We all know that the economy currently has some challenges (that’s putting it mildly), and that it will continue to impact companies staffing decisions for sometime to come. Typically, this puts people into what I refer to as a defensive career posture where they are simply making sure that if negative events (RIF, outsourcing, etc.) happen at their company they aren’t the people involved. But unless you're like the guy I spoke with this morning at Wachovia Bank who is hoping to make it the six more months until retirement before the ax falls, then you’re most likely to be better served keeping your eyes wide open and truly understanding your career situation.

What we mean is:

• Look critically at your prospects with your company, and if they are looking to cut headcount, what is the likelihood it impacts you?
• Look constantly at other options- Not necessarily interviewing, but be well informed of the possibilities
• Proactively connect with current and former peers/managers as well as recruiters to build your network in preparation for the worst (try www.linkedin.com)
• Check out the websites of the recruiters that you work with for job postings and their blogs for updated information about interviewing and market details

While we don’t’ pretend any of this will guaranty success of a job search during a downturn. We do believe that if you do all of this you should be able to roll with the punches and end up in a manageable situation coming out the other side.