With little relief in sight on the employment scene, job hunters have to be savvier and more careful than ever about what they choose to spend money on as they search. Luckily, one of the best ways to find a job - networking - is practically free and many websites and job portals offer free membership to jobseekers and employers alike.

The key is to stay focused on your goals, experts said. Here are some tips on ways to keep spending down while looking for the job you want.

1. Network online: If you don’t have a free profile on LinkedIn and employersjobs.com, then get one today! These kinds of networking portals link to job Web sites, employment offices and articles with tips. The LinkedIn profile is the new resume. You can connect with old friends and classmates on the networking site, which bears some resemblance to Facebook. Start by posting your work history and comments and questions and answering others’ questions thoughtfully. That will build up your presence. Then you can solicit recommendations and start to network.

2. Network in real life: Don’t neglect networking in person just because you’re searching online. That’s where the real connections are made, and they don’t have to break the bank, either. You have to get yourself out from behind the computer at your home, out engaged in the external side of things. Join the professional organisations you chose in step 1 - ask about discounts - and go to their events, for example. Often these groups will let new members attend events - say, a dinner - for free even when other members must pay. Some groups even let people join for free if they’re looking for a job. That’s where the real connections are made, and they don’t have to break the bank, either. You have to get yourself out from behind the computer at your home, out engaged in the external side of things. If you arrange meetings with new contacts, don’t feel as though you have to treat them to a meal or coffee. Often, just meeting in an office is enough - and it could help you stay focused on business.

3. Go back to school: No, we don’t mean for a new degree, which could be helpful but certainly won’t be cheap. Check your college’s career center for new contacts and leads. Many college centers now cater to alumni, not just recent graduates, and offer career advice, help with resumes and connections to other alumni. Also, check career centers at community and technical colleges, which may help you for a small fee, even if you didn’t matriculate there, said Dorothy Graham, owner of Transitionwork.com, a career transition business. And don’t forget state and municipal workforce development organisations.

4. Know when to hire professionals: There’s a thriving industry built around people looking for jobs, but spending on head hunters, career coaches and resume writers doesn’t always pay off - never pay a company that promises you success for a fee. With just a little elbow grease and some online research you are fully capable of revamping and renewing your CV/Resume on your own. Just remember to get references or good case studies to give your CV some edge.

5. Be methodical: Planning each step of your job search will help you save money and time. If you know you’ll be visiting a city for a job interview, plan your trip at least two weeks ahead so transportation costs less and you can arrange other interviews or meetings. Maybe even stay with one of the old friends or classmates you’ve reconnected with to save on hotel costs. Ask prospective employers to pay for the trip. And keep using your time efficiently by finding out ahead of time where there’s free wireless Internet you can use between interviews.

6. It’s tax-deductible: Keep your receipts for things such as travel and photocopying your resume. Some expenses incurred during a job search in your current occupation are tax-deductible. Check with your local goverment IRS office for details.