Tax deductions for job search expenses
LOS ANGELES, CA -- Out of the misery of this layoff environment comes a little good news for many job hunters. Granted, it's not much of a silver lining, but, whether you got a job or not, you can deduct certain associated job search expenses on your taxes.
The catch -- that's only if you're looking for a job in the same field. You're out of luck if you: are changing careers or fields; have been out of the workforce for more than a year, say, raising kids or going to school; are soon-to-be graduates, unless while in school you held a valid job in the same field. Here are some costs that you may be able to write of during your job search.
- Resumes: paper, ink, envelopes, postage, preparation services, costs of posting online; resume distribution;
- Portfolio: work-sample preparation and services
- Job-hunt education: seminars, books on job search skills; such as interviewing, cover letter and resume writing;
- Career counseling and resume writing services;
- Attending job fairs, networking events;
- Travel: airfare, lodging, gas, meals;
- Research and consultations for starting a business;
Job search tool gives you the competitive edge!
LOS ANGELES, CA -- With a new service called MyJobHunter, you can search all top career sites at once & apply to all matching jobs with one click. Just enter what you're looking for, review the matching jobs and 'check mark' the ones you want. Then, click a single button and you'll be instantly applied to all of them at once (whether 1 or 1000) with your resume and cover letter.
Click another button and you can automate the whole process. MyJobHunter actually remembers your search criteria, looks for new job matches every day, and automatically applies to them for you when it finds a match. Then you'll get an email each day listing every job applied to with links so you can review the descriptions.
Did you know that most employers find qualified applicants within the first group of resumes they receive? That's why MyJobHunter really works! It gets your resume in the hands of interested employers immediately after their jobs are advertised - and long before your competition. This gets your resume there faster and increases your job opportunities. To learn more, follow this link.
Career change is about the 'Pursuit of Happiness'
AUSTIN, TX -- Do you want to pursue a new job? When things don't go well in the office, we're bound to think about exploring other avenues. While it's good that you're thinking of expanding your horizon, it's not good to make a big career change just because you hate your boss. Changing your career should be in pursuit of a passion which you always had but never got to doing.
If you're not sure about what to pursue, make a list of new careers which sounds good to you. Individually assess your facility to which you can function in the new job. In your assessment, consider your potential to excel in the new field, and your chances to be happy in this new career. One way you can check which among your list is nearest your talents is to draft a resume for each job target.
By doing this, you get to see which career you're more familiar with, and which career will require you to do a lot of keeping up. Go for it. Your plans cannot change your life until you go ahead and do it. Now's the time to really give that resignation you've been dreaming of for the longest time.
Getting your job search in motion
BOISE, ID -- When you find out the ax is going to fall, don't waste any time: immediately start looking for a new job. If you're able to begin your search while you're still employed, do it confidentially. It's easier to find a job when you have a job. It also enables you to negotiate salary from a position of strength.
Keep in mind that job searches can take a long time. A typical job search will take three to six months. If you wait too long to start your search, you may end up desperate for cash and be willing to settle. This could lead to a significant pay cut. While the immediate income will help to pay the bills, the lower salary puts you in a weaker position when looking for your next job.
In a declining economy, which is usually the time for job cuts, the longer you wait to start your search, the more competitive the job market becomes as procrastinators and the newly unemployed join the search. With all of these reasons in mind, it is important to get out and look for a job as soon as possible.
Job boards & career sites your resume should be on!
LOS ANGELES, CA -- There are hundreds of sites where you can post your resume online. Some sites let you upload an existing resume with the click of a button. On other sites you can cut and paste or use a resume building wizard. Start with the top job sites like Job.com, CareerBuilder and Dice as well as the mid-size and smaller job boards. Then keep track of where you've posted your resume and make a list of your login names and passwords.
Or if you are interested in saving time to focus on your job search, use a service that will post your resume for you. Resume Rabbit, for example, instantly posts your resume to over 85 of the top job boards and career sites, including the ones listed above.
You'll get a personal online posting report with login information for each site so you can update your resume and apply directly to job postings. They also provide a confidentiality feature and spam protection services. Confidentially post your resume today and instantly make your resume available to 1.5 million employers & recruiters daily. Try Resume Rabbit now.
Do something every day to further your search
LOS ANGELES, CA -- Positive action diminishes anxiety and other negative feelings. To prevail in today's competitive job-search process, it requires an iron will and determination that you will not be defeated. Remind yourself daily that you will prevail and succeed at this challenge.
If you're really serious about finding employment, become more proactive. Get out of your comfort zone and aggressively seek out the so-called "hidden job" market. These are the jobs that aren't listed, don't have an actual requirement or are otherwise "created" when the right person shows up -- this is the segment known informally as "inside referrals."
What's your game plan for tapping into this market? There are many approaches and strategies. Whatever approach you choose, develop a concerted action-based game plan with the expectation that you're going to win! You'll feel more in control of your destiny too. Job searching is tough enough. Try multiple methods in your search and leave no stone unturned.
Recession got you scrambling for your network?
DETROIT, MI -- You should reach out to your networking circle now because the U.S. is in a recession and unemployment rates are skyrocketing. Networking is a never-ending process and it should always be a part of your professional life and career growth.
A lot of individuals wait until they're looking for a job before they build a network. But you should always be networking, whether it's through alumni associations or professional groups. You should always have a fresh stack of business cards and several copies of your resume with you. You should always be prepared!
It's been predicted that unemployment rates will rise to double digits by the end of this year, if not sooner. So preparing your armor to face this recession is essential and should not happen when the sky's already beginning to fall. Having a strong network is one very important piece to the puzzle and shouldn't be taken lightly.
Networking business cards for your job search-free
BOSTON, MA -- Up to 80% of job seekers today find their jobs through networking. That's because it works. Some great places to network are Alumni Events, Job Fairs and Professional Industry Association functions. No matter where you go though, employed or not, you must always carry a fresh supply of business cards to hand out when the time is right.
There's nothing worse than making a great contact, searching for a pen and writing your number on a napkin - that they're sure to lose. Personal business cards project an image of professionalism and leave a lasting impression.
Complimentary for The Career News Subscribers: Get 250-free-premium quality, full color business cards, an $85 value (there is however a very small shipping and handling fee). Using pre-designed online templates, you can create professional, attractive business cards in seconds. Instantly preview the cards online before submitting your order. To get your complimentary business cards, follow this link.
Career Tools Highlighted in This Issue:
- MyJobHunter - Job search and apply tool Get your resume in the hands of interested employers immediately!
- Confidentially post your resume online Get your resume on 85 job sites instantly! Takes 5 minutes.
- Professional networking business cards 250 premium quality, full color complimentary business cards
