The font you use on your cover letter seems like a minor detail, but it’s important to get it right. Use one of the recommended fonts on this list when formatting your cover letter to appear professional.
To help you make a polished job application, we’ve created a list of the top fonts for a cover letter and tips on which one to choose depending on your target position.
1. Helvetica
Helvetica is the go-to font for businesses. Thanks to its neutral and clean design, it’s easy to read and attractive without being distracting.
Use this font if you’re applying for jobs in a modern office setting, such as in customer service or sales.
As a long-time admirer of Red Core’s vision to make a positive impact on people’s lives nationwide, I’m delighted to apply for your recently posted pharmacy technician position. My background includes 6 years of experience at reputable retail pharmacies, an associate’s degree in Pharmacy Technology, and a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPHT) certification.
2. Cambria
Traditional and easy to read, Cambria is a versatile font choice for cover letters of all types. Its serif face and basic design reads well across all platforms — whether in print or on a computer screen.
This font is ideal if you’re applying for a job in a highly professional field, such as banking or accounting.
In my present role as a pharmacy technician at Rite Aid Pharmacy, I’ve demonstrated a keen ability to improve efficiency, enhance productivity, and delight customers with outstanding service. During my 3-year tenure, I’ve significantly expedited order completion, reduced admin work time, and increased client retention.
3. Avenir
Avenir might be a less “safe” choice than the other fonts on this list, but don’t count it out. Its unique shape and playful curves give it a lively appearance that’ll make your cover letter stand out.
Avenir is often cited as a favorite of people in the design space. If you’re a creative looking for a job in graphic design, this modern font can help you demonstrate that you’re the perfect candidate.
I possess a wide range of abilities that combine innovative art and design principles. Furthermore, my expert knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, HTML, and CSS will allow me to play a crucial role in the implementation of your design initiatives.
4. Georgia
Clear and professional, this classic font is used by major companies like Amazon and the New York Times. In fact, Georgia was designed specifically to be read on computer screens and mobile devices. That makes it the ideal font choice if you’re sending an email cover letter.
Choose Georgia if you’re applying to jobs online, or if you just want to give your cover letter a basic, professional look.
I started my career as an Information Security Intern with Chicago Government in May 20XX. Working under the direction of senior members, I monitored the overall security of the system and investigated likely loopholes. Using my academic and professional knowledge, I dedicated two years to Technology Smart while working in the capacity of Network Operations Center Monitoring Technician.
5. Garamond
With its classic serif design and delicate strokes, Garamond is one of the best fonts for a cover letter. Based on designs from the 16th century, this font’s timeless look still holds up well and looks good at any size.
Garamond is suitable for writing a cover letter for a formal job, like a legal assistant cover letter.
I currently work as a Security Operations Center Security Analyst with Security Professionals Inc., where I have been able to further strengthen my technical acumen. I have attached my resume highlighting my academic and professional skills, and I look forward to hearing from you.
6. Arial
Featuring crisp lines and minimal design, Arial is one of the most popular cover letter fonts in the world. It’s also the standard font for Google Docs and Microsoft Word, meaning that any PC will display it accurately.
However, some employers see Arial as too basic. If you’re applying for a job at a creative or forward-thinking company, a slightly more unique font may suit your needs better.
I am thrilled to be applying for the open Front Desk position at Mallard’s Technology Incorporated. I am a highly motivated worker with two years of experience handling secretarial duties at Fantasy Labs, a software startup company in San Francisco.
7. Times New Roman
Much like Arial, this font is hugely popular among job seekers, and for good reason: it’s simple and elegant. However, Times New Roman is also extremely common, so if you need a cover letter font that will help you look unique, you’re better off choosing a different cover letter font.
During my two years as a secretary, I developed many skills to assist with the rapid growth of Fantasy Labs. I was tasked with scheduling appointments, handling weekly breakfast orders, restocking office supplies and snacks, developing surveys, and purchasing technology for new employees.
8. Trebuchet MS
Boasting thick lines and simple curves, Trebuchet MS is a practical choice if you need to fill space or make your cover letter extra easy to read. Designed for Microsoft Word, this font can now be found on most word processing software, including Google Docs.
Use this font if you’re writing a short cover letter as its thicker lines will help you fill the page.
Having studied your job description, I am aware that Willet Technology is looking for a Front Desk operator who can handle more than the occasional visitor and phone call. Given the wide range of my responsibilities at my previous job, I believe I have the requisite skills and abilities to handle any tasks that you require.
9. Verdana
Simple and authoritative, Verdana is a textbook font for cover letters. It’s specifically designed to be readable in smaller font sizes, so if you have a lot to say in your cover letter, you can make the text smaller without sacrificing legibility.
Try Verdana if you need to decrease the font size for your cover letter without making it difficult to read. Use this font if you’re writing an executive-level cover letter and you have a lot of experience to cover.
As a recent MSN graduate from Florida State University with 2+ years of clinical experience in critical care and surgical units, and an FNP-C and PALS certifications, I’m excited to be applying for the Nurse Practitioner position at Truman Hospital.
10. Calibri
Designed by Microsoft to replace Times New Roman as the default font for Word, Calibri has become a standard for resumes and cover letters alike. It’s simple, and clean, and as the font for Gmail, employers won’t have an issue opening or reading your cover letter online.
Use this font to give your cover letter a friendly, simple appearance. For example, if you’re writing a nursing or hospitality cover letters.
Through my clinical experiences, I’ve developed expertise in patient counseling, treatment planning, patient care, and interdisciplinary teamwork. While completing my MSN, I provided critical care for infants and also cared for elderly patients, providing health assessments and providing emotional support when needed.
Serif vs Sans Serif
Serif fonts are defined by small, decorative strokes at the ends of each letter and are generally perceived as formal and traditional, making them the standard for conservative industries like law or finance.
In contrast, sans serif fonts lack these extra strokes, resulting in a clean, blocky appearance with uniform line thickness. Sans serif fonts are both sleek and modern, making them the preferred choice for startups, creative roles, and companies with a more relaxed work culture.
Frequently asked questions about cover letter fonts
We’ve answered a couple of questions about cover letter fonts here:
What is the best font for a cover letter?
The best font for a cover letter is legible, professional, and doesn’t distract from the content of your letter.
Additionally, the font you use for your cover letter should be the same as the font on your resume to ensure your application looks cohesive.
What cover letter font size should I use?
After you’ve decided on the right cover letter format and have everything written and edited, it’s time to adjust the font size on your cover letter.
For most fonts, the best size is between 11 point and 12 point. However, different fonts come in varying sizes, so always check to make sure your cover letter looks good at the font size you’re using. Ultimately, the most important factor when choosing a font size is readability.
However, your name is the one thing that should not be the same size font as your body content. You want your name to stand out, so make the font for your name twice the size of the font used in the body text of your cover letter.
About the Author
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Committed to empowering job seekers of all experience levels to take the next step in their careers, Ida helps professionals navigate the job hunt from start to finish.
After graduating from New College of Florida with a B.A. in Philosophy and Chinese Language and Culture, Ida moved to Hong Kong to begin her own career journey and finally settled in Taiwan. Her insights on resume writing, interview strategies, and career development have been featured on websites such as LawCareers.net, Digital Marketer, and SheCanCode.
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