How To Impress A Hiring Manager In 11 Seconds |
Before we get into this week’s newsletter I’d like to formally introduce myself. My name is Courtney Connley-Hampton, and I’m excited to be Forbes’ new careers staff writer and the person who will lead this newsletter each week.
I recognize that I’m stepping into this role at a fascinating—and frankly complicated—moment in the world of work. From ongoing layoffs and rising AI anxiety, to post-graduation blues, return-to-office tensions, and shifting expectations around what a “career” even looks like, there’s a lot happening all at once.
I’m excited to help make sense of it all by bringing compelling stories, insights, and practical advice that will help you navigate a rapidly changing job market. I look forward to being in your inbox each week.
Now, on to this week’s topic:
11.2 seconds. That’s the average initial time hiring managers and recruiters spend on a resume, according to AI-powered interview platform InterviewPal.
While this number varies by company, the reality is that in today’s world, the decision to move a candidate forward is sometimes shaped by AI tools that filter applications before a human even sees them. Therefore, one small mistake or missed opportunity can easily cost a candidate the chance to advance.
I spoke to recruiters and workplace experts about what they look for in those first few seconds of scanning your resume—and how you can increase your chances of moving to the next round. Here are some of their takeaways:
Alignment With a Job’s Requirements: Emphasize in the first few bullet........