How to Get a Job During a Recession

One of the real effects of a recession is mass layoffs by major corporations. Executives concerned about the costs of benefits, wages and job training programs release some workers to create leaner operations. You need to learn how to get a job during a recession that helps pay the bills until the economy improves.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Start a side business from home while you look for a job during a recession. You can earn supplementary income as a tax advisor, freelance writer or web designer while you attend open houses and interviews.

2. Seek assistance from a resume coach to refine your application materials as you look for work during a recession. There are thousands of firms like Alpha Advantage that offer personal and group sessions designed to help professionals fix their resumes to compete for better work.

3. Expand your search for jobs beyond your community to get work during a recession. You may need to increase your daily commute to find jobs that fit your qualifications and salary expectations.

4. Build your resume when you get temporary jobs during a recession. A young professional can refine interview skills, network with recruiters and earn a paycheck with the help of project positions through Frontline Source Group and other recruiters.

5. Continue your vocational education during a recession to get a job that will survive future economic turmoil. The expense of night and weekend courses to learn computer skills may seem prohibitive during a recession, but will increase your chances of getting jobs in growing industries.

6. Maintain constant contact with potential employers between final interviews and notifications about application status. Employers look for a mixture of qualifications, flexibility and persistence when hiring during a recession. A few emails and a phone call can show your desire for a job without bothering busy professionals.

7. Accept an offer from your employer for reduced hours during personnel shifts within the company. This move may seem like a demotion but employers will note your commitment to the company during financial downturns.

Tips & Warnings

• Use creativity in describing your past experiences to get a job during a recession. Dig deep into your resume to find student work and part-time jobs in industries that are holding steady during a recession. A part-time administrative assistant job at a law firm in college can help you land a clerical job at another firm during a recession.