Should you hire one? Simply put, if you’re sending out a large number of resumes but not getting any interviews it is time to hire a professional resume writer.

What to look for? Find someone who will spend time interviewing you and helping you decide what to include on your resume. If they simply ask you to fill out a form without a live conversation, find someone else. Also ask about fees up front and be sure you understand what is included.

Headhunter -----------------

What do they do? Headhunters (sometimes called Recruiters) match employment opportunities to available candidates. Headhunters generally have a good knowledge of companies they represent and can pre-screen potential candidates, saving both employer and job hunter time.

Should you hire one? Using a headhunter is a good idea if you have a very specific skill set that companies may not advertise. Headhunters are also very useful if you are conducting a passive job search and just want to stay aware of openings in your field.

What to look for? The key thing to remember about headhunters is they work for person who pays them (sounds obvious doesn't it?). If a headhunter is being paid by hiring company (and they often are) keep that in mind as you listen to their advice. If you are paying a headhunter, know what you're paying for. Do they charge a flat fee or a percentage of your first year's salary? If you find a job without their help, do you still have to pay fee?

Here's another way to look at it. Think of your hands. How many purposes can you think of for them? Probably more than about anything else. Now think of buying a pearl ring for one of your fingers. What purpose does that ring serve? It is decorative, and worn for only one reason- to look good.

If you tire of that ring, or your fingers get larger and it can't be sized, is there any other purpose for that ring? Not really, unless you remove stone and put it in another setting (which will be expensive) or give it to someone. So just be sure you really want that ring before you buy it.

On other hand (no pun intended) when you buy a wedding ring, it has several purposes. It is a symbol of your marriage union. It has sentimental value. It is also decorative. It could be said to be used for security in some ways. It passes Rule of Three.

Here are some other examples to further illustrate my point:

SOFA SLEEPER Used as a bed. Seating for company. Seating for family. DESK

Used to pay bills. Used to write letters. Used for studying.

WIRE WHISK

Used to mix waffle batter. Used to beat eggs. Used to make cakes.

SCOTCH TAPE

Seal letters. Sewing aid. Wrap presents. One last example of a single purpose item is a piano. Now then, I couldn't live without mine, but then, I play it every day. However, for it to be useful, someone has to play it. If someone does it is money well spent.

If, however, after you buy it, you tire of lessons, and it just sits there, you have made a mistake, from which you may or may not be able to recover your money. How many people do you know that have pianos just sitting in their home? The only time they are played is when company comes. Since it is probably not being maintained or tuned (which is expensive) even they won't want to play it long.

Think carefully before buying items with just one purpose!