. It includes typefaces suitable for crafting both the titles and the body text of your resume and cover letter designs.

HERZ – Simple Sans Serif Typeface

Herz is a simple and elegant sans serif font you can use to design many types of resume and cover letters. It includes 3 different weights including light, regular, and bold.

Addington CF – Serif Font Family

Addington is a modern serif font that comes with 7 weights featuring Roman and italic sets. It’s ideal for the body text of your cover letter and resumes to add more professionalism to your designs.

Mriya Grotesk – Premium Sans-Serif Typeface

Mriya Grotesk font comes in 4 different weights featuring 4 italic versions of the font. It also includes OTF, TTF and Web Fonts versions as well.

Original Sin – Signature Font

Original Sin is a stylish signature font you can use to design the titles and the headers of your resumes. It comes with an elegant design that’s most suitable for creative professionals.

Jonas Beckman – Two Signature Fonts

This is a bundle of 2 different fonts featuring regular and slant typeface designs. Both fonts feature a creative handwritten design that will make your designs stand out from the crowd.

Aliquam – Modern Typeface

Aliquam is a modern font with a rounded edge design featuring 4 different font weights. You can use it to design creative resume and cover letters, especially for creative professions.

Sprout – Sans Serif Font

Sprout is a sans serif font featuring a narrow and feminine design. The tall and creative design of the font makes it most suitable for crafting the headers and titles of your resumes.

RNS Sanz – Clean Modern Font

This font features a clean and simple design that makes it the perfect choice for crafting the body text of your resume and cover letters. The font comes in 7 different weights.

Deleplace – Modern Font Family

Deleplace font comes featuring an elegant design featuring 3 different font weights. This font is most suitable for designing resumes and cover letters for creative and corporate positions.

George – Rounded Sans Serif Font

George is a beautiful sans serif font featuring a rounded design. It comes with both uppercase and lowercase letters as well as 8 different weights to choose from to design your resume and cover letter.

Metropolis – Modern Font Family

Metropolis comes with a touch of modern design that makes it stand out. This font is ideal for crafting the titles and headers in your resume to make it look more attractive.

Tessan Sans – Modern Typeface

Tessan is an elegant sans serif font featuring a design inspired by the Classic font from the 20th Century. The font comes in light, regular, and bold weights.

CA Texteron – Elegant Serif Fonts

Texteron comes in 6 different font weights allowing you to use this font in both your titles and your body text. The font also features a creative vintage design as well.

NORMAL – Minimal Sans Serif Typeface

As the name suggests, this font features a simple and clean design making it suitable for designing all types of resume and cover letters. The font comes in 5 different weights as well.

Thomas Mag – Serif Font Family

Thomas Mag is a serif font featuring a creative design. It comes in 5 different weights as well as italic versions of those weights. The font also features bot uppercase and lowercase letters.

Smith Allison – Signature Font

Another creative signature font you can use to craft the titles of your resume and cover letters. This font features a beautiful handwritten design as well.

Orion pro – Typeface & Web Fonts

Orion pro is a modern font with a rounded soft edge design. The font is ideal for designing resumes and cover letters for creatives.

TYROS Pro – Geometric Sans-Serif Typeface

Tyros Pro is a bundle of sans serif fonts that include 16 different typefaces, featuring 6 font weights, 6 italic versions, and 3 stylish outline versions of the font.

Myron – Serif Fonts Family Pack

Myron is another elegant font that comes with 5 different font weights. You can combine the different weights of this font to use to craft both titles and body text of your resumes.

For more font inspiration check out our best serif fonts and the best cursive script fonts collections.

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3 Keys to Writing Cover Letters That Stand Out

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3 Keys to Writing Cover Letters That Stand Out was originally published on Vault .

It's a myth that high quality job openings are few and far between thanks to Covid. The truth is, despite the economic uncertainty created by the pandemic, there are many great openings out there. And to get them—or, at least, have a chance at getting them—you first need to capture the attention of hiring managers. And the best way to do that is to write compelling cover letters. So here are the three keys to writing cover letters that stand out.

1. Convey your personality, quirks and all.

Showcasing your uniqueness and allowing your personality to shine through in your cover letters can magnetize hiring managers, sending instant messages that you might be the candidate they're looking for. The secret to achieving this is to use specific details, rather than vague ones.

For example, the following was recently used by an applicant when applying for a Head of Marketing position (shortly after sending this, the candidate was interviewed and then hired):

“I have a passion for data and analytics. I enjoy spending (a little too much time) geeking out in Google analytics, advertising platforms, and BI tools (Tableau and Looker), digging deep into data to identify opportunities that can be leveraged to drive growth and inform testing strategies for campaigns, websites, and products.”

Now compare the above to the below (which has less personality and fewer details, and thus would likely not stand out):

“I am well versed in data analytics, and I am experienced with Google analytics, BI Tools, and other advertising platforms. I have a proven ability to inform testing strategies for campaigns for websites and products.”

Here's another example of cover letter phrasing that captures the attention of hiring managers:

“I'm rather obsessed with personal organization. I read three organizational blogs on my own time, and I've organized my desktop folders into color-coded sub-categories. My friends laugh at me for saying things like, ‘An organized space equals an organized mind,' but I don't like wasting time looking for things.” 

Now compare that to this less specific phrasing:

“I have a proven track record of being organized, and I have a passion for it. I have a proven knack for keeping files organized on an ongoing basis, and I have put organizational processes and procedures in place for my department. The bottom line is organization is always my highest priority.” 

2. Prove your level of dedication to your profession.

Another way to stand out is to illustrate specific things about your dedication to your field. In the following example, a candidate showcases her dedication to her profession, proves that she spends a lot of time thinking about driving results in her field, and shows that she takes concrete steps in order to be a high quality contributor in her field. All of which goes a long way when it comes time for hiring managers to decide which candidates to interview. 

“I believe that a good marketing strategy requires seeking out the latest trends and staying one step ahead of the competition. I've attended the Traction conference two years in a row and completed the 2018 Reforge Growth Series, a highly credible and exclusive course that only accepts 10 percent of applicants and is built by leaders from Hubspot, Uber, and other firms. Through these professional developments, I've opened my mind to uncommon marketing methods, and I pride myself on thinking outside the box to develop strategies that create sustainable, low-cost customer acquisition loops that lead to long-term positive ROI.” 

Now compare the above to the below, which is less detailed and includes less specific phrasing:

“I have the skills and requirements for this position, and I believe I would complete every task asked of me to the highest standard expected. My background and experience make me an excellent fit for this position for many reasons. I am very interested in marketing, and I think I would be a great asset to the team.”

3. Include concrete, quantitative results that show your value.

In any written application, you'll need to showcase some form of quantitative results to stand out. Note that even if you don't have a lot of shiny results in your career yet (or even any relevant experience—which is okay!), you can still use words to capture someone's attention with what you have done. And if you do have a record of achieving quantifiable results, then by all means include them, like in the below:

“I developed several Google ad campaigns that were worth more than $500,000 and that resulted in high-level customers. Also, through testing and optimization, I increased newsletter sign-ups by more than 200 percent.”

Now compare that to this bland sentence:

“I have experience in Google ad campaigns, as well as experience in testing and optimization.”

A final note

When trying to convey your personality, get across your dedication, or communicate your value, there's a big difference between saying you're a good fit for the job and actually showing it.

So, when writing your cover letters, try to hold these words in mind: I know you (the hiring managers) don't know me, so let me show you exactly why I'm completely invested, committed, and passionate about doing this specific type of work. And let me show you the specific reasons why hiring me, over all other candidates, would be beneficial to you.

If you hold all this in mind, the right details and words will flow right out of you—and into your cover letters.

Natalie Fisher is best known for helping professionals land their ideal roles and achieve explosive salary growth (even with little experience). If you want to dive deeper on the topic of your career mindset and become a person who knows exactly how to land their dream job offer, listen to her on the podcast Get a Six Figure Job You Love .