The U.S. automotive industry has always been a cyclical business, but its near-collapse in 2008-09 and the subsequent bankruptcy of two of the three largest domestic automakers was more than a cyclical downturn. As light vehicle sales and production slowly recover, the industry has started to hire again, though with caution. In an industry known for its cyclicality, automakers and suppliers now understand how best to structure their business to attract and retain workers, and, hopefully, how to weather future downturns. Workers who can wear many hats, solve problems, and see the big picture will have a leg up in the revamped and revitalized automotive industry.