7 Ways To Recession-Proof Your Job

If a recession hits this year, you may be concerned by job security. Here are seven great ways to protect your postition.

This article has already been emailed to Fools as part of our 'Cracking The Credit Crunch' series. I don't want to be accused of doom-mongering, but I think it's always best to be prepared - just in case. The threat of recession looms like a huge black cloud over the economy this year. So to help you bite the recession bullet, we've written a report, Cracking The Credit Crunch which explores how people like you are gearing up for a possible economic downturn. Recessions tend to lead to job fears and already the alarm bells are ringing. Indeed, recessions are never good news for the job market. No wonder the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development has warned this year could be worst year for employment since 1997. Retail, consumer product manufacture, travel and hospitality businesses are usually hardest hit in a recession as people spend less on luxuries and leisure. Meanwhile vital industries such as healthcare and energy tend to weather the storm far better. Take a look at the UK's top ten recession-proof jobs: Top Ten Recession-Proof Jobs In The UK IT security professional Software tester Network engineer Pharmaceutical/medical sales Web designer Project manager Computer programmer/developer Business analyst Child care worker Viral marketing professional Source: CareerSuccess.org.uk. But a full-blown downturn will spread to all sectors. So, if there is a slump this year, here are seven practical ways to safeguard your job: 1. Update your skills If some of your skills have become obsolete and others around you are better trained you could be vulnerable. Sign up for any appropriate courses and get your skills up to date. Remember in a difficult economic climate, businesses may cut back training budgets. So get in sooner rather than later. 2. Make yourself indispensible Stay ambitious. Take on tasks that are above and beyond your usual remit. Volunteer to take on a responsibility which normally comes under your boss's job description. If your company is forced to draw up a list of employees they can't do without, make sure your name is on it. 3. Get yourself noticed There couldn't be a worse time for slacking, rolling in late or disappearing as soon as the clock strikes five. Find a way to stand out. Make sure your boss is aware of your achievements to prove you can add value to the company. If the opportunity arises get involved in a major long-term project, grab it with both hands. If it's vital to the business, you may find your position is safer than most. 4. Start networking now You might feel your ulterior motive is as subtle as a sledgehammer, but there's really no harm in getting in touch with former bosses or colleagues to find out what other job opportunities are out there. Don't wait to make contact until your job has already disappeared. Desperation isn't attractive! Attend networking functions regularly and get your face known. Be helpful to your contacts whenever you can because one day they may be able to return the favour when you need it most. 5. Be positive and have a great attitude Think of it this way if you were the boss and you were faced with choosing who to let go, how would you decide? Would you save someone who continually grumbles about their position or would you keep someone who is good at boosting morale? Not such a difficult decision after all, is it? So stay positive, work hard and make it known how much you enjoy your job. Everyone loves an optimist! 6. Be prepared It's time to dust off your CV and think about your next move. This can be a pretty time-consuming task so have everything ready in advance. Hopefully, this will prevent you from taking a job in desperation which turns out to be a big mistake. 7. Think twice about jumping ship Think carefully whether your job really is at risk. If you jump ship and your new company then runs into trouble, you could be vulnerable if they decide to make job cuts using the 'last in, first out' principle. What's more, if you stay at your current job, there might be an opportunity for you to move to a new role internally. So you won't necessarily have to go elsewhere. These tips are great for pushing your career onwards and upwards whether the threat of a recession turns into a reality or not. If you're entering the job market for the first time and you're concerned about a lack of opportunities, read my Foolish colleague Neil Faulkner's article: How To Get And Keep A Job. It makes sense to recession-proof your finances too. Remember my two golden rules: demolish your debts and step up your savings!