Refresh your résumé for 2018

As the new year begins, it’s the perfect time to update, refresh and modernize your résumé. Here are a few essentials:
Include LinkedIn profile link. All savvy job seekers have a LinkedIn profile, so hopefully you do too. If not, it’s time to create one; LinkedIn is the 
No. 1 resource for recruiters to find qualified talent. Then include a live link to your profile on your résumé. One click and someone can read it instantly.
Make your email address a live link. If you haven’t already, be certain that your email address is a live link so that someone looking at your résumé online can instantly click and send you a message. Make it easy for someone to contact you.
Update your current job. If you’re working, ask yourself what you accomplished in 2017 and add it to your résumé. Maybe it’s only a sentence or two or a single bullet point, but you want to be certain that your résumé is up to date and includes your most recent experience, achievements, project highlights and skills.
Delete your mailing address. Most people don’t like to include mailing addresses on their résumé anymore because of the tremendous uptick in online identity theft. Instead, follow these rules:
n If you’re looking for work in the same immediate area in which you live, include your city, state and ZIP. That information can be key when recruiters are searching for ideal candidates in a local market.
n If you live in a major metro area and are looking for work in a two- or three-state area, consider something like this: NY/NJ/CT Metro.
n If you’re willing to relocate, there’s no need to mention anything about location.
Strategically use graphics. If you’re particularly good with Word and can paste in some graphics, it will give your résumé instant distinction, and that is a wonderful thing. Things to consider are company logos, graphs and charts highlighting your performance, military insignia and other visually interesting additions.
Take the time to refresh your résumé – it will only take an hour or so – and you’ll feel re-energized and ready to interview in 2018.

Wendy Enelow is co-author of “Modernize Your Résumé: Get Noticed ... Get Hired” and “Expert Résumés for Military-to-Civilian Transitions.”