In China, migrant workers were waiting for employers on a street in Chengdu. About 20 million migrant workers have lost their jobs because of the economic downturn. In Madrid, people were lining up to enter a government job centre. Spain’s registered jobless leapt to a record 198,838 people in January, the tenth straight month of increase and the biggest monthly rise on record.– Reuters

Such records of lay-offs are unprecedented as far as we can remember. Fresh graduates are the most concerned lot as they do not have any work experience to back them up. Some believe they will be hit the hardest and in a depressed employment market, the question is no more “Which company shall I work with?” but rather, “What are the jobs available now?”

Such dilemma is extended to employees that had been recently laid-off too. Out of desperation or perhaps purely out of practicality sake, they are considering jobs that are “recession-proof”. Between job fulfillment and survival, the latter will take precedence now.

What are the jobs that may be “recession-proof”?

• Nursing – it is a profession that had been facing shortage for the longest time. People get sick whether in good or bad times. So, if you are not affected by the sight of blood, this may be the most secured job you can get.

• Accounting – preparing accounting reports, tax work and auditing are work that will go on, tough economy or not.

Accountant »

Accounts Executive »

Accounts Assistant/Clerk »

• Selling – every company still need a good sales force to keep the revenue flowing in. But, and it’s a big BUT here, you better be good in what you do. You get cut immediately if you are not up to mark!

Sales Executive »

Sales & Marketing Executive »

• Teaching – schooling is still essential.

Senior Lecturers/Lecturers »

Smart Kid School Teachers »

• Software Design/development – some technical/programming skills (.Net, Java, C++) are still highly in demand. Even if laid-off due to lack of projects, finding a freelance or contract job should not be a big problem.

System Analyst »

Application Specialist »

• Civil Service/Government-related jobs – tend to be more secure particularly jobs that have to do with law enforcement, medical and education.

• Undertakers – death goes on.

Please click the link below to find out more…

Top 10 Most Recession-proof Jobs – according to Forbes.com»

In a slow economy, people are cutting back on even the small luxuries. They are eating out less, spending less on impulse making many retailers shivering now. There is less demand for construction and renovation works, as people are buying fewer homes & cutting down unnecessary home décor expenses. There will also be less traveling affecting the tourism industry, and the list goes on. Therefore, it does not take long to figure out which industry or job to avoid and which are the ones that you should grab immediately.

However, if you are in a “recession-prone” job, do not get panicked too quickly. It’s more important that employees focus on making themselves recession-proof.

I like what career expert Les McKeown said - “At the end of the day the only way to make yourself recession-proof is to make your opportunity cost as high as possible. You want employers to say, ‘We can’t let Jane go because we can put her anywhere,’” McKeown explains. “You must have a personal ability to add value. If you can do that, then you’re as recession-proof as anyone.”