Jobs are hard to find these days, and even for the employed, there is the threat of layoffs. In this uncertain job market, what can you do to maintain your sanity while looking for a job? The first thing to remember is that rejections don’t determine your worth as a person. Just because you weren’t chosen for a certain position doesn’t mean that you don’t have relevant job skills at all. It just means that the company didn’t see you as the right employee for their needs and goals. Also, understand that you may need to use unconventional methods to find work. Maybe you’ll need to send cold emails to potential managers even if they’re not posting new positions. Consider freelance work because it allows you the flexibility to work from home while earning extra money. Here are more ways to stay afloat when jobs are hard to find.
Focus on Recession-Proof Industries
During a recession, certain industries may not be hiring as frequently as before. It’s best to focus on industries that are not affected by recessions in huge ways. Healthcare is an industry that still thrives during recessions, but you don’t have to be a nurse to work in this field. Other high-paying healthcare jobs don’t require a four-year degree. These include dental hygienists, medical assistants, ultrasound technicians, and phlebotomists.
Food retail also does well during recessions. These include supermarkets, dollar stores, drugstores, and discount chain stores such as Sam’s Club and Walmart. These jobs may not pay high salaries, but you can earn a decent income while you endure the recession. Another idea is to work at a local utilities company since everyone will need their lights, gas, and water on at all times, even during a recession. The education sector is also usually robust during recessions. I’m a substitute teacher, and where I live, there is a shortage of regular and substitute teachers. Other recession-proof industries are law enforcement and security.
Upgrade Your Skill Set
Recessions are an excellent time to upgrade your skill set so you can position yourself for job opportunities in up-and-coming industries. Artificial intelligence is booming and will create thousands of new jobs within the next few years. If this field interests you, take courses and obtain certifications so you can look attractive to employers. When jobs are hard to find, developing a new skill set can ensure your success once the recession ends. Let’s explore some of the top certifications you should consider for 2025 and beyond:
First up is the Certified Scrum Master certification. This certification could earn you up to $128,000 annually. A scrum master is someone who specializes in assisting teams and their leaders work together to complete projects successfully. Scrum is a type of framework where everyone works in cycles instead of doing one huge timeframe. The scrum master ensures that everyone knows their roles and that the projects are completed successfully.
Those interested in information security may complete the Certified Information Security certification. Once you complete this certification, you can work as an information security manager, IT director, chief information security officer, or compliance manager for companies. You could also earn up to $185,000, depending on the company.
The Project Management Professional certification is another good choice if you enjoy project management. To qualify for the certification exam, there are two types of criteria. You’ll either need a high school diploma or an associate’s degree, along with five years of project management experience and 35 hours of training, or you’ll need a bachelor’s degree, three years of project management experience, and 35 hours of training. The exam covers three sections: leading project teams, the process of project management, and the business environment that influences project management. You could earn $179,000 with this certification.
Refresh Your Resume
You should also revise your resume and tailor it to the position you’re applying for. The summary section of your resume should highlight your main skills and areas of expertise. If you’re applying for a teaching position, you may discuss your ability to manage a classroom effectively, develop lesson plans that engage students, and the key subjects and grade level you teach. The objective section of your resume should focus on your top accomplishments, future career goals, and the value you can add to the company. Online job applications are processed using an applicant tracking system. The ATS looks for relevant keywords related to the job you’re applying for. Incorporate relevant keywords into your resume to increase the chances of getting noticed by hiring managers.
Highlight the Value You’ll Bring to the Company
During interviews, focus on the value you’ll bring to the company rather than what the company can give to you. If you’re interviewing for a fundraising manager position, discuss how your experience in sales prepared you for this position. Talk about how you built rapport with clients, understood their pain points, and used this knowledge to sell the best products to them. Mention how you led sales teams and successfully headed marketing projects that brought in new clients every year. These examples show how your skills will assist the company in achieving its goals.
Start Networking
Networking is vital when jobs are hard to find. Not all jobs are posted online or announced in newspapers. Volunteer at a business and learn the ins and outs of that industry. This is a neat idea if you are changing careers. You can volunteer at a Head Start center while pursuing your associate’s degree in early childhood education. Ask the daycare staff questions about how they structure the day for the kids. Observe the lessons that are taught to the kids and think about how you would be an effective teacher. Attend local industry events and bring copies of your resume to pass along to potential hiring managers.
Organize a local meetup at a coworking space within the industry you want to work in. Invite some of the attendees to give lectures on the latest trends in the industry, and have the guests ask thoughtful questions. Invite some companies to set up tables to accept resumes and talk with fellow job seekers. This gives you insight into what employers look for in employees, and you can connect with them while helping others do the same.
Contact your college’s alumni association and inquire about upcoming career events. Attend the events and exchange phone numbers and emails with fellow graduates in your industry. Offer to assist them with various tasks without mentioning that you’re looking for a job. Your goal is to build a relationship with them, and this will lead to new opportunities.
Think of this tough job market not as a brick wall, but more like a winding path with some unexpected detours. It might take longer to reach your destination, and you might need to explore routes you hadn’t considered before. But every conversation you have, every skill you pick up along the way, and every time you put yourself out there, you’re not just looking for a job – you’re building something bigger: your network, your resilience, and a clearer sense of where you truly fit.