Just how much do you have to spend to get a new job? The terrible truth is that it depends on many factors. According to a survey, 27% of those who spent money during their search spent more than $200 on things like apparel (39%), transportation (22%), and travel (22%).

Your job search in your field in your local metro region may only require petrol money or bus ticket and the expense of printing a few extra copies of your CV if your resume is up-to-date and in decent shape.

However, the fees might add up quickly if you’re job hunting in a new city, particularly if you’re trying to switch fields or prepare for a long search. You may need to set aside money for a few interview outfits, transportation to and from the interview, a career coach, assistance with your resume, and possibly even work training.

Not all prices are set in stone, which is excellent news because it means that with some forethought and resourcefulness, you can often discover comparable services at a lower price. If you’re looking for a job, here are seven methods to cut costs.

Prepare Yourself

Getting organized might help you save both time and money during your job search. There is no need to fork out money for costly planners or programs. It’s likely that you already have access to a number of time-saving resources that will come in handy during your job hunt. Make a resume tracking spreadsheet in Excel or Google Docs. Take advantage of your phone’s built-in apps and features to set reminders and appointments in Google Calendar and never miss another deadline again.

Try Borrowing Business Attire From Relatives And Friends

It’s important to dress appropriately for a job interview in order to make a good first impression. If you have a distant interview using video chat software like Zoom or Skype, you still need to look professional. This can range from a business suit and tie to business casual, depending on the company’s norms.

Don’t go broke on your trip by footing the bill alone.

The cost of getting to and staying in a new location for a job interview can add up quickly. Travel expenses, such as airfare, train, gas, car rental, and lodging, may add up rapidly. Before you ever enter the company’s offices, you may be required to pay several hundred, if not several thousand, dollars.

However, you probably won’t be responsible for covering the entire tab. The costs of lodging and transportation may be covered by the company in some cases. Afraid to bring up the topic of who pays? You might want to inquire as to whether or not the organization will be handling your travel plans. If they deny your request, you may want to consider engaging in refund negotiations.

whether it’s still early in the interview process and the company isn’t footing the bill, you might also inquire whether a phone or video interview is an option. If the interview goes well, you’ll have a better idea of whether or not it’s worth it to pay for transportation to the following one.

Begin Your Job Search Online For Free

Many people looking for work find that job search engines and job boards are helpful resources, and many of them are even free to use. You can save money on monthly subscriptions if you conduct the online component of your job hunt on these free sites instead. Test out a few of the top job boards to determine which ones have the most relevant openings for you.

Need carefully curated postings in a specialized job board? 

New users can often get access to paid sites for free during a trial period. Make a note in your calendar to cancel your membership so that you aren’t charged for a service that you are no longer using.

Improve Your Skills at No Cost

You could want to update your resume with some fresh abilities if you’ve been looking for work for a long without much success. And you may not even need to incur a big student loan debt to achieve it!

Once you know what you need to improve, you can look into free online programs through places like Coursera and edX.

Do you have an interest in apprenticeships, certificates, or other forms of training? The U.S. Department of Labor’s CareerOneStop provides a one-stop shop for all your career and training information needs.

Communicate with Your Institution

Your job search will go much more smoothly if you take advantage of career services like coaching, resume and cover letter critiques, lead generation aid, professional networking tools, and mock interviews.

Even if you aren’t a recent graduate, you may be able to take advantage of the career center’s free networking opportunities, resume and interview critiques, and career assessments. More details on remote services for alumni and how to get in touch should be available on your school’s website.

Cut Back on Tech Expenses

Even in traditionally “old school” businesses that place a premium on personal relationships, most job-seekers today would struggle without some form of technological assistance. A job hunt can be expensive, so it may be worthwhile to evaluate your monthly costs for things like mobile phone service, internet, and other necessities.

Cell phone service might be expensive, but you can save money by using prepaid plans, bundling services, or switching to a plan that better fits your needs. Combine your internet and TV services into a single bill, or go cordless altogether.

Avoid making any alterations that could hinder your communication with prospective employers, such as moving to a less stable cell service. You shouldn’t hang up on a hiring manager right as they’re about to offer you the job.