This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

Some experts estimate that around 14% of homes in the United States are protected by monitored security systems. However, a burglary occurs every 15 seconds in the US. When asked why they don’t have a monitored security system, many people often cite one (or several) popular home security misconceptions. Here are five common home security myths.

Myth #1 – Home Security is Expensive!
Surprisingly, home security doesn’t cost as much as you might think. Some security companies offer a basic level of monitoring for around $40 per month. However, you also have to factor in the discount that having a monitored security system gives you on your homeowner’s insurance. Most insurance companies will give you around a 20% discount for having a monitored security system installed. However, some companies offer up to a 40% discount! In some cases, you might find that having a security system pays for itself in insurance discounts.

Myth #2 – I’ll Always Have to Pay for Monitoring.
If you’re tech-savvy, you can design your home security system without requiring it to be connected to a monitoring station. Some people don’t like the idea of paying monthly for home security, and that’s completely fine. Instead, you should focus on designing a system of sensors that sends you alerts (email, text, call, etc) when the sensors are triggered. You can even set up a video surveillance system that you can view remotely while you’re away at work.

Myth #3 – My Pet Could Set Off the Security System.
Most monitored home security systems are now designed to accommodate for at-home pets. The sensors can be placed in an area above the pet’s height, or they may also be put at a setting that detects movement over a certain size. For example, some motion sensors can be set to only go off if they detect motion of an object over 50 pounds, which is more than most pets weigh. If you have a pet, talk to a home security company – there are probably many options available to you!

Myth #4 – I Won’t Get Burglarized.
Tough financial times are making more people resort to desperate criminal measures. The average person will lose from $1000 – $5000 from a burglary. Are you willing to take that chance? Spending money improving your home’s security is like buying “insurance”. Even if you don’t get burglarized, it’s impossible to put a price on peace of mind.

Myth #5 –  Installing a Home Security System is Difficult and Expensive.
If you purchase a monitored home security system from a company along with a monitoring package, in most cases you may be able to get the system installed free of charge. Free installation has become a standard for many home security companies. If you don’t plan to pay for monitoring, you still don’t have to be an expert to install a home security system in your home. Stick to wireless systems, which are much easier to set up and install. Most stand-alone systems come with detailed instructions that will walk you through the installation process.

This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

If you have a credit card, one of your biggest fears is probably that your card might be stolen. However, since many of us now make purchases online, there are now more ways for credit card thieves to gain access to your personal info. If your credit card information has been stolen or compromised, there are a few ways you can reduce your chances of suffering a devastating financial loss. Here are some tips about what you should do as soon as you believe your credit card info is at risk.

Call and Report Your Card Stolen

This should be the absolute first thing you do when you think your credit card has been compromised. Immediately call your credit card company, and report that your card information may have been stolen. This way, you can avoid any future fraudulent charges that may be posted to your account. Most companies will immediately deactivate your card, and may even stop any pending charges that have been posted since the time when you believe your information became compromised.

Place a “Fraud Alert” on Your Credit Report

Just in case, it’s always best to place a “fraud alert” on your credit report if you think your credit card information may have been compromised. Despite what you might think, cancelling your credit cards doesn’t ensure that a thief won’t be able to make fraudulent charges in your name. They may have gained access to other personal data through your credit card, which means your identity could be at risk. A fraud alert will mean that no new accounts can be opened in your name until the alert is removed from your account. To do this, you’ll need to contact all three credit bureaus individually.

• TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289 (www.transunion.com)
• Equifax: 1-800-525-6285 (www.equifax.com)
• Experian: 1-888-397-3742 (www.experian.com)

Get A Copy of Your Credit Report

You’re entitled to receive a free copy of your credit report from all three credit bureaus once per year. In some cases, you may also be able to gain an additional free report after activating a fraud alert. It’s best to have documented proof of your credit report before any potentially fraudulent charges or accounts are opened in your name. Print out a physical copy of your credit report, and file it for future reference.

File An Identity Theft Report

If you want to be completely sure that your personal info will remain safe, you might want to consider filing a full identity theft report. These reports are usually in two parts, which may be time-consuming to complete. The first part of the report should be filed with your local or state authorities, such as the police. The second part of the report will be filed with a consumer reporting company, and will depend on your situation. Be sure to have detailed information available when filing your report. This should include the date that your information was most likely stolen, as well as information on any fraudulent charges or accounts that have been opened since the alleged theft. You might also have to provide documented evidence of the theft, if you can.

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This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

There might be circumstances when you aren’t able to financially provide for yourself while pregnant. Or, an unplanned pregnancy could come at a time when your family is already struggling financially. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with applying for financial assistance while pregnant, especially for food assistance programs. During (and after) pregnancy, you will need to make sure that you and your baby remain healthy. Here’s a bit of information which will guide you through the steps of applying for WIC.

What is WIC?

WIC is the commonly used abbreviation for the “Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children“. The WIC program is a federal assistance program, which is run by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture). The program is designed to provide nutrition and healthcare for pregnant, breastfeeding women as well as infants and children under five years old. Here’s some more information about WIC from the Food & Nutrition Service.

Am I Eligible for WIC?

To be able to receive assistance from WIC, you do need to meet certain guidelines. These guidelines may vary slightly by state, though most of them are very similar. The main requirement is that you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a child under five years of age. Also, you need to meet income requirements in order to be considered for this program. Your income needs to be between 100% and 185% of the Federal Poverty income guideline. This is a scaled requirement, depending on how many people are living in your household. For example, in 2011 the income requirement to be considered for WIC required a two-person household to make from $300 to $520 per week.

What Should I Do First?

You should first contact the state WIC office in your area, and see if you need to make an appointment. Some WIC offices will allow you to have walk-in appointments, but this varies depending on the state/county. Call your local WIC office, and ask what the requirements in your state are for making an appointment. Here’s a list of state WIC agencies, which is sorted alphabetically.

What Will I Need to Bring?

Most offices will give you a list of documents that you will need to bring with you to your WIC appointment. In most cases, you will need to provide proof of residency in the state where you’re filing for WIC assistance. In most cases, this means bringing a copy of your signed lease, or a utility bill that is less than 60 days old. You will also need to bring your official identification documents, such as your birth certificate and social security card. A photo ID, such as a license or non-driver’s ID will also be required.

If you’ve recently moved to a different state, it’s usually not necessary for you to apply for a new photo ID. However, you will still need to provide proof of residency in the state where you’re applying for assistance.

Where Can I Get More Information?

For more information about WIC, here are a few resources:

• About WIC
• How to Apply for WIC
• WIC State Agency List

This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

It’s the end of another long week at your full-time job. You finish up your work, turn off your computer, and gather your belongings to head home. Just as you’re about to leave, your boss stops you, a frown on his face.

“My office,” he says. “We have to talk.”

Once inside his office, you listen as he explains that the company has to make cutbacks, and this includes letting go around 50% of the current employees. Your job, and hundreds of other jobs, are now being cut in order to keep the company from going bankrupt. You protest, “But I’ve been working at this company for 20 years!” to no avail. Suddenly, you find yourself without a job, and without any financial security.

This situation is one that millions of Americans are experiencing, due to the current state of the economy. In a world of uncertainty, it’s impossible to know if your job is going to be the next one to be on the chopping block. Since part of keeping your family safe involves financial security, what are your strategies for finding a secure job in today’s economy?

What is “Recession-Proof”?

First, we should define the term “Recession-Proof”. There’s no guarantee that any job, no matter how secure, will be stable during tough economic times. Changing markets, consumer confidence and many other factors have a lot of influence over what types of jobs are available. Also, some “secure” jobs may require you to take a considerable cut in pay. It’s estimated that around 50% of workers in the United States make less than $505 per week. To find a stable job, you need to follow a few key strategies, which will improve your chances of getting (and staying) employed.

Here are a few tips for finding a secure job:

Know Your Strengths
Don’t try to apply to a job that is outside of your skill set, no matter how appealing it is. To have a secure job, it’s best if you play it safe. Check your employment experience, and see what it will look like to a potential employer. Do you have experience working in restaurants? Have you ever worked retail? Decide what your biggest strengths are, and then apply for jobs that are within your field.

Avoid the “Overqualified” Label
It’s tempting to make your resume look appealing to a potential employer. However, be careful that you aren’t over-selling yourself. Many people aren’t aware of the fact that  being over-qualified for a position can actually hurt their chances of getting hired. The reason for this, is that an employer hiring for a low-to-mid-level position doesn’t want to hire someone that’s going to leave for a better offer. They want to hire someone who will be entirely committed to the job, and won’t feel “undercut” due to their past experience. Let’s use an example – you’ve been a manager at a high-class restaurant for several years, when you suddenly find yourself without a job. If you apply to be a server/host/cashier at another restaurant, what will your potential employer see when looking at your resume? They will assume that you’ll feel undermined by working in a lower position, and won’t consider you as the best fit for the job.

Know The Market
Part of searching for a recession-proof job involves knowing the current job market. This means that you’ll need to stay updated on economic news, as well as current news about the state of the economy. For example, if you read that the retail industry is cutting jobs, don’t apply for a position at a retail store. If you see that a local business has just opened up 1,000 new positions that might fit your experience, don’t wait to apply for a job. Keep tabs on the current job market, especially in your area.

Consider Working For Yourself
If you’re business-savvy, you might be able to start your own business, which may involve working from home. With your own business, you don’t have to worry about being fired, or being let go due to budget problems. However, starting your own business is extremely time-consuming, and can also require a financial investment. If this is not a problem, you might be able to focus on starting your own business, which can give you a huge amount of financial security.

This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

In today’s economy, the subject of financial security has become a popular topic of discussion. More people are becoming laid off, and suddenly find themselves without a way to provide for the financial needs of their families. Many companies are cutting back on their staff, which means more people are applying for unemployment benefits. There comes a time when you have to ask yourself a very important question – how much financial security do you have?

Here’s a quote from an article published by CNN Money in 2010:

“The percentage of workers who said they have less than $10,000 in savings grew to 43% in 2010, from 39% in 2009, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute’s annual Retirement Confidence Survey.” – CNN Money

If you’ve been living from paycheck to paycheck without any money to save, it might be time to take charge of your own financial security. Instead of depending solely on your place of employment, you may want to try researching other options. While this doesn’t mean that you have to give up your current job, you may want to invest some time in becoming self-employed.

Note – This is a basic guide, and is not meant to be all-inclusive. Each person’s specific skills may be different, and will require a different approach in regards to marketing.

How Do I Start?

The best way to begin is to plan out your strategy for being self-employed. First, you need to assess what skills that you have which may be marketable in a home business. Examples of skills might be:

• Computer Repair
• Child Care
• Dog Training
• Website Design
• Professional Writing
• Graphic Design

Once you’ve drawn up a list of your skills, you need to choose if you want to make a physical business, or do your business primarily through the internet. It’s generally a less expensive option to opt for an internet-only business, at least at first. Even if you plan to be offering your services only – it’s still best if you establish a trademark name to do business under.

For example, if you would like to get paid for writing news articles, design a simple website advertising your services. You should have a biography, links to any writing you’ve done in the past, and even some examples of your news writing. You should also have a pricing page, which details what you charge for your services.

Building Your Image

Before you begin getting paid for your services, you need to build up your image. Try offering your services for a low introductory rate, so that you can build references to put on your personal website. Make professional accounts on websites such as Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter and About.me. Start up a blog on your website, so that others can see what you’re currently working on.

Finding Customers/Clients

After you’ve established your image, you can begin looking for serious clients that need your services. For example, if you are offering website design, you can search on design forums for people looking for help. You could also ask friends or family members if they would like help designing a website, since this will also help you build your portfolio. Advertise on Facebook and Twitter, since many people use both of these social media outlets for business purposes.

This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

Let’s be realistic – very few people have an unlimited budget. Due to the state of the economy, many families are now struggling to live from paycheck to paycheck. For many people, home security may seem like an unnecessary or frivolous expense. However, the reverse is actually true – in hard economic times, many burglars may become more aggressive, and burglary rates may rise. To prevent your family from suffering from a potentially devastating break-in, it’s essential that you take measures to improve your home’s security, no matter how small. Here are a few tips to help you to improve the security of your home for under $50!

Important Note
These tips should not be used as a replacement for a monitored home security system, motion-activated security lights, surveillance cameras and other measures that are important for protecting your home. The purpose of this guide is to help you to take small steps towards improving the security of your home, and give you a foundation to continue improving your home security measures.

Turn Your Porch Lights into Security Lights – $6
Though security lights tend to be relatively inexpensive (usually from $20 – $40), it is possible to improve the lighting around your front door simply by replacing the bulb. Replace your front-door bulb(s) with a bulb of a higher wattage, in order to improve the illumination of your front door. A large percentage of burglars enter through the front door! Usually from 80 – 120 watts is a good choice for a bright outdoor lightbulb. The cost of a bright, high-powered bulb for your front porch is about $6.00.

Plant a Thorny Window Barrier – $3
To prevent thieves from having easy access to your first floor windows, you can do a bit of home security landscaping. Plant thorny bushes, such as blackberries or roses, underneath the windows. Many blackberry bushes will grow to be about 3 feet high, and some rosebushes may grow even taller! The cost of purchasing a blackberry plant for underneath your window is about $3.00.

Install Deadbolt Locks – $25
This will be making up half of your $50 budget, and for good reason. It’s possible to find a high-quality, burglar-proof deadbolt lock online for around $25, if you shop close-out sales, auction websites (such as ebay) and use discount codes (which are usually given out during promotional campaigns). For key features to look for in a good deadbolt lock, check out our article on “How to Choose a Burglar-Proof Deadbolt Lock“.

Buy a Window Alarm – $11
A simple window alarm will usually have a magnetic sensor, and a loud audible alarm that is triggered when the window is opened. This simple device will help to improve the security of your windows, and the least expensive model can usually be found for around $11.

Total cost: $45

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This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

Last year, thousands of people lost their homes to foreclosure. This year, the economic crisis shows few signs of abating, as many families are still struggling to cover basic expenses. Food prices have risen, businesses are cutting back on jobs, and banks aren’t giving out loans. Aside from constructing a budget, there are many luxuries that you may need to sacrifice in order to cover essential bills. For some families, this may mean purchasing a home security system that does not have a monthly monitoring cost.

Beware of “False Economy”

Before purchasing a security system without monitoring, it’s essential that you know exactly what you’re paying for. A stand-alone security system does not offer the same quality of protection as a monitored security system. While it may be an economical way for you to cut your monthly costs, it’s important to remember that you will need to take complete charge of your home’s security. Without monitoring, the responsibility to detect intrusion in your home is yours alone.

Here are a few highly rated security systems that have no monitoring costs:

AAS 600 Wireless Home Security Alarm System
This expansive security system kit has a retail price ranging from $319 – $499. It can cover up to 32 defensive “zones”, which are each protected by three sensors. It also has an “anti-cut” function which has alerts that activate when a phone line is being cut or tampered with. This system has the ability to store up to six different phone numbers, which will receive a pre-recorded message if the sensors are triggered. Though this system doesn’t have a cost for monitoring, it can be connected to a professional monitoring station at any time for a monthly charge.

Skylink SC-100 Wireless Alarm System
This security system has a retail cost that ranges from $139 – $199. It can store up to nine different phone numbers, which are automatically dialed when the sensors are activated. It comes with a motion sensor and two door/window sensors, though more sensors can be added to cover a larger area. This system also includes a keychain transmitter and an emergency dialer to control transmission of security messages.

GE 51107 Smart Home Wireless Alarm System
This inexpensive security system has a retail cost ranging from $24 – $75. It’s a very basic system, including a single door alarm and three independent window alarms. When the alarms are activated, it triggers a 120 decibel alarm, which is designed to scare off intruders. The door alarm includes a simple four-digit keypad, which can be programmed with a PIN number. Since the window alarms are independent, they have an on/off/chime switch that can be easily used to arm the sensors.

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This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

A conversation with the average person will almost definitely affirm something we all already know – money is extremely tight right now. Many families are struggling to get by, while some are forced out of their homes by foreclosure. In today’s economy, figuring out a realistic budget for your family can seem extremely difficult. However, with a few quick tips, you can figure out your household’s monthly budget, and even save up enough extra money to improve your home’s security and overall preparedness for a disaster.

Making a “List of Lists”

The best way to begin figuring out your budget is to make a “list of lists”. This list should include all of your projected monthly expenses. If you spend more on certain utilities in certain months (such as heat during the winter), use the average cost of your bill throughout a 12 month period. Beside each of your expenses, estimate how much you pay each month.

Utilities and Essentials

• Rent/Mortgage
• Electricity
• City Water Bill
• Trash Pickup
  
• Cable TV
• Internet Service
• Insurance
• Health Insurance
• Homeowners/Renters Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Car Insurance

Miscellaneous

• Child Care
• Car Repair
• Food
• Gas/Transportation

Note – This list is simply a general example that you can follow. Your own budget list may be different depending on your lifestyle.

Factoring in Your Income

Once you have all of your expenses, you can factor in your income. The extra money you have each month will be: [Total Income] – [Monthly Expenses]. So, if your monthly expenses are $1500, and your monthly income is $2500, you will theoretically have $1000 left over each month.

The Cost of Home Security

Once you’ve figured out your budget, you can begin to evaluate how much you could potentially spend on home security. However, this is dependent on the features that you feel will best protect your home. Some examples of the “essential” home security items to purchase are:

• Burglar-Proof Deadbolt Lock
• Motion-Activated Security Lights
• Glass Break Sensors
• Monitored Security System

If you have a big enough budget for home security expenses, you can go further to protect your home. Other options may include:

• Motion-Activated Alarms
• Video Surveillance System
• Pressure-Sensors for Doorways
• Driveway Motion Indicators
• Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If you’re on a tight budget, you can begin with the basics. For example, you should easily be able to save up enough money to purchase a high-quality deadbolt lock for each of your doors. A good, dependable deadbolt lock can be a great first step in improving your home’s security. Motion-activated security lights are also inexpensive, and can be a great way to protect your home.

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This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

Today, many consumers use Paypal for everything from purchasing eBay items to managing small business transactions. However, you may not realize that Paypal was created just ten years ago (in the year 2000), as a result of a merger between X.com and Confinity. In October of 2002, Paypal was purchased by eBay for $1.5 billion dollars. In 2009, Paypal’s total payment volume was around $71 billion dollars, up 19% from 2008. In total, there are around 185 million Paypal accounts currently in existence.

If you use Paypal, it’s important to realize that it should be treated just like any other financial transaction. Due to the large number of people who have had their Paypal information compromised, you need to be extremely careful. Here are a few quick tips to help you use Paypal in a safe and effective manner.

1. Choose a Secure Password

Many online security experts recommend choosing a password for your financial accounts that will be extremely difficult to guess. The best password incorporates a combination of letters, numbers and special characters. For example, your password could be Dk8y12:r8. While a combination password may be difficult for you to remember, it can greatly decrease the chance that your Paypal account will be compromised.

2. Never Click Email Links!

The importance of not clicking email links to login to your Paypal account cannot be over-emphasized! Many scammers will send you an email that appears to be officially from Paypal, which often includes a link to prompt you to login to your paypal account. Even if the link looks legitimate, and takes you to a site that looks exactly like Paypal, NEVER login to an email-linked website. An illegal practice called “Phishing” allows criminals to steal your Paypal login information, possibly locking you out of your Paypal account (and resulting in a loss of all funds). To login to your Paypal account, always manually navigate to http://www.paypal.com in your browser’s web address bar.

3. Don’t Give Out Your Information.

This may seem like common sense, but it’s extremely important that your Paypal login information remains private. Even if you have a small business that is owned by two parties, never share your personal Paypal information. Instead, consider setting up a business account that can be safely accessed by all required parties.

4. Check Your Balance.

Out of the 185 million Paypal accounts, about 75 million of them are considered to be “active”. Periodically checking the balance of your Paypal account can allow you to quickly discover if fraudulent charges have been made on your account. It also allows you to check on any potential disputes, chargebacks and holds placed on your account’s funds.

5. Don’t Login from Public Computers.

Every time you check your Paypal balance from a public computer, you put your account information at risk. This is because public computers may contain malware or viruses that automatically log keystroke information. This may mean that everything you type is recorded in a “transcript”, and sent to the creator of the virus or malware program, allowing them to gain access to your account. Though many public computers may be safe (and free of dangerous programs), there isn’t any way for you to be completely sure that your information will be safe. When in doubt, it always pays to err on the side of caution.

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This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

By the estimation of many economists, the United States is currently experiencing a recession. The financial situation has affected all citizens, regardless of income level or area of specialization. In a tough economy, finding a job can be extremely difficult, especially since the employment sector is flooded with overqualified individuals. Here are some useful tips to help you find lasting employment in today’s economy.

1. Check Your Facebook Profile.
Since social networks such as facebook, twitter and myspace are so widely used, many employers are now using them to screen potential applicants. If you have submitted your resume to several companies, try to avoid posting anything potentially damaging to your reputation or character on facebook. Facebook now has a privacy setting where you can make each status update only visible to friends, friends of friends, or specific people. If you have a public profile, keep it professional. While this may seem like unnecessary censorship, it may actually be one of the deciding factors for potential employers.

2. Write a Cover Letter.
Statistics have shown a significantly higher percentage of resumes with cover letters actually get evaluated by employers. If you have taken the time to write an informed cover letter, it shows that you are actually dedicated to your job search. However, do not write a general cover letter and use it for every company you submit your resume to. Your cover letter should display a working knowledge of the infrastructure of the company you are applying for.

3. Don’t Use Cheap Tactics.
There is some debate on if using certain tactics causes a resume to end up in the trash. These tactics may include: using unique font, printing your resume on colored paper, starting your cover letter with a shocking sentence, etc. Use your own judgment on if you really think that this will make a difference in the review of your resume.

4. Be Early For Your Interview.
It may seem like common sense, but it is extremely important that you are early to an interview with a potential employer. Take appropriate measures on the day of the interview to ensure that you are able to make it there at least 15 – 20 minutes early. Allow for extra time for traffic, detours, lost car keys, etc. It may seem like a small detail, but many employers may see your punctuality as the deciding factor when they are potentially offering you a job.

5. Renovate Your Appearance.
While sporting dreadlocks, facial piercings, tattoos or a spiked necklace may be trendy at the time, it can actually hurt your chances of making a good impression with a potential employer. Freedom of expression through your appearance is a wonderful thing, but it’s also important to be respectful of the company that you are applying for. If you are looking to get a job at a professional institution, you will have to renovate your appearance accordingly. Dress in flattering (but not too revealing) clothing that conveys a relaxed but professional attitude. Keep any facial hair closely groomed, and use a bit of hairspray to tame frizzy hair. However, your apprentice should be dependent on the particular job that you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a job at a tattoo parlor, you will most likely be able to display tattoos and piercings without hurting your chances of employment.

6. Be Persistent.
Many employers will respond positively to someone who is persistent in being hired as an employee of their company. Make follow-up phone calls, stop by the company for an update on your hiring status, and send polite emails to the company’s hiring department.

7. Highlight Your Skills.
If you have training in a specific area, make every effort to pursue a job in a related industry. In a flooded job market, employers are being much more selective about how they choose their employees. Since experience is often a huge deciding factor, be sure to be clear about any skills that you have in your resume, cover letter or job interview.

8. Quality, not Quantity.
Job sites such as CareerBuilder and Monster have made it easy to submit your resume to hundreds of companies on a daily basis. However, statistics have shown that this is not necessarily a tactic that produces results. Focus on a few jobs that sound like they would interest you, and take the time to modify your resume accordingly. For example, most resumes have an “objective” where you state your general goal. Modify this objective to subtly reflect your desire to work in a specific position or department within a company you’re applying for. For example, if you are applying for a marketing position at a manufacturing company, have your objective include something like, “To use my skills to improve a company’s presence and results in the marketing industry”.

9. Start Your Own Website.
A few years ago, starting your own website involved a significant investment. Now, you can start your own personal blog for free, using websites such as WordPress and Blogspot. You can either use your site as a daily “journal” (just be sure to keep it professional), or have it as a sales page with detailed explanations of your work experience and qualifications. Since a lot of today’s businesses rely heavily on the internet, displaying a basic knowledge can also show that you have initiative. However, it’s important to make sure that your site doesn’t contain anything that could hurt your chances of employment.