"Whatever sequence of events, whatever twists of fate, whatever unfortunate choices or strings of bad luck or internal politics may have landed you in your current situation -- all that is history," he writes. "Keep looking ahead, not behind you."
Everything you do during your job search could lead to employment.
"Every phone call you make, every person you meet, every meeting you attend, and every article you read -- has the potential to produce the one lead that will eventually result in your being hired for a job."
Finally, Messmer says, "The easiest way to get the help you need is to ask for it. The worst thing that can happen is that someone might say no."
What a great pep talk.
Now that you're pumped, what should you do?
Get organized, Messmer writes in the first chapter.
"Many people who are looking for jobs -- perhaps because they figure that their situation is only 'temporary' -- never really get themselves properly organized," he writes.
However, be careful of letting the organizing trap you into busywork. Messmer said he met one job seeker who spent nearly two weeks creating a database of the names of people at almost 300 companies. The problem was, he didn't contact a single person on the list.
"Your job search is not simply to keep busy," Messmer writes. "It's to make sure that the things you're doing to keep busy are producing meaningful results."
In six sections, Messmer walks job searchers though getting organized, writing resumes and cover letters, drumming up job leads, and interviewing.
I can't promise you this book will land you a job, but the information will give you some useful tools and tips. And it may restore your hope that you won't be unemployed for long.
It's easy to be a member of our book club. We don't meet -- in person, that is. We come together for a live online discussion. Join me at noon, Aug. 27 at www.washingtonpost.com/discussions. Messmer will be available to take your job-search questions.
Every month, as a bonus, I randomly select readers to receive a copy of the featured book, donated by the publisher. For a chance to win a copy of "Job Hunting for Dummies" send an e-mail to colorofmoney(at)washpost.com. Please include your name and address.