In order to get ahead, there are some key areas you should focus on to stay competitive and to grow your career during a turbulent economy. To help you with this, we've created a list of top tips for managing your career in a downturn.

1. Communication skills:

Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential, including the ability to work closely with a variety of stakeholders within, and outside, your department.

2. Technology expertise:

It's critical to stay up-to-date on the latest technological innovations. Being able to maximise the use of new technology not only makes your job easier but also increases your value to a potential employer. If you need to learn how to make best use of a new application, consider taking a computer or software class through a college or university programme, or participate in a local software users' group for the product you would like to learn more about.

3. Global perspective:

There's a strong demand for certain professionals (such as accountants and IT specialists) with international business skills. Indeed, organisations are seeking professionals who are not only familiar with global trends, but possess an understanding of practices in other countries. For example, in the accounting field, many firms have for some time been interested in hiring those with expertise in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) to meet new industry regulations.

4. Never stop learning:

Continuing to build your professional skills and knowledge is a key way to increase your marketability. How? Businesses actively recruit candidates who've taken the initiative to further their education, from obtaining an MBA to pursuing a relevant regional certification program. And here's another bonus to additional education: research from Robert Half shows that a graduate degree or professional certification can increase your starting salary in a new job by up to 10 percent.

5. Recharge your network:

That next big break might come from your network. To evaluate how active your own contact list is, ask yourself when the last time was that a colleague or industry peer asked you for advice or information. If nothing comes to mind, it may be time to recharge your network. One key tip is to pick up the phone. Call one of your contacts and invite him or her to lunch; face-to-face meetings can do a lot to build your future efforts. And if you're worried about lay-offs, networking becomes essential. Now is the time to reactivate your network. Attend industry events, update your LinkedIn profile, and get in touch with recruiters who can give you a sense of the job market and keep an eye out for you.

A final piece of advice:

You'll have a hard time achieving your full potential unless others are aware of your expertise and accomplishments. Pursuing new challenges, such as volunteering to participate on special project teams – particularly those that save the company time or money – will help you steadily build visibility and better position you for future advancement opportunities.

To find a job, you need to do more than scour the want ads. In fact, knowing how to look for a position can be as important as having the right qualifications. Following are strategies that can help you make the most of your job search efforts- and increase the probability of finding a rewarding position.

1. Think of your career search as a job unto itself

• It takes time to research and locate your ideal position
• If you are unemployed, make this task your full-time job; if you're employed, set aside time every day after work to devote to the search

2. Narrow your focus

• Before you blanket the market with CVs, spend time thinking about what you want from your next position.
• Make a list of the five most important criteria for you, whether it's non-profit based work, extra time with family or a management role.
• Consider your preferred skills and related background.
• As you review job opportunities, look for those that match your priorities, talents and experience. This will help you zero in on a position that will not only pay the bills, but also make you happy to go to work each day.

3. Explore every option

• Internet job portals, company web sites, staffing firms and classified ads are all good places to conduct your search.
• Universities are also usually well-prepared to provide assistance to alumni seeking employment. Take full advantage of these services.

4. Know the marketplace

• Try to objectively assess how in-demand your skills are, based on current job openings and the availability of people with your experience.
• Talk to recruiters or other experts in your field who may be able to provide insight.
• Attend job fairs to get in touch with in-house recruiters for a number of companies and keep an eye out for lectures, courses or seminars; you may meet someone who works in the field you're pursuing.

5. Create a winning CV

• Quantifying your achievements. For example, if you completed a project under budget, state what the projected numbers were and how much you actually spent. This will demonstrate your value to potential employers.
• Tailor your CV and covering letter to fit the most important criteria in the job description. However, be careful not to misrepresent yourself: If you only know the basics in PowerPoint, don't say you're an expert.
• Your CV should have a professional appearance: Proof-read it carefully, and choose a legible font and point size. Use cream or white paper if you're posting the CV, and create a format-friendly electronic version using ASCII, for example, when sending your CV by e-mail.

6. Network, network, network

• You can tap the "hidden" job market by developing a list of contacts through friends, family, former co-workers or alumni.
• Make it your goal to speak with five or six people each week for advice, helpful information and job leads. Always be polite and courteous, and be prepared to return the favour.

7. Create a "pitch"

• When you are telephoning contacts for advice or leads, have a brief description prepared.Four or five sentences that describe who you are, your background and what you are specifically looking for from the person you are calling.

8. Develop strong interviewing skills

• Make a good impression at an interview by showing that you've done your research on the company. Before the appointed time, request company literature and locate industry-related articles at your local library or on the Internet.
• Ask yourself questions such as, "What are the company's strengths and weaknesses?" Make a list of what you could contribute if hired for the position.
• Research basic interview questions and prepare your answers- just be careful not to over-rehearse.

When searching for a job, it's always a good idea to go the extra mile by conducting research, creating a top-notch CV and preparing carefully for each interview. It takes perseverance and dedication, but with the right tools, and a bit of luck, you'll land your ideal position.

Are you concerned about your job security in the current economy? To assess whether your job may be at risk, we've put together a list of six signs that may indicate that you're about to be made redundant:

1. Cost-cutting measures are being implemented.

The "paperclip memo" that describes the need to reduce expenses, for example, could be a tip-off that personnel expenses are also being considered for cuts. However, it's important to note that many companies that are belt-tightening right now aren't necessarily looking at staff reductions, so this alone isn't necessarily cause for concern.

2. Your workload is lighter than usual.

If you have less work to do or find that projects are being redistributed to other co-workers, this could indicate that there isn't enough work to justify keeping all of the staff, or the company is redistributing the workload in anticipation of staff cuts.

3. Your work is slow and cyclical in nature.

Not having enough work to do is a sign that your function isn't as vital as it once was. Companies that are looking to trim personnel expenses often focus on departments or positions in which the work is cyclical and the day-to-day workload could be supported with fewer people.

4. You aren't considered a revenue generator.

Do you contribute directly to the generation of revenue or the reduction of expenses? If the answer is "yes," you may be in a fairly safe position. If your department is viewed as more of a "nice to have" than a "need to have" in the current environment, you could be on shakier ground.

5. You are no longer included in meetings.

When a company is preparing to lay people off, they may not include them in strategy sessions or other meetings because they feel it's unnecessary.

6. Your boss is showing more interest in the status of your projects.

This could indicate that your boss wants to get a better sense of how things are done and what still needs attention so he or she can reassign these projects in the event of redundancies.

If any of these signs are familiar and you need to speak to someone for career advice, feel free to contact a consultant in your local office.

How to produce the most effective CV.

checkAt some stage in your career you will need to produce your CV. It remains the most commonly used form of introducing yourself to employers or recruitment agencies. Below are some guidelines on today's style and parameters for writing your CV.

Any single version of the CV should aim to cover 2 pages and no more than 3.

• CV preparation can be organised to provide you with a database of skills, experience and achievements from which you should select material to reflect the requirements of the specific post.
• Put the most important matching points first, even if they are less important in terms of your present job, or were skills or achievements that go back some time.
• Put your current age as well as date of birth but do not feel obliged to add superfluous details about your marital status, children, religion or political affiliations, etc.

A CV should begin with a short summary of who you are.

• Make sure that this is objective and avoid all the subjective cliches such as 'excellent self-starter', 'good team player', 'natural leader and good communicator'. These qualities can be demonstrated through your tangible achievements which follow in the CV.
• The opening statement can be tailored to pick up on the key features of a given job description.

Illustrate your achievements.

• It is not sufficient to simply state the posts and responsibilities that you have held. It is vital to illustrate how well you have carried out this work through your list of achievements.
• How does an achievement differ from responsibility? An achievement is a statement of how you have added value to an organisation.

Make sure to sell yourself.

• Always express your skills and qualities in the present tense - you may not be using them right now but you still have these facilities.
• Positive features need to jump off the page.

CV should be printed and well designed.

• So that the material is clear and visually attractive yet so many CVs do not reach this standard. Make sure that yours does, otherwise it is a complete waste of effort.

Be objective.

• Get someone independent to look at your CV when you have completed it - not a friend or family member. Be prepared to refine it a number of times until it is right.

Do not forget your skills outside of work.

• There may be something that you do in your personal time that has a direct bearing on your suitability for a particular post.

Remember that your CV will form part of the script for the interviewer's questions.

• Do not allow gaps or unclear explanations to take up the precious time allotted to you so, try to neatly match their requirements.

A CV should also give some idea of your future potential.

• If you are presently studying for an additional qualification, say so.

Functional and chronological CVs.

• The most widely accepted style is the chronological CV.
• Career history is presented as a series of appointments with the achievements listed against each one.
• Presented in reverse date order, with the most recent appointment first.
• More space can be allocated to the more recent positions, since these are where your most important achievements are usually found.
• In some situations, however, a functional CV is acceptable and may be more appropriate.
• This is where you group together your skills and experience under `functional' headings.
• It can be helpful to produce a functional CV even if it is just for your own reference.

DO

• List your professional, higher education qualifications and O/A Levels with school details.
• Show recent vocational training.
• Include genuine foreign language skills.
• Include your unusual interests.
• Add a note of any publications and/or external positions you hold.

DON'T

• List every training course you have ever attended.
• Indicate race/nationality/politics, etc.
• Indicate your computer skills.
• Say 'O Level French' if you can't hold a full conversation.
• Put down mundane interests.
• Include present salary details.
• Give references.

In today's electronic age it is easy to forget the basic courtesies of applying for a job.  E-mailed applications should be treated no differently to snail mailed applications and the importance of some form of covering letter should never be under-estimated. The covering letter can be described as the trailer to the main feature and its main function is to get your CV read.  It is a chance to make personal contact and provide a link between yourself and the position for which you are applying. 

The following checklist should help:

• Mention three points that highlight your specific expertise in the area relevant to the job.  Then mention three points explaining how your achievements show that you can add value to the company.
• Avoid making the letter too long -four short paragraphs should be sufficient for you to make your point succinctly.
• Make sure all your contact details are available and if you are due to go away on holiday make sure you include that too.  There is nothing worse from a recruiter's point of view than ringing up a candidate to invite them in for interview only to find that they have gone away for two weeks - you may end up missing out.
• Try to avoid flowery language and too much use of the word I, especially at the beginning of paragraphs - focus on the company's requirements rather than your own.
• Structure the letter into four parts.  An opening paragraph telling the employer who you are and what you want; a second paragraph outlining what you have to offer emphasising any specific relevant experience or skills; a third paragraph telling the employer why you would be of value and a closing paragraph stating clearly when you are available for interview.
• Always tailor the letter to the job for which you are applying - a covering letter to a bank is unlikely to be the same as one to, say, a media production company where you may have more scope for creativity.
• Keep it concise - if you elaborate too much you lose the effect.  Recruiters are busy people and they need to have their attention grabbed quickly when looking through large volumes of applications.
• Don't try to be too clever and get your personality across in the letter - save it for the interview.
• Check grammar and spelling meticulously - sloppy spelling will get your application straight onto the reject pile.
• Always write to a named individual - and again - check and double check the spelling.
• If you are snail mailing then always send a typed application unless the employer has specifically asked for hand-written letters- use white or cream unlined paper.

For many of us, the term 'etiquette' might bring to mind ideas about the right way to set a table or make introductions at a formal dinner party. But avoiding job lapse is more than that. In any market, potential employers consider attitude and professional demeanor heavily when evaluating candidates.

Here are some guidelines on job search etiquette to help you find - and land - the position you want.

Do research the company

• Find out as much as you can about the organisation before the interview.
• Check out the firm's web site for its mission statement and goals, as well as the business' past financial performance.
• Read analyst ratings, scan the company's annual report or search for media coverage.
• If possible, talk to someone who currently works at the organsation or has worked there in the past.
• Your research helps you at every stage of the job search process. By using this information to help you prepare your covering letter and questions for the interview, you demonstrate initiative and convey your interest and enthusiasm in joining the company.

Do remember the art of written communication

• Your CV and covering letter make a powerful first impression - one that ultimately decides whether you advance to the interview stage.
• Take the time to customise your covering letter to each contact.
• After an interview, promptly send a thank-you note. It's a courteous, formal gesture that has a lasting impact.

Don't play the "cat and mouse" game with salary

• Give an honest answer, if the job requirements have been outlined it's in your best interest.
• Being evasive or naming an unrealistic figure (if the topic comes up earlier in the process) can harm your credibility.
• Do your homework before you arrive at the first interview by researching salary levels in your industry.
• To determine starting salaries for jobs comparable to the one at hand, check with industry associations or staffing agencies.

Do make the best first impression possible

• The interview begins as soon as you arrive at the company.
• Keep in mind that you may be evaluated just as much in the waiting area as in the interview itself.
• Make sure you are friendly to the receptionist, office assistant or anyone else who may greet you before and after the interview.
• If you are discourteous to a receptionist or anyone else in the company, it will negatively impact your chances of getting the job.
• In a survey commissioned by our company, 91 percent of executives said they consider their administrative assistants' opinion of job candidates asan important part of the selection process for positions at all levels.

Do show respect for others' time

• Beyond being punctual for interviews and responding promptly to requests for references, this rule also covers timing issues once you receive an employment offer.
• If you're not prepared to give a yes or no answer immediately, thank your contact and promise a response within a few days.
• Stretching out your decision time beyond a few days could convey a lack of interest, and may also inconvenience the prospective employer, who may need to fill the position quickly.
• If you choose not to accept the job, inform the hiring manager immediately. This will give him or her a chance to offer the position to someone else.

Everyone you meet during a job search has the potential to make an impact on your professional growth. Any contact could become your next employer or a key networking resource. By following the rules of job search etiquette, you'll show professionalism and a drive to succeed - essential qualities for every job seeker.

You've submitted your CV, made it through the initial screening process - now you're ready for the interview. With so much competition in the job market, this is your opportunity to demonstrate you're the best person for the position. The way you handle yourself during the interview is only one of several factors that ultimately determines whether you get the job, but it is one of the most important nonetheless.

The good news is, you can generally prepare in advance for questions you may be asked. The following are some typical interview questions - and some insights on what a hiring manager may be looking for in your answers.

"Tell me a little about yourself"

This is the ice-breaker of the interview world, and it's always a challenge to answer because it's so broad. The best approach is to narrow the scope of the question by focusing on those aspects of your background that make you qualified for the position. From there, you can talk about your interest in this particular job and company.

"Tell me about your last job"

Most interviewers are looking for a direct link between your responsibilities in your most recent position and the job they have open. This is your chance to highlight your transferable skills and talk about specifics, including who you reported to, the number of people you managed, how your position fit into the company's big picture and the contributions you made. Make sure you aren't general in your answers. Tell the interviewer what your job entailed day to day and how those responsibilities have prepared you for the current position you're seeking.

"What are your weaknesses?"

This one can be the bane of the interviewee's existence. After all, it's difficult enough admitting your downfalls to those you know well, much less someone whom you've just met. This isn't the time to beat yourself up: don't talk about all those projects you started but didn't have time to finish at your last job. Instead, be candid and brief. Maybe planning wasn't your strong suit in the past, but you've found an organisational system that keeps you on track.

"Why should I hire you?"

Don't get caught up in what may appear to be an easy answer ("because I'm the best person for the job"). Instead, hone in on specific qualities that make you a good fit for this position. Talk about what you know about the job from the description and how you can make a significant contribution. Then relate examples of your skills to back it up.

"What's the biggest problem you faced in your last job, and how did you solve it?"

An interviewer who asks this question is looking for insight into what you consider a challenge and how you would handle a difficult situation. Come prepared with two or three examples of difficulties you overcame on the job that are relevant to the position for which you are interviewing.

"What kind of salary do you require?"

Generally, it's better to postpone discussions about salary until you have a thorough understanding of the job responsibilities and what the employer is willing to pay. But in case it does come up early in the interview process, be sure you know your monetary requirements and market value. Your perceived "value" is generally the basis of most companies' salary decisions.

The questions covered above are not all-encompassing, but you will probably encounter many of them during the interview process. By practicing your answers in advance and knowing what not to say, you'll be well on your way to a successful meeting - and maybe a new job as well.

No matter what your reason for seeking employment, searching for a job is hard work. Scanning help-wanted listings, researching companies, sending out CVs and attending multiple interviews can be a lengthy process.

If you're like most job seekers, you're elated - or at least relieved- when your efforts result in an offer. But before you rush to accept a position, take the time to consider it fully.

Here are some guidelines to help you determine whether a job is a good fit for you:

Consider the job description

This may be the single most important factor in assessing an offer from a potential employer.

Ask yourself these questions:

If the answer to any of these questions is no, accepting the position might make you miserable.

Evaluate the company

How well do the firm's corporate values fit with your own? A business that expects 12-hour days when you only want to work eight is probably not a good fit for you. Also consider the work style of your future boss and co-workers try to assess whether or not there could be personality conflicts down the road.

Review the compensation package

How does the salary they're offering compare to what you made in your last position?
Take a look at the benefits package. How attractive or generous are the perks (stock options, tuition reimbursement, holidays, etc.)? If you're considering two offers, these additional benefits could be the deciding factor.
If an offer meets most of your requirements but doesn't include a benefit that's important to you, it doesn't hurt to ask if that perk could be included in your agreement.

Careful consideration of the issues discussed above will help you reach an informed decision to accept, negotiate or reject the offer. If, after evaluating each of these points, you are still unsure, listen to your gut instinct. Maybe there is something about the corporate culture that makes you uncomfortable- if so, it's probably wise to trust your instincts and decline. Accepting a new position is a big step and you want to go into the arrangement knowing all the facts. With a thoughtful analysis of the pros and cons you'll be prepared to make the best decision for your career.

Working a room can uncover hidden job opportunities at the executive level, as long as professionals avoid some common networking errors. Networking mistakes are easy to make, especially for those who are out of practice.

Failing to keep an active network can hinder your employment prospects if you suddenly find yourself in the job market with no contacts or references. It is far easier for people to find work when they have established connections.

Outlined below are several common networking mistakes and tips to avoid them:

• Assigning staff members to attend most industry events.
  If you delegate this responsibility entirely, you risk missing out on valuable networking opportunities. Make an appearance at professional association meetings whenever possible.

• Skipping the networking reception preceding a business function.
  Arrive early to mingle with other guests or the speaker before the program begins. Scan the sign-in sheet to see who's arrived, then seek the people you want to meet.

• Limiting your circle of contacts.
  Expand your network to include professionals at varying experience levels, not just your peers. Look outside your industry for potential contacts. You never know who might have the right connections.

• Overlooking new venues.
  Networking isn't just for business occasions. Make an effort to meet at least three new contacts at social gatherings such as sporting events or holiday parties, and always carry business cards with you.

• Having a hidden agenda.
  Be up-front if you're looking for assistance in your job search, and be prepared with a 15-second sales pitch. Others will appreciate your candor and be better able to help you.

• Being overly aggressive.
  While it's important to communicate regularly with people in your network, avoid becoming a disruption.

• Failing to write down pertinent information.
  After meeting a new contact and exchanging business cards, jot down a few notes about your conversation on the back of the person's card to jog your memory later.

• Lacking appreciation.
  Always let people know you value their help. A simple thank-you note or e-mail is appropriate.

• Giving up.
  Even if those you meet aren't able to help you, maintaining your network and your positive attitude ultimately will lead to new opportunities.

Networking with colleagues has the added benefit of creating new business opportunities. Even if you're not in the job market, staying in touch with others in your industry provides a chance to brainstorm strategies and share best practices for remaining competitive.