How to Recession Proof Your Career

We’re currently living in an economic climate of uncertainty. Each day we keep reading about the future and big companies and investors are hinting at the idea that there is possible an economic recession looming. As we don’t know if it’s a recession or not yet, there is so much fluctuation that it’s safe to err on the side of caution. Here are four ways to recession-proof your career in uncertain times, so regardless of what’s happening on Wall Street, you have the confidence and skills to advance your career.

1. Show How Effective You Are

When updating your resume, be sure to showcase your accomplishments using action verbs and metrics to show the impact you made. Instead of simply listing your tasks and responsibilities, find ways to turn those responsibilities into accomplishments. For instance, instead of saying you fielded phone calls, say you engaged with more than 50 customers a day to help them make purchases that exceeded $10,000 in revenue a week.

The amount of time recruiters spend reading resumes seems to decrease each year, it’s something like seven seconds, so describing your work experience in a way that helps you stand out from the other applicants by showing how you get things done, will put you on the path to making your resume recession proof. 

2. Expand Your Skillset

This is a great time to invest in your future and continue learning. Find out how you contribute to different parts of your current organization by speaking with leaders at your current place of work. A lot of people changed jobs in the last two years and managers are looking for ways to increase retention (keep employees from leaving) and they’re more likely to get on board with your desire to continue your education and train to optimize your skillset. This way they have an employee on staff with this additional knowledge and you’re happy that they helped you grow—it’s a win-win. If you’re between jobs, this is also a great opportunity to find gaps in your skillsets and find ways to close those gaps to make yourself a more marketable candidate. 

3. Keep An Eye on Industry Trends

In any kind of time (certain or uncertain), it’s a good idea to keep tabs on industry trends. Recognize areas where your industry may be thriving as well as struggling and understand what’s happening in the space in relation to you. Actively share content or commentary (that’s constructive) with peers or on social media, like on LinkedIn to let others know you know what’s happening in your space. By staying on top of these trends you can think about the qualifications you have and if you should be pivoting into a new field. Or gaining knowledge in a new area in your existing industry.  

4. Be Positive

Organizations want to work with innovative and energetic people. These types of people keep spirits up and things moving forward by having a sunny and contagious outlook. 

The best time to start recession-proofing your career is before an economic downturn hits, but anytime is a good time to take the steps to keep your career moving forward.