Tebop, I don't have many advices to give to you . In France , we're touched by the crisis too . I had to find a new job at the end of the summer and I understood that the only way to do this is to make myself known . I've sent about 30 CV in my branch of activity , I had many negative answers and 2 offers , I've even had the choice . My new contract started even before the last one finished . What I mean , is that most employeement offers are not made public - they are getting occupied before that because the employeer found the right person at the right moment . I couldn't use my last employeer as a reference neither - but I've explained the reason to the persons I've met  , and they understood . You should put down a list of potential employeers and go visiting them with your CV , try to get a rendez-vous (or at least obtain the name ) with the person who will read you CV  . If you're really shy , send the CV then ask by phone if the've well received your CV a few days later  . It was very hard to do this for me , it was like barguing for a job , but I'm very happy now .Try the positive thinking : I'm not asking for a job - I'm solving an employeer's problem . Don't wait for opportunities - go and search them . Prepare yourself to the questions that you might have to answer . Try to make positive answers without accusing too much your past employeers . You can say :" I've broke my shoulder in my last job and my past employeer couldn't give me another job less physical , this is why I had to leave him . I'm feeling good now , as long as I don't have to carry heavy things all day long" .It's not false , it will look like you're defending your past employeer and any future employeer apreciate this . This will also tell him what you're able to do and what not , the honesty is good in this case.
Hugz,
Alizea

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