Reasons why job searches can and should continue during a recession were highlighted in a very interesting article published at the end of last year. Antony Oliver also wrote in his piece for nce.co.uk about this troubled period for the country not being the time to abandon talented graduates.

One of the points made was that employers are always looking out for the best talent available, whether there is a recession or not. If you feel you are undervalued or just excellent at your job and looking to progress, then there is no need to delay any job search.

Whilst Oliver was looking specifically at the civil engineering industry, this principle can be applied to any jobs within the construction industry. The best are always sought after whether you are in marketing and sales or a builder, so always keep your CV up to date and get the help of a top agency such as HR UK Recruitment.

The article also called for employers to learn the lessons of the recession in the 1990s when many firms chose to cut their graduate recruitment. As a result many skilled civil engineers were lost for good resulting in a shortage in that area now.

Hopefully these lessons will have been learned by employers, although clearly companies in the construction industry will have some tough decisions regarding recruitment in 2010. However, employees feeling undervalued or in need of a change can carry on the job search inconspicuously and test the water as you never know; this could be a career defining year.