What Do You Do When You Lose Your Job?
 

At some point in their life, everyone has to deal with losing a job. The below sites are essential resources for those who need help with dealing with unemployment, getting expert advice, as well as preparing for the search for the next employer.

Must Read Articles and Guides

Stop here first for information on how to do everything from making a graceful exit to collecting unemployment, to utilizing new found free time. These articles are a must read for the basics of joblessness.

1. When the Paycheck Stops : This free PDF download is available from the AFL-CIO. Also available in Spanish, individual sections include where to go for help, dealing with creditors, and how to stay insured and healthy.

2. How to Survive Without a Job : This guide from eHow contains the basics of what to do when laid off. Get tips for everything from saving, spending, and how to maximize your time.

3. How to Survive Without a Job : From Inc. magazine, this article focuses on entrepreneurs who want to strike out on their own. In addition to starting up your own business, it also has tips for managing time and money without a steady income.

4. Why Work? : Want to live an alternative lifestyle without the hassle of the nine to five grind? Then visit this site for livable alternatives to wages. The goal of this site is to encourage people to value leisure, re-think the Puritan work ethic, and critically examine industrial capitalism.

5. Laid-Off 101 : This article is for those who have been handed a pink slip. It is full of advice for the unemployed from COBRA to stock options.

6. Longer Unemployment for Those 45 and Older : This article is a must read for anyone in this age range who has been laid off. Michael Luo, of "The New York Times," examines why this segment of the population is being targeted, and what they can do to survive.

7. Get Better Severance : From CNNMoney, this article is ideal for those getting laid off who are entitled to severance. Get advice on how to negotiate the best deal in this article.

9. How to Deal With Being Laid Off : The Career Coach takes you through getting fired to finding a new job in this article. You can also get tips for job fairs, as well as recruiter's pet peeves.

10. I Just Got Laid-Off Survival Kit : The Dough Roller helps you go from unemployment to a 100k+ job. Get information on how to survive after a lay-off, as well as links to sites offering six figure job opportunities.

11. 6 Immediate Strategies for Managing a Sudden Job Lay Off : This article is a must read for when your employer hands you a pink slip. Get six steps for dealing with this problem that you can do in a single day.

12. Not Ready to Retire? : If you have been laid off and are thinking about retirement, this is the article for you. Learn the benefits of self employment and why retiring isn't all it's cracked up to be.

13. How I Got Fired : From Damsels in Success comes this story about how Alanna got fired, what she did wrong, and what she learned as a result. There are also many other work related articles for women on this site.

14. Now What do I Do? : This lengthy article is a detailed guide for the laid off. From the first day to the job search, it gives a realistic look at this common problem.

15. So You've Just Been Laid Off : Although intended for IT professionals, this article is full of tips others will find useful. From not panicking to changing your mindset, it is sure to be helpful.

16. Got Laid Off? : From the Digerati comes this article for those who have lost their jobs. It contains ten tips on everything from severance to applying for a new job.

17. Facts About Unemployment Insurance Guide : From the Iowa Workforce Development, get this guide to unemployment insurance as a PDF download. It is also available in Spanish.

18. A Guide to Self Employment : Are you recently laid off and want to go into business for yourself? Then read this article by BusinessWeek to learn how, as well as get a slide show.

19. IOUSA : If you are currently in debt or considering going into debt, be sure to check out this 30 minute video to learn more. It boldly examines the rapidly growing national debt and its consequences for the United States and its citizens.

20. Making the Best of a Layoff : This article is written by Teena Rose, who is a columnist, public speaker, and resume wizard. Get tips on exiting gracefully, as well links to articles on how to survive a lay off and signs it's time change employers.

21. The Laid Off Can do Well Doing Good : From the "Wall Street Journal" comes this article on the benefits of volunteer work. You can also follow the stories of eight unemployed M.B.A.s as they search for jobs.

22. Would Zero Unemployment be a Good Thing? : This economist answers that question, along with types of unemployment. Learn why some unemployment can be a good thing with this article.

Useful Sites

Now that you know all about unemployment, visit these sites to take action. Get statistics, news, advice, tips, and much more on surviving without a job.

23. US Department of Labor : This government site is a must visit for those seeking information on unemployment insurance. Get information on state and disaster insurance, extended benefits, and much more.

24. US Bureau of Labor Statistics : Be sure to visit here for the latest in national, local, and international unemployment rates. There are also useful links and an array of surveys.

25. The Unemployment Handbook : This site is a must visit for the unemployed. Get articles and tips, as well as a list of state unemployment offices and more.

26. Career Videos : Visit the career section of the "Wall Street Journal" for a ton of work related videos. Topics include everything from help for those out of work to how to stand out in the job market.

27. Unemployed Workers : This is the site for the laid off and left out. Along with a forum for workers, you can get information on jobless benefits, resources, as well as helpful statistics.

28. Green Panda Treehouse : Green Panda is a personal finance blog with tons of tips for saving money useful for those with little or no income. The unemployed will find loads of ways to save money, including what not to scrimp on.

29. No Job Survivor : On this site, you can share your survivor skills, build a community, record your journey, and enjoy the resources. There are sections for news, outrage, help, discussion, and even photos and videos.

30. Being Frugal : Anyone looking to save money should visit this site for expert tips. Get advice on deals, freebies, reviews, and even join a forum on this site.

31. Who Moved My Cheese : This best selling book centers on how to deal with change in your life. Get more information on the book or order the award winning movie on this site.

32. Simply Fired : Visit here to read the stories of the recently laid off. It is full of rants, raves, anecdotes, and you can even submit your own story.

33. Ask the Headhunter : Get a perspective on the job market from a headhunter's point of view. Be sure to check out the "Fired is a State of Mind" section, as well as the featured Q & A section.

34. Penelope Trunk's Brazen Careerist : Penelope was fired from her finance job in 2007. Hear how she went from being unemployed to starting Brazen Careerist and having her advice appear in over 200 publications.

35. The Unemployed Blog : Damien is an MA graduate who catalogs his adventures in unemployment. Get the inside story from someone who has been there on this blog.

36. Work Exposed : The goal of this blog is to help educate readers to the ever changing world of work. Be sure to get unemployment rates, as well as twitter tips for hiring and firing on this blog.

37. Job Hunter's Bible : Anyone who has read or heard of the best seller, "What Color is Your Parachute?" should visit this site as a supplement. Get information on counseling, research, and more for the jobless on this site.

38. Where the Hell Did My Job Go? : This blogger's tagline is "taking redundancy personally." Read their adventures in unemployment, along with recommendations on career sites to stay away from.

39. Laid Off in America : Although started and ended in 2003, this blog still contains relevant information for the laid off. It is a comprehensive look at various unemployment articles with the blogger's commentary on each.

40. Laid-Off: A No Nothing Production : This series of virtual comics by Odd Todd will have you laughing. Perfect for those who are unemployed and in need of a laugh.

41. Guide to Employment & Labor Law : Feel as if you were unjustly fired? Then visit this site for a comprehensive list of labor laws from agricultural to workplace fairness.

42. The Unemployment Cafe : Star is unemployed and needs to do something between non-interviews and sporadic freelance jobs. So she started this blog containing the humorous and insightful ramblings, many dealing with current events related to joblessness.

43. Unemployment Blog : Thoughts.com is a community of bloggers who post on a variety of topics. Visit here for a comprehensive list on posts related to unemployment.

44. Unemploymentality : This site is a must visit for the unemployed, especially those living in California. Get videos, links to resources, and much more on this regularly updated blog.

45. Nicejob Media : Nicejob was a producer at NPR until his show was cancelled due to budget cuts. Get unemployment information and more from this insightful and humorous blogger.

46. Crunch Victims : This site keeps track of the UK and globally based companies that are announcing job cuts in order to survive the recession. Get the latest in job loss news by visiting this site.

47. Fired, Laid Off or Forced Out: A Complete Guide to Severance, Benefits and Your Rights When You're Starting Over

48. Fired for Now : FFN started this blog the day they lost their job in advertising. This blog is about the messy, complicated experience of suddenly finding yourself rejected by the working world.

49. Faces of the Recession : Andy is a photographer who interviews people regarding the current financial crisis. Visit his site to read stories, or to be featured in his next interview.

50. How I Got Laid Off : This site aims to chronicle the stories of people who have recently been let go, including the often despicable methods in which they were dispatched. Get stories from Microsoft, AIG, and even add your own.

51. Funemployed in NYC : Written by various contributors, this blog centers on what it is like to be unemployed in the city. Get useful articles, tips for the jobless, and interesting offers from this blog.

52. How to Find Your Next Job : John is an unemployed marketer in search of his next job. Get useful tips for preparing for and finding a job, including the benefits of volunteering and the lessons learned from his old job.

53. Jobless and Less : After four layoffs in eight years, this blogger is an expert at being unemployed. The blog talks about experiences with layoffs, unemployment, and the job search.

54. Stuff Unemployed People Like : Like the title says, this blog is full of advice and distractions for the unemployed. Beat the blues by visiting this site.

55. Letters to Your Former Employer : Angry at being let go? Then visit this site for amusing letters to former bosses or even submit your own.

56. Unemployment Haiku Weekly : This online publication is where the art of Japanese poetry meets the unemployed musings of a laid-off guy. With weekly entries dating back to August 2008, you are sure to find something humorous and inspiring.

58. The 405 Club : Unemployed and living in New York? Then visit the official network for the city's unemployed, complete with news, tips, and even videos.

59. Miss Pink Slip : This blogger is a 34-year old formerly unemployed girl in Atlanta who is sick of all the doom and gloom. Get advice on cheap thrills, volunteering, sanity without salary, and more from this blog.

60. Great Depression Cooking with Clara : Clara has seen her share of financial hardships. Learn to cook like a survivor of the Great Depression and stretch those dollars with recipes that are simple and inexpensive.

61. iGet2Work : Visit this community for the unemployed to get news, laughs, and visit the million dollar idea section. Also of note is the video bloggers, who tell all about the unemployment experience.

62. The Unemployment Advisor : Fill out this online submission form to receive information on how to maximize unemployment compensation benefits. After filling it out, this site will send you information on basic requirements, how to file the initial claim, and more.

63. Money and Markets : The Weiss Group is a think tank and publishing firm that offers a free guide to protect your home, income, savings, and retirement. It is a do it yourself manual for those who don't want to rely on the government for financial protection.

64. Laid Off USA : Jack is over 50 and knows what it is like to be laid off. Get his take on everything from job fairs to Twitter.

Read Before Applying for a Job

Before you post your resume online or spend hours licking envelopes, visit these below sites to learn how to prepare a stellar resume, nail a job interview, avoid employment scams, and more.

65. The Riley Guide : Visit this site for the latest in scams and schemes in work and employment services. It offers tips on how to spot scams, how to find a legitimate firm, identity theft, and how to file a complaint.

66. To Catch a Cyber Thief : This article was written by an FBI agent who apprehended a cyber criminal. Learn how to avoid becoming a victim of a work at home or other scam from this expert.

67. Fake Checks : Many scams for job seekers involve fraudulent checks. Learn how to spot one, watch a video, take the test, and more at this site.

68. Best Careers : From "U.S. News and World Report" comes this list of 30 careers that offer strong outlooks and high job satisfaction. Get links and videos for jobs such as firefighter, fundraiser, occupational therapist, and more.

69. 25 Well Paying Jobs that Most People Overlook : Not sure of which job to apply for or thinking of switching careers? Then read this article by Business Pundit to learn more about these high paying, low competition jobs, as well as loads of other useful information.

70. Cover Letter Resources : Make sure to the visit this site for the do's and don'ts of cover letters. This site gives the formula, as well as the most common mistakes, and more.

71. Resume Help : Get free examples of successful resumes, as well as cover letter help on this site. There is also the option to get professional help when preparing a resume.

72. Top Ten Video Resume Tips for Candidates : Interested in doing a video resume? Then read this article to learn how to make a video that will truly stand out.

73. Professional Executive Resume Writer : Those looking to hire a professional resume writer should consider this site. Read client testimonials, as well as information on pricing quotes on this site.

74. JobStar : In addition to job searches, there are also tips to follow before looking. Get information on resumes, career guides, salary information, and a look at the hidden job market.

75. How I Got My Job : Be sure to listen to this podcast to hear the success stories of those who have landed jobs in a variety of careers. Even if it is not the career you are currently interested in, you are sure to find something helpful.

76. Job Interview : Before going on that interview, be sure to visit this site for guides, common questions, and mock interviews. Also make time for the interview video section, where you can view tips for success.

77. How to Get a Job in a Recession : Read this article to see how the most successful job applicants use creativity rather than connections on that job search. From food diarists to Twitter, here's what's working now.

78. The Ten Worst Job Interview Questions Ever : Prepare for an interview by looking over this list. Get humorous and useful answers, as well as questions that will have you reconsidering the employer.

79. Job Hunting Handbook : From WareSeeker, this free download is ideal for the laid off. Before looking to the classifieds for your next job, be sure to get this handbook for the answers to the most commonly asked questions.

80. Trade Publication Directory : Check out this extensive list of free publications from Entrepreneur. It includes business, computer, engineering, and trade magazines, as well as white papers, downloads, and podcasts to find what best matches your skills.

81. Jobacle : Get the latest in job news, including scam alerts on this site. There is also a podcast full of advice for those seeking employment.

82. Jobseekers Advice : Within this site you can find free career advice in the following sections: career development, resume writing advice, interview advice, job seeker centre, working abroad, training, career education and much more. You can even find personalized advice in one of their forums.

83. Career Encouragement Blog : This blog is a regular source of encouragement for those seeking a job. Make sure to read the post on ten ways to build self confidence.

84. Ask a Manager : This blogger manages a medium-sized organization and hires, fires, promotes, etc. If you're not sure what your manager is thinking, whether you might be in danger of getting fired, or how to act in a second interview: ask away or read answers to other questions.

85. Evil HR Lady : With tons of questions concerning human resources, this site is ideal for the unemployed who want to see things from a different perspective. Make sure to use proper punctuation and capitalization when sending in questions of your own.

86. Anita Bruzzese : With hundreds of columns, this blog is a premiere source of information on the workplace. Get advice and links on this blog for help from federal agencies, non profits, and resources for various job seekers.

87. Get Expert Advice : "The Washington Post" offers this free online section to answer employment questions, provide career advice, and help you navigate the sticky world of office politics. The three bloggers cover everything on human resources, government and security, and the workplace.

88. The Glass Hammer : This is an online community designed for women executives in financial services, law, and business. Visit here for issues that matter, share experiences, and for help in getting a new job. Be sure to make time for the ask-a-recruiter section.

89. Blue Sky Resumes : Louis used to manage an HR department and writes about how to take charge using effective personal marketing. Recent posts include seven ways to spice up your resume and what job seekers can learn from American Idol.

90. Your HR Guy : Lance is a Human Resources Generalist with five years of experience. Visit his site for inside career information, job seeking in a recession, and how to avoid stupid snap judgments.

91. Career Goddess : This blog is for anyone interested in advancing their career or business using the power of career assessments to uncover personal brand. Categories include personal branding, resumes, smart job search, and career transition.

92. JobRadio.fm : This site contains a ton of free career advice. Get interviews with career experts, tips for surviving the job crunch, and even the option to listen live.

93. Secrets of the Job Hunt : This site is where job seekers can connect with professionals through forums, blogs, and more. Be sure to check out the podcast and video sections containing loads of advice for job seekers.

94. Employment Digest : This site is full of news, tips, and hints for those in career transition. Be sure to check out the "It's Your Resume, Stupid!" entry.

95. Free eBooks : After completing a simple registration, users can get hundreds of free eBooks available for download. With 35 to choose from in careers, you can get books on everything work related.

96. Career Hub : This site has four eBooks for job seekers written by experts free to download. Choose from interviewing, resume writing, job searching, and even networking.

97. Expert Village : This video series for advice on job interviews will tell you everything from what to wear to how to except graciously. With over 200 videos, you are sure to find something useful.

98. Job Bound : Brad Karsh is a nationally recognized recruiting expert and shares his insider advice in this series of videos. Videos include job search secrets, starting out, and even how to intern at any age.

99. Job Interview Videos : From the best to the worst, get an array of videos of applicants applying for jobs. There are also links to other career related interviews including dress and salary discussion.  Unemployment can be a frightening and devastating experience. But with the help of these 100 sites, you can find tips on survival from those who have been there to get yourself through it with a minimum amount of fuss and time.