If you need a job, or are even bucking for a promotion, business deal, or some memberships, you need a resume! I know, a post about resumes sounds really boring. But, please read on as I tell you in my own way how a resume can help you.

When starting out into the working world, especially if you are a young person going for that first job, a resume can help you stand out and get that job. When I was in my 20’s, I tried for a call center job. it was just a menial, part-time job, but as I had no job at $0 an hour, this “menial” job would be a good step up! So, I went to a group interview and had, in addition to my application, I also had my resume. And, as it turned out, I was the only one who submitted a resume along with my application. I got the job! And I believe that it was simply submitting my resume, even though it wasn’t much of a resume, that gave me the extra advantage in that situation!

A resume brings together those things that will not only give a prospective employer a snapshot of you as a potential employee, but will also give him or her a better basis for the questions they might want to ask you should you score an interview. This also helps you as well. You see, in creating your resume, you are forced to evaluate your skills and experiences, and to remember things that can lead to better answers at interview time.

When you are asked what problem did you have in the past and how did you deal with it, you may be more likely to remember that obscure temporary job you had at the corner store and how you helped a particular customer. When answering the question, you’re less likely to sound as if you were “fishing” your memory for an answer.

Once you have your resume created, it is easier to update it or to create a second resume aimed at a specific type of job, especially now with computers having replaced the typewriter in most cases. And, your resume can also act as an important reference when filling out applications for future jobs.

In addition to its use in job hunting, a resume can also be used when trying for a promotion, membership to an exclusive club or group, or, if you are an entrepreneur, to secure a loan or engage in a business deal or partnership!

Now, while everyone has their own information, many aren’t sure how to put it all together. There are guides available, as well as resume writing services.

One of them (mine) is on the Services page and also the Resumes Available Here! page on this website.

Which service is best? It depends. Most I’ve seen will charge $50-$75 for a simple resume and cover letter package, usually going up from there for a host of other additional services, including fancy paper with designs, SEO (Search Engine Optimization), and keyword emphasis.

As I’m not an expert in SEO or keywords, I just do a simple resume and cover letter for $30. I’ve had a few clients, one of whom told me later that they did secure a job after I did a resume for them. I don’t know for sure if SEO and keywords have a great effect on the likelihood of a resume getting further notice resulting in a person getting the job, since keywords change all the time, as does SEO. And, one hiring manager’s keyword may be what turns off another hiring manager, resumes that go to HR departments are often skimmed over quickly and keywords may not always be noticed. This is just my opinion, however, and I may be wrong about this.

Also, the type of employer one is trying to get a job from can make a difference. The owner of the small grocery store, who does all of the hiring and everything else related to it, may just want to see what a prospective employee is bringing to the table and is not interested in looking for keywords or SEO and may not care what kind of paper the resume is on, just that he or she can read and understand the resume itself.

So, whether you want to go with the simple resume or want a resume with SEO, keywords, and everything else, do get yourself a resume. It’s well worth it!

Go to the Services page or Resumes Available Here! page of this website for your resume now! And if you know someone who needs a resume, send them here now!

Thanks for reading!  🙂

Does everything you buy have to be brand new? The answer is, not necessarily. Sure, we all like new things with their new smells and feel. Who doesn’t like that new car smell? Buying new does have its advantages, such as store and manufacturer guarantees and warranties. New cars typically come with 3-year/36,000 mile warranties. Most stores do have a return policy.

But, buying everything new can be expensive, and some things can be bought used, still be of great quality with most of its life left, and save you a lot of money as well. But you do need to know what types of products are best bought new and what types of products are best bought used. Some items, like cars, can be bought used without problems, if you do it right. Here’s what I’ve learned about which products are best bought new and which are best bought used. The list is by no means complete, but it may give you an idea of where you can score great bargains and where you need to splurge on the new item.

Electronics: In General, Buy New! The biggest reason I say this is due to the safety factor. New electronics have been tested, and not abused or worn through day-to-day use. And, they are made to conform to the most recent safety standards. You don’t know where used electronics have been, or if there is a short somewhere inside, or a frayed section of wire that may spark an electrical fire.

Then, you may not be able to test the used item in all ways, if at all, and later find that it has issues. A used computer may lack a complete operating system, or have an inferior version, or may have a part that doesn’t work, like an internal fan. The internal fan is used to dissipate a computer’s internal heat. You may not notice that the fan didn’t work when you tested it briefly at the flea market, but when you bring it home and try it out for an extended period, it ends up quitting on you or doing strange things because its internal temperature got too high, due to the inoperative fan.

Now, there is an exception to this rule. If the item is new in the box, or is an item you know very well because it is your best friend’s old computer, which you’ve used almost as much as he has, then go ahead and buy it. If you read my post , “Garage Sale & Flea Market Bargains? Yes, and They Don’t Have to be Crappy!“, you would have read about the Sony clock radio I bought at a very good price. It was new in the box and I could see it had never been used, so I made the exception. Actually, this exception could really apply to any item!

Cookware and Dishes: Buy New! Again, you don’t know where the used item has been, or how it was used, and, since it will be used for eating, well, let’s just say I would be leery unless, again, you are already familiar with the item or it is new in the box.

Books, CD’s, DVD’s, Records, and Tapes: Buy Used! Often you can find great prices for these items, especially at flea markets! Of course, the one problem is finding the artists you’re interested in where CD’s , records, and tapes are concerned. Oftentimes, I see CD’s by artists no one has ever heard of. Of course, you may be a fan of one of these obscure artists and so this may be just right for you. And, with most paperback books going for $6 and up in the bookstores, the dollar or less you pay for the used version is a real bargain!

Knickknacks and Collectibles: Buy Used! Knickknacks and other decorative pieces are not going to be used for eating and are not usually electrical, so buying these used makes a lot of sense and you can usually score some great bargains!

Toys: Buy Used with Caution! Toys can be bought used generally, but do make sure that they are intact, with no small pieces coming off them. For larger toys that kids may ride or climb on, do a thorough inspection for structural soundness, and also look for any surprises, like a bolt or latch that doesn’t work right despite not looking worn or broken. Make sure games are complete and that battery operated toys actually work when batteries are added.

Bicycles: Buy Used with Caution! Bikes, like toys, can be bought used and at great prices, but again, as above, do inspect the bike and try it out first. Look for wear, broken parts, and rust. And be sure the gear shift and brakes work and that nothing is still loose even after it is tightened.

Non Cloth Furniture: Buy Used! I’ve seen coffee tables , cribs, dining sets, and other furniture pieces that looked really good being sold at garage sales and flea markets. And I’ve seen crap, too. The biggest problem is finding what you want. Those nice furniture pieces may not be what you are looking for. But if you do find something, you can score a great bargain! Just be sure you can get it home, since I know of no flea market or garage sale that offers delivery!

Cloth Furniture: Buy New! Not knowing where the used item has been, I wouldn’t buy used cloth furniture, or anything used with cloth or fabric, unless it is new in the box! Can you say, “Bedbugs“? And who knows what else?

TV Trays and Small Tables and Shelves: Buy used! Again, great bargains can be had. My TV trays that I talk about in my post, “Garage Sale & Flea Market Bargains? Yes, and They Don’t Have to be Crappy!” is a perfect example! $10 for a set that would set you back $39 new in the store!? Can’t beat that!

Cars: Buy Used with Caution! If you do your research and due diligence, you can score a great bargain with a used car. I did this and have no regrets. And, the good news is that brand name car dealers, independent used car dealers, and private parties all sell used cars. A brand name car dealership is usually safest, but the used cars may be the most expensive here. Used car dealers vary in how honest or dishonest they are, but you still have a chance for recourse with them if things go wrong. Buying from private parties carries the most risk, though a savvy car buyer can score the best bargains from private parties. Fortunately, the internet provides lots of sites that can guide you in your quest for a used car. Be sure to get a Carfax report!

So, these are my opinions on used versus new products. Please feel free to comment and to mention products you would add to this list! Also, if you know anyone who is indecisive about whether to buy something new or used, send them here to this site!

Thanks for reading!  🙂