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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 400 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.

Table of Contents

11 Modern & Professional Cover Letter Fonts You Should Use

By Henry Garrison in Cover Letters

Selecting an optimal cover letter font makes your document professional, legible, and visually appealing . Since the majority of your letter is written—with little to no graphical elements—the choice of font is one of the most important ones. A good typeface leaves a strong first impression on hiring managers and helps them experience your letter optimally.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best fonts to use for your cover letter. We’re going to find out what makes them good, in which situations, and for which professions. We’ll even mention some of the fonts you should avoid. 

Without further ado, let’s jump right in!

Key Takeaways

A good cover letter font makes the document professional, visually pleasing, and easy to read .

Some of the best fonts for a cover letter include Arial, Calibri, Garamond, Helvetica, and Cambria.

Fonts to avoid include Comic Sans, Courier, Papyrus, and any other script with an overly ornate typeface.

Serif fonts are typically better for traditional roles , while sans-serif variants are tailored toward modern professions.

Appropriate use of bolding, italicizing, capitalization, and color enhances the legibility and visual appeal.

The Importance of Using the Right Cover Letter Font

Choosing the right cover letter font is imperative, as it impacts both the aesthetics and functionality of your cover letter .

For starters, a good font significantly enhances the readability of your cover letter . It helps the document convey information quickly and efficiently. This allows hiring managers to find relevant details effortlessly, even when quickly skimming through your document.

Another benefit of a well-chosen font is that it demonstrates your attention to detail and professionalism . Choosing a clean, elegant, present-day typeface emphasizes expertise and respect for industry standards, while an inappropriate font can make you appear unprofessional and careless.

In addition to choosing the right typeface, you should also consider your cover letter font size. The optimal size is between 10 and 12 pt , and going above or below these conventional values significantly reduces the readability of your letter and makes it less aesthetically pleasing.

Finally, you can use a good font to enhance the overall message of your cover letter. For instance, serif fonts should be your choice to convey elegance and sophistication. Alternatively, sleek sans-serif variants are great when applying for contemporary or tech-oriented roles.

11 Best Cover Letter Fonts

For starters, here are some of the best fonts for a cover letter. We’ll examine each one's strengths and weaknesses and give you suggestions for which industries it is best suited for.

Arial is one of the most widely used fonts and a default for Google Docs. It’s a great all-around cover letter font due to its clean and simple sans-serif design, making it easy to read on-screen and when printed.

This typeface's contemporary and straightforward look makes it perfect for cover letters in the technology field and when applying to modern companies in business or finance. Arial’s adaptability makes it perfect for the majority of business documents.

Ultimately, Arial is one of the safest choices for your cover letter font, regardless of the job you’re applying for. However, it can make your document appear too generic when applying for roles that require a touch of creativity.

#2. Calibri

Calibri is another highly popular font and a default typeface for Microsoft Office. It was designed to be modern and professional, ensuring compatibility across systems, devices, and documents .

When you set the same cover letter font size and spacing, Calibri allows you to fit more text in the same amount of space compared to Arial. This makes it perfect if your writing is lengthy but you want to maintain an elegant and minimalist look.

This is another sans-serif font tailored to modern jobs and professions . For instance, Calibri is a great pick for a marketing or consulting cover letter .

#3. Garamond

Garamond can add a touch of elegance and style to your cover letter. This timeless serif font has a lengthy history and widespread application.

While Garamond might be outdated for some modern industries, it’s perfect for those roles where you want to convey a sense of tradition, reliability, and sophistication .

For instance, if you’re into the arts or publishing , you can use Garamond as your cover letter font to demonstrate finesse while subtly hinting at an in-depth knowledge of the craft.

#4. Helvetica

Helvetica is one of the most famous fonts in the world . It’s popular due to its exceptionally crisp and clear look, which makes it highly versatile and usable in both traditional business documents and contemporary graphic design.

The neutral and flexible nature of Helvetica makes it a solid pick for your cover letter, regardless of the industry you’re in. Still, it’s a sans-serif font with an artistic pedigree . That’s why you should consider it when writing a cover letter for architecture , social media, graphic design , advertising, and similar roles.

#5. Cambria

Cambria is a serif font that sports a traditional look with a modern appeal . This combination makes it perfect for classic fields that require a contemporary approach, such as law, business , or education.

One of this font’s key strengths is its flexibility, since it was designed for both printing and reading on screens . This versatility extends to this typeface’s usability, making Cambria easy to scan and interpret.

Ultimately, it’s a balanced font and a solid pick for most traditional fields . A minor downside of its classic appearance with a modern twist is its neutrality, so it might not be as distinctive as some other typefaces.

#6. Trebuchet MS

Trebuchet MS is a humanist typeface designed to have a warm and friendly appearance . One of the main characteristics of this cover letter font is that it’s approachable while still being clean and professional. That’s why it’s great for non-profit cover letters or job seekers in the education and communication industries.

On the other hand, keep in mind that this sans-serif font is less formal than other similar options, so you should avoid using it for highly traditional fields.

#7. Georgia

Georgia is, in a way, similar to Cambria in that it’s another classic font designed with modern use cases in mind . It’s a traditional serif typeface with a background in historic typography. The contemporary twist is that it was developed to be easily readable on screens.

This cover letter font’s strengths are also its weaknesses. Georgia’s classic and readable style makes it perfect for digital marketing or publishing cover letters. On the other hand, this font might be too casual for formal applications.

#8. Verdana

Verdana is another humanist font designed with a focus on legibility. Its excellent readability on screens makes it perfect when you’re submitting a soft copy of your cover letter, though these benefits extend to printed copies as well.

The main factors contributing to Verdana’s readability are its larger x-height and wider spacing compared to similar fonts. These attributes make this sans-serif typeface look clean and spacious and make it a solid pick for tech, media, customer service , and similar fields .

Tahoma is a straightforward sans-serif typeface and a great cover letter font when you just want to make your writing legible and professional. It’s a reliable choice when you’re applying for a practical role in business, customer service, or similar fields .

The simplicity of Tahoma’s design makes it utilitarian to the point where it can be seen as too plain. It’s a solid font that might not grab attention like other typefaces on this list, but it also won’t be a poor pick, regardless of the role that you’re applying for.

#10. Times New Roman

Times New Roman is one of the most famous serif fonts, renowned for its highly traditional appearance . While this font conveys extreme seriousness and traditional reliability, it can be seen as old-fashioned when used inappropriately as a cover letter font.

That’s why you want to use Times New Roman in specific instances when applying for certain positions in law, academia, or government . When used properly, this font’s history in print and professional documents can emphasize your intent, thoughtfulness, and dedication.

#11. Baskerville

Baskerville combines elements of elegance and formality to create a sophisticated look far greater than most serif fonts convey. This is another cover letter font to use sparingly, as it can appear too ornate and decorative for many modern professional environments.

As such, Baskerville is another typeface to consider when applying for positions in academia, publishing, or law . However, you should keep in mind that you’ll give your cover letter a stately and refined look that’s best used for highly formal and classic roles.

5 Cover Letter Fonts You Should Not Use

Now that you know which cover letter fonts to use, let’s go through some options you shouldn’t use under any circumstances .

#1. Comic Sans

Comic Sans is widely regarded as a highly informal and playful font . However, this sans-serif typeface is unprofessional to the point of being considered childish.

What makes this font unique and famous is its whimsical style , making it perfect for comics and cartoon speech bubbles. Using it for your cover letter can seriously undermine your chances, as it’s seen as unprofessional.

#2. Courier

Courier is a monospaced font designed to replicate the look of a typewriter . While this can evoke a sense of nostalgia in certain instances, the font is considered outdated for cover letters and other business documents.

Due to its monospaced nature, the Courier has legibility issues . Plus, typewriter-style documents are better suited for drafts and similar writing than professional business correspondence.

#3. Papyrus

Papyrus is a highly stylized font famous for its artistic representation of ancient scripts . While it’s a distinctive typeface, it is entirely inappropriate in business settings. The textured and overly graphic nature of the letters makes them difficult to read, detracting from the quality, seriousness, and professionalism of your cover letter.

Impact is a strong and bold font designed to grab attention . As such, it’s much better suited for posters and headings than cover letters. The heaviness of this typeface will make your writing appear aggressive. This makes it not only difficult to read but also overwhelming when used for large bodies of text.

#5. Bradley Hands

Bradley Hands is another informal font that mimics the style of handwriting . It’s an entirely unprofessional typeface that—like all the other script fonts—should never be used for a cover letter.

Choosing Between Serif vs. Sans-Serif Fonts

Choosing between serif and sans-serif fonts depends on your field and the impression you want to convey .

Serifs are small strokes attached to the ends of larger strokes of characters associated with classic and sophisticated fonts . Notable examples include Times New Roman, Garamond, and Georgia. These fonts are typically found in print, whether it’s books, newspapers, magazines, etc.

As a result, serif cover letter fonts are usually recommended when applying for traditional professions like law, banking, academia, etc .

On the other hand, sans-serif fonts don’t have these decorative small strokes, making them clean and modern variants . Some of the examples of these fonts include Arial, Calibri, and Helvetica. The big perks of these fonts are their readability and versatility.

All of this makes sans-serif fonts great picks for contemporary industries and modern jobs , such as digital marketing, graphic design , software engineering , and so on.

Furthermore, sans-serif fonts are typically better viewed on screens , which is something to consider when sending a digital copy of your cover letter.

Cover Letter Font Size & Spacing

Cover letter font size and spacing are just as important as the font itself . Optimal values enhance the visual appeal of your document and ensure its readability, while inadequate size and spacing have the opposite effect.

The ideal font size is between 10 and 12 pt . For instance, both Google Docs and Microsoft Word have 11 pt as their default font size. That makes 11 pt the best starting point for your cover letter.

If your cover letter has a lot of text and crosses the one-page length limit , you can reduce the font size to 10. That way, you can keep your cover letter concise without cutting any content. However, you shouldn’t reduce the font size below 10 pt. Instead, you should trim and modify your writing.

Conversely, if you have a short cover letter and want to enhance its readability further, you can increase the font size to 12 pt. This also helps individuals with visual impairments, but you shouldn’t go overboard and increase the font size beyond 12 pt, as that will make it seem unprofessional.

Line spacing should be 1.0 (single spacing) or 1.15 within paragraphs. This is the optimal spacing for professional documents that ensures the best legibility. Just like with font sizes, you can use smaller or bigger line spacing depending on how much writing your letter has.

Additionally, you should use double spacing between sections and paragraphs to make them more distinct.

If you want to ensure optimal size and spacing effortlessly, you can use our cover letter builder . It features ready-made templates where everything is set up. You can just add your text and download a finished product.

Let’s see what good font size and spacing should look like on an example of a cover letter designed using our builder :

Cover Letter Example

Cover letter templates

Cover letter font styling and formatting refer to specific techniques you can use to enhance the visual appeal and legibility of your cover letter . Here are some of the key ones:

Cover Letter Font Styling & Formatting

Bolding . Bolding specific parts of your cover letter is great for drawing attention to them. You can use it to emphasize your key skills or most notable achievements. This is also a great technique for structuring your cover letter, so you can bold section headings in addition to making their font size 2–4 pt larger.

Italicizing . Italicizing is a more subtle form of emphasizing text compared to bolding. It’s often used for specific parts of a cover letter, such as job titles, publications, foreign words, and other noteworthy parts of the document.

Capitalization . Capital letters are commonly used for names, headings, and acronyms. When used sparingly and appropriately, they significantly increase the appeal of your document and demonstrate your attention to detail.

Color . The established way of writing cover letters is in black font on a white background. You can choose a dark shade of gray for your font color as well, but you should avoid anything else, as it can be distracting. Exceptionally, a touch of color (e.g., a dark shade of blue) can be used for your name in the header.

However, you shouldn’t go overboard with styling and formatting . Here’s what you should avoid:

Dont's

Overusing bold text . By bolding too much of your writing, you’ll reduce clarity and significantly reduce the impact of bolding. 

Underlining . Underlining is no longer a common styling technique, as it can be mixed up with online links, so you should avoid it.

Being inconsistent . You should stick to one cover letter font size, uniform margins, and consistent line spacing, or you’ll get a disorderly look.

4 Final Tips For Choosing the Right Cover Letter Font & Size

Now that you know all the ground rules regarding cover letter fonts and format, here are some final tips to help you make the perfect choice.

#1. Avoid Using More than One Font

Having more than one font in your cover letter creates a confusing and unprofessional experience . Multiple fonts in a single letter can be distracting, increasing the time needed to read it. That’s why it’s best to choose one versatile font that you can use for both writing and section headings.

That way, you’ll create a consistent visual language that looks clean and professional. As a bonus tip, you should also use the same font for your resume . That’s how you'll end up with a uniform application package demonstrating attention to detail.

#2. Play With the Design

You should experiment with different design elements until you create the perfect combination. Most apps you can use to create a cover letter (including our builder) allow you to effortlessly modify everything from your cover letter font to size and color, your document’s line spacing and margins, and more.

By playing with these values, you’ll get a clean and visually appealing layout. You should aim for a balanced look where all the design elements exist in harmony, creating a positive impression on hiring managers and potential employers.

#3. Keep it Simple

Simplicity is key when choosing the right cover letter font and format. That’s why it’s typically best to go with a simple typeface that isn’t overly stylized, stick to one font, keep its size uniform, avoid excessive colors, and so on.

Less is more in business correspondence, and a simple cover letter leaves room for the reader to focus on your skills and qualifications. Plus, it can be a strong indicator of good writing skills .

#4. Keep The Job You’re Applying For in Mind

Your cover letter should be tailored to the job you’re applying for . This goes not only for the contents of your letter but for its font, too. That’s why it’s important to consider different aspects when choosing a cover letter font, such as the type of industry that you’re in and the company’s culture.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a cover letter font is much more than an aesthetic decision. It directly impacts the influence your document has on the reader and the first impression it leaves. A good font demonstrates your professionalism and attention to detail, helping you best convey information about your competence.

Now that you know what font is best for your cover letter, all that’s left is to write and submit it. Remember to keep the industry, company, and role in mind when choosing the font; you’ll be one step closer to the interview. Before you get there, you might want to brush up on the most common interview questions and answers . Best of luck!

Create your cover letter once, use it everywhere

The 24 Most Professional Fonts to Use

Stuart Crawford

Selecting the right font is an important design choice that can enhance—or detract from—the professionalism of a document. With thousands of fonts to choose from, the possibilities may seem endless. However, not all fonts are well-suited for professional business communications and documents.

This comprehensive guide explores the 24 most professional fonts to create polished, credible business documents that leave a positive impression. We analyse characteristics like readability, legibility, clarity, formality, visual appeal, and versatility to determine which fonts will top for professional use cases in 2024.

A Serif Sensation: Traditional Serif Fonts Offer Readability & Polish

1. times new roman.

This quintessential serif font designed for the New York Times newspaper 1931 remains a staple choice to exude professionalism. The fluid serifs and sturdy letterforms allow Times New Roman to be readable in print. The versatile design also displays well digitally. This font suggests the competence and trustworthiness key for professional communications.

Designed by Matthew Carter in 1993, this serif typeface contains thick, bracketed serifs for enhanced readability. Slightly wider letter proportion compared to Times New Roman improves clarity while maintaining a highly legible 11-point font size. The chunky, semi-bold weight is warm and refined for formal business uses.

3. Bookman Old Style

This classic, versatile serif face echoes Old Style typefaces used in publishing from the mid-1500s into the 1900s. Designed in 1884 by Alexander Lawson for the Century Schoolbook , the slightly condensed letterforms offer a more compact footprint without compressing readability. The sturdy serifs, graceful curves and horizontal stress suggest Old World heritage, perfect for adding gravitas to professional communications.

Key Takeaway: Traditional serif fonts like Times New Roman, Georgia and Bookman Old Style offer proven readability and polish well-suited for formal business documents.

Distinctive & Dignified: Transitional Serifs Bridge Generations

4. baskerville.

This refined, stately serif face designed by John Baskerville in 1757 defined transitional serif styles, forging a bridge from Old Style to modern looks. The crisp edges offer exceptional clarity, while distinctive ball terminals on letter curves add flair. Baskerville brings heritage elegance to contemporary professional settings, from resumes to reports.

5. New Baskerville

Released in 1917, this refreshed Baskerville interpretation by designer George W. Jones is often preferred for clarity on screens and modern printing presses. The slightly thicker strokes offer a bolder definition without compromising legibility. Pair with Georgia for font contrast that delivers professional polish.

6. Times Ten

Photosetting provider Linotype released this updated take on Times New Roman in 1990 to improve output on low-resolution printers and poor-quality paper stock. Subtle changes like shortened ascenders and descenders optimise modern legibility without forfeiting professional persona. The economical proportions also save space.

Key Takeaway: Transitional serif typefaces like Baskerville, New Baskerville and Times Ten marry historical richness with sharp digital display for today’s professional contexts.

Modern Serifs Marry Heritage With Contemporary Flair

Created by renowned German typographer Jan Tschichold in 1964, Sabon draws inspiration from classic Garamond designs but optimises for modern requirements. The Roman letterforms offer exceptional clarity and even texture suitable for continuous business reading—an excellent choice to communicate expertise.

8. ITC Legacy Serif

This 1993 serif release from the International Typeface Corporation retains Times New Roman’s professional personality but exhibits tighter spacing and finer hairlines for improved modern display. The condensed proportions occupy less real estate, allowing more content presentation.

9. Merriweather

Designed by Eben Sorkin in 2010 for Google Web Fonts, this free serif selection exhibits classic proportions and styling adapted for optimal clarity across print, web and digital media. The understated design promotes continuous reading while conveying competence for various professional communications, from handouts to websites.

Key Takeaway: Modern serif font interpretations like Sabon, ITC Legacy Serif and Merriweather smartly evolve heritage styling for today's professional, multi-media business needs.

Sans Serif Fonts Signal Modernity For The Digital Era

Initially designed by Monotype in 1982 to offer Helvetica -style appeal more economically, this ubiquitous neo-grotesque sans serif font conveys professionalism and modernity. The comfortably spaced proportions ensure approachability while promoting exceptional on-screen readability.

11. Helvetica Neue

This seminal, globally recognised neo-grotesque face originated from the 1957 Helvetica release. Designer Max Meidinger evolved the styling in 1983 to enhance spacing and strokes for improved digital rendering. The Swiss heritage of architectural clarity and purity perseveres through this digitally-optimized typeface.

12. Calibri

As the default font for Microsoft Office programs and Windows since 2007, Calibri offers a humanist sans serif option deeply familiar to modern business professionals. The rounded contours ensure approachability while the reliable rendering remains professionally polished across documents, slides, forms and other uses.

Key Takeaway: Leading neo-grotesque sans serifs like Arial, Helvetica Neue, and Calibri adopt simplified styling that crisply conveys professional digital-age messaging.

Specialised Sans Serifs Target Professional Needs

13. clearviewhwy.

Specifically tailored for road signage by designer Don Meeker in 1998, this humanist sans serif face allows extraordinary readability for content viewed from a moving vehicle. Tested and proven across state transportation departments, Clearview denotes authority for wayfinding signage applications.

14. Frutiger

This Univers-inspired sans serif, designed by Adrian Frutiger in 1976, improves visual hierarchy through letter variation. Numerals and glyphs are easily distinguished from letters to enhance clarity for signage and labelling purposes. The streamlined Swiss styling also denotes modern efficiency.

15. FF Mark

Designed by Erik Spiekermann in 2009, FF Mark offers a simplified, dotless construction derived from industrial German engineering and architectural signage applications dating to the 19th century. The functional format, stripped of superfluous strokes, delivers clear communication of professional content.

Key Takeaway: Field-specific sans serifs like ClearviewHwy, Frutiger , and FF Mark provide optimised displays targeted for professional signage or technical applications.

Authoritative & Distinctive: Professional Slab Serifs

16. rockwell.

Designer Frank Hinman released this bold, sturdy slab serif font 1934 for the Inland Type Foundry. The thick, monolinear strokes offer substantial visual presence, while softened rectangles lend friendlier allure. Rockwell brings commanding gravitas yet approachable warmth simultaneously to business communications.

HCI editor Matthew Carter designed this efficient slab serif family in 2001 for media conglomerate Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia exclusive use. Structured, compact strokes ensure clarity even at small sizes on inferior printing presses, maximising professional polish for publishing at scale.

18. Roboto Slab

Christian Robertson expanded his 2013 Roboto humanist sans serif into serif and slab serif families as core Google Fonts selections. Roboto Slab’s modern appearance and responsiveness across digital platforms offer a distinctive professional personality deviating from traditional expressions.

Key Takeaway: Distinctive professional slab serifs like Rockwell, Archer and Roboto Slab couple commanding visual presence with sturdy legibility to elevate business content .

Specialist Display Fonts Grab Professional Attention

This imposing caps-only Roman square capital's face echoes the solid strokes displayed prominently on Trajan ’s Column monument erected circa 113 AD. The all-caps letterforms project monumentality, allowing this font to emphasise professional titles, logos, signage and headlines with gravitas.

Paul Renner’s 1927 milestone project encapsulated Modernist design with ideological efficiency through ordered, geometric strokes. Branding professionals leverage Futura to communicate focus and innovation, while design principals rely on minimal expression to emphasise information density.

Inspired by architectural signage, designer Tobias Frere-Jones crafted this bold, structural alphabet in 2000 to evoke steadfast New York heritage. Professional designers rely on Gotham’s straightforward style to communicate confidence through headlines, titles, and branding elements .

Key Takeaway: Columnar Trajan, modern Futura, and architectural Gotham offer scalable display fonts to attract professional interest to titles, branding and headlines.

Handwritten Fonts Convey Personal and Professional Approachability

22. dearsarah sf pro.

Software developers Balance Type Foundry crafted this stylish, contemporary handwritten face in 2021 to inject personal warmth into professional communications. Ligatures between specific letter pairs boost intimacy while practising restraint to sustain polish, befitting more formal contexts like event invitations or featured callouts.

23. Sf Handwriting Dakota

This casual handwritten font comes courtesy of the digital agency Design K to resonate authentically with personal correspondence for professional introductions or outreach touchpoints. Designed with multilingual support, the global accessibility remains professionally inclusive.

24. Homemade Apple

Independent type designer Sam Parrett delivers this distinctive, organic handwritten face that combines whimsical, retro warmth akin to scampering chalkboard renderings with the approachability of a trusted neighbour. Professional applications could include feature headers in reports or emphasis lines within newsletters to boost engagement.

Key Takeaway: Casual handwritten fonts like DearSarah SF Pro, SF Handwriting Dakota, and Homemade Apple humanise professional messaging through personalised execution.

Combining Complementary Fonts Creates Hierarchy & Contrast

When combining fonts for professional communications:

• Align Serif & Sans Serif Faces – Pairing a serif such as Garamond or Times New Roman with a sans serif like Arial or Helvetica offers visual hierarchy through contrast.
• Vary Weights For Emphasis – Mix heavy, light or condensed weights of compatible font families to make key content stand out.
• Highlight Display vs Text – Blend sturdy display fonts like Impact or Gotham to accent readable text choices like Georgia or Calibri.
• Maintain Consistent Typography – Limit professional font combinations to 2 or 3 compatible families and remain consistent across branded touchpoints.

Key Takeaway: Thoughtfully blending 2-3 complementary fonts into professional communications clarifies visual hierarchy through strategic contrast.

5 Key Criteria Define Great Professional Fonts

• Readability – Strong letterforms deliver content consumption efficiently
• Legibility – Distinct characters discern at small sizes
• Clarity – Crisp definition promotes engagement
• Compatibility – Adapts gracefully across media formats
• Personality – Unique traits align with context

Key Takeaway: Professional font technical effectiveness must match appropriate contextual emotion and personality to achieve communications goals fully.

Most Professional Fonts – Recap At A Glance

• Serif – Times New Roman, Sabon, Georgia, Merriweather
• Sans Serif – Arial, Helvetica Neue, ClearviewHwy
• Slab Serif – Archer, Roboto Slab, Rockwell
• Display – Futura, Gotham, Trajan
• Handwritten – DearSarah SF Pro, Homemade Apple

Conclusion: Apply Thoughtful Typography For Professional Results

This expansive guide highlights 24 exceptional font faces spanning common professional categories like Serif, Sans Serif, Slab Serif, Display and Handwritten. Each recommended font qualifies for business usage through optimal legibility, compatibility across modern media, and personality characteristics that strategically match professional communications goals.

While the highlighted selections represent esteemed options, designers must carefully contemplate additional criteria like industry context, audience demographics and branded guidelines when specifying fonts for professional documents or communications. Traditional selections like Times New Roman remain prudent choices that reliably convey professional expectations for specific formal uses like legal briefs or financial statements. More progressive companies may incorporate distinctive yet legible modern fonts like Helvetica Neue or Roboto Slab to signal forward-thinking, design-focused appeal.

Above all, professional font selections rely on thoughtful implementation aligned to the specifics of the intended communication and consumption formats. Suitable fonts effectively capture attention, sharpen hierarchy, strengthen retention and promote clarity to optimise audience engagement. As fine dining plates must be expertly paired to complemental courses, precision font selections elevate messaging while underscoring competence and care through thoughtful typographic presentation.

Review these 24 versatile professional fonts for your next communications project, effortlessly conveying your expertise through strategic typography optimised for business results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Professional Fonts

What are the top 5 most professional fonts.

The five most versatile and professionally appropriate fonts include Times New Roman (Serif), Arial (Sans Serif), Archer (Slab Serif), Futura (Display) and DearSarah SF (Script). Each reliably offers legibility, compatibility and polish for business uses.

What font does Google use?

Product Sans is the primary Google font applied in branding and communications. The custom-designed geometric sans serif offers friendly simplicity aligned with Google's accessible brand personality.

What is the most attractive font?

Beauty proves subjective; attractive fonts vary by audience and context. Classic serifs like Bodoni and Didot offer elegant, fashionable appeal. Friendlier picks like Brush Script and Great Vibes provide emotive warmth. Helvetica Neue and Futura convey sleek modernity.

What fonts do lawyers use?

Legal conventions rely on tradition, so most attorneys use customary fonts like Times New Roman, Arial and Courier New for contracts, rulings and communications upholding document integrity expectations. More progressive firms occasionally incorporate contemporary alternatives like Calibri and Georgia.

What font size is best for professional documents?

Content legibility proves essential for professional communications. Print documents should use at least 11pt font size. Digital presentations can scale down to 8pt font size. Headings should run 2-4pts larger to establish hierarchy. More essential documents may use 12-14pt for optimal clarity.

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Best Font For Cover Letter When Applying For A Job

• How To Write A Cover Letter
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Free Cover Letter Templates

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Find a Job You Really Want In

Having fantastic content is the most important part of a cover letter . However, your text needs to be presented in a way that makes it easy to read. If your cover letter is hard to read , many people will give up and toss your job application aside. There are so many things to consider when writing a cover letter for your job search . Not only do the words need to be compelling, but it needs to be formatted in a way that is professional and easy to read as well. Knowing the best cover letter typeface and size can help your cover letter to stand out. Key Takeaways: The different types of fonts to use are serif fonts, san-serif fonts, and truetype fonts. When choosing a font, you want to keep it between 10 and 12 points in size and make sure it is readable on multiple platforms. You want to chose a font that is professional and consistent through out your resume . In This Article    Skip to section Why Cover Letters Are Important The Importance of a Font Size The Different Font Types How to Choose a Font Size Tips to Boost your Cover Letter Readability Final Thoughts Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs Show More Why Cover Letters Are Important

The cover letter is like the teaser for your resume. If you are worried about how to write an entry-level cover letter , I advise that you don’t use a template.

A cover letter highlights some of the best qualifications you offer as a candidate. It shows your passion and motivation for wanting to join a company. Plus, it shows a few reasons why your skills and experience are a perfect match for their job opening. You want it to make your cover letter stand out so the hiring manager can interview you.

Cover letters help you to :

Stand out against candidates who apply without a cover letter .

Entice recruiters to read your resume.

Explain career gaps.

Discuss reasons for changing careers.

Share the value and ROI you brought in the positions you have held.

The Importance of a Font Size

Whether you’re aware or not, the font you use plays a vital role in your cover letter’s appearance. The way you format your cover letter can improve your cover letter’s overall aesthetic and allow hiring managers and recruiters to read the content easier.

But if you carelessly pick a random font, it might hurt how your cover letter looks and its readability.

You want to format your cover letter, so the typeface is clean and easy to read. Here are some of the reasons why choosing the right font matters.

Professional. It’s essential to use a font that looks professional. If you use an artsy font, it doesn’t come across seriously.

Consistent for print/web. Select a font that views well in both email and print. Hiring Managers will probably first see your cover letter online. Then they may print it for closer review.

Web-safe fonts. These are fonts that are compatible with both Macintosh and Windows devices. Your cover letter font should view consistently on an Apple device or a Windows PC. Make sure to check your cover letter on different devices, screens, and browsers to ensure that your font looks good everywhere.

PDF compatible. When you convert your cover letter to pdf, you want to ensure that the formatting remains clean in the newly created document. Helvetica or Arial will convert cleanly in regular, bold, italic, and bold italic.

Clean. Sans serif fonts are a standard web-friendly type font. It’s easy to read on-screen. Plus, it views well consistently across multiple browsers.

Easy to read. Some of your recruiters will be older. Using a small font size may allow you to include more on a page , but it makes your cover letter more difficult to read for older hiring managers who wear glasses or readers.

The Different Font Types

So what are the best recruiter approved fonts? There are generally two types of web fonts available.

Serif fonts: The most notable feature of these fonts are the small line at the end of a big stroke in a letter or symbol.

Examples include:

Times New Roman. This font is single and elegant. This is a great font to use if you want to give your cover letter a basic and formal appearance.

Georgia. This was designed to be read on computer screens and mobile devices. This is perfect if you plan on sending your cover letter over email.

Garamond. This is one of the best fonts for a cover letter. It’s a classic serif design and has delicate strokes.

San serif fonts are the favorite font face to choose for readability. It does not have extensions called “serifs” at the end of strokes. Most fonts from this family usually have a similar stroke width, making it appear modern and minimalistic. Google and Facebook use sans-serif fonts.

San serif fonts are easier to read on a computer screen. So if a hiring manager reads your cover letter on their smartphone, it will be easy to read. It also prints cleanly too. So if they like your cover letter and want to print it out to review more thoroughly, it will still look crisp and clean.

Arial. This is a sans serif font. This classic font is clean and easy to read. That’s why it’s one of the most popular fonts used for business communications. It is the default font in Google Docs. Arial was first created by IBM. But later, Microsoft chose to include Arial in their Windows software.

Trebuchet. This sans-serif typeface was actually designed for Microsoft Corporation by Vincent Connare. It was created to display nicely on a computer screen.

Verdana. This sans-serif typeface was also designed to be viewed on computer monitors. It’s an easily readable typeface even when using small font sizes.

Helvetica. This is a sans serif font that is one of the most popular and widely used fonts. It’s a neutral font that is suitable for any type of business communication.

Calibri. This is a sans serif font. It is the default font for Microsoft Office. It also replaced Arial as the default in PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, and WordPad.

TrueType fonts are the most common format for fonts on Mac and Windows operating systems. The benefit of TrueType fonts is that they display precisely at various font sizes. That means that whether you size the font to 8 or 18, you’ll still be able to read it cleanly on a computer screen. Arial, Trebuchet, and Verdana are TrueType Fonts.

How to Choose a Font Size

You want to use a font size that is easy to read for the majority of recruiters and hiring managers. With employers reading hundreds of resumes online, you want to ensure your font size reduces eye strain.

Use the standard size. We recommend between 10 to 12 points in size for the main cover letter text. For headers, you can boost the font size to 13 to 16 points for emphasis.

Check the readability. Once you pick a font size, check to make sure you can read it. If you decide to choose the 10 point font, it may be easy for you to read, but consider if others will be able to do it. Check if it’s easy to read on different platforms as well.

Get feedback. After you determine if you can read it, have other people read it. They will be able to tell you if your 10 point font is actually readable or not.

Tips to Boost your Cover Letter Readability

Want to make your cover letter stand out ? Here are some steps to add more impact.

Personalize. Don’t send the same cookie-cutter letter . Take time to read their job description and learn about the company. Then write how and why you are a match for their job opening.

Scan-ability. Most hiring managers are not going to read your cover letter from start to finish. They are going to scan for what they are looking for. They have to sort through piles and piles of resumes to pull out a select few to review.

Small sections. Try to keep your paragraphs shorter. Group information in small sections that a reader can easily scan and find information on a specific point. That way, if they jump from one section to the next, they’ll spot more of the highlights of your document.

Uniqueness. Don’t take things word for word in your resume and include them in your cover letter. You don’t want employers to think that you don’t have creativity. Take the time to wordsmith and create original text about the points you are trying to make.

Proofread. You have probably been working on your resume and cover letter for hours. So it’s hard to spot typos and other errors. Print your cover letter out. Read it out loud. That will help you find grammatical, punctuation, and formatting errors. Plus, you’ll probably find areas that would sound better with an edit to smooth it out.

Consistency. Use a consistent typeface and size for both your cover letter and resume. That way, visually, they look like they belong together. It creates a more polished, cohesive look.

Bullets. If you need to list items in your cover letter, it is much better to use bullets for both readability and scan-ability. It ensures that your information is well organized and listed in an order that makes sense. Plus, it adds visual appeal by leading the reader down the page.

Final Thoughts

On the first day, draft your thoughts and write the cover letter. On the second day, go through the letter carefully to make everything perfect before finalizing it. Using this two-day writing method will help you write more powerful cover letters.

We have shown you the best cover letter font and size. Now that you know the best choices, it’s time to decide which is the most suitable for your own use.

Good luck job hunting!

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Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

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