The average time a potential employer will spend scanning a resume before deciding whether to grant an interview is ______.

The correct answer relates to the brief duration of time that potential employers typically invest in reviewing a resume. Research indicates that employers often make quick assessments about a candidate's fit based on the overall appearance and key elements of the resume, with studies suggesting that this initial scanning period usually ranges from 6 to 15 seconds, with some estimates going up to 30 seconds.

The average indicates that many recruiters fall within the lower end, around 10 to 20 seconds for an initial scan before deciding on the next steps. Therefore, while 20 seconds captures the essence of this brief evaluation period, the answer choice that aligns most closely with common understanding and research findings would actually be around the 10 to 30 seconds mark, making the emphasis on shorter timeframes critical for applicants to think about how they present their qualifications succinctly. Thus, understanding this typical scanning duration underlines the importance of a clear, well-organized, and impactful resume designed to capture attention quickly.