Many single moms are ill-prepared to face the job market. It is important to avoid the panic as much as possible, and it is essential to be prepared.

Prepare your resume. Build a cover letter that you'll customize for each resume you send out. Know what kind of job you're qualified to do. Don't put an objective in the resume, save that for your customized cover letter.

Talk to everyone you come in contact with. Neighbors, storekeepers, strangers on the bus, business contacts. This is called networking. You may be surprised to find out how helpful people are and how many of them have recently been in your dilemma. Everyone knows someone who is currently employed. Those are all possible links to your next job.

Ask for the job. Employers quickly divide candidates into the "willing" and the "unwilling"--which one would you consider?

Look up on Internet and newspaper of potential employers and rehearse reasons why you would like to work for them. You are applying to the company and not to the job, so make yourself a candidate for the next job they are going to offer, as well.

Practice saying positive things about your job experiences. Practice in front of a mirror until you believe them yourself. Practice as long as it takes to say them easily.

Never say anything bad about your former employer on an interview. If you allow yourself to complain, you won't be able to maintain a positive, winning attitude. Think of what you learned there instead and use that in your favor.

Think of the things you have done right. Make lists of the accomplishments you have earned, the obstacles you have overcome.

Never say 'no' to a job off the cuff. Pursue the job offer all the way until they have offered a starting date and a salary, then decide. Remember an offer doesn't mean you are obligated to take the job. Keep those options open.