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Determine what you need and how much it costs:
Identify what is required for you to complete a successful job search. Will you need to print your résumé? Do you need new attire? Will you have to travel for interviews or pay for childcare? And roughly, how much will these needs cost? Much like any other big expense, your job search costs should not surprise you; you should be aware of and prepared for spending on what you need.
Don’t spend money you don’t need to spend:
Do you have access to free printing somewhere? Do you have a friend who can watch your children in exchange for watching his or hers? Can you borrow professional clothing, or do you already have something in your wardrobe? Be honest with yourself, and spend on what is necessary and essential. If you don’t need a new suit, don’t buy one. Sure, it might make you feel great, but the price probably won’t. You can buy a new suit after you find your new job.
Identify what money you can use for your job hunt:
Now that you have considered what you need (and don’t need) to spend, you have to identify where the money will come from to support your job search. Do you have savings you will use? Can you make cuts in other parts of your budget in order to pay for these expenses? Do you need a part-time job to fund your job search? Steer clear of charging your life and your job search, and have a plan to pay for both until you find that job.
Bottom line—it takes money to make money…at least when hunting for a job.
Understanding and preparing for the costs can make a stressful time less stressful and can allow you to focus on what matters—putting your best self forward and finding the job that is right for you.
And some great news…
you don’t need a hiring agency.
You have
CASY and MSCCN!