Overlooked deductions: job search expenses

The national unemployment rate stands at a whopping 10% -- higher than it has been for years. Despite all the talk in Washington about creating new jobs, the outlook is pretty scary: When the economy was recovering from the 2001 recession, it took two years to reduce the unemployment rate by nearly a full percentage point. For that to happen in 2010, a net total of about 3 million jobs would have to be created.

Realistically, that means tens of millions of Americans were searching for new jobs in 2009. Job interviews, resumes, and fees related to a job search can add up. Fortunately, those expenses are deductible on your federal income tax return. Here's what you need to know: