Announced Last Week: Unemployment Rate Reaches 7.7%, However Growth Industries Continue to Hire During Recession

Announced Last Week: Unemployment Rate Reaches 7.7%, However Growth Industries Continue to Hire During Recession.

With the unemployment rate steadily increasing since September 2008 and the unemployment rate jumping to 7.7% for the month of February, it’s time for job seekers to get creative within the task of job searching and think of new, innovative ways to proactively look for work. Joining social networking sites, associations and other networking groups are great ways for job seekers to meet hiring managers however; proactively seeking employment within industries that thrive during recessionary times will put those looking for work one step ahead of the competition.

Over the past few months, we at TorontoJobs.ca have spoken to hundreds of companies throughout the GTA conducting layoffs and hiring freezes. Despite the economic climate we have also noticed an upward trend in several industries and companies using our site to advertise their current openings.

Marc Belaiche, President of TorontoJobs.ca, states “Job Seekers really need to look towards future trends within the marketplace. Go where the jobs are going to be and plan ahead and know what industries are going to be hot.”

Choosing an industry that continues to grow despite the economic climate increases chances of finding employment. “Recession Thriving Industries” such as Security and Health Care are proving to be more resilient career choices.

TorontoJobs.ca List of the Top 5 Hiring Industries Include:

1. Legal Industry: As organizations continue to conduct layoffs, employment lawsuits will continue to rise. After discussions with several Employment Lawyers within the GTA, employment-related lawsuits have been on a steady increase since the beginning of the economic downturn. Positions within law firms that are seeing growth include: Paralegals, Law Clerks and Legal Assistants.

2. Health Care/Pharmaceuticals: Despite what is happening in the current state of the economy, everyone needs health care. Health Care not only includes Nurses and Doctors, it also includes Administrative, Customer Service, Pharmaceutical Sales and other roles within the industry. According to Statistics Canada, 31,000 jobs were added to the Health Care Sector in the month of February. Belaiche also says “Health Care will continue to be on the rise in terms of the amount of openings available within the industry. As the boomers continue to age there will be an increased need for Home Health Care Services and Nurses.”

3. Accounting: In the past 3 months there has been a 20% increase in the amount of Accounts Receivable positions listed on TorontoJobs.ca. This is due to slow collections and a need for companies to speed up their cash flow. Also, in a downturn, many businesses turn to their Accountants to find ways to increase profitability.

4.Engineering/Infrastructure: Ontario's Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, announced more than $1 billion for 289 infrastructure projects in Ontario communities with populations of fewer than 100,000 people. These projects across the province will create jobs, help stimulate the economy and improve the quality of life of Ontarians.

5. Trades/Construction: With the introduction of the 15% home renovation tax credit, the government’s plan is to create jobs within this industry over the next year, including: Retail Home Improvement Stores, General Residential Contractors and Manufacturers of Home Renovation Supplies.

Belaiche recommends “Selecting companies within the above industries within the appropriate geographic range. Narrowing down searching will make researching more manageable and will make sense to contact the Human Resource Professionals within these organizations. As spring approaches there are also seasonal industries that will be looking to hire. Industries such as Landscaping, Pool Companies and Golf Courses will have hiring requirements.”

Belaiche also recommends keeping up with up-to-date trends on an ongoing basis. “Rather than focusing on what jobs were in demand within the last 1-2 years, focus on what industries are trending higher.”

TorontoJobs.ca is a full-service recruitment organization, including TorontoJobs.ca Website, Toronto Jobs Newspaper, full-service Recruitment Firm and Outplacement Services. The local focus and advanced features make TorontoJobs.ca a vital asset for both job seekers and employers within the Greater Toronto Area.