There are many expenses associated with unemployment. Searching for a job can prove to be a tedious and expensive task, at a time when funds are low and stress is high. Suddenly realizing that gas is much more expensive than you thought, or that your template for resume submission is a few decades outdated, has the ability to set you back both financially and mentally. When changing jobs, or trying to find one during unemployment, be prepared for some of these unforeseen costs.
Clothing: Whenever on the prowl for a new vocation, we want to look and feel our best, so we dress to impress. Depending on what type of job we may have previously had, and what field we may now be entering, purchasing new apparel may be extremely conducive to our hunt. Moving from job interview to job interview often requires 3-5 different professional or business casual outfits. We want to dress the part in order to get the leading role, but the costumes can be pricey. When you are not getting a monthly paycheck, it is important to be thrifty in your interview clothing purchases. Search for sales and discounts and find the versatile, conservative options that won’t break the bank.
Job Directories: There are some positions, such as those in sales or marketing, that require just a little know-how and some decent references to get the position. Finding these positions can be difficult unless you join online job searcher directories. While there are free basic ones such as CareerBuilder.com, many specialized fields can only be found on expensive sites. If you are changing jobs within the same industry, you may have to shell out fifty to a hundred bucks just to get your resume in the system! Unless you are certain that your resume can stand on its own, try to avoid these pricier sites. If you’re not sure, check out some free resume examples online for some guidance.
Travel: Driving or flying all over the city, county, state, or country just to land your dream job can be a job in itself; except, you are the one shelling out the money, rather than receiving it. While many job-search related travel expenses are tax deductible, when you’re not getting a return for another year, it may seem like a huge waste of time and money. On the flip side, showing up for an interview on the other side of the country with only a week’s notice can be the ticket to your next paycheck. Be aware of these travel expenses as you embark on your search, lest you find yourself up a creek without the money to buy a paddle.
Conferences and Networking: Remaining active in your industry or getting active in a new genre of interest can be crucial to finding a new position. If you find yourself out of work for many months, potential future employers may wonder what you have been doing with yourself in the meantime. If you are able to provide them with concrete information about conferences and meetings of industry professionals, they will know that you are a go-getter who is seriously interested in that specialty.
Resume Services: Resume writing software and services can prove more expensive than you think, but may actually pay off. Whether you have been out of the job searching game for a few decades or just a few years, resume writing professionals can help you get on track. Finding a job, as well as writing a resume that sells your potential can be very difficult, but software and services, as well as online companies, are able to help you focus your resume to a particular position or field of interest. Many programs are upwards of $40, so make sure you know what you are getting yourself into!
All in all, there is really nothing cheap about being unemployed and looking. Weigh your cost options before delving into anything too over the top, but be aware of the many expenses you are sure to come across.
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Excellent post, it’s not cheap being unemployed. Good news is, if you itemize your deductions than you can add up all the job expenses and expense them on Schedule A. Depending on the AGI and other circumstances, it may help some people a lot.
As far a clothing it really pays to have a “go to” suit whether you are Male or Female.
One rule of thumb i like to follow is always keeping your resume updated. As soon as you win an award or achieve a goal at your current job – open up your resume and keep it up to date.
Lastly positive energy and a clear understanding of the market place will set you up for success.