One of the ways to cope with recession is considering a career change. Not too many likes the idea of changing careers during a downturn. However, if you have already felt the effect of recession –- say you’ve been laid off — why not give a different career path a chance?

There are some industries that have workers feeling more confident that even if they get fired, the demand is so great that finding another job would be very easy.

So how do you choose a career that’s right for you during a recession? Here are some recession-proof careers that are worthy of consideration:

1. Education

There is a great shortage of teachers. No matter how down the economy is, teachers will always be in-demand. Children will continue to go to school. Also, lots of unemployed adults may decide to further their education. Although teaching is not one of the highest-paid careers there is, making only about $30,000 to $45,000 a year, people will still settle for a career that does not earn more because they are tired of being unemployed for a long time. This is especially true for those who would want to try something new anyway or those who despise the roller-coaster rid that a corporate life offers.

2. Healthcare

Job hunters with Information Technology background are said to be a good fit to the healthcare industry – particularly nursing. This is because Nursing is an information-driven career. And, it is one useful career during a recession because healthcare is an industry that does not usually get affected during these times.

3. Auditing

Auditors are also usually unaffected by downturns. In a recession, individuals and firms are more probably doing their best to get more deductions. More people are monitoring their books, so the demand for auditors or accountants is much greater.

4. Energy and Utilities

Energy consumers may cut back, but the consumption will not stop. The same with utilities, people will still light their homes. So, jobs like maintenance and utility administration prove to be more stable than others during a recession.

5. Pharmaceuticals

As long as physicians prescribe drugs, people are still going to take them. This means that if you are working as a pharmacist or as a quality assurance analyst in pharmaceutical laboratory, you are in good hands.

6. Military

Since the military is always hiring, particularly during wartime, during a recession soldiers will not be that affected.  Serving the military also means that most of your living expenses will be covered.

7. Security

Recession does not stop crime. With the increase in layoffs, more people are considering robbing banks and doing other crimes. So, the need for security workers becomes greater.

8. Environmental Sciences

The convenient truth is that the eco-friendly trend is not going anywhere. This means that choosing a career in environment-care-related industries can be a good career choice.

9. Government

Working for the government can be one of your best choices during this downturn. This is because many stable jobs can be found in the federal government. The government will not cease from functioning even during crisis.

With that variety of career choices, it will not be that difficult to find one that will save you from this economic situation.

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.