By Rex Roy, for AOL Find a Job

It's no secret that in this market, jobs are hard to find. The secret is picking the right kind of job to look for, so that if the economy stays in the tank, your new job won't.

Career expert Laurence Shatkin, author of 150 Best Recession-Proof Jobs, states, "I'm not a fortune teller, and nobody's job is 100% secure, but I identified these based on information from the U.S. Department of Labor."

We've taken a look at what Shatkin had to say and done some research of our own so check out these eight steps. They can help give you a roadmap to finding a new career:

1. Invest in consumer staples

People always need to live. While the market may be down for cosmetic dentistry and Disney cruise lines, those who work to provide food, basic health care, utilities, and home health aids (soap, toothpaste, etc) are doing just fine.

2. Recognize and meet the need

Some professions are always hiring. Especially if you're headed back to school, consider the following career tips (Shatkin suggests that if health care is an option you choose it):

• Personal/home health aide - look into health aid training.
• Medical assistant- check out medical assisting online courses.
• Mental health counselors/social workers, especially Alzheimer's and autism specialists - study psychology.
• Network systems and data communication analyst - many IT degrees are available online.
• Law enforcement/detective work - when times are tough people do crazy things - check out criminal justice and security training.
• Education, especially math science and bilingual - online education degrees are available but be sure you check with your state board of education for teacher certification requirements (this could be a great way to put your long lost history or philosophy degree to work!).
• Paralegal/legal assistant (when money's tight who wants to pay a lawyer if they don't have to?) - look into paralegal schools or legal assistant training.
• Computer software application enginee - go after a degree in computer programming.
• Financial services - this requires no explanation - get your MBA in finance, head to accounting school or check out an online financial degree.
• Employment services - another no-brainer - get your human resources management degree and the general population will be knocking at your door.

3. Find your vice

Research also shows that bars, taverns and tobacco manufacturers lose very little business in times of economic hardship. In fact, some studies show that sales on luxury items actually show increase in difficult times.

4. Network

When times are tough, who you know sometimes matters more than what you know. Friends can help friends.

5. If you're young, go for the careers of the future

Math and science are on the rise. Recent research shows that graduates holding engineering degrees make upwards of $20,000 more per year than equally ranked liberal arts classmates. Look into renewable energy, gadget engineering, computer security, network systems and data analysis. And remember, we're living longer so the need for long-term health care and financial planning has never been greater.

6. Learn to lead

Our current college population is great at obeying but struggles with leading. Businesses look to hire take-charge individuals. Pick one extracurricular to invest in (instead of trying to do everything) and raise your rank. Prospective employers would much rather see that you as president of one society than a nominal member of 10.

7. Speak up

Your communication skills are key. Not only do you need to be able to sell yourself to your interviewer, but throughout your business life your ideas will be worth nothing if you can't communicate them clearly. Invest in a public speaking course.

Test these tips in your own career search.

Next: Best Degrees In This Economy >>

Turn the information in this article into a future. Learn more:

• View Degree Programs
• Networking Communities
• Learn to Lead