If you’re wondering why the job search feels more expensive than ever, new 2025 data shows you’re not imagining it. With in-person interviews returning, hiring timelines stretching and skills expectations rising, candidates are now paying significantly more just to stay competitive. Searches like “why is job hunting so expensive?” and “how much should I spend on interviews?” are climbing, as job seekers try to understand the true financial toll. A new Harris Poll from Indeed reveals that 84% of candidates now spend money on in-person interviews, marking a major shift in what it takes to stand out.

The Job Search Is Taking Longer Than Before

Today’s job search rarely ends in a few weeks. Slower hiring cycles, frequent freezes and AI-driven screening have stretched the process into months. Candidates often move through multiple rounds—screenings, skills assessments, panel interviews and follow-up conversations—before hearing a decision. The added complexity means more preparation time, more unpaid exercises and more pressure with each step. As hiring teams become more selective, applicants must navigate longer, more structured evaluations. For job seekers already feeling squeezed, the drawn-out timeline adds financial strain that compounds over time.

In-Person Interviews Are Back—And They're Expensive

The return of onsite interviews has created a new set of out-of-pocket expenses many candidates didn’t face during the remote hiring boom. A single in-person interview can require hours away from home, making planning essential—and often costly. Transportation, parking, grooming, wardrobe updates and childcare all add up quickly. Some candidates even bring small tokens like coffee or snacks to build rapport with hiring teams. For early-career professionals or those transitioning industries, these costs can feel overwhelming. Full-day site visits and onsite assessments only heighten the financial burden.

Training and Upskilling Add Another Layer of Cost

Beyond logistical expenses, many candidates are investing in new skills just to remain viable in a fast-changing labor market. The acceleration of AI has pushed applicants to refresh technical abilities, earn certifications and complete online training to stay competitive. For career switchers, the investment is even steeper: licensing programs, industry-approved courses and study materials can cost hundreds or thousands. What used to be a straightforward job search now resembles an ongoing cycle of self-development—one that disproportionately impacts early-career and underemployed applicants.

Multi-Step Hiring Processes Come With New Demands

Extended hiring processes have become the norm. Candidates frequently encounter unpaid take-home projects, full-day interview schedules and observation-style assessments designed to test real-time problem-solving. Each stage requires additional research, preparation and sometimes another trip onsite. These multi-step expectations add emotional and financial weight to the search, stretching it into months rather than weeks. Job seekers often describe feeling exhausted by the constant preparation and worn down by the uncertainty that accompanies each new round.

Candidates Are Re-Evaluating the True Cost of a New Role

As expenses rise, many job seekers are reassessing which opportunities are worth pursuing. Commutes, relocation requirements and hybrid-work expectations have become major financial considerations. Some candidates are even questioning whether staying in their current industry is sustainable. Career pivots—once a bold move—are now a practical response to limited openings and economic instability. But pursuing a pivot often comes with more costs: new certifications, licensing fees or training programs that require upfront investment before any guarantees.

What Candidates Can Do to Stay Competitive Without Overspending

While not all expenses are avoidable, many job seekers are turning to strategic, low-cost alternatives to level the playing field. Free digital tools, AI resume builders, LinkedIn communities and peer mentorship groups now offer support without expensive coaching. Industry meetups and virtual events provide networking opportunities without high price tags. By researching employer expectations and focusing on targeted preparation, candidates can prioritize the areas that truly matter. The key is investing selectively—not emotionally—based on long-term career value rather than pressure.

Navigating a More Expensive and Demanding Search

The modern job search requires more persistence, preparation and financial awareness than ever. Companies are asking candidates to show up more often, complete more steps and demonstrate more skills—while offering fewer certainties in return. For job seekers, navigating this landscape means staying resourceful, protecting your budget and knowing where investment will pay off. As 2025 hiring trends continue to evolve, one thing is clear: the job search is no longer just a process. It has become a financial commitment, and candidates must approach it with strategy and resilience.