Remember the days when people would get a job right out of high school or college, stay with the same company for 30 or 40 years, then retire with a pension and a gold watch? No? That's because those days are long gone. Even families that saw generation after generation work at the same auto manufacturing plant have had to change their way of thinking, and possibly even their locations because of our changing economy, and the ensuing upheaval in the auto industry. People are much more mobile now than ever, and for many, picking up and moving to a new city for a job is a viable option.
But even if you're lucky enough to find a job just a few miles down the road from where you live, you'll still incur expenses during your job search. From the 50 cents you spend on a newspaper to peruse the classifieds, to the few bucks per gallon you'll use up in gas driving from job interview to job interview, a job search comes with real costs. Luckily, there are ways to save money, and maybe even take a tax deduction or two once you find a job.
Clothing
If you've ever been on the other side of a job interview, you probably have some stories about people showing up for their interviews in some questionable attire. You would think job interview attire would come down to common sense, but for some reason, not everyone seems to understand that there are just certain things that shouldn't be worn to a job interview. A good rule of thumb is, if you'd wear it to a club, you shouldn't wear it to a job interview. But if it's been a while since you've been to a job interview, or you worked in a casual environment at your previous job, your wardrobe could be lacking in good interview options.
There are all kinds of tips about what type of clothing and what colors should be worn to a job interview. The thing is, you don't have to buy designer clothes to look good for a prospective employer. Check out discount stores and outlets for quality, affordable options. Buy items that can be mixed and matched to make several outfits. If you get called back for a second or third interview, you don't want to wear the same thing every time. But try not to get too high-end for your interview attire because once you do get a job, those clothes can become everyday work clothes, saving you a little more money.
Professional Assistance
Anyone can perform their own job search these days. Between newspapers and the Internet, there are more resources than ever before to help people find jobs. But if you really want to cover all your bases, a job placement agency can be a big help. Some companies work exclusively with placement agencies, not advertising open positions anywhere else. Recruiters also have extensive networks and connections they can use to help their clients find the best jobs. The best thing is, placement services are usually paid by the companies that contract them to find candidates, so you'll get a great service without having to pay out of pocket.
Another form of professional assistance is resume writing. Most word processing programs come with some sort of resume template, or you can download one from the Internet, and these will help you create a decent-looking resume. But professional resume writers can make a huge difference in whether or not you get hired. They can help with things like using the right keywords for companies that use resume scanning software to make sure your resume gets noticed. They're professional writers, so your resume will also sound great when someone actually does read it, and it will look great, too. An added benefit is the time you will save by having a resume writer prepare your resume for you. The advantages a professionally prepared resume gives you make it a cost-effective option.
Travel
A serious job search may take you all over town, or even into neighboring cities, and that can add up in gas costs. Try to schedule interviews at companies that are near each other to take place on the same days. This will mean less driving for you, and that you can also schedule more interviews in one day because you're spending less time getting from one to another.
If you're looking for work in a far-away city, or even in another state, apply the same rule. Try to get more than one interview in that area, if possible. Have all your travel arrangements in order before the day arrives. Make the most of the time you're going to spend in that city. If you travel somewhere just for one interview, and you're seriously thinking about moving in order to take a job, schedule some time to familiarize yourself with the new city. Check out some neighborhoods and schools, if you have kids. Find out what traffic is like, and if public transportation may be a good option. Seeing the city for yourself will give you a much better idea of whether it's somewhere you really want to live before you actually accept the job.
Relocation
The highest expense you'll incur in a job search is actually relocating in order to take a job. Moving an entire household is not cheap, and fewer companies are offering relocation assistance these days. If you're lucky enough to get a job with a company that does offer relocation, find out whether they cover everything, or just offer a set amount to put toward your move. If it's a set amount, try to use the company assistance to cover the most expensive facets of the move.
If you must pay for relocation entirely out of pocket, try to time your move during the off-season, if possible. Many people move during the summer because it's when their kids are out of school, and many moving companies will raise their rates during that time as well. Consider moving options such as you pack, they drive, or simply renting a truck and doing everything yourself. Yes, it's more work, but it costs less than professional movers packing, loading, and driving. Whatever type of moving company you choose, make sure it's a reputable one. Also depending on how far you're moving, it may actually be more cost-effective to have your car towed with the moving truck, and to fly to your new destination. Check all your options to find the one that works best for you.
The most important step in any job search, and the thing you should do before anything else, is to check IRS rules about deductions related to a job search. Using a placement agency or resume writing service is deductible. Clothing is not, unless you are required to buy clothing specific to your job that can't be considered everyday clothing. Travel and relocation are deductible to a degree, with a whole other set of applicable rules. Make sure you understand what's deductible and what's not so you can keep the necessary receipts and come out ahead at the end of the year with a new job, and more money in your pocket.
In a tough economy, it’s not uncommon for people to look for jobs solely because they need the money. In fact, it’s rare to find a person who doesn’t include the desire for money in their list of reasons they’re seeking employment.
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