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THE JOB SEARCH QUICK START GUIDE
"How To" Tips To Fast Track Your Employment Search
Quickly Find Job Employment Opportunity After Loss Of Work


  Welcome to The Job Search Quick Start Guide online.  Thank you for visiting.

   Scroll down to see information on the following topics:
        Why They Let You Go
        How To Wrap Up Employment At Your Old Job
        Breaking The News To Family and Friends
        Grieving Job Loss
        How To Quick Start Your Search For Employment Opportunity
        Job Search Engines - The Online Job Search Sites, Monster Jobs & Hot Jobs
        How To Get Unemployment Compensation
        Buying Time - Budgeting For The Continuing Job Search
        How To Handle Job Search Emotions
        The Job Search Secret
        The Best Books To Jump Start Your Job Search
        Employment Search Links
       
  You've suddenly lost your job.  Regardless of the reason, you are now in the position of having to quickly find employment opportunity.  The internet is overloaded with career information.  Some of the advice is useful, but much of it is self serving or a waste of time. 
  This web site is for people who've just lost their jobs and need to quickly launch an effective search.  It's written by someone who has been there.  It's solid, first hand advice from job seeker to job seeker.  I'll keep this site concise and to the point.  Finding a job is a big task and your time is very valuable right now.

WHY THEY YOU LET GO
  There is no good way to say it.  Today's way of doing business is brutal. Company loyalty to employees (and employees to employers) is just a quaint memory.  One in five workers is unemployed at some time during each year.  Jobs are eliminated, bosses changed and employees moved around at a moment's notice.  Modern business requires a tremendous amount of speed and flexibility.  If you've lost your job you are in good company.  Hundreds of thousands of people are removed from their job every year!
  The bad news is that there no longer is the opportunity to stay with a company from cradle to grave... or even for more than a few years.  On average, workers now stay in a job for only three years.  Most workers will have at least 9 jobs during their professional working years and work in 3 separate industries (three distinct careers!)
  THE GOOD NEWS is that being laid off, down-sized or even fired doesn't carry the stigma it once did.  Losing a job is no longer a sign of shame...it's a sign of the times.  Job loss won't be held against you.  Everyone goes through it.
  MORE GOOD NEWS:  The same fast-paced business environment that fosters job loss also creates literally millions of new jobs every year.  I know it's hard to hear right now, but a wealthy country with a healthy economy must reinvent itself every few years.  Business' ability to quickly shed outdated jobs and add updated ones creates prosperity and ultimately more opportunity for you.  Keeping this in mind will help as you look for your next job (and throughout your career.)
  Most people feel that change is a dangerous thing.  In a quickly evolving world, it's lack of change that is most dangerous.

STEPS TO QUICKLY WRAP UP WITH YOUR OLD COMPANY
  If you have been laid off, dislocated or asked to resign you may be able to get extra help from your old company.  They have outlined severance terms to you at the time of termination. 
  Your old company wants remaining employees to see that you are being treated in a fair and humane way.  They don't want to let you go but feel they have no choice.  As such, you can trade on that good will.  You can ask for some things above the initial severance terms they propose to you.  Make a counter offer to their original severance proposal within 24 hours.  Here are some severance terms you may be able to negotiate further:

> Get more serverance pay.  As a minimum, most companies will offer one week of severance pay for each year you have been employed by the company. Counter this offer by asking for 6 months severance pay... or for 3 weeks pay for each year worked. 
  They may not be willing to upgrade their severance pay package, but you owe it to yourself to try.  Remind them that you have been a "company person" and of all the selfless things you did for them as an employee.  Ask for a package that helps your family make it safely through the employment transition.  Ask for a package that they themselves would consider fair if they were in your shoes.

> Get the company to pay for your health care insurance longer.  Most companies will offer to pay (or co-pay) for health insurance through the end of the severance pay period.  Ask that it be continued for 6 months. 
  Again, you may not be able to get everything you want...but you might get health insurance benefits for a longer period of time.  Be sure your company offers you COBRA when the company paid health insurance runs out.  Under the COBRA law companies must offer to sell you health insurance (at full price) for a certain period of time following your termination.

> Ask for outplacement help.  Many companies have outplacement firms on retainer.  If not, perhaps they could pay for you to use locally available outplacement services such as resume/cover letter writing and training.

> Ask for use of office phones, computer and mail in your job search.  Most companies won't let you do this because they don't want former employees around the office.  However sometimes employers will allow you to take advantage of office resources.

> Get a letter of reference from your boss or human resources person.  Write it yourself and ask the company to review it (and make any changes they think are appropriate), print it on letterhead and sign it.

> Ask your former employer to keep you posted of any job leads they hear about.  They're more likely to hear of industry happenings sooner than you are.

> Be professional and reasonable during an exit interview.  This is not a time to vent, fry your old boss or air dirty laundry.  Don't burn bridges...it's a small world.  Just get through the exit interview with short, direct and honest answers.  Leave your company with your head held high and as a professional.

  It may take several conversations and 2-14 days of negotiation between you and the company before final severance terms are reached.  Always be professional and stick up for yourself.  In the end you should have a somewhat better severance package than what was offered to you initially.


BREAKING THE NEWS TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS
  The moment after getting a pink slip your head is spinning.  You're filled with emotions... anger, confusion, hurt and insecurity are common.  Then the thought hits you: 'I have to tell my spouse, family and friends!'  It's okay for you to take an hour or two to figure out specifically how you will break the news to them.  However, don't wait long.  You don't want them hearing about it from someone else.
  Since losing your job isn't something to be ashamed of, I recommend the direct approach.  Call your spouse as soon as is reasonable.  Make sure they're in a good position to talk (not in a meeting or dealing with a major
problem.)  Tell them that you received some news today at work and that you want them to know right away.  Say that you are being laid off or fired and the reason why.  Outline the initial severance terms and indicate that you intend to ask for more. 
  Most spouses will immediately feel the same anger, confusion, hurt and insecurity that you did.  Expect that.  Most spouses will also appreciate that you respected them enough to tell them quickly and directly.  Reassure your spouse that you are dealing with the same emotions they are and that you intend to immediately begin work on your transition to new employment.  You can acknowledge that there may be some difficult moments ahead, but that the transition period will be temporary and you're glad that you have a supportive spouse.  Be reassuring and confident.  Things will work themselves out.
  I recommend a similar approach in letting close family and friends know. Call them within 24 hours of receiving your pink slip.  Be direct.  Tell them what has happened and why. Tell them that you have plans for moving forward.  They'll offer support and help.  Begin networking now.  Ask them to think of names of people they know that may be able to help you find job leads.
  Children are amazingly perceptive.  You won't be able to hide a job loss from them for long.  They'll sense a change in your emotions and routine. They'll overhear phone conversations. 
  If your kids are older than 4 or 5 you may want to consider being direct with them well.  They don't understand the work world.  Simply tell them that your old job has ended and that you will be looking for a new job.  They will see you around the house working on contacting new companies.  Reassure them that they don't need to worry about food, clothing or shelter.  You will take care of all that during the transition.  Reassure them that job transitions are normal in the work world.  This is a temporary situation that will lead to a better job.
  Answer any questions from children directly with short answers.  Don't volunteer any more information than that specifically asked.  The kids are looking at you as an example.  You are modeling behavior for them.  If you positively, directly and honestly rise to meet adversity they will learn that from you.  They'll do the same when they face tough times.  Your kids will face similar challenges when they enter the work world.  Set a good example for them now.
  Call you circle of peers and social friends within 24-48 hours.  Let them hear about your job loss from you and not from the grapevine.  Again, they'll offer support and assistance.  Ask them to think of names of people they know that may be able to help you find job leads.


GRIEVE THE LOSS OF YOUR JOB... FOR 12 HOURS ONLY
  Psychologists say the loss of a job is among the top 3 most stressful thing that can happen to you.  It's right up there with death of a spouse on the human stress scale.
  It's only natural to feel a sense of loss.  Go ahead and mourn it.  Feel sad and depressed.  Feel angry at your company for putting you in this horrible situation.  Cry.  Scream.  "Go into your cave" and sort things out.  Go for a hard workout or a reflective walk in the woods.  Hit a punching bag.  Let out your emotions!
  Limit your hard core grieving to 12 hours.  Take the day you lose your job to be emotional.  Get as much emotion out of your system as possible.  The next day you need to be ready for the fight... the journey back to employment.
  Of course you will have emotions throughout your job search.  However, if you can express and let out your most serious emotions (reach "catharsis") early, it will be easier for you to deal with ongoing feelings later.


THE DAY FOLLOWING YOUR PINK SLIP
YOUR IMMEDIATE JOB SEARCH STRATEGY
  The day after you receive termination notice is a big one.  You need to begin negotiating severance terms with your employer (as noted above.)  Simultaneously you need to develop your job search strategy.  Do not wallow in emotion during the day.  Look at all of your options and write down a preliminary plan.  Here is an example of a personal job search strategy:

> Update my resume and cover letter in the next 24 hours.  Have it reviewed immediately by respected friends and colleagues who will provide suggestions and input.  Have a completed, ready to circulate cover letter and resume within 48 hours.

> Within 72 hours pinpoint all immediate openings for the job I'm pursuing.  Look in newspapers and trade magazines to find out what's open right now.   You're just coming on the market.  However, these employers may already be well into their search process.  Getting your resume to them this week may yield results..but next week it may be too late. 

> Within 7 days finish contacting all employers with immediate openings.  Follow up with them relentlessly.  Be respectful and courteous, but be a professional pain in the rear to these employers!  This is no time to be shy.


ESTABLISHING YOUR CORE JOB SEARCH
  You may get lucky and land one of these immediate openings.  Don't count on it.  Only 5% of all jobs are ever publicized.  There is tremendous competition for publicized jobs. 
  It takes most people several months to find work.  Conventional wisdom is to expect one month of job searching for every $10,000 in salary you expect.  (For example, it may take 4 months of searching to land a job with a salary of $40,000.) 
  After you've applied to all of the immediately publicized opening is the time to begin your core job search.

> Begin networking:  80% of all jobs are found by networking.  Start networking by calling coworkers, colleagues, friends and family.  Tell them that you are in the midst of a job transition (this is a great term to use.)  Ask them if they know of someone you should speak with.  Remember, you are not asking them for a job.  You are asking them if they know of someone who might be able to help.
   Networking helps you identify employment in the "hidden job market."  When a company expands, it knows this need weeks in advance of any formal job posting.  If you can get in front of hiring managers when a need is known, but before a job is posted, you have an excellent chance of landing the job.  The company can save the expense and hassle of a formal job opening.  Competition for the opening will be much if it is never posted.

> Develop your 30 second "elevator pitch":   Write a 30 second commercial for yourself.  Practice your elevator pitch so you can present it anytime there is an opportunity (whenever you meet someone with whom you might network.)  This is called an elevator pitch because it can be stated in 30 seconds, the average time spent in an elevator.
  Click here for more on writing and presenting your elevator pitch.

> Post your resume online at the major job search sites, including Monster and Yahoo Hot Jobs.   Post you resume on industry related job sites and on the local newspaper web site.   I have included links to the best job sites at the end of this article.
   Online job boards are job search engines.  Make sure you have an "electronic resume."  A good electronic resume is different from a traditional paper resume.  It uses nouns and is easily "searchable" for hiring managers.  Click here for more on how to write an effective electronic resume.
    When you post, sign up for the online job site's "job agent."  A job agent matches they type of work your seeking with new job postings.  The job agent will then automatically send you an email notification that a job matching your qualifications has been posted.
    Don't rely on these internet job sites to find your next job opportunity!   Everyone uses them.  Competition for posted jobs is incredible.  Only a limited number of employers actually search these resume data bases and hire from them.  You can also expect a lot of "come on" emails from companies trying to make money off of unemployed people (by offering franchise business information, resume writing services, work at home opportunities, etc.)

> Read your local newspaper for stories about business that are expanding or employees who are moving on.    Write letters addressed to the hiring manager at companies that my have openings.  Also read regional newspapers such as The Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Chicago Tribune or the Los Angeles Times for statewide employment opportunities.

> Research companies for which you want to work, them write and visit the hiring manager.  Ask for informational interviews to learn more about the company.  Write marketing letters to hiring managers to tape into the "hidden job market."

> Treat finding a job as your new (but temporary) full time job:  Immediately develop a productive daily routine.  Wake up at 5:30am each day.  Exercise, eat a good breakfast and dress in professional work clothes.  At 7:30am begin reviewing newspapers and identifying new leads.  Check several internet job boards.  Network throughout the business day.  Write letters.  Track your activities.  Create a "tickler file" and mark your calendar so that you will know when to make follow-ups. Work on your job search until 6pm.  Bring as much energy and organization to your job search as you did your full time job.


UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION
  When severance pay from your old employer ends, you may be eligible to receive unemployment compensation from the state.  Typically unemployment compensation amounts to only a fraction of your original income, but it can be helpful.
  There is no stigma to accepting unemployment benefits from the government.  The money comes from taxes paid by your company.  It does not come from the taxes paid by ordinary people.  You should feel free to accept this benefit... helping unemployed people is why it's there!
  You can find out about state unemployment benefits by searching for it online using a search engine (use the name of your state and the word "unemployment".)  You can also look it up in the phone book.
  Most unemployment forms can be completed quickly and easily on the internet.  State unemployment agencies may also offer employment data bases and other useful outplacement services.


FREE OUTPLACEMENT SERVICES
   Be sure not to miss the free outplacement services that may be available to you today.  Many government unemployment offices have changed themselves to become reemployment offices.  They offer free access to copy machines, long distance phone service, job banks and computers.  They may also have significant training, job search seminars and networking available.
  To locate this free job search help, start by checking the local phone book.  Look under state and local government listing for "unemployment."  You can also use an internet search engine with the name of your city and the words "unemployment", "reemployment" or "outplacement." 
  Don't be afraid to visit an unemployment office.  Most times they are not the stereotypically depressing places they're made out to be.  You may be surprised to find out about all the help that is available to you.  Investigate what's available at the government unemployment office right away!


BUYING TIME: BUDGETING DURING UNEMPLOYMENT
  Unfortunately, the average job search takes several months.  Conventional wisdom is to expect one month of job searching for every $10,000 of salary you expect (for example, a worker earning $40,000 each year can expect to spend 4 months looking for a job in that pay range.)
  Immediately set up a bare bones household expense budget.  Cut every expense possible.  The goal is to make your severance pay and unemployment benefits go as far as possible.  It's better if you can comfortably search for a job for 9 months rather than 2 months.
  Be creative with your finances.  Take on a roommate to share rent.  Move in with friends or family.  Do whatever you can to make your money go further.  Remember, this is a temporary situation.


JOB SEARCH LENGTH
  There is no rule with respect to how long it will take you to find work.  It varies by region, economic environment, time of year, luck and a host of other reason that are beyond your control.
  Here are some figures on how long it takes to find a job:

    35% of unemployed workers take 5 weeks or less to find a job.
    28% of job seekers find work after 5 to 14 weeks of searching.
    13% need 15 to 26 weeks of looking.
    24% are out of work longer than 27 weeks (6 months).

  This means that 65% of all job searches last more than 5 weeks.  Obviously it's advantageous to prepare both financially and mentally for the long haul.
  The three factors that separate successful job seekers from unsuccessful ones are:

    1. The number of contacts made each week with hiring managers.
    2. The time spent actively seeking work (at least 35 hours each week is required).
    3. Persistence in the face of discouragement (then never give up.)

  "When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this: You haven't!"  -Robert Schuller


PLANTING SEEDS
  After several weeks of aggressively conducting your job search you may be discouraged.  This is normal.  Don't let it get to you.  Stay the course.  Have the discipline to do what you need to each day.
  Remember that you are planting seeds today that will yield a harvest (job) in the near future.  You immediate task is to plant seeds every day.  Your behavior today determines your success tomorrow.
  If you are doing what you should today, tomorrow will take care of itself.  Success is as success does.


IF YOU AREN'T BEING REJECTED, YOU AREN'T WORKING HARD ENOUGH
  Rejection letters are an indication that you are planting seeds.  If you aren't receiving at least one rejection letter a day, you aren't working hard enough on your employment search.
  Keep in mind that this is a numbers game.  Like any salesperson, you have to hear 100 "No's" before you will hear one "Yes."

  “Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.” - Winston Churchill

  “In any moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.”  - Teddy Roosevelt


HOW TO HANDLE JOB SEARCH FEELINGS AND EMOTIONS
  It is perfectly normal and legitimate to experience a wide range of emotions during any job transition.  You will likely experience periods of hurt, anger, loneliness, low self esteem and even depression.  If you are the household breadwinner losing a job can cause you question your self worth and value as a dependable provider.  These feelings change and may reoccur.  You should accept yourself and your feelings.  They are normal.
  A job search can be a time of feeling "manic depressive."  You may be excited one hour about the prospect of getting a new and better job.  The next hour you feel blue about missing your old coworkers.  One day you're excited about the phone call from an employer that has interest in you.  Another day you are down because someone else got the job.  This emotional "roller coaster ride" is part of the process.
  What's key is not to allow your emotions to sideline you.  Recognize your feelings, but work to move beyond them.  To be in touch with your feelings is healthy.  Giving way to your emotions or wallowing in them is counterproductive.
  Your body's immune system may become less effective because unemployment is stressful.  I almost never catch colds.  However, during my job search I caught several.  This is a good time to take multivitamins and other helpful supplements.  Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.  It's also a good time to eat well.
  Stress is defined as the difference between expectation and reality.  Many times we bring stress on ourselves because our unrealistic expectations don't match reality.  If we can manage our expectations, we can manage your stress.

  Here are some tips that will help you deal with strong job search emotions:

  Tip #1 - Walk:  For whatever reason walking restores people like nothing else.  It has an almost magical effect on the mind and body.  Starting a day with a walk clears your mind, allows you think and set goals for the day.  A short walk between job search tasks is a better "pick me up" than coffee.  A walk with a friend can result in unusually deep and productive discussion.  In addition to the mental benefits, walking is the healthiest form of exercise for your body.

  Tip #2 - Rest: Getting enough sleep at night allows your brain time to process subconscious thought.  An afternoon nap can significantly increase your late afternoon productivity.  Job searching is emotional, difficult work.  Rest will help you get more out of the many hours you put in.

  Tip #3 - Brain Drain - Write "Morning Pages":  Keep a spiral bound notebook.  Each morning "download everything in your brain" by writing in this notebook.  Write down your emotions, tasks, ideas or anything else in your brain.  Especially focus on writing down the trivial, petty or ugly things in your mind.
  The purpose of Morning Pages is to drain your brain of all useless thought.  Once you have written it down, your mind is free to focus on bigger picture challenges and positive, constructive thinking.

  Tip #4 - Think:  Select a special location and spend time in thought.  Think about possibilities.  Think about unusual solutions to problems.  Think about what is working (or not working) and why.  Think about how you can add value to others.  Become a great thinker by regularly scheduling time for disciplined thinking.
  If you change your thoughts, you change how you feel.  If you change your feel, you change who you are.

  Tip #5 - Read:  Read job search strategy books and self help books.  These will reassure you that you are not alone feeling what you are feeling.  You will find several suggested books below.

  Tip #6 - Consider The Situations Of Other People:  Feeling down about unemployment?  Look at the people around you.  Others may be experiencing a health crisis, the death of a loved one or suffering from natural disaster.  As bad as you have it, there are others around you who have it worse.  A little perspective goes a long way towards mental health.  "I felt bad about my hurt foot until I met someone who is missing their foot."

  Tip #7 - Don't Work 24/7:  You old employer didn't demand that you work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  With the internet it's now easy for job searcher to be busy 18 hours a day (notice I didn't use productive.)  Job search success is about planning and focused hard work, not number of hours spent.  Limit your job search efforts to 8-10 focused hours a day, 5 or 6 days a week.  Take one full day each week to rest and recharge.  Make time for family, spouse, friends, hobbies, volunteering, exercise and worship as you would if you had regular employment.  These people and activities are your personal support systems and they're important.

  Tip #8 - Design A Productive Daily Routine:  Unemployment destroys your comforting old routine.  Design a constructive new daily routine and stick with it.  Be sure to include exercise, quiet time, planning time, time to execute your objectives, rest and fun.

  Tip #9 - Maintain An Exercise Routine:   A program of 30 minutes of vigorous exercise (3 times a week) has the same mental benefits as seeing a psychologist.

  Tip #10:  Clean And Organize Your Environment:  The condition of the physical space around you is a reflection of how we feel about ourselves.  When your desk is messy, there is no place for a good idea to land.
  Spend an evening picking up your house and cleaning it, then maintain it daily.  Get rid of clutter.  Put clothes and dirty dishes where they belong.  Resolve to "have a place for everything and put everything in its place" and "clean as you go."  Have an orderly and well supplied desk.
  I know these are clichés and very basic.  However, an orderly environment is empowering.  It helps you focus and can help keep you from feeling depressed.

  Tip #11: Surround Yourself With The Positive:  Place pictures of people and things you love near your desk.  Put out favorite mementos or souvenirs that remind you of the many good things you've enjoyed in life (and will again!)
  Hang around positive people.  Post encouraging quotes in your work space and around your house.  Think affirmations daily.  Some examples:
    "I am a good employee."
    "I will find a job that is a good fit for me."
    "I will do what I need to do today... and tomorrow will take care of itself."
    "In today's world, everyone goes through a job transition and gets through it."
    "There are many employers that can use my skills.   We just haven't found each other yet."


MULTIPLYING TROUBLE
  Life has everyday problems.  Cars break.  Accidents happen.  Health issues arise.  When you are employed, you simply deal with them and move on.  However, during a job search, common challenges can appear daunting.  Troubles seem to multiply.  'What next?' you may ask.  You may not have the money to make a necessary repair.  You many not feel positioned to emotionally, physically or financially deal with your problems.
  Know that problems will continue to happen during unemployment.  Don't let the fact that they do have a "multiplying" negative effect on you psyche.  Deal with problems the best you can.  Remember that your situation in job transition is temporary.


JOB SEARCH SECRET: A REMARKABLE OPPORTUNITY
  Though it may not immediately appear so, the transition period between jobs can be a remarkable opportunity for you.  I encourage you to make this a time of extraordinary personal growth.
  Start by spending time reflecting on what has been.  Think about your old job in a big picture sense.  Were you happy?  Why?  Do you want to continue in the same position and in the same line of work?  Do you want to shift gears and do something else?  Studies show that half of all workers would change jobs or careers if they could.
  Now think about the possibilities for the future.  Now you have the opportunity to design your future.  What are your personal interests?  What are your passions?  What interested you earlier in life that you wish you could more fully explore today?  What jobs would better match your interests and passions?  Identify why you like doing something, then think broadly and wildly.  You'll find there are a great variety of jobs that address that why.   For example, a burned out nurse may be attracted to nursing because he/she like helping people.  If helping people is the why, then the nurse may find excellent job satisfaction in mental health work, teaching, charity work or faith based careers.
  Think creatively.  Set aside a few hours in a quiet, distraction free place to freely brainstorm and consider ideas beyond those you normally consider.  Don't reject anything.  Simply identify possibilities that you can think about in the days to come.  Thinking is a remarkable tool during a job transition.  I strongly recommend reading a book entitled "Thinking For A Change" by John Maxwell.  You can find it at most public libraries or at amazon.com.
  Remember that who we are is more important than what we do.  Embrace this opportunity to assess yourself, your life and your desires.  Read books that help you, make you think and give you a different perspective.  Use time in the car to listen to audio books checked out from the library.  Get into an exercise routine.  Improve your spiritual life.  Create positive, new habits today that will lead to success tomorrow.  Use this as an opportunity to design your life going forward.


USE YOUR PLACE OF WORSHIP
  A job transition is an excellent time to be at your house of worship.  There you will find the support of others and a built-in network people from the community.  Establishing and growing a relationship with God expands your mind, lends perspective and provides direction. 


END GAME - THINKING 2 STEPS AHEAD
  "Skate to where the puck is going, not to where it is."  --Wayne Gretzky
  A few weeks into your job search you may hit a lull.   Just because you've jump-started your job search doesn't mean it's time goof off. 
  Use this extra time to prepare for your end game.  Get a jump on what you know is ahead.  Read books on job interviews (they WILL come.)  Know how to negotiate a job offer.  Plan for a move to a new city by cleaning and getting rid of clutter around your house.
  Always be thinking ahead 2 steps.


THE BEST BOOKS TO JUMP START YOUR JOB SEARCH
  There are an overwhelming number of books that claim they will help you find a job.  These are the "best of the best" books I've found.  They'll quickly get you thinking and moving in the right direction.   Read these books immediately.
  I recommend first checking your local public library.  This will allow you to get these books today at no cost.  If you don't mind paying retail price they should be on the shelf at your local bookstore.  You can save a lot of money on books by searching the title on Froogle.com or buying online through Amazon.com.

Knock 'em Dead by Martin Yate:  This is the best all around job search book I've found.  It cuts through the clutter and gets right to the point.  Yate also has companion books Cover Letters That Knock 'em Dead and Resumes That Knock 'em Dead.

What Color Is Your Parachute by Richard Bolles:  This is arguably the most well-known job hunting book in the world.  There is a new edition each year.  Parachute is very good at motivating, while still telling you the "difficult to hear" realities of a job search.  Parachute is especially useful for those still trying to discover themselves.

Rites of Passage at $100,000 to $1 Million by John Lucht:  This is a MUST READ for any executive or aspiring executive.  This is an unusually helpful and informative book.  Lucht also has the companion book Executive Job-Change Workbook.

30 Days To A Good Job by Hal Geiseking:  This is an older book that can be found at most libraries or purchased very inexpensively online.  It outlines a "positive, highly focused program provides you with an accelerated schedule that reduces the conventional six- to twelve-month job search."
 

EXCELLENT READING DURING A CAREER TRANSITION
  During a job search you are selling yourself.  Selling is a numbers game.  The more contacts you make, the greater your chance of success.  Anytime you sell you are going to face rejection.  Reading will reassure you and support your efforts.  It will also open your mind and help you maintain a positive focus.

Tough Times Never Last But Tough People Do by Dr. Robert Schuller:  This classic is a quick and easy read.  It puts a job transition in proper perspective.

Dare to Change Your Job--And Your Life by Carole Kanchier: This book can help you identify what you want to do with your life, then help you make career decisions that better support your personal direction.  This book is thought provoking.  It's especially useful if you are considering a job change or are a student.

Today Matters by John Maxwell:  Executing a job search can be very discouraging.  This books explains why what you are doing today WILL yield results in the near future.
  FREEBIE! You can hear John Maxwell's 30 minute Today Matters presentation streamed over the internet at no cost.  Click here to go to the main streaming page. Then in the right hand corner choose "John Maxwell" under the "Select A Sermon".  Click on the Today Matters link and enjoy.

Thinking for a Change: 11 Ways Highly Successful People Approach Life and Work by John Maxwell:  This book is not directly aimed at job seekers, but it's incredibly helpful.  It shows you ways to think about your current situation and develop opportunities you will otherwise miss.  Click here to see other helpful books by John Maxwell.

The Message, NIV Parallel Bible:  Benefit from the wisdom of Solomon and teachings by some of history's greatest leaders.  This version displays the "standard" NIV translation of the Bible alongside the remarkably readable "The Message" paraphrase.   It's the Bible like you've never read it before.  The e3:16 Bookstore online has cheap prices on leadership books and bibles.


THE BEST JOB SEARCH ENGINES
   These full service job sites perform the role of a job search engine.  They also allow you to post your resume and provide resources such as sample resumes, sample cover letters and career information.

America's Job Bank - americasjobbank.com:  Huge job search engine site run by the Department of Labor.

Best Jobs USA - bestjobsusa.com:  A job search engine with a lot of career information.

Career Builder - careerbuilder.com:  Large job search engine with ties to major metropolitan newspapers.

Career Journal - careerjournal.com: The job search engine includes a wealth of information from the Wall Street Journal.

Direct Employers - directemployers.com:  Employment search engine set up by employers.

Employment 911 - employment911.com: Job search engine that searches 350 major job sites.

Exec-U-Net - execunet.com:  A quality, fee-based site for executives.

Flip Dog - flipdog.com:  This job search engine uses a "crawler" to find jobs on company web sites.

Hot Jobs - hotjobs.yahoo.com:  Yahoo Hot Jobs job board and resume posting online web site.

Monster Jobs - monster.com: The monster job search engine and resume posting online web site.

Nation Job - nationjob.com:  A very good "no frills" job search engine.

Net Share - netshare.com:  Another fee-based site, designated a "best site" for executives by Forbes and Fortune.

Recruiters Online Network - recruitersonline.com:  Network of headhunters and recruiters from around the world.

The Career Network - chronicle.com/jobs:  Job search engine from The Chronicle of Higher Education, the #1 provider of news and information to the academic world.  Some web site services are available to paid members only.

True Careers - truecareers.com: Job search engine and resume submission.  Many shared features of WetFeet.com.

Wet Feet - wetfeet.com: Company profiles, city profiles and message board.

Work Tree - worktree.com:  Job search engine that allows you to search 300 job sites at one time.

6 Figure Jobs:  Excellent job search web site for executives making $100,000 a year or more.


EMPLOYMENT SEARCH LINKS

Job Search Directory:  The essential job opportunity links from Google.

Sample Resume:  Resume examples - how to write a resume.

Sample Cover Letter: Cover letter example - how to write a resume cover letter.

Work At Home: Work from home ideas.

Job Search Tips For College Students

Job Search Secrets  Article on the secret to a successful job search.

Job Search Networking

Headhunters and Recruiters

How To Create You Your 30 Second Elevator Pitch

The Proper Way To Send A Resume By Email

Email Etiquette

Tips For Sending A Resume By Email

A Quick Guide To Writing Professional Email

Resume Dos and Don'ts from Monster.com

How To Write An Electronic Resume

New York City Area Recruiters:  Free list of headhunters in the NYC area.


CONTACT THE AUTHOR
  I appreciate hearing from web site visitors.  Click here if you have any questions or would like to include your knowledge on this site.
"Being fired or terminated is rarely the outrageous, meaningless event that it at first seems to be. 
It may begin that way; but it does not end that way. 
You have the power to shape it, by how you choose to view it." 
-Richard Bolles
"God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."
- Romans 8:28


“It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.
The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”
-Teddy Roosevelt
Thank you for visiting The Job Search Quick Start Guide.

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