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Taking Care of the Basics

By , About.com Guide

An important task for those unemployed, and for that matter, for all job seekers, is to create a "Job Search Action Plan". Before you can implement the plan, however, you need to take care of the basics. The most important issue, in most cases, is income. Call or visit your state unemployment office as soon as you can to determine if you are eligible for unemployment benefits. If you can't make ends meet, and many of us can't, on an unemployment check consider freelancing or taking a temporary position to supplement unemployment.

Get Help

Don't be proud - your temporarily reduced circumstances may entitle you to food stamps or other government benefits. Remember you paid for those benefits out of every paycheck you earned. Your state's Social Services department can inform you what assistance you qualify for. If you are a member of a church, ask if there is any help available. Community organizations often have resources to help the unemployed with food baskets, donations, and babysitting assistance.

Community resources are also available to help with the mechanics of your job search. Many state employment services and public libraries have internet access as well as access to software and printers to produce your resume. They also may have counselors who can provide resume and cover letter writing and job search assistance.

Job Seekers Resources

What next? You need a Job Search Action Plan
 How to get started on a job search and suggestions and strategies for finding a job.

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