I used Bitstream-Charter [1] for my dissertation. It looks much better than Computer Modern.

My resume is typeset in Linux Libertine [2] which is used in this superlatively beautiful and elegant CV template by Dario Taraborelli [3]. Requires xelatex.

[1] http://www.tug.dk/FontCatalogue/charterbt/

[2] http://www.tug.dk/FontCatalogue/linuxlibertine/

[3] http://nitens.org/taraborelli/cvtex

Somewhat controversial, but I like it: Minion Pro :)

\usepackage{mathpazo}

Or

\usepackage[utopia]{mathdesign}

Some people like garamond (also a mathdesign font).

Computer Modern