Jobfox names the top U.S. recession-proof jobs 7 December, 2008 By Vanessa Ho

The Jobfox rankings provide the first detailed look at the most recession-proof jobs following continued stock market plunges, the announcements of federal investment banking bailout plans and general consensus among companies and consumers that the economy is in a full-blown recession.

The rankings, classified by specific professions, reflect jobs that were in greatest demand by recruiters and other employer agents using Jobfox to search for and find new or replacement workers. The rankings of professions included in this report reflect the most wanted U.S. professions during a 120-day period ending October 28, 2008.

Five new professions made the top 25, which were medical administrative services; IT security; faculty positions in higher education; product management and human resource generalist.

Barry Lawrence, PR director and career expert with Jobfox, said that jobs in the medical field being recession-proof made sense as, "No matter what happens with the economy, people still get sick and need health care."

He added other jobs within the recession-proof list also made sense. Lawrence explained that companies will not cut-back on sales staff as they still need them to try and make sales despite recessionary woes. As well, customer support positions were important because once a company gets those sales they need these positions to keep customers happy.

"Once you have [customers], you don't want to lose them," he added.

Jobs falling out of the top 25 include database administration; advertising (online and offline); testing/quality assurance; research business analysis; and business analysis for software implementation.

Professions with the biggest moves up the top 25 include technology executives that moved up eight spots to number 16 and counseling/social work, which went up seven spots to land at number four.

"[The rise of social work] makes sense," said Lawrence. "The less educated folks are having the worse problems and will turn to those services & to avoid depression and other issues that can pop up in bad money times."

The biggest downward movers were mechanical engineering (down nine spots to fall to number nine) and electrical engineering (down four spots to number 14).

In addition recruiting jobs were also on the list of recession-proof jobs. Lawrence noted that despite current economic conditions, companies can't stop hiring and need recruiters because of churn. As well, companies need recruiters to help poach high quality candidates from organizations that are in bad financial positions.

Lawrence said jobs that tend to be not recession-proof are those that require less education such as construction work, retail jobs and working in a restaurant.

"Education and experience rule," he added. "The lower skilled positions are the most at risk & and those with more education, experience and skill, & are the people that move up the escalator. They are not moving as fast right now but they are still moving upwards. Most job seekers with skills will end up being okay and land on their feet."

However, he said that these knowledge workers also face challenges especially those coming right out of university.

"They will persevere to get the job they want and they are willing to take a job one step below or for a lesser salary," explained Lawrence.

As for Jobfox's next list of the top 25 recession-proof jobs, Lawrence said we can expect continued fluctuations. He noted that we will probably see continued strength in the IT world and maybe see IT security continue to move up the list. Lawrence also sees some retail positions do worse, depending on how the holiday season goes.