Career Advice

Though it's difficult to predict exactly how the year will pan out, weak job growth, a slowing economy and troubled housing markets all point to signs of an economic recession. The good news for job seekers is that employers are still hiring and certain industries will survive (even thrive) during hard times.

Thirty-two percent of employers plan to add full-time, permanent employees in 2008, according to a CareerBuilder.com survey. Most employers are cautious, but expect a slower, yet steady hiring environment.

"Many job seekers make the mistake of attempting a career change during downturns," says John A. Challenger, chief executive officer of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, a global outplacement consultancy. "This can be a career-crippling move. It is much better to focus on transferring your current occupation's skills to industries that remain healthy."

While some industries, including retail, manufacturing, finance and technology, are vulnerable during recessions, Challenger says there are always industries that seem "recession-resistant," based on different trends at the time of the slowdown.

"Do not make the mistake of thinking that only those with industry-specific skills will be in demand. Hospitals not only need nurses and physical therapists, they need administrators and information technology workers," Challenger says. "Firms specializing in information security need accountants and marketing professionals in addition to computer programmers. There should be a wide variety of opportunities in the industries that remain strong through the slowdown."

Are you working in a recession-proof business? Here is a list of industries expected to offer the best opportunities for job seekers during the predicted slump, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas.

Industry No. 1: Education
With more teachers retiring and an increasing number of students enrolling in grades K-12, the demand for skilled teachers is rising. The National Center for Education Statistics predicts that in the next eight years, 2.8 million teachers must join the existing 3.2 million teachers because of retirements, higher enrollment and teacher turnover.

Other thriving jobs in education: administrators, independent consultants and sales executives to supply text books and other learning materials.

Industry No. 2: Energy
The oil industry faces 80 percent of its work force reaching retirement age in the next decade, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas. As a result, jobs related to oil and gas, alternative and renewable energy, and even nuclear energy are likely to see job growth at a steady pace.

Other thriving jobs in energy: geoscientists, nuclear power reactor operators and engineers.

Industry No. 3: Environmental sector

The environmental industry created 5.3 million jobs in 2005, according to a United Nations report. As concerns about global warming swell, more and more companies are "going green" and will hire engineers and scientists to develop "green" technology. They'll also need guidance for becoming more eco-friendly.

Other thriving jobs in the environmental sector: environmental consultants, program managers and attorneys.

Industry No. 4: Health care
Nearly half of the 30 fastest growing jobs are in health services, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some of these jobs include medical assistants, physical therapists and home health aides.

Employers in California entice nurses with $7,500 signing bonuses for hard-to-fill jobs and $3,500 for traditional positions, according to the California Jobs Journal. They're also providing $3,000 annually for continuing education and relocation reimbursement, as well as time off to pursue professional interests, overtime pay and the option to work 12-hour shifts with four days off per week.

Other thriving jobs in health care: physican assistants, medical records and health information technicians, and personal and home care aides.

Industry No. 5: Security
There will always be a need for security, whether it's in airports, at U.S. borders or in a company protecting vital information. The Defense and Homeland Security departments need to fill an estimated 83,000 jobs over the next two years, according to a 2007 report by the Partnership for Public Service.

Other thriving jobs in security: transportation security, information security managers and computer programmers.

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Success Stories: I Changed Careers
Today's economy has compelled job seekers to do some crazy things: standing on street corners wearing billboards advertising their unemployment, sending gifts to hiring managers, applying down for entry-level positions, or even switching careers entirely.

But you know what's really crazy? None of those things are that crazy at all. In fact, each of those things is a pretty smart move -- especially the latter.

What to Do When You're Labeled 'Overqualified'
Sherry Shealy Martschink, 57, is a former state legislator, state senator and worker's compensation commissioner for South Carolina. She's a recent law school graduate and has experience in journalism, marketing and education. For the past few years during her job search, she's been told -- in not so many words -- that she's overqualified.

Why You Should Make Your Boss Look Good
In the middle of a recession, the average worker is probably more focused on doing whatever's necessary to stay employed. Not showing up late, getting all your work done, bringing new ideas to the table and not making any major errors. Basically, not giving your boss a reason to fire you.

As good as those strategies are, they don't take into account the one person whose opinion really counts: the boss.

Do You Have What It Takes to Change Industries?
While making a change across industries can be difficult and sometimes daunting, job seekers are forced to look for work elsewhere as more and more sectors lose jobs each month.

Coping with a Job You Hate
Here's the bottom line: You have to get a job, you have to go to work and someday, you'll probably have to change jobs. "CAREER BUILDING: Your Total Handbook for Finding a Job and Making It Work" (Collins Business) is a one-stop guide for navigating all those times in your career.

Are You Stuck in Job Prison?
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Emerging Career Fields
Keeping your eye on trends is a smart career management practice. New technology, business practices, laws or changes in the global economy create needs for new or evolving occupations and career specialties.

How to Make a Comeback in the Work Force
Though many workers want to make a transition back to the work force for various reasons, many don't know exactly how to do it.

The Full-Time Job of Finding a Job
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Advice for Workers of Every Age, at Every Stage
Your career isn't exactly like having a significant other, but some of the same rules apply. Coasting through your professional life without asking any questions of yourself or taking into account your ambitions can limit what you achieve.

7 Recession-Resistant Industries in an Economic Downturn
Going into 2009, what seven industries will likely see sustained, or even increasing, demand?

5 Factors to Consider Before Relocating
In an ideal job market, you would find the job of your dreams right under your nose. You'd have a hefty paycheck, great benefits, flexibility and you'd wake up every day loving the work you do. The reality is even after all of your efforts, the jobs you find may fall short of meeting all of the criteria to be the right opportunity for you.

People in such situations may never come across their dream job because they've limited themselves in the job market. They've narrowed their search to local job openings and have no idea that their dream job is actually in another city or state. Many people, however, would be willing to pursue those opportunities if they were aware of them.

4 Steps to Getting Started in a New Career
Every month we receive a variety of questions from people asking us how to get started in their dream career. We don't normally respond to "How do I get started in ..." questions because we don't think we can provide a complete answer in only a few sentences. However, we can provide the following basic four-step overview of the process for getting started in a new career:

Is Your Job Recession-Proof?
Though it's difficult to predict exactly how the year will pan out, weak job growth, a slowing economy and troubled housing markets all point to signs of an economic recession. The good news for job seekers is that employers are still hiring and certain industries will survive (even thrive) during hard times.

4 Smart Moves When the Economy Slows
What are some ways to take control of your career when the economic outlook is weakening or uncertain?

Job Searching in a Recession
If you are getting ready for a job search during troubled times, here are some tips from the experts.

Can Your Favorite Color Determine Your Perfect Job?
Do you ever wish finding the perfect job could be as easy as 1, 2, 3? According to new research, it might be as easy as red, yellow or blue.



Top 5 Things to Consider When Looking for a New Job
Few people are exactly alike when determining what makes them happy at work, but there are some key drivers of job satisfaction. The following article helps you identify those factors and provides you with direction in making the decision to change careers.

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