There are many ways that you can look for a new job. You might scour employment websites, the want ads in newspapers, or even rely on word of mouth. However, how you go about your search will make the difference between just envisioning your dream job and actually landing it.

In order to land your ideal job, you will need to have the most effective search tools at your disposal and be very creative in the process.

Finding Job Openings

It is well known that the most coveted job openings will not be posted on any job board or in the newspaper. Most of these positions are filled through referrals and networking. Many employers will only go to job fairs or career seminars because they are more likely to find candidates who are passionate about their careers and hungry for new opportunities.

A good place to start your search would be the college from which you earned your degree or any specialized training.

Many colleges, both large and small, have career placement departments that assist graduates in securing employment. They often have access to many opportunities that are not posted elsewhere. The placement department can also give you interview tips. You may have a fantastic resume – but it won’t mean a thing if you can’t land the job.

Be In The Know

Before each job interview, you should research the company and gather as much information as possible so that you will be prepared. It helps to know how long they have been in business, what other opportunities are available, the size of the organization, and its financial worth.

Your work is not done until you immediately send a thank you letter to your interviewer thanking them for their time. This simple act of courtesy can leave a lasting impression.

Your search begins and ends with you. You should know what your goals are and how to go after them. If you have a clear vision and a plan to get there, then you will find the right opportunity.

Recession can be a very stubborn thing.  Once it drops by, it can take a while for it to fade away and disappear.  However, that doesn’t mean that we should simply sit back and let it overcome us.  It can, after all, wreck havoc on our finances and personal lives.  In these tough times, finding a job already seems improbable – just imagine being in the market for jobs that are not affected by recession.  But take heart.  There’s still hope yet.  Here are top 6 tips for finding recession-proof jobs:

1. Look for jobs in secure industries.

If you’ve read the news by now, trying to get a job in an auto plant is like trying to get on an elevator that’s going down – and you’re trying to go up.  The same is true if you’re trying to get a leg in real estate.

Instead of wasting your time trying to join an industry that’s experiencing some bad times, try to set your sights on industries that have remained stable or are experiencing growths.  These include:

-    Health care (nursing, caregiving, special care, medicine, physical therapy and other support manpower)

-    Law enforcement

-    Information Technology (network administration, software design and development)

-    Support Services (customer service, administrative assistance)

-    Sales and business development (product management, retail and wholesale)

-    Engineering

-    Education (teaching, school administration and other related support services)

2. Boost your resume.

If an employer sees nothing promising or exciting in your resume, they won’t think twice about throwing your piece in the trash bin.  Before you try to hook a recession-proof job, consider revamping your resume right now.  Take a copy of your latest and review it.  If your resume is several months old, there’s a high likelihood that it needs a makeover.

3. Focus on accomplishments.

A common error among jobhunters is detailing their job descriptions in their resumes.  Although this is helpful in establishing their work experience, it may not always give the prospective employer a good idea of what you can do.  Emphasize on the results that you have produced instead.

4. Adapt your resume.

Typing out and printing a generic resume is a huge mistake.  Generic is average, which means that you have very little to help you stand out from the crowd.  If you want a recession-proof job, make sure your resume is something that your employers will find attractive.

Consider the industry you’re targeting.  If the job calls for someone who has a strong sales experience, emphasize your sales background.  If the job calls for someone who had been involved directly in marketing and promotions, show your qualifications in these departments.  The more relevant your resume says you are, the better you’ll be at landing a recession-proof job.

5. Expand your reach.

Other than advertised job vacancies, consider other venues for finding recession-proof jobs.  Look for trade magazines, papers, clubs and associations.  You could also tap your network of professionals in the same field.

6. Get further education.

In tough times, you ought to arm yourself with tougher credits.  One is by obtaining additional training or education.  Getting certified or expanding your professional qualifications will help make you a more desirable hiree.

Recession-proof jobs are usually the most popular among jobhunters who are probably considering the same strategies as you right now.  It’s likely that for every recession-proof job that is available out there, there are thousands of other jobhunters out to get it.  If you have better qualifications courtesy of better training and experience (in case you’ve had hands-on education or internship), you’ll come out as the best, most capable candidate.