Just because the job market seems dire and there have been thousands of layoffs, does not mean the work that needs to be done suddenly vanishes along with the job.

No, far from it. The job cuts are basically a cost cutting measure, to try to help the company weather these trying times.

However, most of the jobs that were being performed were extremely valuable. I don’t know about you, but most of my colleagues in the tech industry were always busy! But they got laid off anyway.

Therefore, it is the cash, not the work, which has diminished. Employers have to pay all sorts of benefits and taxes, which can come out to about 1/3rd more than your annual salary. So if you were earning $100k, laying you off might actually save them $133k.

So, if it is simply a cost cutting exercise, what can you do to stay employed?

If you are having trouble finding a new job, or thinking about going into business for yourself, why not consider freelancing as a first step to your new career/business of your own?

Here is a terrific resource to help you get started:
Go Freelance: Freelance Work Exchange Website

A great resume helps you stand out from the rest of the pack. Given how competitive the job market has become with wave after wave of layoffs for months now, and more announced today, it is essential to go into the job search with a fantastic, professionally done resume.

For those of you fortunate enough to still have a job, don’t let the grass grow under your feet. Start updating your resume NOW. It is supposed to be a living document, not a stagnant piece of paper getting old and yellow.

It is far too easy to get complacent, or to not think as much about your career as you should due to the daily demands of your job. You get run so ragged, you hardly have time to think about your own career prospects.

But ask yourself right now–how ready would you be to find a new job if YOU were handed a pink slip tomorrow?

The answer has surprised a lot of our friends, mostly favorably, because they are good record keepers and make note of big projects and successes in the course of their time with their companies.

Still others have been caught on the hop, and were delayed in getting their job search off to a great start by having to knuckle down and update, or in some cases, even totally re-write their resume.

Don’t let yourself be unpleasantly surprised too. Your resume is your #1 tool for marketing yourself. Make sure it’s well-oiled and maintained, and razor-sharp.

A great resume helps you stand out from the rest of the applications, all fighting for an ever-shrinking pool of jobs.

To get started building your standout resume, why not visit:

If you have been laid off recently, or have decided to go into business for yourself, make sure you research all the kinds of insurance you will need.

There are many different options you will need to consider in order to protect you, and your family.

Here are two to help get you started.

Self Employed Health Insurance

As you know, we’re trying to bring you useful job search information as we all weather the economic downturn.  Here is a great website for IT jobs you might like to try.

For anyone looking for an executive level position, this is a handy site: