With rumors of an impending recession circulating, you might wonder if it’s an appropriate time to look for a better job. It is too early to tell if a recession is around the corner; some indicators are already happening, such as the U.S. economy shrinking by 1.6 percent during the first quarter of 2022 and high inflation.
A recent survey found that almost 80% of workers are worried about losing their jobs during the next recession. And with news of hiring freezes and layoffs, employees might find themselves holding on to jobs they don’t want for stability. However, finding a better opportunity, even during a recession, is possible with some planning.
One of the first steps to finding a job during an economic downturn is to focus on industries that are least likely to be affected by a recession. Even during a recession, some industries usually do not see substantial changes. Think of these as recession-proof industries: education, food manufacturing, government, and healthcare.
Your next move can be to organize your job search and applications with an action plan. For instance, list the standards your ideal employer upholds or make a timeline for how many job applications you’ll submit each week. Consider every part of your plan and thoroughly outline each phase so you know what you must complete.
It would be helpful to tap into your personal and professional network since they may know of job openings that are not online. You can use social media (think of LinkedIn, for example) to indicate that you’re interested in new opportunities. It’s also advantageous to use this time to build your network because you might one day be able to help someone looking for work.
When jobs are scarce due to a recession, a strong cover letter and resume are essential for distinguishing yourself from other candidates with comparable qualifications. A cover letter is a supporting document you submit with your resume or application to highlight your enthusiasm and qualifications. On your resume, list your employment experience, abilities, and other noteworthy accomplishments. You can also include technical skills like computer programs and additional languages that you feel comfortable using at work.
Whether it’s getting an insider’s view of labor market information, assistance with creating a career plan, expanding your network, or improving a resume and cover letter, your local Workforce Solutions office can help. We offer job search assistance, resume reviews, interview preparation, job referrals, and placement assistance for job seekers. Visit our website, www.wrksolutions.com, to learn more about our services, find your local career office, and set up an appointment.
Juan Cerda is a Regional Facilitator for Workforce Solutions in the Houston-Galveston area. He conducts job search skills seminars throughout the 13-county Gulf Coast region. Before joining Workforce Solutions as an Employment Counselor in 2018, he worked as a customer service manager for an international logistics service provider and port operator out of Belgium. He has a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Houston-Downtown.
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