The Hidden Costs of Job Hunting in Todays Economy
It hardly seems fair. The old adage “You have to spend money to make money” even applies to job hunting. When you’re out of work, it is really hard to cover the hidden costs of job hunting. To keep costs down but move ahead, you really have to work at finding the least expensive way to job hunt.
Transportation
Driving to and from job interviews and other appointments can get costly. You have to buy gas, pay for parking, and sometimes even pay tolls. Alternative transportation like a bus or subway could be less expensive, as long as this will get you to the right place on time.
The key to keeping this cost as low as possible is to plan ahead. Check out the best route and the least expensive alternatives. Keep track of your trips, and how much each one costs. If you’re going to an interview on the other side of town, think about other stops you could make after the interview. Is there an opening at another office where you could stop and fill out an application?
Avoid taking a cab if at all possible. This can really eat up your cash. And if you'll be out all day, consider packing a lunch instead of eating out.
Office supplies
Printing resumes and cover letters can add up in terms of paper and ink. Good cotton blend resume paper costs about $0.35-0.65 per sheet. Stamps for snail mail also add up quickly, and it’s amazing how fast you go through these when in the throes of a job search.
Sometimes the company requests a resume and cover letter be sent by fax. If you don’t have a fax machine, this can cost anywhere from $2-5 per page. If you must fax papers, look around for the least expensive place to do so. Occasionally, a bank or library will do this at a low cost.
Many companies now will accept resumes by email, at a considerable savings to you. Use this method at every opportunity. If the company requests a mailed or faxed resume, ask whether email would be acceptable. Don’t forget to include a cover letter with every resume.
Check out job boards likemonster.comorcareerbuilder.comand send your resume and cover letter through them.
Clothes
Presenting a professional appearance is vital when looking for work. With the high cost of a good suit, it is doubly important to keep the one you have in the best possible condition. Sew down any loose buttons and make sure the hems are secure. One summer suit and one winter suit should be sufficient until you have a steady job. Add some colorful shirts to vary the wardrobe a bit.
If you must buy a new suit, check consignment shops to see if you can find an appropriate one for a reasonable price. Also look for sales at stores like Macy’s where you can find quality clothing.
Shoes and other accessories also add to the expense of job search. If you have appropriate shoes that need some refurbishing, look into the cost of shoe repair, which can be considerably less than purchasing a new pair.
With careful planning and resourcefulness, you can reduce the hidden costs of job hunting. It’s well worth the effort.
