From Recruiter to Résumé Expert: 700+ Résumés Written—Here’s What to Add and Remove

When it comes to crafting a standout résumé, many job seekers fall into the trap of relying on flashy design or vague buzzwords. Sam Struan, a 36-year-old recruiter and résumé writer based in Scotland, has spent over a decade navigating the hiring landscape. After helping craft more than 700 résumés in the past two years alone, he’s developed a clear philosophy: content matters most.

Struan emphasizes that while there are countless so-called "secrets" to résumé success—like keyword optimization or strict one-page limits—the real key is presenting your professional story in a clear, factual, and compelling way. Here’s what he recommends job seekers focus on:

What to Include on Your Résumé

1. Contact Information
   This may seem obvious, but make sure your full name, phone number, and email address are clearly visible at the top of the document. Avoid including unnecessary details like your home address unless it's specifically requested.

2. A Value Statement at the Top
   A concise one- to two-sentence summary can immediately set the tone for your résumé. It should include your years of experience, types of roles you’ve held, industries you've worked in, and ideally, some quantifiable context such as team size or revenue figures.

3. Company Summaries for Each Job
   For every position listed, add a short blurb (one to two lines) describing the company’s product or service, geographic reach, employee count, and revenue. This helps recruiters understand the scope of your experience without needing to look up the company separately.

4. Metrics-Driven Descriptions
   Avoid generic phrases like “results-driven leader” or “strong communicator.” Instead, back up your claims with data. Did you increase sales by a certain percentage? Manage a team of 20? Reduce costs by $50,000 annually? Specifics make your achievements stand out.

What to Leave Out

1. Overly Stylistic Design Choices
   While creative résumés might seem eye-catching, they often cause issues with applicant tracking systems (ATS). Stick to clean formatting, standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman, and black text to ensure compatibility.

2. Unsubstantiated Soft Skills
   Saying you’re a “team player” or “detail-oriented” doesn’t carry much weight without evidence. Employers want proof, not promises. Replace these statements with concrete examples from your work history.

3. Irrelevant Personal Information
   Unless you're applying for a modeling gig or an industry where appearance matters, leave out photos, marital status, and hobbies unless they directly relate to the role.

The Myth of One-Page Résumés

While entry-level candidates or those with just a few years of experience may be able to keep their résumés to a single page, Struan argues that experienced professionals shouldn't feel constrained by this rule. Two to three pages are perfectly acceptable—and sometimes even necessary—for individuals with a decade or more of relevant experience, especially in fields like government, healthcare, or academia where certifications, publications, and licenses must be included.

However, length isn’t the only consideration. Your most recent and relevant job should always appear on the first page. Recruiters shouldn’t have to flip through multiple pages to find your current role.

Final Tips for Résumé Success

• Use consistent formatting throughout the document.
• Prioritize clarity over creativity.
• Proofread thoroughly to eliminate any typos.
• Tailor your résumé for each job application to highlight relevant skills and experiences.

Ultimately, your résumé should serve as a compelling snapshot of your career—one that makes it easy for recruiters to see why you’re the right fit for the job. As Struan puts it, “Keep it simple, keep it factual, and let your accomplishments speak for themselves.”