This article, the first in a three-part series, outlines some of the most critical strategies for recession-proofing your career as offered by career coaches, counselors, resume writers, outplacement consultants and recruiters from the US and abroad. Remember: It's always a good time to take control.

Don't Panic

When the employment market takes a tumble, people panic. If they are currently employed, they hang on to their current jobs for dear life. If they find themselves out of a job, they frantically start updating their resumes, applying for every job they see advertised, calling every recruiter they know and making rash decisions.

Smart career management calls for a calculated and organized approach, even when your back is against the wall. Resist the urge to panic. Take a few days to collect your thoughts and look at your situation objectively. Determine what needs to be done, assemble a plan, gather support and go forward with a clear head.

Start Now

If you know you are going to leave your current position or if you're concerned about possible layoffs, start your search campaign now. Don't wait until you've already left your position.

This does not mean you have to get hundreds of resumes out. However, you should always have a current resume, keep abreast of impending changes in your current company, be aware of economic trends and constantly network to keep your name visible.

Demonstrate Your Value

News of layoffs across many economic sectors has some job seekers wondering if they should just stay put and ride out the storm. On the other hand, job seekers who understand how to demonstrate value will find numerous employment opportunities in a recessionary economy. As employers begin to focus more heavily on the bottom line, prospective employees who can document value will be key to the future successes of large and small businesses alike.

Climb Ahead

Do you ever wonder why some people easily climb the corporate ladder and others don't? It's simple: Climbers know the difference between their identities (who they are) and their roles (what they are), and they don't allow their identities and roles to overlap. Climbers know their identities never change, although the roles they play will. At work they are managers; at home they are spouses.

It can be easy to fall into a victimized state after an economic downswing. Realize nothing can affect your identity unless you relinquish control of who you are. You will play several roles in your lifetime and choosing to play the role of a victim will directly affect your attitude, passion and purpose for living.

Know What You're Hard-Wired to Do

When you've lost your job or the economy is hitting a downturn, you may be tempted to grab any job you can get or sell yourself to match job requirements. But if you've talked your way into something that doesn't fit you, you will be more vulnerable when there are layoffs. Yes, it helps to find out what's out there when job-hunting, but first find out what's inside you.

Aptitude testing is the only way to know for sure what you are hard-wired to do and what your natural abilities are. Research has shown people who work in alignment with these innate talents are more satisfied, productive and likely to retain their jobs. What's more, they're also better able to market themselves when they can articulate these strengths.

What's the difference between career testing and aptitude testing? Most career tests rely on what you report about your personality, interests, skills or values -- important pieces of the career puzzle. Unfortunately, the results do not always provide accurate, new information about you. However, aptitude testing is based on how you actually perform on specific tasks or problems. This testing reveals strengths that may never have come to light in work or school, for they do not depend on education or experience.

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