Resume Must Capture Attention on Page 1

No matter what its length, your resume must capture attention on the first page, preferably the first third of the first page.

Given that employers screen resumes for between 2.5 and 20 seconds, a resume must quickly capture the reader’s interest. “As long as the resume grabs the attention of the hiring manager, it is the right length,” says Marnie McCown-Guard. “Whatever the length of the resume, the critical factor is to make absolutely certain that your reader’s interest is piqued within the first half of the first page,” cautions Laurie J. Smith, president of Creative Keystrokes Executive Resume Service.