First Steps

• Ten Costly Myths About Unemployment Insurance 
  Knowing whether you can collect unemployment, for how long, and how much you will receive can mean the difference between going broke and staying afloat. In this particular instance, ignorance is NOT bliss! Be sure you don't fall prey to the 10 myths people hold about unemployment benefits and insurance.

• A 12-Step Program for Surviving Unemployment
  Lost your job and don’t know where to turn? Relax, according to the National Association for Counseling and Development, the average person goes through five to seven careers and ten to 12 job changes in their lifetimes. So how do you cope with the stress associated with losing a job and trying to finding another? Experts say to take it one day at a time and follow this 12-step program.

• How to Discuss Your Job Search with Your Family
  No one likes to talk about their job search, especially when they're not making much headway, which is unfortunately the case for most unemployed professionals these days. But talking about your job search with your immediate family can be particularly frustrating. After all, they're the ones who have the most to gain or lose from it.

Unemployment Insurance

• Unemployment Insurance (UI)
  The Department of Labor's Unemployment Insurance (UI) programs provide unemployment benefits to eligible workers who become unemployed through no fault of their own, and meet certain other eligibility requirements.
  Choose from the following Web pages to find information about who is eligible for these benefits and how to file a claim.

• Unemployment Resource Centers
  For state specific information on Unemployment Resource Centers, click on the United States map to select your state website.

• United States Department of Labor Employment & Training Administration Regional Offices
  Select a region, or scroll down the website to view information on all of the regional offices.

• State Unemployment Insurance Benefits
  In general, the Federal-State Unemployment Insurance Program provides unemployment benefits to eligible workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own (as determined under State law), and meet other eligibility requirements of State law.

• About Unemployment Insurance
  Detailed information about Unemployment Insurance.

Emotions

• Life after Job Loss
  So, it finally happened. All of the headlines and statistics about the current economic crisis have become personal: you've been laid off. Given the intensity of the stress you're likely to be experiencing right now, it helps to know what to expect in the weeks and months ahead. After all, the more you know, the better equipped you'll be to handle the ups and downs that you're likely to face.

• Job Loss and Unemployment Stress
  It’s normal to feel hurt, vulnerable, or angry after losing a job. The good news is that despite the stress of job loss and unemployment, there are many things you can do to take control of the situation and maintain your spirits.

Finances

• GovBenefits.gov - Your Benefits Connection
  GovBenefits.gov is the official benefits website of the U.S. government, with information on over 1,000 benefit and assistance programs.

The Job Search

• 20 Habits of Highly Effective Job Seekers in a Down Market
  Even in a down market, job seekers and employees are not powerless or without recourse. In fact, you have more control over your career circumstances than you might think. I’ve developed 20 specific strategies and tactics that consistently generate powerful results for job seekers, even when it seems that “no one’s hiring.”

• BBB Advice: Look for Seven Red Flags when Searching for Jobs Online
  While the Internet has made searching for jobs easier, it also provides an opportunity for ID thieves and scammers to take advantage of eager - and unsuspecting - job seekers. Better Business Bureau is providing guidance that will help people spot the seven most common red flags associated with online job search scams.

• How to Research Companies
  Knowing how to research companies and organizations is crucial to a successful job-search campaign. To tailor your resume and cover letter to a particular position, and especially to prepare effectively for an interview, you need to know as much as possible about the company or organization. 

• Resume-Resource
  Over 200 free resume examples and cover letter examples, writing guides, tips, services and helpful resources. provided byProfessional Resume Writing Firms, Certified Resume Writers, and Career Coaches.

Keeping Busy

• Find a Place to Volunteer
  VolunteerMatch strengthens communities by making it easier for good people and good causes to connect. The organiztion offers a variety of online services to support a community of nonprofit, volunteer and business leaders committed to civic engagement.

• Serve.gov: United We Serve
  Serve.gov is your online resource for not only finding volunteer opportunities in your community, but also creating your own. Use Serve.gov to help you do your part. America’s foundation will be built one community at a time - and it starts with you.