Spending Money On a Job Search!!!!!

Most people think when they start looking for a job think they can’t spend money to find a job. It’s true, when a paycheck is gone, spending becomes a critical issue.

However, pinching pennies when it is vital to present yourself as a candidate that is prosperous, may seem an impossibility.

There are some low-cost ways to present yourself as someone who is doing well in the business world. Here are some of my recommendations. They are:

1. Go through your whole wardrobe. Give away or sell EVERYTHING that makes, you, the job seeker, appear dated or cheap. Make sure there are no stains on jackets, pants, etc. It’s better to spend money to have an up to date jacket dry-cleaned than have you look shabby.

2. Go to a local beauty college to get a new hairstyle and haircut. If they give low-cost facials or massages, indulge yourself in them. Ask for a discount after explaining your circumstances. If you are a woman, ask for advice on make-up.

3. Get yourself the best type of paper for resumes and cover letters, plus envelopes. Ask someone from a public agency that helps job seekers to critique your work and do it over, if necessary. It’s better not to spend money on a new, costly resume. Do it yourself with the help of the Internet.

4. Buy yourself an inexpensive answering machine. (Check on used ones that work from thrift shops). Record an upbeat message about when to call you. Cell phones are useful if you can still afford the charges.

5. Go over your family budget to cut costs. (Is this the time to cut out your cable TV bill?) Keep a record for at least a week about what you spend daily. Fancy coffee will have to go!

6. Keep active physically. Walking is good and free. Use public facilities as much as possible.

7. Indulge yourself in one minor luxury daily. Ask about how much it would cost in a florist’s shop to buy one flower, as an example.

8. Talk to others, get your friends to give you advice. Volunteer at a place that makes you laugh. Check out places that appeal to you on the Internet.

9. Keep worry out of your life. Pay attention to your moods and your diet.

10. Don’t give up no matter what. That doesn’t cost a cent!