6 Considerations Before Accepting Your First Job

Searching for a job in today's market can not only be tough (due to the current economy and cutbacks in businesses), it can also be expensive! It adds a new twist to the old saying, "It takes money to make money." Luckily, some of the expenses associated with job hunting can be reduced or eliminated. However, there are others that should be incurred because they yield great dividends.

Here are some simple ways to be frugal while trying to find a job:

• Group your errands and do them all at the same time to save money on gas or transportation costs.
• Eliminate monthly Internet fees by using it at the library or a local job center.
• Avoid eating lunch at expensive restaurants while going to job interviews. If possible, pack your  own lunch.
• Save your receipts for your expenses because they could be tax-deductible.
• Take advantage of LinkedIn.com to save money on networking costs.

By saving money in these areas, you can afford to splurge on helpful services to land you that new job. Here are a few to consider:

1. Hire someone to write your resume.
Costs to hire a resume writer range from a mere $30 all the way up to $2,000! When is it wise to save money and not pay to have it written? If you are fresh out of college or have worked for just a few years, check a book out of the library or use the Internet to step you through the process. If you have been in the work force for a fairly long time or want to totally change to a new career, pay someone to write your resume.
2. Bring on a recruiter.
Before you decide to hire (or not hire) a recruiter, you need to understand how they work and get paid. Companies pay recruiters to find job candidates. These recruiters work for free with qualified job candidates who are in their area of expertise. If you are looking for a job within your current industry, find one of these free recruiters. On the other hand, recruiters are also paid by individuals. Don't spend money on one if you are looking for a job in your same market area. If you are seeking to enter a different career, then it is definitely worth paying that expense. Those recruiters have intimate knowledge of their industry and their help will be priceless.
3. Don't be afraid to travel.
Generally, companies will pay for airfare and hotel costs for out-of-town job candidates. If they don't, this is a subtle clue as to how they view employees. Think twice before accepting a job interview with that company. If you are seeking a position that is at a higher level than your current one, be willing to pay your own travel expenses.
4. There is no price tag for a professional network.
The most productive costs to incur while seeking a job are your networking costs. You will reap huge benefits. Are there conferences, workshops, or professional gatherings with businesses and people in your industry? If so, spend the money and go to them! The people that you meet and the contacts that you make are invaluable. While they may not have a current job opening for you, they know who does and could introduce you and recommend you to them. There's lots of truth in the statement, "it's all about who you know."
5. Sometimes we need a professional.
A coach helps you define your goals, provides feedback on your strengths, and helps you define and hone your competencies. They can guide you in developing a successful job search campaign, and prepare you to be competent during a job interview, even teaching you how to navigate salary offers. It is money well spent to hire a job search coach in the following situations:
• If it has been several years since you had a successful job search
• If you want to transition to a more senior level job in your industry
• If you are over 50 years old
• If you need to land a job in a short amount of time
• If you have been searching for over four months and are not getting job offers
However, if you are fresh out of college or have only been in the work force for several years, save your money. Use free resources such as a business acquaintances or services provided in your community. Before hiring a coach, there is one thing to remember. Anyone can become a coach. They aren't required to take classes or pass national certification tests. Having the title doesn't magically bestow extra knowledge or special powers on them. Be very judicious and careful when hiring one.

It's important to be frugal with your job hunting expenses. And knowing the right places to spend money will give you peace of mind - and help you land a job!

About the author of this gust post:

Brendan Cruickshank (Vice President of Client Services) has been invovled in the online job search and recruiting industry for over 8 years and has acted in senior client services roles with companies like Juju.com and JobsInTheMoney.com. His advice is often sought on topics in employment and jobs trends from publications including the Washington Post, Forbes and US News & World Report.

Photo by billaday

*

Subscribe in a reader * Share on Facebook

Related Posts:

6 Considerations Before Accepting Your First Job

How Temping Can Be a Rewarding Lifestyle Choice

Things I Wish I Had Known About Work When I Was Younger

Adapting The Right Mindset To Land Your Dream Job

Ten Pros of Working for a Small Business