As the middle of the semester rapidly approaches and students and soon-to-be graduates begin searching for summer internships or full time employment, more of us are discovering how bad the economy actually is. Looking for work we are all finding less options and more competition in a very tough market.

At the end of 2008 unemployment was at 7.2 percent, its highest level in over a decade.  With no visible end in sight, and President Barack Obama’s plans to save the world apparently delayed, the rather bleak job market is casting an ominous shadow over the conversations and minds of students.

Since, in all likelihood, this economic crisis isn’t going to be fixed any time soon by “hopeconomics” we must all do a bit of belt-tightening, so I’ve come up with a few sure-fire ways to help save money during your job hunt.

First, stop wasting money on alcohol.  It’s expensive and as much as it makes being laid off not hurt so much it’s an expensive way to kill the pain. If you must keep drinking, then at least focus your attention on the pregame or go out on weeknights to take advantage of the deals; it’s the positive side of not working. Switching to bottom-shelf booze and low-quality beer is also a good way to save money without having to be too coherent and aware of your fiscal situation.

Next, it’s important for every budget to prioritize, or else you end up being the stereotypical loser in the sketch apartment with no bed and $2000 speakers. If the love of your life is music then buy a cd player (just $12.98 at Wal-Mart). Sure, you may have trouble picking people up at the gym without a hip iPod and a flashy arm band but there’s no point making a date if you can’t afford to go on one.

Additionally, trying to buy used instead of new can be a great way to save some dough. Sure, we all love used textbooks, but Ebay is full of other people’s stuff that they no longer want and which you may be able to find a use for. In about five minutes I located several useful job-hunting items including a Wonder Woman business card holder for $11.95 (I can’t think of a better way to be memorable on an interview) and an offer for a Scottish title and a plot of land in Scotland going for less than $40 (imagine writing Lord/Lady yourlastname on the top of your resume! They would love to set up an interview).  

It’s my hope that some or all of these tips will help you save a few pennies to get you through these tough times or, if nothing else, I hope they have amused you and/or temporarily distracted you from the unfortunate economic climate.