Securing your first job and budgeting
BUDGETING
Budgeting helps to save money and avoid debt. It also helps you to not spend more than your income!
How Do I Stick to My Budget and Save More?
BBB suggests:
• Set aside cash for each category in your budget, or write out checks beforehand.
• Never make an unplanned purchase of more than $25 unless thought about for at least 24 hours.
• Comparison shop. Who knows? You might just find the same item on sale at a different store.
• Do not spend more money than you make!
• Set goals for yourself to save money. Having a specific goal will give you the incentive you need to save money.
• Make a good attempt to buy rationally instead of emotionally. Avoid shopping when you are hungry, tired, depressed, rushed, or otherwise mentally unstable. This may lead to purchases you’ll regret later.
JOB SEARCH
Finding your first job can be overwhelming and exciting. To help make it an easier and more positive experience, BBB suggests:
• Tell your family and friends that you are looking for a job. You never know, they may know of someone who is hiring.
• Write a cover letter and resume with the purpose of securing an interview.
• To write a compelling resume, the BBB suggests:
First state what you can do for the employer and why you want to work for them.Then, support this with your credibility. What experience have you had? Why should an employer believe that you can do everything that you previously mentioned?
• Distribute your cover letter and resume to businesses where your skills fit.
• Post your cover letter and resume on job placement web sites.
• Look into using a job placement company. Before deciding which one to use, the BBB suggests:
Find out if there are any fees involved.
Ask what the company’s success rate is.
Obtain a reliability report on the job placement company
• Obtain a reliability report on the specific business you are thinking of working for from your BBB at www.bbb.org.
