5 Ways to Slash Job Search Costs

The wonderful thing about slashing costs on a job search is that it is so easy to do. With a little effort and ingenuity, you can save yourself money at a time when every dollar counts. Below are 5 ways.

1. Take Advantage of Resources Available at Job Search Centers and Online-In the United States and various other countries, taxpayer dollars help finance bricks and mortar and cyberspace job search assistance. The type of resources available at no further cost include:

• Career Identification and Career Transition Assistance from Job Search Counselors (yes, real live people) at Job Centers. These same individuals can make you aware of special services that are available to veterans and military spouses, people with disabilities, seniors, and first time job seekers.
• Resume Builder and Review Services
• Workshops on topics such as Career Networking and Interview Skills. Also, often you will find classes that will enable you to brush up on computer skills or learn to use computer programs that are unfamiliar to you.
• Use of computers, printers, and sometimes phones for local calls to potential employers.
• Access to job listings and information on paid or partial scholarship programs for career retraining.

If living in the United States, click on CareerOneStop Job Banks section to gain access to the resources available in your state.

In Canada, start with the Job Bank Canada Services Overview. For a bullet pointed rundown of the variety of parts of Job Bank Canada, have a look at Alison Doyle’s article at About Careers.

In the United Kingdom, the Department of Work and Pensions, is a good place to head first. For other countries, look for your equivalent of a Department of Labor for a starting place.

2. Check Consignment Stores for Interview Clothes-These stores are overlooked resources for nice clothing purchases. Many times, you will find brand name designer outfits available for a fraction of the cost of buying in a department store (especially at consignment locations near wealthier parts of town). Along with outfits, keep an eye out for accessories such as jewelry, belts, and purses.

3. Set Up a Free E-Mail Account for Job Search if Needed-If you do not currently have an appropriate e-mail address for listing on resumes and applications, then simply set one up at no cost through a reputable service such as Google Gmail. Also, even if you do have an existing e-mail address and want to keep your job search correspondences separate so as not get mixed in with other messages and overlooked, set up a designated e-mail address.

4. Price Compare for Lowest Prices on Resume Paper-Even in this highly digital world, many companies (especially small businesses) still like to receive printed resumes. And, yes, putting them on something other than ordinary copy paper does make them stand out because so many people no longer take that extra step. Office supply store chains and retail stores such as Wal-Mart do generally carry this paper and accompanying envelopes. Also, online comparison tools such as PriceGrabber and Google Shopping can be helpful.

Also, consider borrowing or purchasing a notebook cover and a notepad to carry with to the interview. These accessories add professional touches and show that you have come prepared to make note of important details.

5. Group Your Job Search Errands Together Whenever Possible-Have to meet someone at 10:00 a.m. for an informational interview, why not drop office resumes for other potential employers while you are out. Grouping tasks not only forces you to stay organized, but saves you on gas or transportation fares at the same time.

In the midst of a job search, it is so comforting to know that little things can make such a difference in reducing your cash outflow.

For more tips on job searches:

5 Tips for the Best Job Interview Outfit

5 Things NOT to Do for Job Interview

What You Can Learn in the Lobby Before the Job Interview.