When are job search expenses deductible?

Some, but not all,  job-hunting expenses are deductible, according to the IRS.  To determine deductibility, keep in mind the following criteria:  The expenses must be spent on a job search in your current occupation; expenses looking for a job for the first time are not deductible; if the taxpayer waits for a “substantial” time after losing his job before seeking another one, the job-search expenses will not be deductible; and travel expenses to go to a new area job hunting will be deductible if the primary reason for the trip was the job search.