Here’s How To Get a Job During Recession [In 12 Steps]

This new article will show you everything you need to know about how to get a job during recession.

It is extremely difficult to find employment in tough economic times, whether you have been laid off, just graduated from college, or simply want a change in your current career. If you’re struggling to find suitable employment, it’s completely normal.

Fortunately, there are a few key tactics that can help you. Even in a tough economy, follow these key steps to identify job opportunities, brush up on your applications, and improve your ace interviews.

How To Get a Job During Recession:

1. Focus your search on sectors that are experiencing rapid growth.

While no sector is recession-proof, some sectors are more resilient than others. Depending on where the recession is focused, some of these sectors actually thrive in tough times. You will have a better chance of getting and keeping a job if you look in these areas.

During a recession, sectors such as healthcare, education, civil service, law enforcement, IT, cybersecurity and legal are often stronger.

If the position is not in your field, you may have to put a little more effort into your application to show why you are a good fit. That’s why a well-written resume and cover letter are essential.

During a recession, service industries such as restaurants, tourism and retail suffer. Employment in the manufacturing sector also declines.

2. Focus your efforts on the largest corporations in thriving industries.

Large corporations are more likely to survive a recession. Once you’ve identified the primary sectors that will be safe during a recession, look for the largest employers in that industry. You’ll have a much better chance of finding job openings and landing a position that will survive the recession. 

Companies like Google, Amazon, Facebook and Apple, for example, are usually good choices for IT.

Not all of these companies use job platforms like Indeed to advertise their job openings. You may have a better chance if you visit the job ads on their websites.

Companies that had a lot of debt or financial problems before the crisis are still at risk, regardless of their size. It’s important to do some research to determine if a company is healthy or not.

3. Use your contacts to find job openings.

Don’t be afraid to seek help in your search. There is nothing to be ashamed of! Say you’re looking for a job and would welcome any leads on vacancies from friends, relatives, former co-workers, or even casual acquaintances. One of them may know of a vacancy that could be your next opportunity.

This type of networking is also a great way to get your foot in the job door. Companies are likely to receive hundreds of applications, and a reference from a friend or family member can help you stand out.

Many positions, perhaps as many as 60%, are not even publicly advertised. That’s why it’s so important to find these opportunities.

4. Work with a recruiter to help you in your job search.

Recruiters connect job seekers with positions that are right for them. Recruiters can be a valuable tool during a recession because they already have contacts in the industry that can help you find a job.

Even better, recruiters are paid by the companies they connect with, so you won’t have to pay for their services. Try calling some recruiters or recruiting agencies to see if they can help.

Recruiters can also review your employment materials and resume, which can be really beneficial to you.

Recruiters can contact you if you indicate that you are looking for a job on your LinkedIn or Indeed accounts. To become more noticeable to recruiters, try doing this.

Working with every recruiter is not a good idea. Check to see if the person fits the field you want to work in and if they have experience working with large corporations. If not, they may not be very helpful.

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5. Make contact with companies, even if they don’t advertise any vacancies.

Find contact information for the company’s hiring manager. Briefly present your credentials in an email or phone call, and then ask about open positions. Since many positions are not advertised, you may be able to uncover some secret opportunities this way.

If you know someone who works for the company, you will have much better luck with this strategy. You may find that they will be able to put in a good word for you.

6. Don’t be too picky when applying for jobs.

It’s okay if you don’t find your ideal career during the recession. You need to be open-minded and willing to step outside your comfort zone. Consider applying for jobs in companies or sectors you’ve never heard of before.

If necessary, be willing to accept a lower salary. You will have a better chance of success if you remain adaptable in this way.

Getting a job in a different industry could potentially lead you to discover a new interest!

Even if you get a job that isn’t ideal, you can start looking for another one when the economy picks up. You just have to take care of yourself until things improve.

This doesn’t mean that you have to accept a job that you know you will despise. It’s perfectly fine to turn down a position that you don’t see yourself in at all. Just keep an open mind.

7. In the meantime, do some freelance or temporary work.

If you are like most people, you will need money when you are looking for work. It’s not a bad idea to get a temporary job to help you get through this time. While you’re sending out other applications, look for part-time, temporary or seasonal work. It may not be ideal for you, but the money will be really beneficial.

Delivery companies like FedEx and Amazon often recruit seasonal workers during the holiday season to deal with increased demand. Taking one of these jobs can provide you with a steady income for the next two to three months while you look for additional employment.

You can also become a freelancer on a site like Fiverr to earn extra money if you have a particular skill, such as writing or graphic design.

Another reason you shouldn’t turn down temporary work is that some positions can become full-time when conditions improve.

8. Make some changes to your resume and cover letter.

You will always be ready to apply if you have them prepared. In a down economy, having old or poorly written job applications can make you look terrible, which is not what you want after all.

Check your resume to make sure it is up-to-date, legible, and accurately reflects your skills. Then, using an effective cover letter template, present your credentials and interests.

In your resume, be sure to include any recent successes, awards, certifications, and promotions. Place them in a prominent place so that the employer can notice them.

While every cover letter should be written from scratch for every job application, certain elements can be reused. For example, your salutation and description of your previous job can work well in most variations of a cover letter.

SEE ALSO: How To Be Fair In The Workplace: 7 Reliable Principles

9. Personalize your resume for each position you apply for.

Although it takes more time, generic resumes and letters show a lack of effort. You need to show each manager that you are a dedicated employee who is excited about the job.

Review each job posting and make sure your cover letter and resume address some of the topics covered. This will show that you are familiar with the job and willing to put in the effort. It may take some time, but it will increase your chances of success.

Simple details in your cover letter, such as mentioning the company, hiring manager, and job title, show that you have done your homework and individualized your application.

Having several alternative resumes tailored to different areas is beneficial. A salesman resume focuses on your interpersonal skills, while an IT resume highlights your technical competencies.

10. When applying, remember to provide a list of your skills that you can use.

If you are looking for work in different sectors, this will be useful. Your previous job duties may not be applicable to your new job, but the skills you have acquired are. Try to emphasize how your previous experience will benefit you in your current position. 

For example, if you are an event planner, you are probably a natural communicator and negotiator. Therefore, it’s a good idea to highlight these skills because they may come in handy in a sales-related position.

This is especially important if you are trying to make a name for yourself in a new field.

11. Take plenty of time to prepare so you can pass the interview.

When you have an interview, be prepared to make a great impression A little extra effort can pay big dividends, so use these helpful preparation ideas to amaze the hiring manager:

Learn everything you can about the company and the job so you can explain why you would be a good candidate.

Prepare some stories to demonstrate your skills.

Come on time!

Be well dressed and courteous to everyone you meet. To make you appear confident, stand and sit up straight.

12. After each interview, follow up.

Don’t let go after applying and interviewing! Sending another email to the hiring manager will show your enthusiasm. Thank them for their time and express your continued interest in the job. If they were still considering you, you may have convinced them with this method.

If you don’t follow up, you may come off as rude or uninterested. This can be detrimental to potential clients.

If you don’t get a response or are told that you didn’t get the job, don’t be too hard on yourself. These are common occurrences throughout the procedure. Continue your job search by sending out more applications.

Thank you for reading this article about how to get a job during recession and I really hope that you take action my advice.

I wish you good luck and I hope its contents have been a good help to you.

Przemkas Mosky
Przemkas Mosky started Perfect 24 Hours in 2017. He is a Personal Productivity Specialist, blogger and entrepreneur. He also works as a coach assisting people to increase their motivation, social skills or leadership abilities. Read more here