Freshers’ checklist for entering the workforce during layoff season

Finding a job during the recession

Finding employment opportunities during a recession period can be a bit difficult for certain reasons. There may be fewer job postings during a recession period. Thus, it will be more difficult for applicants to secure a job as there will be less open positions available. During a recession, businesses may also provide reduced pay and benefits as they try to cut down their expenses. 

However, despite these difficulties it’s critical to keep in mind that you can still secure an employment opportunity with the right approach. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the unemployment rate reached its high during the Great Recession in October 2009, when it was 10%, but that it subsequently started to fall in 2010 and has since continued to do so. 

Some of the ways you can secure a job during a recession include:

• Pursue an online degree: Online degrees are a great option for individuals to upskill themselves and increase their domain-specific knowledge. Professionals, as well as freshers who want to secure a job during this recession period, should focus on pursuing an online degree that would help them develop new skill sets. Online courses that offer placement support are especially advantageous as they can help prepare individuals to land a job role. 

Read more on how to leverage your online degree for career advancement

• Take up a job as a fresher: During the recession period, companies often open up entry-level job roles to reduce their overall cost. Individuals should look up entry-level job openings and try out for those opportunities, as it is a great way for them to gain exposure and experience. So, take up a job role as a fresher to gain valuable professional experience so that you can slowly advance to higher positions. 

• Expand your network: Networking and developing a strong professional network is highly beneficial for individuals to discover ample job opportunities. Thus, individuals must make efforts to expand their professional network to keep up with the trends in their domain and find new employment opportunities. 

How can you enter the job force during layoff season?

While it might be difficult, it is not impossible to enter the workforce during the layoff season. These are some methods you might employ to improve your opportunities for employment at this time:

• Choose the right industry: Looking for jobs in sectors that are least impacted by a recession is the first step in obtaining work during a recession. Because of the services or goods they offer, certain industries may not see any significant changes during a recession and may even experience growth. These industries are what are known as “growth industries” or “recession-proof industries.” As a fresher, you have the opportunity to choose the right industry where you will find the perfect jib despite recession. 

• Identify the right companies: It’s crucial to concentrate more on businesses and job-specific abilities than a job title during a recession. Even if the job title doesn’t seem like a good fit for you, read job descriptions in-depth so that you are aware of the precise daily duties and obligations of the position. Identify companies that are laying off less or not laying off at all, and find the right position that suits your career aspirations. 

• Build an effective resume: A resume is the first thing that an employer goes through while hiring candidates. So, professionals must focus on creating an effective resume to gain a competitive edge. Your employment experience, abilities, and accomplishments should all be listed clearly on your resume. Add a concise resume summary statement mentioning your work experiences and the important projects or clients you have worked with. Include keywords relevant to your domain to get discovered by hiring managers.

• Enhance your skills: Employers will always be looking for professionals that are adaptable and can work outside their primary responsibilities to help the business. As demand fluctuates, you should pick up new technical abilities outside of your area of expertise, take on more responsibility at work, or even switch to a different department or firm completely. You can upskill yourself with in-demand skills such as data analysis, project management and cloud computing to secure a job role. 

• Consider freelancing: You might think about freelancing or working as a contractor to keep some money flowing in while you’re looking for new employment. Who knows? You could strike up a relationship that results in a 9-to-5 job or decide that freelancing is more suitable. 

• Build a strong professional network: Maintaining contacts and continuing to attend networking events in your sector is the key to professional networking. Therefore, search through your contact list on LinkedIn and let them know you’re looking for a job. When there is a persistent recession, it is sometimes beneficial to get in touch with people in your professional or personal network since they may be aware of job openings that are not posted online.

Read more on the top hiring trends for 2023 and what they mean for job seekers