Keppie Careers

Social media speaker, social media consultant, job search coach

Tax information for your job hunt

By

taxguy3446996142_ef962cee3a_mDid you know you can deduct some expenses associated with a job hunt from your taxes? There are some exceptions. You cannot deduct expenses if this is your first job hunt (for example, if you have just graduated from college and have never worked before) and you cannot deduct expenses if you are planning to change careers.

Since I am not a tax advisor, I thought it would be useful to direct you to the IRS’s website. Be sure to consult an expert regarding how this information may pertain to you, as this blog is not intended to provide tax advice. For example, you may download the IRS’s publication: Tax impact of job loss for answers to the following questions and more:

  • Can I deduct any of the expenses that I have from looking for a new job?
  • What types of expenses can I include?
  • What about travel costs for interviews or job hunting?
  • Can I deduct the moving costs I paid to move to my new job?
  • My chances of finding a new job will be better if I take a few college courses. Can I deduct any of my tuition?

IRS’s publication 529 (page 5) answers other questions (this link is to the document for preparing 2008 returns):

  • Can you deduct employment and outplacement agency fees you pay in looking for a new job in your present occupation?
  • What expenses for preparing and send a resume can you deduct?
  • What about travel and transportation expenses?

It is so important to be smart about your money, especially when you are looking for a job. Don’t miss an opportunity to use deductions that may be available to you just because you did not know you were eligible. Make it your business to learn the rules and to consult a professional for help.

If you need help actually looking for a job, THAT I DO provide expert advice about! Learn more about how I can help you with your job search.

photo by brianjmatis

Lost Your Job? What to Do Next

By

I’ve written about jobs predicted to have a rosy future in 2008 and offered suggestions of what to do if you think that your job is in jeopardy.  But, what approach should you take if you have lost your job and you (and many, many others) are now seeking work in a flat economy?

The first thing to do is stop and get a handle on your job search materials.  Do you have a resume that represents you and all you have to offer?  Have you brushed up your job seeking skills (networking, cover letter writing, interviewing)? It’s not like riding a bike – you CAN forget how to look for a job.  Worse, you may never have really known how to job search in the first place.  Keppie Careers offers an array of services to help get you prepared.

Sarah Needleman addresses the topic of job searching in a recession in the Wall Street Journal Online.   Gary Rich, president of Rich Leadership, an executive advisory firm in Pound Ridge, NY, believes that selling and servicing jobs are more resilient, as they impact the bottom line.  He says:

Less durable jobs are those in human resources, public relations, finance, strategic planning and other non-vital business functions.

Needleman’s article also suggests that if you don’t work in a promising sector, focus on your transferable skills  and consider switching industries.  Plan your transition.  Network and research organizations and industries and learn how you can best use your skills to benefit them.  Consider volunteering with organizations on special projects to demonstrate your added value.

Keppie Careers can help tailor a transition resume to highlight what you have to offer.  We recommend focusing on your skills and accomplishments rather than “what” you have done in your jobs to help potential employers envision you working for them.

Don’t forget that, even in a recessionary economy, some jobs and skills are still invaluable and sought out.  So, just because you may work in an industry that is experiencing a lull, if you have prepared and positioned yourself to have the skills and training needed to fill management gaps, you’re in good shape!
______________________
www.keppiecareers.com
We advise, encourage and enlighten job seekers.  We offer resume writing, mock interviews, coaching and more to position you for your future.