Arizona State Board Nail Technology Practice Exam

On average, how long does a potential employer spend scanning your resume before deciding to grant an interview?

1. 30 seconds

2. 5 seconds

3. 20 seconds

4. 1 minute

The correct answer is: 20 seconds

Employers typically spend about 20 seconds reviewing a resume before making a decision about whether to move forward with an interview. This brief scanning period emphasizes the importance of clear, effective formatting and concise information that highlights key qualifications and experiences. During this time, employers look for relevant skills, job experience, and educational background that align with the job description. This is why it's critical for job seekers to present their information in a way that captures attention quickly—using bullet points, headings, and strategic keywords can help ensure that the most pertinent information stands out during that short review time. A timeframe shorter than this, like 5 seconds, would make it nearly impossible for a potential employer to gather any meaningful insight into a candidate's qualifications. On the other hand, while 30 seconds or even 1 minute may seem reasonable, those durations allow for a more thorough review, which is less common at initial screening stages where first impressions are often formed rapidly. Thus, recognizing the 20-second review norm helps candidates tailor their resumes effectively for maximum impact.