By Thomas Hathaway
Saving money is never more important than it is when you are struggling with unemployment. Depression will eat away at you during this time, and overspending will only add guilt to the list of issues. It’s vital that you find ways to save money during your job search efforts, but you want to make sure you save in the right areas. Here are the areas you should invest in, as well as the areas where you can pinch a few pennies and save some money.
Resume Writer – Investment
The resume is your ticket into a job interview. A poorly written resume gets tossed in the trash, even if you are actually the best candidate for the job. Meanwhile, a shining star of a resume will earn a second look, a phone call and possibly an interview, even if you aren’t the most qualified candidate in the stack. Professional resume writing services charge anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, but it is a worthy investment. To find the right one, choose someone who will interview you, ask probing questions, and create a resume that highlights your accomplishments.
Driving Around Town – Pinch Pennies
Gas costs money, and the wear and tear on your car isn’t cheap either. Pinch pennies when it comes to errands, networking and generally running around. Resumes can be mailed for less and sent electronically free of charge. Errands should be bulked together to avoid extra driving. Networking can be also be organized so you accomplish more of it at one time, rather than driving the same road all week. Becoming a little more organized in this area will pay off big with fewer visits to the gas station.
The Right Clothes – Investment and Penny Pincher
You need clothes for the interview. However, it is perfectly acceptable to wear clothes that you already own. When dressing for an interview, wear clothes that are appropriate to the job. If you are a mechanic, then clean jeans and a crisp t-shirt will serve you nicely at the interview. You probably have those in your closet, so there’s no need to head to the store to buy some. If you are a recent college graduate, you will need a suit for your business interview. Invest in a nice one that can also be worn to work. If you are an experienced professional, find the nicest suit that you own and invest in having it dry-cleaned so you will be ready for interviews.
Employment Sites – Penny Pincher, Unless There’s a Special Site
Employment sites like Monster and Career Builder don’t charge job seekers to use their services. Other sites, however, demand a monthly fee for the service. They claim to help you find jobs paying more than six figures a year. These programs may be beneficial if you have a niche career and have high levels of experience. To determine if a paid site is right for you, start with a basic membership that is free or may be discounted for new members. If you aren’t getting any interviews or leads after a few months of service, then drop the membership and save the money.
There are ways to save money during your job search. Send as many resumes electronically as possible, and try to be smart about your driving habits. Invest in a resume writing service, and only buy new clothes if you absolutely need them for interviews. Choose free online job sites whenever possible, but consider the paid ones if you are highly experienced and looking for a specific niche. Finally, keep track of all expenses incurred during this time. They are tax deductible and can help you save money on your federal tax bill.
About Thomas Hathaway
Thomas is a financial consultant and content contributor to a payday loans site, which offers information and advances when you may need money before your paycheck arrives.
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