In a job interview, cover letter, or sales call every detail shapes how your message lands. One of the most underappreciated details is text size. Knowing how to increase text size the right way improves readability, projects professionalism, and helps ensure your content is received the way you intend. This guide explains why text size matters, what sizes to use, how to change text size across common tools and platforms, and how to avoid common mistakes — all with practical, interview-focused advice.
Why does how to increase text size matter in professional communication
Text size affects the first impression, comprehension speed, and accessibility. Recruiters and interviewers often skim documents and notes, so legibility is nonnegotiable. Using the right approach to how to increase text size helps ensure your resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, and on-screen notes are easy to read at a glance, which can mean the difference between your message being absorbed or overlooked.
First impressions: A resume with tiny body text or overly large headers can look unbalanced. Aim for a layout that reads easily and looks polished.
Comprehension and speed: Larger, clear type makes it easier for hiring managers to find key accomplishments quickly.
Accessibility: Thoughtful adjustments to how to increase text size improve comprehension for people with low vision or those viewing on small devices.
ATS compatibility: Increasing text size can help human readers without confusing Applicant Tracking Systems when you stick to standard sizes and simple fonts source.
What is the best guidance for how to increase text size in job application documents
When preparing application materials, balance is central. Use established ranges so your documents remain professional and scan-friendly.
Body text: 10–12 points is standard for resumes and cover letters. This range optimizes readability and helps you fit relevant content on one page source.
Headers and name: 14–16 points works well for section headers and your name at the top of a resume. This creates a clear hierarchy without seeming oversized source.
Line spacing and margins: Slightly increasing line spacing (e.g., 1.08–1.15) often improves readability when you increase text size.
Font choice: Simple, professional fonts (e.g., Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman) pair predictably with size adjustments and maintain ATS readability source.
Resume body: 11 pt Calibri, 1.08 line spacing, 0.5–0.75 inch margins (if you need more space, reduce margins slightly before dropping below 10 pt).
Cover letter: 11–12 pt body, 14 pt name/header if included on the page.
Header emphasis: Use bold or slightly larger size (14–16 pt) for section headings rather than radical increases in size.
Practical examples:
How can you increase text size on video calls and virtual interview platforms
Virtual interviews often require quick adjustments to see chat messages, prompts, or on-screen notes. Knowing how to increase text size in the moment avoids awkward pauses and makes you look prepared.
Browser zoom: If the interview is web-based, use browser zoom (Ctrl/Cmd + +) to enlarge the page content quickly. This changes visible size without altering the document file.
System accessibility settings: On Windows or macOS you can change display scaling to make all on-screen text larger before the interview.
Platform-specific options: Some interview platforms and live chat widgets let you increase font size in the interface; check platform help or settings ahead of time. For example, realtime interview tools often provide guidance on adjusting answer font size during interviews source.
Presentation slides: Increase base font size on slides (minimum 18–24 pt for body bullets, 30–44 pt for headlines depending on slide layout) so text is readable on video and mobile screens.
Prep tip: Test your display with the same device and internet connection you’ll use for the interview. Confirm that chat, shared docs, and slides are comfortably legible when on camera.
How can you increase text size in common document tools used for interview preparation
Changing text size in the tools you use to prepare is easy once you know where to look. Below are common approaches:
Microsoft Word: Select the text and choose a point size in the Home ribbon. For comments and reviewers’ notes, increase the display size in View or adjust Windows scaling if the comment font appears small source.
PDFs: If you need a larger view of a PDF, use the reader’s zoom feature. To permanently increase text size, edit the original document and regenerate the PDF rather than magnifying the PDF itself.
Web-based forms and practice tools: Many platforms let you change question font sizes in settings. If the platform lacks an editor, use browser zoom to temporarily increase text size while practicing source.
Authoring systems: Tools like HotDocs or other document automation engines often have templates and settings to adjust default font sizes; consult the tool’s documentation for best practices when increasing font size across generated documents source.
PDFs for sharing: When you alter font sizes in Word or another editor, export to PDF and verify that the final document preserves spacing and page count.
Practical workflow: Keep a master resume file where you can tweak font sizes and spacing for specific roles (e.g., a version for single-page constraint, and a slightly expanded version for networking or portfolios).
How can you increase text size during live interview notes and presentations without losing professionalism
During interviews you may rely on notes, one-pagers, or speaker view. Increase text size in ways that preserve professionalism.
Create a “speaker sheet”: One-page notes with 16–18 pt key bullets for quick reference during video calls.
Use large, clear fonts for prompts: If you have frequently referenced numbers or metrics, place them in 14–18 pt boxes so you don’t squint during the call.
Slide strategy: Slides are not your script. Use headlines (30–44 pt) and 18–24 pt for short supporting bullets so viewers can scan while you speak. Keep each slide uncluttered.
Teleprompter tools: If using a teleprompter or presenter view, set the font size to a comfortable reading level before the interview.
Backups: Share a PDF with the interviewer that uses larger type if they request additional materials — always maintain the standard resume size for formal submissions but offer expanded viewing copies when appropriate.
What common challenges arise when trying to increase text size and how can you overcome them
Increasing text size can create layout issues, reduce space for content, and sometimes look unprofessional if done inconsistently. Here’s how to handle those challenges:
Space vs. legibility: If increasing to 12 pt pushes your resume to a second page, prioritize the single-page rule for early-career applications; instead, tighten language, reduce nonessential sections, and slightly shrink margins before reducing type below 10 pt source.
Inconsistent styling: Use a single font family and consistent sizes for body and headers. Avoid mixing many fonts or dramatic size jumps source.
Platform limitations: Some interview platforms restrict formatting. Familiarize yourself with browser zoom, system scaling, or built-in settings to control how to increase text size during the session source.
ATS parsing risks: Avoid unusual fonts or extremely large text in the body that might confuse parsers. Stick to common fonts and standard sizes for submitted files.
Visual hierarchy: If everything is large, nothing stands out. Use spacing and subtle size differences (11 vs 14 pt) and weight (bold) to create hierarchy without clutter.
Proof the layout after increasing sizes.
Print and review a physical copy.
Ask a peer to review legibility and tone.
Keep an “ATS-friendly” version to submit online and a “readable human” version for in-person or shared-view contexts.
Checklist to avoid pitfalls:
How can you apply actionable tips for how to increase text size in different professional scenarios
Here are concrete, scenario-specific tips to use when adjusting text size for interviews and professional communication.
Body: 10–12 pt; Headers: 14–16 pt.
Name: 16–20 pt depending on layout and white space.
Keep fonts uniform and avoid decorative styles for body content source.
Resumes and cover letters
Increase system or browser zoom to enlarge questions and comment fields when necessary; practice this before the interview source.
Keep notes in larger fonts (16–18 pt) for quick reference that doesn’t appear cluttered on camera.
Video interviews and one-way assessments
Headline text: 30–44 pt. Body bullets: 18–24 pt for visibility on shared screens.
Limit words per slide; larger type equals clearer focus.
Presentations and sales calls
Use 11–12 pt for essays and statements unless specific guidance requests otherwise.
For printed portfolios, increase section headings (14–16 pt) for scanning ease.
College interviews and academic materials
Print your documents and view on different devices.
Share with peers or mentors and ask: “Can you read this comfortably at arm’s length?”
Run an accessibility check or use built-in readability tools.
Testing and feedback
How can Verve AI Copilot help you with how to increase text size
Verve AI Interview Copilot helps you prepare formatted materials and practice with readable prompts. Verve AI Interview Copilot can show you how to increase text size in the platforms you’ll use and suggest optimized font sizes for resumes and slides. Using Verve AI Interview Copilot, you can simulate one-way interviews while testing browser zoom and font visibility so you arrive confident that everything is legible. Learn more at https://vervecopilot.com
What are quick dos and don’ts for how to increase text size before and during interviews
Do use 10–12 pt for body text and 14–16 pt for headers in resumes and cover letters source.
Do test display scaling, browser zoom, and slide view on your actual interview device source.
Do choose clean, readable fonts and maintain consistency across materials source.
Do
Don’t shrink text below 10 pt to cram extra content.
Don’t use decorative fonts that hurt legibility.
Don’t rely on platform defaults without checking visibility in advance.
Don’t
What Are the Most Common Questions About how to increase text size
Q: What font size should I use on a resume
A: Use 10–12 pt body and 14–16 pt headers for clarity and space balance
Q: Will increasing text size break ATS parsing
A: No if you stick to standard fonts and sizes; avoid unusual formatting
Q: How do I increase text size mid-video interview
A: Use browser zoom or system display scaling to enlarge the interface quickly
Q: What size should slides be for visibility on small screens
A: Use 30–44 pt for headlines, 18–24 pt for bullets to ensure readability
Q: Can larger text seem unprofessional
A: It can if inconsistent; use subtle increases and consistent font choices
Final thoughts
How you increase text size is both a design and strategy decision. Thoughtful adjustments deliver clearer communication, demonstrate attention to detail, and improve accessibility — all critical in interviews, sales calls, and academic conversations. Use the guidance here to test your materials, prepare your device settings, and present with confidence.
Resume and font size guidance Tutkit
Practical font and cover letter tips Indeed
How to change font size of answers in interview platforms Verve AI Help Center
Increasing font size in HotDocs templates HotDocs Help
Adjusting comment font size in Microsoft tools Microsoft Learn
Sources
