Job search takes planning

The picture probably won't grow brighter any time soon. The job outlook for the near future is dismal, according to John Challenger, chief executive of the job outplacement consulting firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc.

"It does look as though we're heading into a deeper recession or slowdown," Challenger said. "It's likely going to have more far-reaching impact and lead to more layoffs, higher unemployment, longer job searches for people."

For those who fear they could be laid off, one strategy recommended by experts is to accelerate savings efforts, building up the equivalent of six months' to a year's worth of income to ride out a jobless period. Those wary of reentering the job market can take some proactive steps, according to Challenger, such as networking intensively within your community to improve future employment prospects and seeking supplemental training within your field.

Here are excerpts of his comments:

I think it's important to see yourself as a free agent. You have a right to look for another job while you're working. You have a right to take on secondary jobs to supplement your income. You have a right to take "career insurance" actions -- like being more engaged in outside activities.

It's imperative, almost, that you're out there involved in your community in various organizations, building relationships, because those are the best avenues -- other people that you know -- to jobs in the future.

Should workers seek extra training?

Many companies offer tuition reimbursement programs, and this environment is a good opportunity to take advantage of that, while you're still working. It always helps to know more about technology in your field, whatever your area of expertise is, and it always helps to get new skills. So by all means, adding education and training is valuable. But try to keep it relevant to your area of expertise.

What has been learned from previous downturns, in terms of steps people could take to avoid a layoff? Did they help?