The High Cost of Looking

If it’s breakfast or lunch – or even just a cup of coffee, who pays?

Talk about a conundrum. You’re out of work; there’s no money coming in; the bills are piling up; and yet you know that you need to spend some money on your job search. So where do you spend? On whom? What do you cut?

One huge advantage of looking for a job in the digital age is that your resume doesn’t have to be copied and mailed to be distributed. Back in the day, a job seeker could spend a considerable sum on printing (copying) resumes and the postage to mail them. Then there were thank-you letters and other expenses with the job search such as parking, gas, etc.

Fortunately, email can save you a tidy sum.

Someone has to pay

But, what about those situations where you need some face time? What about those individuals with whom you want and/or need to see face-to-face? If it’s breakfast or lunch – or even just a cup of coffee, who pays? Here are a few guideines and tips:

An overriding rule of thumb is that the job seeker always pays. In most cases you’re the one who suggested meeting and you have the most to gain from such a meeting. It would stand to reason then, that you should pay.

On the other hand, if you’d like to meet someone in their office and they suggest going out, why should you have to pay? Excellent point. Another rule of thumb: He who sets up the out-of-office-where-food-is-being-served meeting, pays.

Even if your contact claims that “This one’s on me,” be prepared to split the check. It may not happen, but be prepared. At the very least, offer to leave the tip.

Of course, the best way around this entire situation is simply to suggest meeting in the office. Even if you end up in the company lunchroom, the cost of the coffee there will be a lot more reasonable than at a trendy, chic coffee shop.

In the end, it all comes down to common sense. Of course that’s something that’s not so common anymore.

More tips.