Here’s How You Can Save Money While Searching For A Job

Whether you’re a fresh graduate or a professional seeking a new work opportunity, job hunting will always incur a fair amount of expenses. The traditional route of physically handing out resumes to potential employers or going to interviews requires you to spend on food, transportation, a proper outfit, and printing out your CV.

Being in between jobs presents a challenge in maintaining your savings. After all, you currently don't have a steady source of income. Fortunately, you can#SEEKBetterwork without burning a hole in your pocket. Here’s how to save money while you search for a job that fulfils you.

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1. Come Up With a Plan.

Just like with any undertaking, proper planning – both for the short and long terms – is the key to success. You’ll want to plan while you’re searching for a jobandafter a company hires you, too.

For instance, you might want to be strategic about the companies you're considering. Factors such as the office location may impact your travel time and travel-related expenses. You could also determine whether certain employers adopt hybrid and full-remote work setups, which may be advantageous if you want to save money. You might also want to check if they have wellness programmes or offer free gym memberships, as these are great ways to take care of yourself and achieve a better lifestyle without needing to spend extra.

Come up with a timeline, too. Map out how many months you’ll be dedicating to your job search so you have a deadline in sight. After all, you can only stretch your emergency funds for so long.

2. Apply Online.

Living in the digital age, it makes the most practical sense to take your job search online. Most companies now push their recruitment efforts on the Internet, particularly on career sites, like JobStreet, saving you time, effort, and commuting costs to go office-hopping and submit printed-out resumes.

Applying online also allows for a more targeted job search. You can be as creative and playful as possible as you build your profile and online presence. For example, if you’re in the creative industry, you can link to an interactive portfolio, a video, or a personal website. The best part of it all? It’s free. Start updating your JobStreet page now for some career leads.

3. Take a Look at Your Lifestyle.

You may not realise it, but you might be spending a considerable sum on things that are not, well, essential. At a time when you should be managing your funds in the best way possible, take stock of every purchase, whether big or small.

If you want to save money while searching for a job, consider cutting down or replacing that daily cup of premium coffee, the video-on-demand subscription, or even that postpaid phone plan. Do you always take your car out for quick errands? How about using your bicycle instead? It comes with free exercise, too, so you can save on gym costs.

Let’s face it: If you’re looking for your first career opportunity or are in between jobs, it takes some sacrifice to make ends meet.

4. Track Your Expenses.

It’s easy to feel like your little purchases are harmless, but when they accumulate, they might form a sizeable dent in our budget. Taking a closer look at your expenses may help you evaluate where you allocate your money and how much impact they make in your daily life.

Thankfully, technology can help make your life easier in the expense-tracking department. Dozens of mobile-phone applications available can help you plan and assess your budget. Just plug in the details of each expense, indicate what category it falls under, and by the end of the month, you’ll have a pie chart to give you an overview. You can also create a worksheet in Microsoft Excel if that works better for you. Make it a habit to input your purchases and keep receipts for easy reference.

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5. Network.

You never know how your existing connections could help you land your next job. Chances are, it might be in the hands of someone you share a mutual acquaintance with – personal or professional.

Strike a conversation with a friend, classmate, or old colleague and mention you’re currently in the market for a new job. They might know a recruiter and can put in a good word for you. If you’re a fresh graduate, you can also speak to your university professors. They may be able to refer you to good employers. Try checking in with your alma mater as they usually offer career services, as well, and may be in partnership with good companies.

6. Spruce Up Your Interview Attire for Free.

Having a good business suit or corporate attire doesn’t necessarily mean you have to hit the department store. You might already have staples in your closet, such as a crisp white collared polo, a blazer, trousers, and leather shoes. If not, don’t fret. Phone a friend or family member who can lend you these items so you don’t need to shell out money.

If there’s no one in mind, don’t feel embarrassed about visiting a thrift store for wardrobe leads. There’s no harm in borrowing or buying cheap if it means you get to make a good impression. Besides, the interviewer won’t know, anyway.

7. Get a Side Gig.

With the Internet becoming a marketplace for all sorts of professionals, you can take advantage of online opportunities and get a side gig. Offering your knowledge and services allows you to apply your skills and talents and provides additional income to help tide you over while you search for a job.

8. Sell Stuff You No Longer Use.

You know what they say: One man’s trash can be another man’s treasure. Do you have things in your flat that are still in good condition but you aren’t exactly actively using? Collect these items and try putting them up for sale to earn extra money. You’ll also be able to do some decluttering in the process. You can try posting them on Facebook Marketplace or Carousell.

Related article: Where Should Your Salary Go? Top Financial Tips for Fresh Grads

9. Grow Your Food.

Sure, it’s easy and convenient to purchase fresh produce from the supermarket. But having these available right in your backyard is even better. Growing an edible garden isn’t just therapeutic, it’s also incredibly practical. Try planting cooking staples like water spinach, lettuce, bok choy, cherry tomatoes, or chilli peppers. You’ll be surprised just how much you can save from your usual grocery bill. Check with your HDB if they have a garden area for interested tenants like you.

10. Find Free Learning Resources Online.

These days, you can find anything online, including free learning resources, which can be extremely helpful for fresh grads or professionals like you. Check out websites like Coursera, Udemy, or Skillshare for free courses. The best part? They also offer certificates that you can add to your online profile or resume. Make the best use of your time while job searching to upskill so you can increase your chances of getting hired.

Loved these tips? Bookmark our Career Resources page or download JobStreet’s app available on the App Store and Google Play for more job leads and practical tips.