How to Find a Job in a Recession

Is job loss inevitable? It’s obvious to say the recession has caused unemployment to hit an all-time high of 9%. Looking for a job now is very disheartening. It is estimated that the jobless rate will continue to climb. There is no relief in sight as of now. People are going to have to be very creative in finding ways to earn a living. So, how to find a job in a recession?

We recommended you look into industries that are expected to keep growing despite the downturn. Most of those industries are pretty obvious ones such as bankruptcy lawyers, recovery or collection agents, debt management companies and pawn shops. However, there are some unexpected industries that continue to rock through the recession and don’t benefit from people’s miseries.

These include:

  1. Health care jobs: People will always get sick — sometimes even more so when they don’t have the insurance or money to take preventative measures or eat healthy food.
  2. Energy jobs: Although consumers are likely to cut back, they’re not going to stop using energy. In fact, this industry may grow, as companies look for more efficient ways to deliver using less energy.
  3. Education jobs: No matter how dire the economy is, there are always jobs for teachers. Kids will still go to school, and many out-of-work adults may decide to continue their education.
  4. Utilities jobs: Just like the energy sector, it’s safe to assume that people are not going to stop lighting their homes. So utility administration, maintenance and other related jobs should remain intact.
  5. International Business jobs: Even when the economy is doing poorly in the U.S., other countries may be doing well. So if you are involved in international business, you can expect your career to stay safe.
  6. Public Safety jobs: Police layoffs are very rare, especially at a time where public safety is threatened by desperate criminals. A career in public safety is almost guaranteed to be secure.
  7. Funerals jobs: Just like people won’t stop getting sick, they’ll continue to die as well, so as morbid as it is, morticians will always have customers.
  8. Accounting jobs: Death and taxes are inevitable. In a recession, people and companies are likely to get desperate for more deductions and a hard look at their books.
  9. Federal Government jobs: Most federal-government jobs end only when workers retire. Additionally, government services tend to step up in times of recession, so your chances of getting and keeping a government job are good.
  10. Pharmaceutical jobs: As long as doctors prescribe them, people are still going to take drugs. So whether you’re behind the pharmacy counter or in the lab, you can rest easy.
  11. Sales jobs: As a general rule, anyone who is a source of income for a company will be safe, so salespeople — especially in recession-proof industries — have little to worry about.
  12. Military jobs: The military is always hiring, especially during wartime. Also, consider that most of your living expenses are covered, so cost-of-living expenses are not really a concern.
  13. Gambling jobs: When times get tough, people seek an outlet. One of those outlets is gambling, especially because it offers a chance to turn financial troubles around.
  14. Alcohol jobs: Alcohol is another outlet for troubled times, so distributors and manufacturers in this industry will continue to thrive.
  15. Politics jobs: Even in a recession, public officials are still around earning tidy sums, which are often tied to the cost of living.
  16. Skilled Services jobs: Hair will always grow, and drains will always clog, so you can expect steady work in skilled services like plumbing and hairstyling.
  17. Consulting/Freelancers jobs: Recessions are crunch times for companies as well, and they’re likely to bring in consultants for advice on efficiency
  18. Online business jobs: More entrepreneurs than ever are starting their online businesses so this is a good field to explore. Find a niche you are an expert at and/or adore and launch your own website. Yu might actually suceed and make a lot of money.
  19. Webmasters/Computer jobs: With more online businesses coming online, webmasters and computer saavy people are in huge demand.

 

Looking for a job in a recession will be different than in old times: the key is to be pro-active, and not just to wait for opportunities.  But look in areas where you have a special skill set or affinity and make it your job to find a job. We have a lot of resources for you so be sute to check them out.

Happy Job Hunting!