Is Your Job Safe? A Recession Checklist

Is your job safe?

U.S. payrolls were slashed by a bigger-than-expected 80,000 in March, confirming for many that the housing downturn and credit crunch may have pushed the economy into recession. The Labor Department says it was the third monthly decline in a row -- and the biggest in five years.

Jonas Prising, Manpower’s executive vice president for North America, offered CNBC some tips to protect your career -- and stay ahead of recession fears.

1. Define your career objectives.

- Look objectively at the role you have within your organization and compare it to the role you want. What specific skills do you need to get there?

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2. Be aware of the skills that are needed within your industry/career and act on it.

- This information is available through industry trade publications, online resources or government agencies.

- If your position is on the list of America's Hardest Jobs to Fill, get trained, get active and be ready to relocate if necessary.
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Click on Video below for entire interview:

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3. Seize and embrace opportunities for:

- Training
- Relocation
- Networking opportunities

4. Be open to temporary or contract work in an industry you want to enter.

- 15 years ago a worker could expect to have, on average, two jobs between 18 and 38 years of age. That has changed dramatically. Now workers average 10 jobs between 18 and 38 years of age.

- What does this mean? The world of work is always changing. Embrace those changes that get you closer to your goals.

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5. Taking control of one’s career isn’t as difficult as it sounds, even in a challenging labor market.

- Training doesn’t have to involve advanced degrees, workshops, online courses, or even a "webinar" over a lunch hour can make an employee more relevant to their employer.

- Employers are offering incentives for those with the skills they want such as flex time, telecommuting, job sharing, etc.

- Find a mentor who’s doing what you want to do – this isn’t just for younger individuals.

Jonas’ bottom line: The responsibility is on the employee to find ways to keep their skills up to date and marketable.

© 2008 CNBC.com