CV Tips - The hidden résumé metric that predicts whether you’ll get an interview
Posted 20th January 2026 • Written by Donna Svei on fastcompany.com • • • • • •
Do you know that the longer a decision-maker views your résumé, the more likely it is that you’ll get an interview? Recent research combined eye-tracking and machine learning to understand résumé decisions better. The most actionable conclusion was that Experience section dwell time predicts interview invitations.
So, let’s talk about how to make your résumé’s Experience section sticky to readers via design and content choices.
Eliminate Walls of Text
People don’t read word by word. They scan, looking for information relevant to their needs. Large blocks of text lose readers because they’re hard to scan.
To avoid that, limit résumé text blocks to three lines, four if you must. Nothing else about your résumé matters if people won’t read it.
Focus on Experience
Help readers navigate your résumé by providing clear section labels (Professional Experience, Education, Skills, Community Service, etc.).
Because the Experience section drives interviews, place it below the summary at the top of your résumé. You have to show your relevance immediately to earn deeper reader attention.
Use a Consistent Structure
Present your recent experience in a consistent structure. I include:
Company names
Company descriptions
The locations where my clients worked for companies
Job titles
Employment dates
Job scope descriptions
Impact statements.
I always place company names and job titles on left margins to help readers who are scanning. They want that information. Give it to them effortlessly.
Rank Order Your Impact Stories Based on Your Readers’ Needs
Identify a job’s deliverables. To do this, use job postings, talk with insiders, and ask AI platforms questions. Then, write your impact bullets to convince readers you can succeed in their roles. Let go of what you think is important about you; you’ll have time for that later. To grab and keep your readers’ attention, align your bullets’ content and order with their most critical needs.
Provide White Space
White space makes résumés easier to read and understand.
Use these minimum parameters:
Three-quarter-inch top and bottom margins
One-inch side margins
Half-point spaces between bulleted impact statements
If you need more room, edit your content; don’t fudge the white space—you’ll lose readers.
I’ve talked a lot about readers here, but the reality is that the people who view your résumé are evaluators. They look at your presentation. Then they decide whether you appear to meet enough of their needs to merit more of their time. Make it easy for them to understand your relevance, and they will slow down to focus on you.
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