Work-ready checklist

Housing or rental assistance. Click on "Housing" to find a list of local public housing agencies in your state. Also click on "Food assistance and other benefits." You'll see a link to 211.org, where you can find referrals to many local social service agencies.

Food support. Click on "Food assistance and other benefits." You'll find your state's nutrition assistance office listed. For more help, follow the link to 211.org.

Medical care. Need help with mental or physical health problems? Click on "Food assistance and other benefits" and follow the link to 211.org. From there you can click on "Search for community services" and find contact information for clinics and other providers in your area.

Substance abuse or sobriety issues. Click on "Food assistance and other benefits" and follow the link to 211.org. From there you can look for a link to community services and search for local assistance for alcohol or drug abuse issues.

Legal help. Click on "Legal Assistance" to find links to free or low-cost legal help in your state.

Family reintegration. Click on "Food assistance and other benefits" and follow the link to 211.org.

Child support. Need help establishing paternity, collecting child support, or modifying a support agreement? Click on "Legal Assistance" and you'll find a link to your state's child support agency.

Find a job search center with computer access. Locate your nearest American Job Center, which offers free computer use for searching for jobs or writing your resume, free job search workshops, and job clubs. Many public libraries also offer computer access and job search resources. Find yours by clicking on "Find Your Local Library" in the Resources box below.

Make a daily schedule and have a reliable way to keep track of time. Get a watch, cell phone, or other way to keep on time. Practice being on time to appointments, interviews, and other meetings. It also helps to set a daily schedule for yourself. Include enough time for sleeping, meals, chores and other obligations, and job search activities. Visit short-term goals for examples of job search activities to add to your schedule.

Have clothes for interviews and work. It's best to have at least one set of "interview-ready" clothes. If you need help, you may be able to find a local organization that helps people get clothes, shoes, and more. Visit Find State Resources and check the list of Local Service Providers in your area.

Make a plan for transportation to interviews and work. Can you walk or bike to a job? If you take a bus or subway, check the routes to help decide where to look for work. Have a plan to tell employers how you will be able to arrive to work promptly.