Career Products

Careers

Airport Security Jobs
Tips about applying for airport security jobs, also called transportation security screener jobs, and the qualifications and other details the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires. Includes information about the Screening Partnership Program the TSA is launching on November 19, 2004, that allows private screening companies to place workers in airport security jobs.

Bioinformatics Jobs
About this hot career of the'90s, which integrates life sciences with computers.

Computer and Web Career Books
Best-selling, computer career books that help you discover a career path in information technology, locate certification, education and training resources, uncover and market your talents, land a computer job, and sustain and advance your career.

Computer Certification Pays
A four-year, computer science degree is not required to land a good-paying, IT job. One, well-chosen computer certification course is all it takes to get the ball rolling. Computer certifications covered are A+, Cisco, Certified Ethical Hacker, IBM, Microsoft, Novell and Oracle, and training and exams for same.

Computer Forensics Careers
Learn how to become a "cyber cop" by starting a computer forensics career. Includes links to computer forensics job and training resources.

Computer Job Skills
What computer jobs are and aren't, plus tips to help you answer the question, "Which skills do I need to get a computer job?"

Computer Programmer Jobs
Learn about computer programmer jobs. Includes typical educational requirements for starting a computer programming career, plus information about salary, employment and the job outlook.

Computer Software Engineer Jobs
Learn about computer software engineer jobs. Includes typical educational requirements for starting a computer software engineer career, plus information about salary, employment and the job outlook.

Computer Support Jobs
Learn about computer support jobs, which include technical support and help-desk jobs. Explains typical educational requirements for starting a career as a computer support specialist and provides information about wages, employment, and the job outlook.

Computer Systems Analyst Jobs
Learn about computer systems analyst jobs. Includes typical educational requirements for starting a computer systems analyst career, plus information about salary, employment and the job outlook.

Consulting Business Books
Best-selling books that help you get started in computer consulting, or any other type of consulting, contracting or freelancing business. They cover the gamut, including start-up costs, self-employment taxes, marketing your services, customizing and negotiating contracts (agreements), and legal considerations. Sample agreements included.

Cyber Learning: Back-to-School Alternative
With today's rapidly-evolving technologies, along with downsizing mania causing a competitive job market, it's a good idea to learn almost perpetually. That's just to keep your job, but especially if want to keep new opportunities knocking. If you can't figure out how to squeeze classes into your routine, online training might be your back-to-school solution.

Day Trading for a Living
In the past, the tools for day trading were available only to professionals. But thanks to the Internet, everything you need to get started is now conveniently online.

Government Computer Jobs
About computer jobs offered by U.S. Federal government agencies. Information about finding and applying for government computer jobs is included.

Homeland Security Jobs
U.S. Federal agencies offering homeland security jobs, in cooperation with the Homeland Security Department.

Hot IT Skills
Answers to frequently-asked IT questions, and tips for researching and staying current on the computer skills in high demand.

Internet Jobs: Dot-Coms Luring Seasoned Pros
As the Web matures, it's creating more opportunities for seasoned pros. Includes Internet job resources.

IT Career Opportunities Abound!
Demand for information technology professionals far exceeds supply and will for years to come.

Job and Career Help For Dummies®
The popular "For Dummies" self-help books are not really for dummies. But they are written straightforwardly in plain English, in a friendly style that's often witty and makes learning easier, more enjoyable, and even entertaining. They're great for learning the easy way to job search, write resumes and cover letters, ace interviews, negotiate salary, change and manage your career, start freelancing, land internships, and more.

Merchant Marine Jobs
Explore engineering, radio, electronics, and other types of jobs in the U.S. Merchant Marine for officers and crew. Includes links to training resources, a free apprenticeship program, and info on other types of maritime jobs.

Network Security: Job of the Future
The September 11 attacks on the U.S. renewed the concern of cyber terror, making computer network security a priority around the globe. Skills in network security are among the most demanded today, and will likely be more so in the days to come. Includes links to training and certification resources.

On Becoming a Web Designer
It used to be that HTML skills would do, but those days are pretty much gone. Here are tips for becoming a Web designer or developer in today's job market.

Online Training
Learn new skills, polish old skills, and earn certification online.

Technical Instructor
Offers tips for changing careers to become a corporate technical instructor in the U.S. It's useful to anyone who wants to become a corporate technical instructor. However, corporate technical instructors typically get their start after teaching in schools or working in a technical capacity in the corporate world or military. So, it leans heavily in that direction.

Topic Guide
Cross link to the Topic Guide for this topic, which also includes relevant links on the Web.

Web Analytics - Job of the Future
Web analytics and its career growth simply explained, with links to Web analytics jobs, education and software vendors.

Web Spinning: About Webmaster Jobs
"What is a Webmaster?" plus links to training resources, salaries and jobs.

Work-at-Home Customer Service Jobs
Legit work-at-home customer service job opportunities are on the rise in the U.S. Discover where to find legit work-at-home customer service jobs and how to land them. Customer service jobs are also referred to as call center jobs.

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Guidance

401(k) Options
If you permanently leave your job, what happens to your 401(k) account?

Am I Entitled to Severance Pay?
If you are laid off, fired or forced to quit, are you entitled to severance pay?

Am I Entitled to Sick Leave Pay?
Find out if you're entitled to collect employer-provided sick leave pay and accrued sick leave pay under U.S. state or federal law.

Am I Entitled to Vacation Pay?
Find out if you're entitled to collect employer-provided vacation pay and accrued vacation pay under state or federal law.

Avoiding Identity Theft Through Job Bank Fraud
Job banks have revolutionized the way we search for jobs. Unfortunately, job banks have also revolutionized the way identity-theft con artists prey on their victims. Learn how to avoid the dirty tricks con artists play through job bank fraud.

Baby Boomers Rule in New Millennium
Baby boomers are the fastest growing group in the U.S. labor force.

Career Change
Advice for making a career change. Includes related resume and networking tips.

COBRA Insurance FAQs
Answers to frequently-asked questions about COBRA continuation of health insurance coverage.

Computer and Web Career Books
Best-selling, computer career books that help you discover a career path in information technology, locate certification, education and training resources, uncover and market your talents, land a computer job, and sustain and advance your career.

Computer Forensics Careers
Learn how to become a "cyber cop" by starting a computer forensics career. Includes links to computer forensics job and training resources.

Computer Job Skills
What computer jobs are and aren't, plus tips to help you answer the question, "Which skills do I need to land a computer job?"

Computer Programmer Jobs
Learn about computer programmer jobs. Includes typical educational requirements for starting a computer programming career, plus information about salary, employment and the job outlook.

Computer Software Engineer Jobs
Learn about computer software engineer jobs. Includes typical educational requirements for starting a computer software engineer career, plus information about salary, employment and the job outlook.

Computer Support Jobs
Learn about computer support jobs, which include technical support and help-desk jobs. Explains typical educational requirements for starting a career as a computer support specialist and provides information about wages, employment, and the job outlook.

Computer Systems Analyst Jobs
Learn about computer systems analyst jobs. Includes typical educational requirements for starting a computer systems analyst career, plus information about salary, employment and the job outlook.

Constructive Discharge
Constructive discharge means that, even if you quit, you might have effectively suffered wrongful termination if you quit because of intolerable working conditions. Learn more about constructive discharge and what you can do about it.

Consulting Business Books
Best-selling books that help you get started in computer consulting, or any other type of consulting, contracting or freelancing business. They cover the gamut, including start-up costs, self-employment taxes, marketing your services, customizing and negotiating contracts (agreements), and legal considerations. Sample agreements included.

Counteroffer
Should you stay or should you go?

Disability Insurance Benefits Programs
If you become disabled and can't work, there are several disability insurance and other types of disability benefits programs in the U.S. that will help you pay the bills, get back to work, or both.

Dot-Com or Dot-Con?
Looking to start a home-based biz? Get tips on how Internet business opportunity scams operate, so you can avoid them. Includes links to the "Top Ten Dot Cons" and other scam warnings, according to consumer watchdog agencies.

Employee Rights
About your employee rights under U.S. state and Federal employment and labor laws.

Final Pay and Paychecks
Find out when your final pay is due and what it includes in the U.S., after you quit or your employer fires you or lays you off. A link to final pay law summaries by state is included.

Giving Two Weeks Notice of Resignation
Must you give two weeks notice in advance of resigning? The answer depends on whether or not you agreed to do so by contract. Includes a link to resignation letter samples you may download.

How NOT to Land a Job
Common types of resume, cover letter, job application and interview blunders to avoid.

How to Job Search Confidentially
Tips for keeping your resumes, job applications, interviews, networking and other job-searching activities confidential, so your current employer doesn't discover that you intend to jump ship.

How to Resign with Class
How to quit your job gracefully to avoid burning your bridges. Includes resignation letter samples you may download for free.

Legit Work at Home Jobs
Tired of losing your money to the work-at-home job and business-opportunity scams? Discover legit ways to land real telecommuting and work-at-home jobs or start up a profitable home-based business, from honest, experienced book authors who know what they're talking about. Computer work-at-home jobs and home-based Internet business opportunities are included.

Internships: Working for Peanuts
Internships help you find out what you want—and don't want—to do in your career.

Job and Career Help For Dummies®
The popular "For Dummies" self-help books are not really for dummies. But they are written straightforwardly in plain English, in a friendly style that's often witty and makes learning easier, more enjoyable, and even entertaining. They're great for learning the easy way to job search, write resumes and cover letters, ace interviews, negotiate salary, change and manage your career, start freelancing, land internships, and more.

Job Fraud: Tip-Offs to Rip-Offs
Don't become a victim of work-at-home and other job scams.

Job Outlook 2000
Facts, figures and projections for the U.S. labor force into the new millennium, including the 10 fastest growing occupations.

Job Tips for College Grads
A six-part series covering everything from focusing on your career to acing the interview.

Labor Laws
You might be surprised to learn that there are virtually no U.S. labor laws that specifically mandate how your employer must treat you. But there are some broad laws that generally define and protect your rights as a worker.

Legal Matters
Link to the Legal Matters Topic Guide, for common matters concerning labor laws.

Overseas Job Scams
Working abroad for high pay, attractive benefits and extraordinary perks sounds exotic, doesn't it? But don't be fooled. These exaggerated claims rip off thousands of victims annually. Here are tips for avoiding scams and where to find the real overseas jobs.

Paid Surveys
Paid surveys are nothing new, despite the recent bombardment of paid survey ads on the Web. Market research companies and the like have been paying consumers to participate in surveys, focus groups and such for some time now. But several questionable "middleman" sites are jumping on the paid survey bandwagon. Are they running online paid survey scams?

Preparing to Leave Your Job
Plan ahead to resign, and be prepared if you happen to get laid off or fired from your job.

Resigning Your Job
Tips and resources for resigning your job without burning your bridges. Includes free resignation letter samples you may download or copy for personal use.

Right to Work
What right to work means, a list of right to work states, and links to related laws.

Salary, Benefits and Perks vs Hourly Pay
Thinking about becoming an independent contractor or reverting back to employee? Here are tips for converting employee salary, benefits and perks into equivalent contractor rates, and vice versa.

Seeking Employment with a Criminal Record
Answers to frequently-asked questions about seeking employment with a criminal record in the US.

Social Security
Social Security is about much more than just a card number and retirement. Find out if you're eligible to tap all benefits offered by the Social Security Administration offices, including disability, vocational rehabilitation, Medicare, supplemental income, and family and survivor well-being.

Surviving Layoff
Tips for predicting and dealing with job loss, and negotiating a better deal.

Surviving the Lame-Duck Employee Syndrome
If you quit your job and have to stay through your notice period, how do you handle it if your boss blatantly resents that you quit, and coworkers avoid you for fear of being associated with The Quitter?

Tax Time Again
A virtual, deep-link tour inside the IRS site for taxes, credits and deductions related to your job. Links for self-employed independent contractors included. A recurring feature updated for U.S. tax year 2001.

Technical Instructor
Offers tips for changing careers to become a corporate technical instructor in the U.S. It's useful to anyone who wants to become a corporate technical instructor. However, corporate technical instructors typically get their start after teaching in schools or working in a technical capacity in the corporate world or military. So, it leans heavily in that direction.

Telecommuting: A Matter of Trust
Learn how to avoid the scams and become a genuine telecommuter.

Temping
If you're a recent grad, between jobs, thinking about changing careers, independent or adventurous, then temping might be right for you.

Topic Guide
Cross link to the Topic Guide for this topic, which also includes relevant links on the Web.

Unemployment Insurance
If you lose your job in the U.S., there's a good chance that you are entitled to collect unemployment insurance checks and other benefits from your state unemployment office. Includes info on eligibility, benefits, and when and where to apply.

Veterans' Preference in Government Jobs
Certain veterans and disabled veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces receive preference in hiring for Federal government jobs. Once hired, veterans are also granted retention preference during Federal workforce reductions. Find out if you're eligible.

Web Analytics - Job of the Future
Web analytics and its career growth simply explained, with links to Web analytics jobs, education and software vendors.

Welfare to Work
Programs and services that help unemployed, disadvantaged and disabled people get off or avoid the welfare rolls, and become more self-sufficient through childcare, job-training and employment assistance.

What are Your References Saying about You?
How to rehearse your references, so they say the right things. Includes sample questions you may download and send to your references.

What's in a Severance Package?
Here's what you might expect to receive (or try to negotiate) in a severance package.

Women's Career Resources
Organizations and career sites that help women break out of traditional job roles and right through the glass ceiling.

Work-at-Home Job Scams
Work-at-home job scams rip off thousands of people annually. Here are tips for avoiding them.

Work for a Profitable Company
If you wouldn't risk your investment money in a company, should you risk your career investment?

Workers' Compensation Insurance
About eligibility, benefits, lawyers, and Federal and state laws, plus how to file and appeal a claim.

Working as an Independent Contractor
Tired of being a wage slave? Read about the pros, cons, and how to get started.

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Interviews

Background Check
If you leave your job under less than desirable circumstances, should you be concerned that your ex-employer will reveal it during background checks?

Background Check: Credit Report
Is it legal for U.S. employers to check your credit report as part of your employment background check?

Behavioral Interviews
Behavioral interviews explained, question samples and preparation tips. An example of how a job applicant might answer a series of related behavioral interview questions is included.

Exit Interview
Explains an employee exit interview and offers tips for whether or not an employee should participate. Common exit interview question samples asked verbally or in questionnaire form are included.

Fired from a Job
Tips for explaining to potential employers that you were fired from a job, including what to say on job applications and during interviews.

Get a Free Credit Report by Law
Credit report checks are often part of employment background checks and security-clearance investigations. Consequently, an inaccurate credit report can lose job opportunities, promotions and transfers for you. Discover how to get a free credit report annually under the U.S. Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), so that you may regularly check its accuracy and fix it if needed. No strings are attached, as with commercially-offered free credit reports.

How to Dress For Job Interviews
How to dress for job interviews in today's corporate environment.

How to Job Search Confidentially
Tips for keeping your resumes, job applications, interviews, networking and other job-searching activities confidential, so your current employer doesn't discover that you intend to jump ship.

Illegal Interview Questions
What they are and tips for handling them, along with sample illegal questions and reasons employers may legally ask for the same information in other ways.

Informational Interviews
Informational interviews defined, tips for scheduling and conducting informational interviews, and examples of the types of questions to ask during informational interviews.

Interview Behavior Tips
Attire, body language and manners count big time for interviews, yet surveys show that job candidates' manners and other professionalisms are on the decline. Here are tips on how to act professionally before, during and after interviews. Includes interviewing "horror stories."

Interview Questions
Before you head out to a job interview, it's a good idea to practice answering the types of questions employers will likely ask. Download samples of the more common questions, with suggested ways to answer.

Interviewing while Pregnant
Tips for maneuvering through job interviews while you're in the family way, and maternity benefits to research and negotiate.

Interviewing with Start-Up Companies
Tips for interviewing with start-companies, interview questions to ask and links to start-up jobs.

Job and Career Help For Dummies®
The popular "For Dummies" self-help books are not really for dummies. But they are written straightforwardly in plain English, in a friendly style that's often witty and makes learning easier, more enjoyable, and even entertaining. They're great for learning the easy way to job search, write resumes and cover letters, ace interviews, negotiate salary, change and manage your career, start freelancing, land internships, and more.

Job Interview Tips
Tips to help you ace interviews.

Preparing for New-Hire Orientation Day
Don't be caught off guard. Download or copy examples of details you'll likely have to provide on the first day of your new job.

Preparing to Fill Out a Job Application
We often forget how complicated job applications can be. So that you're not caught off guard, here's a list of details employers typically want you to provide.

Portfolio Power
A portfolio is a powerful interviewing tool for just about any occupation. Seeing is believing.

Questions to Ask in Interviews
Ever draw a blank when an interviewer asks, "Any questions?" Interviewers expect you to ask questions. Preparing questions in advance shows that you've done your homework and are truly interested in the job. Includes sample questions you may download or copy and paste.

Reference Checks
Do employers really check references? Sometimes. Be prepared to provide at least four.

Researching Companies
Be prepared when interviewers ask the question, "What do you know about XYZ company?"

Technical Interview Questions
About technical interview questions, brainteasers and riddles. Links to typical technical interview questions and answers are included. Also answers the classic technical interview question, "Why are manhole covers round?"

Topic Guide
Cross link to the Topic Guide for this topic, which also includes relevant links on the Web.

What's a Group Interview?
What to expect from group and panel job interviews, with tips for preparing. Links to samples of common questions interviewers ask and questions you should ask are included.

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Job Fairs

About Job Fairs
Link to nice-to-have stuff for the job fairs listed in the category by the same name, like general info, strategies, tips, weather forecasts and printable driving directions and maps.

Job Fair Season
Event producers typically schedule more job fairs from fall through spring. If you're considering a career move or need a job, you might want to take advantage of this seasonal increase.

Strategies for Job Fairs
How to make the most of your time on the floor.

Ten Tips for Job Fairs
Quick and easy tips for making the most of your time on the job fair floor.

Topic Guide
Cross link to the Topic Guide for this topic, which also includes relevant links on the Web.

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Jobs

Airport Security Jobs
Tips about applying for airport security jobs, also called transportation security screener jobs, and the qualifications and other details the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires. Includes information about the Screening Partnership Program the TSA is launching on November 19, 2004, that allows private screening companies to place workers in airport security jobs.

Apple Computer Jobs
Explore jobs at Apple Computer, Inc. Includes information about Apple Computer's job interviews, employee benefits and company culture. Apple Computer, Inc. is a major manufacturer of computers and software. It's also the maker of the popular iPod, a portable music and video player.

Apprenticeships
What they are plus useful information about eligibility, benefits, finding unions, and how and where to apply. Includes a list of the top 25 apprenticeship programs by occupation.

Career One Stop Centers
Career One Stop Centers offer a wide range of free employment services that some job seekers overlook. Discover what your state's Career One Stop Center offers and locate its Website or nearest office.

Cisco Jobs
Explore jobs at Cisco Systems using these convenient links. Includes information about Cisco job benefits and company culture. Cisco Systems is a leading provider of Internet solutions, with a focus on networking hardware, software and management.

Companies Offering Work at Home
Legit companies that allow employees to work at home (telecommute).

Computer Forensics Careers
Learn how to become a "cyber cop" by starting a computer forensics career. Includes links to computer forensics job and training resources.

Computer Job Skills
What computer jobs are and aren't, plus tips to help you answer the question, "Which skills do I need to get a computer job?"

Computer Programmer Jobs
Learn about computer programmer jobs. Includes typical educational requirements for starting a computer programming career, plus information about salary, employment and the job outlook.

Computer Software Engineer Jobs
Learn about computer software engineer jobs. Includes typical educational requirements for starting a computer software engineer career, plus information about salary, employment and the job outlook.

Computer Support Jobs
Learn about computer support jobs, which include technical support and help-desk jobs. Explains typical educational requirements for starting a career as a computer support specialist and provides information about wages, employment, and the job outlook.

Computer Systems Analyst Jobs
Learn about computer systems analyst jobs. Includes typical educational requirements for starting a computer systems analyst career, plus information about salary, employment and the job outlook.

Dream Job: Working the 2000 Olympic Games
Other than attending or participating, what could be cooler than working at the 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Sydney? Includes links to the official jobs and events sites.

Entry-Level Jobs
What they are, what they aren't, and how to land one.

Expand Your Job Search
The Information Superhighway has paved many roads to jobs besides job banks. Here are more online resources.

Federal Job Scams
Don't be a victim! These are among the classic, fee-based job scams. Here are tips for avoiding them, plus links to legit government jobs with U.S. Federal, state and city agencies.

Getting Started with Online Job Searching
How and where to start searching for jobs online.

Government Computer Jobs
About computer jobs offered by U.S. Federal government agencies. Information about finding and applying for government computer jobs is included.

Homeland Security Jobs
U.S. Federal agencies offering homeland security jobs, in cooperation with the Homeland Security Department.

IBM Jobs
A profile of IBM jobs, employee pay and benefits, culture and the company in general. Includes a link to tips for IBM interviews. IBM is short for International Business Machines Corporation, the largest information technology company in the world.

Intel Jobs
Profiles Intel jobs, compensation, benefits, culture and the company in general. Intel Corporation is the largest semiconductor company worldwide and the leading manufacturer of computer, networking, and communications products globally.

Job Newsgroups
What are newsgroups? plus tips for using them in your job hunt.

Job Searching by Keyword
Tips for job searching using keywords and Boolean query. Includes examples.

Jobs at Start-Up Companies
Risks and rewards of working for start-up companies, and where to find the jobs.

Jobs by Email
From smart software that searches for jobs matching your qualifications, even while you sleep. It's free!

Landing a U.S. Government Job
Landing a government job still differs somewhat from the traditional job search. But at least it's not as complicated as it used to be. Includes a link to the Veterans' Preference Advisor.

Lucent Jobs
A profile of Lucent jobs, employee benefits, culture and the company in general. Lucent is short for Lucent Technologies, Inc., a global provider of telecommunications (telecom) systems and services. As such, Lucent allows telecommuting for its jobs that are conducive to it.

Merchant Marine Jobs
Explore engineering, radio, electronics, and other types of jobs in the U.S. Merchant Marine for officers and crew. Includes links to training resources and info on other types of maritime jobs.

Microsoft Jobs and Careers
Explore Microsoft Corporation's jobs and careers. Includes information about employee benefits and company culture. Microsoft Corporation is a world leader in developing computer operating systems and software applications.

Search Jobs Online in Your Local Newspaper
How to find and search your local newspapers on the Web.

Silicon Alley Jobs
About New York's high-tech corridor, and where to find jobs and companies in the area.

Silicon Valley Jobs
About Northern California's "High-Tech Heaven", better known as Silicon Valley. Includes job growth and pay statistics, and Web links to Silicon Valley jobs and high-tech companies.

Tap the Hidden Job Market
Using your computer and the Internet. Gives networking a whole, new meaning!

Technical Instructor
Offers tips for changing careers to become a corporate technical instructor in the U.S. It's useful to anyone who wants to become a corporate technical instructor. However, corporate technical instructors typically get their start after teaching in schools or working in a technical capacity in the corporate world or military. So, it leans heavily in that direction.

Topic Guide
Cross link to the Topic Guide for this topic, which also includes relevant links on the Web.

Veterans' Job Resources
Job sites that cater to U.S. Veterans.

Veterans' Preference in Government Jobs
Certain veterans and disabled veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces receive preference in hiring for Federal government jobs. Once hired, veterans are also granted retention preference during Federal workforce reductions. Find out if you're eligible.

Web Analytics - Job of the Future
Web analytics and its career growth simply explained, with links to Web analytics jobs, education and software vendors.

Welfare to Work
Programs and services that help unemployed, disadvantaged and disabled people get off or avoid the welfare rolls, and become more self-sufficient through childcare, job-training and employment assistance.

Work-at-Home Customer Service Jobs
Legit work-at-home customer service job opportunities are on the rise in the U.S. Discover where to find legit work-at-home customer service jobs and how to land them. Customer service jobs are also referred to as call center jobs.

Year 2000: The Clock is Ticking
Many companies are scrambling to fix the year 2000 problem, creating lots of "Y2K" job opportunities. Includes links to relevant job sites.

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Letters

Employment Letter Books
Learn from the experts how to write effective cover, thank you, resignation, reference, recommendation, salary, job inquiry, and other employment-related business letters.

Job and Career Help For Dummies®
The popular "For Dummies" self-help books are not really for dummies. But they are written straightforwardly in plain English, in a friendly style that's often witty and makes learning easier, more enjoyable, and even entertaining. They're great for learning the easy way to job search, write resumes and cover letters, ace interviews, negotiate salary, change and manage your career, start freelancing, land internships, and more.

Job Offer Letters
About job offer letters plus sample letters that offer, accept and decline job offers. You may download the sample job offer letters as guides to write your own.

Letters of Recommendation
From whom to request them and why. Includes tips and samples you may download or copy to give to your references. Also called letters of reference.

Providing Your Salary History
If an employer asks you to provide a salary history, must you? Includes sample salary histories and salary requirement letters you may download.

Qualifications Letters
Ever get the feeling that employers are not reading your resumes? Stand out from the crowd by sending tailored qualifications letters or Q letters instead. A sample qualifications letter you may download and tailor is included.

Reference Letter
The advantages of asking for a reference letter and whom to ask. A reference letter sample you may download and give to your references is provided. Also includes a link to several recommendation letter samples you may download.

Resigning Your Job
Tips and resources for resigning your job without burning your bridges. Includes free resignation letter samples you may download or copy for personal use.

Topic Guide
Cross link to the Topic Guide for this topic, which also includes relevant links on the Web.

Writing a Letter of Resignation
How to write it and resign with class. A very popular article. Includes samples you may download or copy and paste right from your screen.

Writing Cover Letters
A good cover letter helps you stand out from other candidates. Includes samples.

Writing Follow-Up Letters
Tips and resources for writing follow-up letters after interviews, submitting your resume, accepting a job offer, and a variety of other "after" reasons related to employment.

Writing Thank-You Letters
It's courteous and may be the deciding factor in your favor, especially when there are many applicants with your qualifications. Includes samples you may download or copy and paste right from your screen.

Writing Thank-You Notes
Why it's a good idea to send thank-you notes after interviews, plus tips for writing them. (A thank-you note is less formal than a thank-you letter.) A sample thank-you note and template you may download for free are included.

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Miscellaneous

Cool Tools Series
A collection of features about nifty and free, online and downloadable tools that make your job search easier.

Most Popular Features
The most popular features at Job Searching - Technical, according to page-view and search-engine statistics.

Tax Time Again
A virtual, deep-link tour inside the IRS site for taxes, credits and deductions related to your job. Links for self-employed independent contractors included. A recurring feature updated for U.S. tax year 2001.

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Popular Legal Matters

401(k) Options
If you permanently leave your job, what happens to your 401(k) account? By IRS rules, your employer must let you know.

Am I Entitled to Severance Pay?
If you are laid off, fired or forced to quit, are you entitled to severance pay?

Am I Entitled to Sick Leave Pay?
Find out if you're entitled to collect employer-provided sick leave pay and accrued sick leave pay under U.S. state or federal law.

Am I Entitled to Vacation Pay?
Find out if you're entitled to collect employer-provided vacation pay and accrued vacation pay under state or federal law.

Avoiding Identity Theft Through Job Bank Fraud
Job banks have revolutionized the way we search for jobs. Unfortunately, job banks have also revolutionized the way identity-theft con artists prey on their victims. Learn how to avoid the dirty tricks con artists play through job bank fraud.

Background Check
If you leave your job under less than desirable circumstances, should you be concerned that your ex-employer will reveal it during background checks?

Background Check: Credit Report
Is it legal for U.S. employers to check your credit report as part of your employment background check?

COBRA Insurance FAQs
Answers to frequently-asked questions about COBRA continuation of health insurance coverage.

Consulting Help
Best-selling books that help you get started in computer consulting, or any other type of consulting, contracting or freelancing business. They cover the gamut, including start-up costs, self-employment taxes, marketing your services, customizing and negotiating contracts (agreements), and legal considerations. Sample agreements included.

Dot-Com or Dot-Con?
Looking to start a home-based biz? Get tips on how Internet business opportunity scams operate, so you can avoid them. Includes links to the "Top Ten Dot Cons" and other scam warnings, according to consumer watchdog agencies.

Drug Testing in the Workplace
A comprehensive article featuring answers to frequently-asked questions such as, "How do they do a drug test? Do I have to take it? What if I fail? Can I beat it?" Includes drug testing cutoff levels and detection times.

Employee Rights
About your employee rights under U.S. state and Federal employment and labor laws.

Employment at Will or Employment at Whim?
As are many employees only after the fact, you might be surprised to learn in advance that U.S. employers may legally fire you for just about any reason or barely any reason at all. That's partially because there are relatively few labor laws that protect workers from wrongful termination, and none that generally protect from workplace "unfairness" per se. But it's more so because many states consider employment to be "at will" in legal jargon. Includes links to related laws.

Employment Protection for Reservists
If you're a U.S. military reservist who has or will be called to active duty, you and your family are protected under The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA).

Employment-Related Defamation
If an employer intentionally defames you and it hurts your career, you might be entitled to collect monetary compensation through a defamation lawsuit.

Employment Separation Agreements
It's a good idea to think ahead before accepting your employer's "bribe" to sign a separation agreement, a binding contract that limits your legal rights. (Also called Termination and Separation and Release Agreements.) Includes sample agreements and severance negotiating tips.

Final Pay and Paychecks
Find out when your final pay is due and what it includes in the U.S., after you quit or your employer fires you or lays you off. A link to final pay law summaries by state is included.

Get a Free Credit Report by Law
Credit report checks are often part of employment background checks and security-clearance investigations. Consequently, an inaccurate credit report can lose job opportunities, promotions and transfers for you. Discover how to get a free credit report annually under the U.S. Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), so that you may regularly check its accuracy and fix it if needed. No strings are attached, as with commercially-offered free credit reports.

Giving Two Weeks Notice of Resignation
Must you give two weeks notice in advance of resigning? The answer depends on whether or not you agreed to do so by contract. Includes a link to resignation letter samples you may download.

Government Job Scams
Don't be a victim! These are among the classic, fee-based job scams. Here are tips for avoiding them, plus links to legit government jobs with U.S. Federal, state and city agencies.

Illegal Interview Questions
What they are and tips for handling them, along with sample illegal questions and reasons employers may legally ask for the same information in other ways.

Interviewing while Pregnant
It's against the law for employers to ask if you're pregnant. Here are tips for maneuvering through job interviews while you're in the family way, and maternity benefits to research and negotiate.

Job Fraud: Tip-Offs to Rip-Offs
Don't become a victim of work-at-home and other job scams.

Labor Laws
You might be surprised to learn that there are virtually no U.S. labor laws that specifically mandate how your employer must treat you. But there are some broad laws that generally define and protect your rights as a worker.

Legit Work at Home Jobs
Tired of losing your money to the work-at-home job and business-opportunity scams? Discover legit ways to land real telecommuting and work-at-home jobs or start up a profitable home-based business, from honest, experienced book authors who know what they're talking about. Computer work-at-home jobs and home-based Internet business opportunities are included.

Minimum Wage
How much the current minimum wage is, who is entitled to receive it, and which law enforces it at the Federal and state level. Links for conducting further research into minimum wage law are included.

New Overtime Law
Summarizes changes to the U.S. Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) that comprise the new overtime law, which went into effect in late August, 2004.

Non-Compete Agreement
What is a non-compete agreement? Is it legal? Can I break mine? Sample non-compete agreements are included.

Non-Disclosure Agreement
Find out what might happen if you refuse to sign a non-disclosure agreement or violate its terms of confidentiality. Sample non-disclosure agreement forms included.

Overseas Job Scams
Working abroad for high pay, attractive benefits, and extraordinary perks sounds exotic, doesn't it? But don't be fooled. These exaggerated claims rip off thousands of victims annually.

Overtime FAQs
U.S. overtime lawsuits are on the rise, thanks to broad, aging laws and employers stretching productivity through mandatory overtime without pay. Find out if you are entitled to overtime pay, whether or not you must work forced, mandatory overtime hours, and much more, in these FAQs about overtime regulations under the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act. Includes tips about related state law.

Paid Sick Leave
Although some do voluntarily, U.S. employers don't have to provide sick leave benefits under current state laws. But, if the Healthy Families Act becomes Federal law, employers in all states will have to provide at least minimal sick leave benefits. Better yet, employers will have to pay employees who are out on sick leave, even if it's to care for family members. Find out more about this pending paid sick leave law.

Paid Surveys
Paid surveys are nothing new, despite the recent bombardment of paid survey ads on the Web. Market research companies and the like have been paying consumers to participate in surveys, focus groups and such for some time now. But several questionable "middleman" sites are jumping on the paid survey bandwagon. Are they running online paid survey scams?

Preparing to Leave Your Job
Plan ahead to resign, and be prepared if you happen to get laid off or fired from your job.

Providing Your Salary History
There are no laws against an employer asking you to provide your salary history, even though it's so private that you might not tell your best friend. Includes sample salary histories and salary requirement letters to sidestep or comply with the request.

Resignation Notice Pay
Discover whether or not you're entitled to pay through your notice period, if your employer terminates your employment shortly after you give advanced notice of resignation. Includes a link to free, formatted resignation letter samples you may download or copy for personal use.

Right to Work
What right to work means, a list of right to work states, and links to related laws.

Seeking Employment with a Criminal Record
Answers to frequently-asked questions about seeking employment with a criminal record in the US.

Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Read about what constitutes sexual harassment in the workplace and how you may seek relief through a lawsuit.

Topic Guide
Cross link to the Topic Guide for this topic, which also includes relevant links on the Web.

Unemployment Insurance
If you lose your job in the U.S., there's a good chance that you are entitled to collect unemployment insurance checks and other benefits from your state unemployment office. Includes info on eligibility, benefits, and when and where to apply.

What Constitutes Wrongful Termination?
Just because an employee was unfairly fired or forced to quit doesn't mean that he or she suffered wrongful termination; at least not according to law.

What is Employment Discrimination?
A simple explanation to help you determine whether or not an employer has illegally discriminated against you, plus tips for gaining relief and links to the related U.S. laws.

Whistle Blower Protection Laws
Explains whistle blower protection from employer retaliation, provided by U.S. whistle blower laws.

Writing a Letter of Resignation
Employers keep your resignation letter on file, in case there are legal problems down the road. Keep it simple and never commit in writing what you may later regret. A very popular article. Includes sample letters you may download or copy and paste right from your screen.

Workers' Compensation Insurance
About eligibility, benefits, lawyers, and Federal and state laws, plus how to file and appeal a claim.

Work-at-Home Job Scams
Work-at-home job scams rip off thousands of people annually. Here are tips for avoiding them.

Workplace and Occupational Safety and Health Standards
Each year, millions of American workers are victims of injury, illness or death on the job. Worse, a significant portion are caused by employer willful or unwitting negligence of workplace and occupational safety and health standards. If you're an American worker who's concerned about job safety and health for yourself or coworkers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the place to turn.

Workplace Privacy
Is your U.S. employer spying on you? Likely so. That's because employee workplace privacy rights essentially don't exist in the U.S., thanks to few and weak laws. Learn more about workplace privacy.

Your Rights as an Independent Contractor
Are you classified as an IC but treated as an ordinary employee? Not allowed to be your own boss as you'd like to be? Here's how it's supposed to work and what you can do about it.

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Resumes

Avoiding I and My in Your Resume
How to avoid writing the words I and my in your resume. Includes examples.

Create Your Own Web Resume
Impress technical employers by demonstrating your computer smarts, right off the bat.

Creating a Scannable Resume
How to create a scannable resume and why it's a good idea. Includes links to samples.

How to Convert Your Resume to ASCII
Tips for preparing your resume for job sites and email with Microsoft Word.

How to Job Search Confidentially
Tips for keeping your resumes, job applications, interviews, networking and other job-searching activities confidential, so your current employer doesn't discover that you intend to jump ship.

Job and Career Help For Dummies®
The popular "For Dummies" self-help books are not really for dummies. But they are written straightforwardly in plain English, in a friendly style that's often witty and makes learning easier, more enjoyable, and even entertaining. They're great for learning the easy way to job search, write resumes and cover letters, ace interviews, negotiate salary, change and manage your career, start freelancing, land internships, and more.

Killer Resume
Job seekers in the know never send their resumes as email file attachments without permission. There's yet another virus going around that reinforces their wisdom.

Resume Templates
Eight, free resume templates that you may download. Resume template formats include chronological, functional, combination (hybrid) and technical in two different styles each. Take your pick.

Resume Writing Software
If you're a do-it-yourselfer or can't afford to pay a writing service up to $200+, consider these relatively-inexpensive software packages that make it easier to write, polish and update your resume. Some are complete job-searching tools that also help you to job search on the Web, electronically distribute your resume, write job-related letters, stay organized, and even practice interviewing.

Resumes 101
Learn the basics about chronological, functional, combination and electronic resumes.

Rewire Your Resume for the Internet
It is becoming more important to impress the computer than the human eye.

Should You Lie on Your Resume?
Surveys indicate that lots of job seekers do, so why shouldn't you?

Submitting Your Resume
A collection of tips and tricks for distributing your resume on the Internet.

Topic Guide
Cross link to the Topic Guide for this topic, which also includes relevant links on the Web.

Writing a Curriculum Vitae
Some U.S. and overseas jobs require a Curriculum Vitae (CV) instead of a resume. Here are tips for writing a CV, plus links to samples and related cover letters.

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Salary

Asking for a Pay Raise
Asking for a pay raise isn't easy and there are no "guaranteed" ways. But these general guidelines will increase your chances. Pay raise letter samples are included.

Job and Career Help For Dummies®
The popular "For Dummies" self-help books are not really for dummies. But they are written straightforwardly in plain English, in a friendly style that's often witty and makes learning easier, more enjoyable, and even entertaining. They're great for learning the easy way to job search, write resumes and cover letters, ace interviews, negotiate salary, change and manage your career, start freelancing, land internships, and more.

Negotiating Salary
Getting what you're worth.

Providing Your Salary History
If an employer asks you to provide a salary history, must you? Includes sample salary histories and salary requirement letters.

Salary Surveys
Discover what you're worth.

Salary Tools
Nifty, online and software tools to help you make the most of your hard-earned paycheck.

Topic Guide
Cross link to the Topic Guide for this topic, which also includes relevant links on the Web.

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