You are hired!

There are a number of free and low-cost resources available nationwide serving individuals at all skill levels.

Career One Stop focuses on job searching, such as assistance with applying for unemployment benefits, resume writing and access to phones, faxes, computers to assist with your search, as well as access to on-site and online skills development workshops and training programs, most of which are free.

Career Voyages is a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Education designed to provide information on high-growth, in-demand occupations along with the skills and education needed to attain those jobs. There's access to apprenticeship and certificate programs in the areas that the Bureau of Labor Statistics determines are high-growth positions for both blue-collar and white-collar workers.

Jewish Vocational Service, which was founded during the Great Depression to assist immigrants with job training and placement, now operates 22 agencies throughout the country, serving nearly a half million people with a wide range of career-related services. More than 25,000 were placed in jobs last year as a result of the training they received. And JVS works with 40,000 employers of all sizes. The organization gets to know the business needs in its area and can customize training programs to meet the demands in a variety of industries.

Similar skills training and placement services are offered through Goodwill, which says it places someone in a good job every 53 seconds of every business day. There are 161 Goodwill community-based locations in the United States that offer job training programs in a variety of industries, including health care, hospitality, banking, information technology, computer programming and more.

Successful Job Seeking Tips

There are many things to consider and prepare for to secure your next employment.

. connect with others, networking

. make phone calls

. overcome procrastination and fear

. increase your skills/education

. write down your goals and expectations

. update your resume

. interview attire

. targeting specific jobs

. faith, courage and self-esteem

. ask the right questions

. gather referrals and references

. avoid distractions, remain focused on your priority

. are you willing and open to a new career and/or city?

. are you teachable and open to input from others?

. are you aware of your strengths, do you downplay your value?

. are you aware of your deficiencies, are you willing to gain new skills/education?

. quiet the inner voice of fear and doubt

. avoid time wasters (TV, sleeping, etc.)

. meditate and visualize yourself working in your ideal employment circumstances

. post your resume on job search sites

. remain proactive each day to avoid the depression

. planning and punctuality for interviews is crucial

. read/listen to personal development materials

. polish up your interview communication style

. keep your faith, courage and self-esteem strong

. click here to read the "employment prayer" to increase your faith and optimism

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