As the UK battles its way out of a recession, talk of doom and gloom in the jobs market is inevitable. However, the jobs are still out there as Second Post can testify – there are nearly 3,000 jobs on site now.

But with competition fierce, you’ll want to be sure you’re one of the top candidates for any job you apply for and make the most of the opportunities on offer. Here are our top tips for job hunting during a recession.

Achievements are your unique selling point
Redundancies mean there are many more people vying for each job who will be clamouring to prove they are the best candidate. While putting your skills on your CV is important, proving you have put them to effective use is even more valuable to a recruiter. Consider what you have done with your skills such as improving efficiency, driving an increase in sales or slashing costs to prove you can put your skills into practice.

Consider re-training
Internships, placements and voluntary roles can be ideal ways back into work. Internships and placements provide the opportunity for a career reboot in a different industry or role, although you may have to take a pay cut. They may be fixed-term periods of employment, however at the end of your agreed time with a company you may be offered a permanent position. Volunteering may be free, but it can be an excellent way to forge new contacts for jobs while giving something back to society and putting your skills on display.

Consider a recession-proof industry
Healthcare, utilities, teaching, food. Some industries are essential and will provide job stability in times of hardship as they are vital for the country to function. Although the jobs may not be your preferred industries, they do offer safety from becoming the victim of drastic staff cutbacks and perhaps learn new skills at the same time.

Network
Now is the time to make full use of your web of contacts: as the old saying goes, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know”. More and more jobs are given to candidates who are in some way known by those recruiters, or have friends who can vouch for them in the company they are applying for. Ask your friends, use social networking sites and generally use every opportunity you can to find out where the work is and if someone can put in a good word for you.

Go it alone
If no one wants to hire you, hire yourself! Becoming self-employed generally takes two forms: starting a business or freelancing. Starting a business in a recession is not the best time to find venture capital or go into the unknown, however if your idea will bring the money in, go for it. Alternatively, if your occupation allows, freelancing can be an ideal way of finding work. Many companies will outsource work in a recession where staff cutbacks have meant permanent roles don’t cover every job all the time, but  it can be a stressful tact to take as in times when there is less work available. Freelancing can also help build up contacts and lead to a more permanent position.