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Unemployed - reinvent yourself
There are more ways than one to land your next job, despite the difficult economy. Gerri Willis provides insight.
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NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Unemployment in every state spiked in December - for the first time ever - as companies shed hundreds of thousands of positions. If you're out of work, here are some tips on how to reinvent yourself for your next employer.
1. Know where the jobs are
Believe it or not, there are companies that are hiring.
Here are a few examples: T-Mobile is adding about 2,000 jobs throughout most of the country - in retail and customer service.
Safeguard Properties - this is a firm that lenders hire to manage foreclosed properties.
Banfield - a veterinarian hospital - plans to add about 800 vets to its payroll and 2,000 other office support positions.
Microsoft (MSFT, Fortune 500) and Google (GOOG, Fortune 500) are adding jobs. For older workers, Walgreens (WAG, Fortune 500), Adecco and Borders Books (BGP) are adding more workers this year.
2. Get retrained
These days you may require some retraining.
Consider going online. This may be a good option for people who don't have a way to get to campus, or who need flexible hours. Distance learning involves online classes where you use e-mail to communicate to your teacher and return assignments.
Make sure the college is accredited. Go to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation at www.CHEA.org to find out what schools are legitimate.
Keep in mind that you really must have rigorous study habits because distractions may be more frequent at home. You may also consider taking classes at your local community college.
3. Polish your resume
Want to figure out what buzzwords you should include on your resume? Have questions about what to do about the employment gap in your resume?
Check out careeronestop.org. You can view resume templates and samples for free. You may also consider getting some personal one-on-one advice if you still feel like you want extra help. Visit the professional association of Resume writers and Career Coaches Web site at http://www.parw.com 
