The Psychology 🧠 Behind Keeping Your Resume To 2 Pages

The human brain processes information in chunks, and research shows recruiters spend an average of 6 seconds on initial resume screening. But you know what’s most interesting? A 2018 study found that two-page resumes were actually PREFERRED by 77% of employers, with candidates who use 2 page resumes landing MORE interviews than those with single or multiple page resumes.

The reason behind it is Cognitive Load Theory.

Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) - coined in 1988 by John Sweller, suggests that our working memory is only able to hold a small amount of information at any one time and that instructional methods should avoid overloading it in order to maximise learning (Sweller, 1988).

• Two pages provide enough space to demonstrate experience without overwhelming the reader

• The natural break between pages creates a mental "chunking" effect, making information easier to process and remember

• It strikes the perfect balance between comprehensive detail and digestible length

✅ Pro tip: Think of your resume like a movie trailer – give the reader enough to be intrigued, but leave them wanting to learn more in the interview.

Struggling to get your resume down to 2 pages? I can help!

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