Put Our Job Resources to Work for You

These days there is good news and bad news in the job market:

Good news: In July, Congress extended unemployment benefits for up to 99 weeks for millions of out-of-work Americans.
Bad news: The job market has been so bad, it's the 8th time since 2008 that the government has had to extend these benefits.

Good news: The unemployment rate dropped in May and again in June, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Bad news: It's still 9.5%! It's the worst job market since the 1930s (USA Today 7/20/10).

If you're part of that statistic, you may wonder whether there is actual good news where the job market is concerned. How do you stay positive? Where can you turn for help? Our Job Transition resources just might help you answer both those questions – and give you a reason other than Facebook to sit at your computer. If that's not enough, it's all free and available any time to anyone.

The resources include eight online modules with all sorts of practical advice, from using job boards to negotiating your salary when (not if) you land a job. Plus, we've got information you can use on topics like navigating the emotional side of unemployment and handling your finances too. Did we mention it's free?

Take Action Tip for Today

There's no time like now to get started. Here are a few suggestions you can put to work:

• Sharpen your skills. Take a class, volunteer, attend a conference, do what you can to improve and stretch. Then don't forget to update your résumé. Use our online module on résumés.
• Remember networking? It's awkward to contact people you don't know about jobs that may or may not exist, but now's the time. Pick up some suggestions in our online module about networking.
• Ask for an interview even if no jobs are posted. If your job hunt has uncovered an employer you'd like to pursue, see if you can get some face time. Then when a job does open up, your foot will already be in the door. Our online module about interviewing is full of tips on distinguishing yourself.
• Are you using social media? Many people are unaware of the impact of social media on the job hunt. We have an online module that can help you become social-media savvy and make yourself more "findable" to employers.

More Resources

• Job transitions can be difficult for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is the financial strain caused by the loss of steady paychecks. Review our tips for navigating financially.
• Attend a free Job Transition Strategies workshop where you can pick up more tips, network and commiserate with others who are seeking employment. Search for a workshop in your area.
• You can receive more tips like this via email simply by registering for our monthly web news in the Preference Center.

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