Choosing the perfect CV font size for UK job applications.

Summary/Overview

Did you know that recruiters spend an average of six to eight seconds skimming a CV? It’s your introduction to potential employers, so ensuring it’s readable and visually appealing is key. But what’s a small factor that’s often overlooked? Font size. The size you choose, as well as the style, plays a crucial role in ensuring your CV is easy to read for UK recruiters.

Whether you’re a recent graduate entering the workforce or a student crafting your first CV, we’ll help you choose the right font size to highlight your achievements and showcase your skills effectively.

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What’s the ideal font size for a CV in the UK?

Choosing the right font size is one of the simplest ways to ensure your CV stands out while remaining professional and easy to read. Whether it’s for creative or corporate roles, the ideal font size for a CV in the UK is 10, 11, or 12 point.

The same applies to legal, academic, and healthcare CVs too.

Avoid shrinking the font below 10pt, as it will strain readability. Similarly, don’t use overly large fonts for the body copy to make your CV seem longer. Sticking to a font size of 10-12pt helps maintain the balance between words and white space. You can also use a 1.15 or 1.5 spacing for a cleaner, less cramped look.

Want to add in headings and sub-headings? Use the following guidelines when choosing the font size for different parts of your CV:

• Main heading: 18-20pt. This font size might be used for your name at the top of your CV, or simply the words “Curriculum Vitae”.
• Sub-headings: 14-16pt. To differentiate sections like "Work Experience" and "Education", you can use sub-headings with a slightly larger font size than the main body of text.
• Body text (10-12pt): This font size should be used for the main content of your CV, including any descriptions and details.

Now that you know the ideal font sizes for a UK CV, you should review your own and adjust the font size accordingly. You might also want to view your CV on different devices to ensure all text remains clear and legible. First impressions last – so make it a good one.

Why is CV font size important?

Your CV font size isn’t just a design choice – it’s your ticket to a recruiter’s attention. It allows you to present the information in a digestible way, making it easier for them to read. If it’s too small, they might not even bother to read it.

Striking the balance of size, type, and spacing can help you get over the first hurdle of grabbing their attention. Using inconsistent sizes across sections can make your CV appear cluttered or unpolished.

To summarise, an easy-to-read font size can offer the following benefits:

• Accessibility. Ensure recruiters can skim key details quickly.
• Professionalism. Paying attention to the font and format of your CV can help demonstrate your own attention to detail and enthusiasm for the role you’re applying for.
• Help highlight key details. Signpost key sections with bigger fonts for sub-headings.
• Space optimization. Use line breaks and spacing to keep your CV streamlined and clutter-free.
• Consistency. Use the same font on all text for consistency.

Font size is about clarity, professionalism, and balance. Update your CV today to ensure it catches the eye for all the right reasons.

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What is the best font for a CV?

Choosing the right font style on your CV can mean the difference between standing out or being overlooked by recruiters. Avoid overly decorative or hard-to-read options. Instead, opt for clean, modern fonts that are clear and easy-to-skim.

Good fonts to use on your CV.

• Arial: Easy to read on screens and in print, ensuring accessibility and professionalism.
• Calibri: Modern and elegant, with excellent spacing and readability,
• Helvetica: A timeless sans-serif font known for its simplicity and neutrality.

Fonts to avoid on your CV.

• Comic Sans: A more informal font, which can make your CV look less professional.
• Times New Roman: This type of serif font can feel a little outdated. However, they may be suitable for a more traditional CV, such as an academic or legal CV.
• Impact: Bold and heavy font, which can be difficult to read and distracts from the content of your CV.

Ready to perfect your CV? Explore our Adobe Express font library for inspiration or try different combinations to find the perfect look for your professional profile.

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Useful things to know.

Is font size 10 too small for a CV?

Font size 10 is typically acceptable for CV body text, especially for fonts like Arial or Calibri, which are highly legible. However, anything smaller may affect readability. For clarity, test the size on different devices or in print to ensure recruiters can easily skim your information.

Does font matter on a CV?

Yes, font choice matters on a CV because it significantly impacts ease of reading and professionalism. Clean, modern fonts like Calibri or Arial convey clarity and legibility, while decorative or informal fonts can detract from your message. A well-chosen font ensures recruiters focus on your qualifications, not distractions in your presentation.

What font size should a cover letter be?

Your cover letter should be a similar font size to the main body of your CV, around 10 to 12 points – depending on the font style you choose. Anything too small can reduce readability, while fonts that are too large can make your cover letter too long. Try to choose a simple, easy-to-read font to make life easy for the hiring manager reviewing your application.

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