Fonts in your CV: check readability and keep the layout consistent

A font alone does not determine whether your application succeeds. It should help people read your information. Instead of relying on a supposed ranking of Swiss favourite fonts, compare two versions using your own content.

Start with readability

The 2025 UZH presentation recommends clearly legible type and font size, along with a clear structure. This does not establish any particular font as a universal Swiss standard.

With or without serifs, check the actual font in your file. Size, line spacing, weight and contrast work together. First follow any formatting requirements from the employer. Do not shrink the font simply to fit extra lines onto a page.

Compare two versions with the same content

Make a copy of your draft and change only the font in that copy. Use the same headings, dates and descriptions in both versions. This lets you compare the appearance without changing the content at the same time.

A fictional comparison sentence is: “Received customer enquiries by phone and forwarded them to the responsible team.” Add a date line and a longer heading to the test. In your actual CV, describe only tasks you really performed.

Your three-point check

1. Are the body text and dates comfortable to read? Compare both versions at normal viewing size and zoomed in.
2. Are headings, emphasis and spacing consistent? Use the same style for each type of information.
3. Is all the text present in the exported PDF? Check for clipped characters, missing special characters, unexpected font changes and page breaks.

You can also select a paragraph in the PDF, copy it and paste it into a plain text editor. Unusual characters or an incorrect order are a reason to investigate. A successful copy test does not prove compatibility with every applicant tracking system or automatic acceptance.

The finished file is what matters

After comparing, choose the version that is more readable and consistent. Repeat the export check after substantial changes. Whatever tool you use, the final check remains your responsibility. You can find information about PARAT on the PARAT homepage.