Job Search on a Shoestring

Earlier this week, my client asked me about the "R" word -- no, not resumes or resume writing, but the other "R" word impacting today's job seeker -- recession. She asked me if I had any tips on the best way to cut costs when looking for a new job. At the time, I didn't have a list, however, I've been pondering her question since. Listed below are 15 ideas I've thought of to reduce job-search-related expenses. Feel free to add to this list; your ideas are most welcome.

• What features can you absolutely live without on your cell phone to reduce your monthly rate?
• What about bundling services for DSL/Internet, cable, and residential phone charges?
• How about making coffee at home instead of buying it daily from your local coffee shop...at least until you're employed again? Maybe it won't be as flavorful, but it's money in your wallet. Also, can you give up your bottled water and drink "tap" for a while?
• If you have a tendency to watch television in your home office, do you really need 800 stations? What features can you drop without absolutely freaking out? (24 isn't on, anyway!)
• Instead of meeting with a contact for lunch or dinner, what about a breakfast/coffee meeting at your favorite place?
• When you must meet someone for lunch (on your dime), what about choosing a restaurant that isn't the priciest in town?
• Do you keep track of receipts in the event you need to return a job search item (pen, pad, portfolio, paper, etc.) to ensure a full refund of your money?
• Plan activities that are "free" when you need to get out of the house; visit a public museum, library, science center, art center, or historical site.
• Rent movies instead of going to the cinema when you need a break from job search activities.
• Repair and shine shoes instead of buying a new pair.
• Clip coupons. Save coupons. Use them. What about generics instead of name brand?
• Check online to identify retailers that offer coupons. Here's a coupon from Border's Books for example, worth 20% savings to you on your career-related book purchases.
• Inquire about the specific cost of professional career services and agree to a price before you purchase them. Also, ask about discounts and/or package deals.
• Watch for sales, if any, at your favorite clothing retailer. Ask about upcoming promotions.
• Plan, organize, and manage your daily schedule to minimize gas consumption and avoid unnecessary running around. What about public transportation if it is available to you?

Here's to money in your pocket and to a successful job search on a shoestring!

posted by: billiesucher

Comments

[Julie O'Malley]

Hey, I am sticking this one on my fridge! I wanted to add my favorite freebie -- the library. Besides regular books, they have DVDs, audio books, and the latest magazines. I think I went ten years after college before I "remembered" the good old public library. (Coincidentally, those would be the 10 years before kids and mortgage!)

[Jennifer]

Great advice listed here. Also, stick to a budget each month. If you allocate spending at the beginning of the month, you are less likely to spend over that. I recently started carrying cash around instead of always using my debit card. That has helped me to actually SEE what I am spending and I tend to spend less. Thanks again for the post...some great ideas I had not thought of.

[Steven Snell]

Nice tips. You mentioned renting movies instead of going to the cinema. The library in my town has a huge DVD selection where you can borrow movies for free. I know some other libraries also do the same, and free is even cheaper than renting. One thing I try to do to save money is wait on purchases if possible. Sometimes I may think I really want something, but if I wait a few days I feel that it's not that important and I'm glad I didn't buy it.

[Adam]

Another great post Steven. Where do you get the time? Hey that could be a way to save money. When you feel the urge to spend, write a post.

[billie sucher]

Julie,nice tip about the library and I wanted to share something I just discovered...our new library here has "private study rooms" that are small and perfect for meeting someone, or for simply getting work done without distractions.

Jennifer, I tried your tip this week-end. I used cash instead of credit card for my purchases...and I can tell you, I found myself being much more aware of my spending. Excellent tip!

Steve and Adam...thanks for your comments...I really like that idea of "waiting" on purchases. I do that sometimes, and then, if it's there when I go back, I might get it. Or, if it's gone, I just tell myself I really didn't need that item anyway!