Typophile

Helvetica overuse - should I use it in a resume?

R Tibs

Hi all,

I've been using Helvetica/Neue quite a bit for the last couple of years ago, and it has become one of my favorite fonts - a true classic, in my opinion. Recently, I decided that my resume needed some freshening up, so I thought about redesigning using Helvetica.

But I'm having a difficult time getting over a feeling that's been growing on me for the last year or so - that Helvetica is overused. A pretty obvious observation, perhaps, but it never deterred me from using it until recently. CNN, Apple, BusinessWeek magazine, more recently BBC News - heck, even The Weather Channel - have all adopted it, and I feel like it's just too prevalent. I mean, it's always been very popular, but it's starting to annoy me a bit now.

I'm not too sure where I'm headed with this - a complaint about the ubiquitous nature of Helvetica, counsel as to whether or not I should use it on a resume or potential replacements, or both - but I'd be interested in hearing your opinion. Thanks!

Nick Shinn

What would those who read your resumé think?
That might be important.

Your peers would never see this, so their taste isn't relevant.

But really, could you live with yourself the morning after?

Jacky W chen

Just think about what will you think of yourself ten years from now. What will you think if most of your works are spreads of Helvetica?

Steven Acres

I think you need to watch the movie Helvetica. If you're just noticing its ubiquitousness, that's not really a good sign.

vinceconnare

Courier.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Courier_%28typeface%29

Then if asked explain the history of the use of Courier in the business documents.

The fact that this is how most historical documents looked and how it relates to type written communication.

Current fixed pitched fonts are taken from the typewriter ball or metal strike and not the printed output and often lighter than the intended output.

Explain the various types of monospaced/fixed pitch fonts: Courier, Courier New, Letter Gothic, Prestige Elite are preferred by government and software engineers, they are the technological 'crystal goblet' of communication and shows you are not messing around.

An over designed resumé is clearly trying to hide the facts.

regards,

vincent

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