In the best case, you are conducting your job search while still hired; in the worst case, your company has laid you off. Either way, money for a job search might be tight. If you do have some financial freedom, here are the important areas where you might spend your job search funds:
- Your credentials. If you have fallen behind in the latest computer programs, job skills, or credentials to advance your career—note what job postings demand—now is the time to invest your job search funds in the courses your need. This expense has the biggest long-term payback.
- Your network. Lunch out or coffee with current contacts and any fees for a professional organization in your industry are worth paying for if they help you expand and shore up your network. You let people know you are looking and gain access to inside information that may lead to an interview.
- Your phone. If more than one person in your household uses your phone, you need it free for calls and scheduled phone interviews. You also do not want the phone answered by an eager six-year-old, if you can help it. Spend some of your job search funds on a disposable, prepaid mobile phone dedicated to your job search.
- Your computer. You will need a reliable computer for email and especially for video interviews. Again, if you must share your computer, if it is located in a busy part of the home, or if you have a bad internet connection, look online for a used, refurbished laptop that you can take with you to a quiet spot or one with better internet.
- Your wardrobe. You should dress for interviews better than you would dress for going to work. If you already have a presentable outfit in your closet, you do not need to purchase a new one. Try to avoid distractions in your choice of clothes; you want the interviewer to focus on you, not your flashing tie, eyebrow ring, or missing button.
- Your resume and online profile. Hire a professional resume writer for your resume and online profile, especially if you have not updated your resume in years. You might also want to connect with a career coach if you are uncertain about your career goals or finding it difficult to express yourself during interviews. You need to know your professional goals before you write your resume if you want to attract the interest of hiring managers and recruiters.
Robin’s Resumes® understands that job search funds are limited, and we are proud of the many testimonials that show just how much value our resumes deliver.