What Is the Average Length of Time an Employer Will Spend Reviewing a Resume?
How long do recruiters spend looking at your CV?
How long recruiters actually spend looking at your CV | Report and analysis
Andrew Fennell | Updated January 2022
Manufacture research states that on average recruiters spend 6-eight seconds looking at your CV before they decide whether you lot are suitable for their vacancy or not.
Equally a job seeker, this is a worrying and frustrating statistic to hear.
Afterwards all, what is the point in spending days crafting the perfect CV, if recruiters will not even bother to invest 10 seconds in reading it?
But fortunately, this effigy doesn't tell us the full story – and the research behind it is far from conclusive.
To reply this question more accurately, I have compared all of the enquiry and studies that have been carried out on this topic, spoken with numerous recruiters and added some of my own analysis and commentary of the information.
How long are recruiters really spending looking at your CV, and what can you do to increment the corporeality of time they spend looking at yours in 2022?
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Key CV statistics
- Inquiry shows that recruiters spend 6-8 seconds reviewing a CV before they make up one's mind whether information technology is suitable for a vacancy or non.
- 80% of CVs do not get shortlisted by recruiters, pregnant they do not brand it past the first screen.
- Recruiters say that they spend anywhere between 8 seconds and fifteen minutes reviewing a CV.
- On average only eleven% of applicants are considered suitable for the roles they are applying to.
What studies have been done into how long recruiters spend reading your CV?
If you search online for an answer to "how long do recruiters spend reading my CV?" nigh every page in the results will tell y'all half dozen-viii seconds or something about to that time length.
They are numbers quoted by most every major job board and news site from Glassdoor and Business organization Insider, to Reed and The Guardian.
But what is information technology this effigy based on? And why has the careers industry fixated on it for so long?
Most media mentions of the 6-8 seconds statistic cite one of the following ii studies every bit sources.
- Ladders eye-tracking study – Us
- Workopolis recruiter database study – Canada
These are both big reputable careers companies, but it's worth noting that neither are United kingdom based and the inquiry was all carried out several years ago.
Let'south have a close look at each report to determine how authentic and reliable they are.
Ladders eye tracking written report
Ladders are a well-known United states job site who exclusively advertise jobs that pay over $100k per year.
They carried out an "eye-tracking" study in 2018 where they used middle tracking sensor technology to record which sections of a CV recruiter focused on when reviewing it, and how long they spent reviewing it all together.
They produced a iv page PDF with some CV rut maps to visualise their findings.
What did they learn?
The Ladders study institute the following key statistics from their middle tracking recruiter study.
- Recruiters spend seven.4 seconds performing an initial screen of a CV on average.
- Recruiters scan for job titles and subheadings.
- Best performing CVs had clear unproblematic layouts (although it does not define what "best performing" means in this context)
How did they behave out the study?
This is where the Ladders study gets interesting.
They do not provide whatever information on how the report was carried out.
At the bottom of the study, they provide these two sentences the methodology for the report.
This is incredibly vague to say the least.
They exercise not explain:
- Who was studied – We tin presume that they studied recruiters, just how many? And from what industries and companies?
- How many CVs were reviewed – Did these recruiters look at i CV or x,000 CVs?
- How the report was carried out – How were these recruiters monitored and timed? Which heart tracking technology was used? How were the average times calculated?
Is this study reliable?
In my stance, no.
I remember there is a strong chance that this written report was never fifty-fifty carried out.
The total lack of explanation of who was studied and how the study was done seems very suspicious to me.
Surely if this study had really happened, Ladders would take provided extensive particular on how it was done.
At the very least, I would take expected them to tell us how many recruiters were involved, where the study happened, and how many CVs were reviewed.
Also, the use of middle tracking engineering science is a pretty big deal, but it'southward completely glossed over in the written report PDF. If y'all had gone to the lengths and great expense of using such an advanced slice of technology for a report, would you lot not have gone into some particular virtually how it works? Maybe even included some photos or videos of the recruiters using it?
Unless somebody can show me some show to the contrary, I do non think nosotros tin rely on the results of this report.
Unfortunately, I think it'south simply a piece of PR whereby somebody in the Ladders marketing team picked a number that they idea was roughly right, and so congenital a story around it to make the information seem existent and become some news coverage.
Workopolis recruiter database study
Workopolis are a Canadian job site and a partner of global jobs behemothic Indeed.
Workopolis studied user data from their CV database, where they are able to record recruiter action, such as how long they spend looking at each CV, how many CVs they expect at, and how many they salve or discard.
They published their findings in a short blog mail.
What did they learn?
The central takeaways from the Workopolis study were:
- Near threescore% of employers spend eleven seconds or less viewing a CV earlier saving it or endmost information technology.
- Almost 80% of CVs practice not get shortlisted by recruiters, significant they do not brand it past the starting time screen.
- Simply 14% of recruiters spend more than one infinitesimal looking at a CV (from within their database)
How did they acquit out the report?
Workopolis provided this data by studying the user behaviour of recruiters who search their CV database looking for candidates.
It's worth noting that they do not state specifically country this, simply information technology'south implied in the intro of the article.
Merely I imagine that they could hands tape how long a recruiter had a candidate's CV open in the database, or how many CVs they saved or discarded.
Beyond that, they do non provide much detail.
So, over again nosotros are missing details like;
- How many recruiters were studied?
- How many CVs or sessions were looked at?
- Industries and experience level of candidates?
Is this study reliable?
Whilst this study certainly has a stronger foundation then the Ladders written report, I'm not convinced information technology gives us a definitive respond to the question "how long do recruiters spend looking at your CV?"
The fact that they have used their databases user activity should provide a reliable source of recruiter activeness. Yet, without knowing anything else nigh how the report was carried out, information technology'southward difficult to say how accurate the results are.
Almost importantly they have not told us how many recruiters were studied and how many CVs they were tasked with reading.
These are two vital details to omit from a write up of a study like this, because they have such a big impact on how conclusive the findings are.
For example, if they studied i recruiter reading i CV the findings would be completely useless, whereas a written report of i,000 recruiters reading one,000 CVs would give us much more meaningful average figures.
Merely, if nosotros assume that Workopolis sampled a large plenty number of recruiters and CVs (which they should have, considering they merits their database is searched 16,000 times per day) then this study does give united states a skillful indication of how long recruiters are spending reviewing CVs.
What do the studies tell us?
The findings of these studies tell the states that recruiters only spend a few seconds making a decision on your suitability during the first time they read your CV (on boilerplate).
As somebody who has worked in recruitment, I agree that this statement is correct in most circumstances.
But I think that focusing on this one statistic is misleading for jobseekers.
It leads you to believe that your CV will only ever be read for a few seconds, regardless of how you write your CV or what jobs you lot apply for – this is simply not true.
What are the studies not telling united states?
The problem with these studies is that they are not telling u.s. what is happening outside of the average CV reading times.
Of course, there will be times when your CV is read for longer than 8 seconds, so what happens in these circumstances?
Speaking from feel, I tin can tell you that in that location are enough of occasions where your CV will be read for 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes or longer.
There will be meetings where groups of people painstakingly analyse your CV's contents and hash out your suitability for one-half an hour.
There are scores of of import factors that these studies are non covering, such as;
- How long are recruiters spending on CVs that brand it past the average time?
- What variables are affecting the amount of time a recruiter spends reviewing a CV?
- How long does a recruiter spend looking at CVs they accept shortlisted on the second read?
- What tin can you do to increase the corporeality of time recruiters spend reading your CV?
Considering that this topic is so widely discussed in the careers industry, the research that has been done in the surface area is not comprehensive.
As a chore seeker, yous need more item on the bailiwick if you want to use this information to help you land a job.
Variables that bear on CV review time
The research tells u.s.a. that half-dozen-8 seconds is the average time recruiters spend reading a CV, but there are times where they spend a greater or less time reviewing a CV.
And so, what are the variables that affect how long a recruiter will spend reading your CV, when they receive it for the first fourth dimension?
Volume of job applications
If a recruiter has to review 200 CVs every day, they will be greatly restricted in the amount of time they tin invest in screening each 1. One time they have created a shortlist, they volition probable spend more time studying the CVs that made it through – merely their initial CV screening will accept to be rapid.
Whereas a recruiter who only sees 5 CVs a day volition accept the luxury of being able to dedicate time to each one that reaches their inbox.
In near cases, recruiters dealing with relatively depression skilled jobs and inferior positions volition receive higher volumes of applications than those dealing with expert or senior roles. This is considering there will exist a much bigger pool of candidates on the market place who could potentially authorize for the lower skilled jobs, compared to the senior jobs. For example, there would exist thousands of people in the UK who have the skills and experience required for an accounts banana chore, just simply a handful who could bear out the role of CEO for an accounting house.
Profession and industry
The industry and type of chore beingness applied for volition influence how long a recruiter has to screen CVs for.
Some jobs are extremely complex and regulated, where candidates are required to have multiple qualifications and a long list of technical skills, just to pass the first phase of screening. CVs in these industries will require more screening time, equally information technology volition accept recruiters longer to dig all this information out of the document.
Other less-technical roles may have fewer requirements – For example they may ask that a candidate has previous industry experience and nothing more. In this instance recruiters will only need to take a quick glance at the piece of work experience section to determine whether or not a CV makes the cutting.
Deadlines and competition
Recruiters are ever working to deadlines, only how soon those deadlines are looming could effect how long the recruiter tin spend reviewing CVs. And so could the amount of people competing to fill the vacancy they are working on.
An internal recruiter who is working a vacancy exclusively, and has been given iii months to find the right candidate, volition not be in blitz – and tin afford to spend more time reading every CV they see.
But an external bureau recruiter who is recruiting for a client and competing against 5 other companies for the same chore, is probable to exist extremely hurried – and will be racing through CVs trying to find the perfect candidate before the competition does.
How the CV reaches the recruiter
One cistron that makes a huge difference in the perception of a CV, is the style in which the recruiter receives it. These are the iii main means that a recruiter will come to open up a CV.
- Task applications – When a task is advertised it will usually receive a lot of applications, and the majority of them volition not be suitable. For this reason, recruiters will tend to run through applications chop-chop and frequently aren't hopeful of finding the all-time candidate – and then chore application CVs will receive very quick reviews, unless they appear to exist suitable instantly.
- CV database search – Recruiters search CV databases such as internal company systems or those offered by job sites like CV Library. Because searches are made with keywords specific to the role, they unremarkably return more than relevant candidates than job applications. Therefore, recruiters will give more time and attention to CVs found this way.
- Recommendation or referral – If a recruiter is passed a CV by somebody they know and trust, they have big expectations. And then, recommendations and referrals volition be reviewed the longest out of these iii methods.
What do recruiters say?
To get some inside data on the matter, I asked some recruiters.
Of class, no recruiters record the amount of time they spend reading every CV they see, so this is not an verbal science.
Just recruiters are the closest people to this information, so it's helpful to go some anecdotal show from them.
We spoke with ten recruiters, almost of whom are actively recruiting for well known brands in the Britain. Highlights from 4 of the interviews are included below.
Lee Owen | Hays | United kingdom of great britain and northern ireland
Lee is currently a director for Hays, ane of the Uk'due south biggest recruitment agencies.
He has over fifteen years experience recruiting for finance positions.
 | "Information technology takes a few minutes to determine |
How many CVs do you lot see on a typical workday?
This can vary depending on which sector you are recruiting in, the time of year, what the market place is like, the salary level and the job specification in question. Based on all of those factors a consultant may not receive a single CV for a specific role, in other cases they can receive up of 100.
Are about CVs you encounter piece of cake to navigate and read?
The majority of CVs are planned, well thought out and demonstrate good feel.
When reviewing a CV for the first time, how long exercise y'all normally spend deciding whether it is suitable or not?
A few minutes – but that is only on the basis that I've probably viewed a proficient 100,000 CVs during my career and so you can rapidly hone into what's right or not.
What are the outset things you look for when reading a CV?
If the CV is for a specific job role – I would always look for how the experience detailed matches up to the task description or job advertizing. This is what employers will be looking for.
What tips would you lot give to candidates who want to ensure their CVs go more attention from recruiters?
If the recruiter or hiring director is listed on the advertisement effort and make contact before you apply and ask them "what 3 things would you like to come across on a CV for this part which would increment your chances of securing an interview". Armed with that insight y'all can then tailor your CV to meet the brief.
Rachel Campbell | Michael Page Group | UK
Rachel is a senior regional director at Michael Folio (another large Great britain recruitment house)
She recruits across finance, secretarial, business support and HR.
 | "In reality the first decision gets made in less than 30 seconds" |
How many CVs practice you lot see on a typical workday?
It is hard to say there is no average working twenty-four hours equally a consultant, still for a newly advertised part we would see up to 200 CVs, sometimes more depending on the role.
Are most CVs you see easy to navigate and read?
I would say in full general CVs are piece of cake to read, if people accept followed the guidelines on chronology, with their last position kickoff.
When reviewing a CV for the first time, how long do you normally spend deciding whether it is suitable or not.
In reality the first determination gets made in less than 30 seconds. You are scanning for information that meets the brief. If it is for a specific role we will scan for types of organisation and sector that would be of interest, seeking out fundamental words and clear definition of skill sets, qualifications, competencies, and systems.
What are the first things you expect for when reading a CV?
The beginning thing is the relevance of the most recent experience. This is where it is most important that someone has given some clear details most their responsibilities, and achievements. We want to encounter how the person tin can use these skills to springboard into the next position.
What tips would you requite to candidates who desire to ensure their CVs get more attention from recruiters?
Really think about the roles that you are trying to utilise for, read a couple of job specs to help guide you, make sure you are using the right language and that it is right at the elevation of your skills list in your nearly recent part.
On average, if y'all received 100 applications for a job, how many candidates would meet the minimum requirements to qualify for the job?
In terms of candidates meeting the actual requirements, this is effectually five% of candidates, so but v in every 100 applications.
Hannah Morgan | Adecco | UK
Hannah is an executive managing director with staffing agency Adecco, she recruits in general staffing which tin include annihilation from Administration, Tech & Digital, Marketing, Finance and Customer Service.
 | "An initial CV pre-screen would have 10-xv minutes" |
Are most CVs you see easy to navigate and read?
Yep, nosotros mainly see a skillful standard of CVs from applications.
What are the start things y'all look for when reading a CV?
Layout, i.e. checking appointment society, work and education history is clear. Spelling and grammar using Microsoft Function checks.
On average, if you received 100 applications for a job, how many candidates would come across the minimum requirements to qualify for the chore?
On average 20% would qualify.
Biron Clark | Career Sidekick | United states
To become some perspective from across the swimming, we also spoke to Usa based former recruiter Biron Clark. Biron has recruited for numerous Fortune 500 companies, such equally Novartis and Pfizer – he now runs popular United states of america careers site; Career Sidekick.
 | "I spend eight-ten seconds glancing at a resume and deciding whether to read more" |
How many CVs do you run into on a typical workday?
On a typical workday, I'd review forty-80 resumes on boilerplate.
Are virtually CVs you see easy to navigate and read?
No. 1 gene that makes many resumes and CVs difficult to read is large paragraphs without much formatting, bullets, bolding, or other ways to distinguish the key information.
When reviewing a CV for the start time, how long do you normally spend deciding whether it is suitable or not?
I spend 8-x seconds glancing at a resume and deciding whether to read more than. If it seems similar the candidate is a good fit in wide terms, I'll read further.
Overall, it takes one to ii minutes to make up one's mind if a candidate should be shortlisted.
Nonetheless, it may only accept a few seconds to rule a candidate out.
What are the beginning things yous expect for when reading a CV?
When I read a CV, I wait at the most recent work experience first. When doing this, I'k thinking, "Does this candidate have the skills and experience needed to step into this job and succeed?"
Once you accept built a shortlist of CVs for a function, how long would you spend reviewing each one to determine which candidates to call or interview?
5-10 minutes.
What tips would yous requite to candidates who want to ensure their CVs get more than attending from recruiters?
Begin your chronological work experience section within the top one-half of folio 1. This is where many recruiters wait get-go.
"Tailor" your CV to the position. Endeavour to mirror what's mentioned outset, and well-nigh often, on the chore clarification.
On average, if you received 100 applications for a job, how many candidates would come across the minimum requirements to qualify for the task?
5-15 candidates, depending on the job. 8-10 on average.
How to get recruiters to spend more time reading your CV
In order to state more than interviews and get meliorate job offers, you demand recruiters to give your CV more attending.
Combining the enquiry we've looked at here, the data given from current recruiters and my own experience in the recruitment industry, I've compiled the following tips to help your CV get the time and attention it deserves.
Research the jobs you are applying for
Recruiters pass up CVs rapidly when they practice non run into the requirements that they have asked for in the job description.
If you don't research the jobs that you are applying for, yous will not know which of your skills and experience are nigh important recruiters – which will make it hard for you to create a CV that appeals to them.
Earlier you write your CV, practice some thorough inquiry into the jobs you intend to apply for and build your CV around the cadre requirements, highlighting your nearly in-demand talents.
Get more skills and qualifications
If you are not qualified to exercise the jobs you lot are applying for, you will not become shortlisted for them.
You lot can't expect a recruiter to be wowed by your CV if yous only have 1 out of the 10 requirements they are looking for.
Take a realistic look at your CV compared to the job adverts you lot are responding to and inquire yourself what you are missing.
If you lack some experience they need, could y'all pace up in your current role and accept on some actress responsibilities? Or take a curt relevant voluntary role?
If yous don't have the software experience or qualifications they are asking for, could you take on online form to go them?
If you actively make yourself a better candidate, your CV will automatically become more than attractive, and recruiters will make more than fourth dimension for information technology.
Format your CV with recruiters in mind
We know that recruiters are decorated people, reviewing lots of CVs and working to tight deadlines – so your CV needs to be adapted accordingly.
Use a uncomplicated clear format and layout that's easy to read and make headings big and bold so that recruiters can navigate the page chop-chop during that initial skim-read.
Don't exist tempted to complicate the design with pictures and unnecessary design features – they crowd the page and distract readers from the content.
How long are recruiters really spending reading your CV?
The truth is that this is an extremely difficult question to respond.
There are then many variables involved and every bit of yet, nobody has carried out a detailed plenty report to provide us with conclusive findings.
However, from the inquiry that has been washed and what we've heard from the recruitment professionals nosotros interviewed, nosotros know that recruiters do not spend very long reviewing your CV when they see information technology for the get-go time.
Our all-time estimate is that on average a recruiter volition spend anywhere between 5 – 30 seconds on an initial review of your CV.
However, it's worth noting that once your CV has fabricated information technology past that initial screening stage, recruiters will return to your CV and spend much longer studying it, equally yous progress through the awarding procedure.
It's besides worth noting that majority of candidates applying for jobs exercise non meet the minimum criteria to qualify for them, which is driving the average time spent on a CV down. If all applications were from suitable candidates, recruiters would not be rejecting so many within a few seconds, and the average time would increase greatly.
In decision, recruiters exercise non spend much fourth dimension looking at most CVs they receive, but if you apply for suitable jobs with a well-presented CV, you will receive much more attention than the industry average.
Source: https://standout-cv.com/how-long-recruiters-spend-looking-at-cv
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