PREPARED IN ADVANCE A JOB FOR YOU: A Pick-me-up for Christians Facing Unemployment [Paperback]

It addresses an area many churches have avoided or neglected. If I were unemployed I would certainly want to read this book. I know it would help me to work through my emotions, and the various worksheets would help me to sort out the practical problems. On the way, the writer has many Bible verses, and quotes from other unemployed people to encourage the reader.

It is very brave and not before time that an author with experience (he was a recruitment interviewer with British Telecom) tackles this sensitive subject. Crockford has written chapters on the possibility of being made redundant, through job seeking, changing your goals, 'selling' yourself at interviews and more than 20 Action Plans. What makes this book different is that God's concern for you as an individual and the help he and your fellow Christians can give, are paramount.

Terry Crockford is not afraid to challenge both individual Christians and the Church . . . .Overall, this is a positive book for unemployed Christians, church leaders and all who are seeking or testing God's call on their lives.

Companion to redundancy and job change, with some added considerations for Christian believers. Actions plans, budgets, self-help questionnaires to fill in.

To help those who may wish to lend out and to avoid spoiling the book, the worksheets/questionnaires to fill in are downloadable from Highland's website in A4 format

Author Terry Crockford served for more than a decade on a team of recruitment interviewers with British Telecommuncations PLC. He then took voluntary redundancy and experienced the other side of the interview desk . . . He recently completed a Certificate of Christian Studies from St John's College, Nottingham

Pick up the early warnings, for the worst part of change is being surprised by it. There is only one way to decrease the shock of redundancy: try to keep up-to-date with how your company/ industry is doing, or how your product or service is developing and selling. You can do this by reading your company newsletters, the business sections in the newspapers, and listening to the news.

Can you avoid redundancy? In many cases, no. But sometimes, if you pick up warnings early enough, you might be able to re-skill and transfer away from vulnerable areas of your company or industry. There can be tell-tale signs that your company or industry is considering big changes. Keep an eye for such phrases as: 'need to cut costs / restructure / streamline'; 'intend reducing the workforce, ideally by natural wastage'; Or there might be blame: 'due to low oil prices' . . . 'industry globalisation' . . . 'an uncertain world economy'.

(Prayer) Dear Lord God, Sometimes I think that all this paperwork is here as a barrier. Sometimes I'm so angry . . . so annoyed that I have to fill in so many forms, I feel like not bothering. Sometimes, Lord, I know it's my pride that is making me react this way; sometimes, though, it's my despair . . . Help me present myself in the best light. And to present myself honestly, with enthusiasm.