8 Tips for How to Find a Job in a Bad Economy

By Margot Carmichael Lester, Monster Contributing Writer

A recession can be the toughest time to look for a new job. Whether you’ve just graduated, were laid off, or are looking for a new gig with a better title and higher pay, you’ll probably want to know how to find a job in a bad economy.

A high unemployment rate is the hallmark of a flat-lining domestic economy. But if you’re strategic in your job search, you can still find opportunities—even if it takes longer than you’d like.

To be a successful job seeker in a bad economy, you have to be calm, patient, and proactive—and try any (or all) of these eight tips.

8 Tips for How to Find a Job in a Bad Economy

  1. Pick and Choose Your Targets
  2. Concentrate on Growth Industries
  3. Work Your Network
  4. Sell Yourself
  5. Consider Freelancing
  6. Take a Temporary Position
  7. Sweat the Small Stuff
  8. Stay Positive

1. Pick and Choose Your Targets

Resumes, cover letters, follow-up emails, applications—job searches can be overwhelming even in the best of times. So if you’re searching for a job during a recession, you’ll need to start by prioritizing your search. Put your limited time and energy into the opportunities that really pique your interest and that you’re most likely to get.

One way to do this is to reach out to a few companies you’re interested in, even if they don’t have any current openings. When they have a new job opportunity, your name will be first on their list. And don’t be afraid of targeting positions that you’re overqualified for—they could be your “in” to a better job once you’ve proven to be indispensable.

2. Concentrate on Growth Industries

When the economy is rough, it’s a good idea to apply for jobs that do well in a recession. Top recession-proof jobs include:

If none of those jobs appeal to you, don’t sweat it—there are plenty of other methods for how to find a job in a bad economy that don’t require you to change industries.

3. Work Your Network

You never know what—or who—will lead you to your new gig. An old connection might found a new company or your summer internship manager might be looking for an assistant.

The secret to networking is to stay in touch and to keep attending networking functions in your industry. Putting yourself out there isn’t easy, but it pays off. So flip through your Rolodex or LinkedIn contacts and let them know you’re looking.

4. Sell Yourself

One essential tip for how to find a job in a bad economy is to take stock of your strengths and achievements. Job-search success is about more than learning about a company. Preparation includes learning how to talk about your career accomplishments in a meaningful and powerful way.

This is important when you’re writing your resume and cover letter, but especially during an interview. How can you project confidence when you feel anything but? Try creating a list of potential interview questions and typing up bulleted answers to develop talking points. Then, practice repeating your answers out loud to yourself or a friend or family member.

5. Consider Freelancing

To keep some money coming in while you’re looking for a new job, you can consider freelancing or working as a contractor. Part-time or side jobs can help you keep food on the table while looking for a full-time gig. Who knows—you might make a connection that leads to a 9-to-5 or find that freelancing is a better fit. So, if you’re in a field that supports freelancing, don’t think twice—just do it.

6. Take a Temporary Position

If freelancing isn’t practical, try temping. Interim staffing can fill a temporary slot for work that needs to be done despite a bad economy. Or temp with a company that interests you. Many temp roles pay well and can help you pay the bills until a permanent position comes along.

7. Sweat the Small Stuff

In a tough job market, don’t forget the personal touches. While a cover letter template can help you get started, don’t use the same exact cover letter for every application. Instead, make sure each letter addresses specific skills or qualities the company is looking for.

And always send a thank-you note or email after the interview. You can use this correspondence as an opportunity to revisit weak areas of your interview or to continue the conversation.

8. Stay Positive

The most important thing when searching for a job in tough economic times is to retain a positive attitude. Even in a job market with high unemployment, new opportunities crop up every day. Millions of jobs are available in the U.S. every month—and if each job seeker is looking for just one, those are pretty good odds.

Remember that it doesn’t matter how many jobs are or aren’t out there. You’re just looking for one job—the right one for you.

9. Join Monster to Find Your Next Job

Struggling to find a great job in a bad economy can be a drag, but undertaking even a few of these tips will improve your chances of landing a gig. Our last tip for how to find a job in a bad economy? Create a free profile on Monster. When you join, we’ll send you new job opportunities that match your background, so you don’t have to go looking for them. You can also make your profile searchable to the recruiters who have access to our candidate database. It’s an essential tool to have at your disposal during a tough job search.