While it's premature to officially date the onset of recession, we believe one will take hold, which will begin to undermine hiring. Indeed, if employers believe we're in recession, they'll start to cut back on hiring. We're seeing some anecdotal signs of this caution already as tech companies announce layoffs and jobless claims rise.

It makes sense, therefore, for job seekers to try finding jobs with companies that are less vulnerable to the economy's troubles. So, where exactly should people look?

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Thinking big picture, this means focusing on firms whose products or services people need day in and day out, even during recession. This includes health care jobs like those in hospitals, nursing homes and doctors' offices. Utilities and legal services are insulated from recessionary forces for similar reasons, as is education.