I've been an executive recruiter for over 40 years, so I've seen the economy in good times and bad.
 
Right now, according to the latest Yahoo.com survey in August 2008, 53 percent of U.S. workers polled said they thought that the job market would get worse in the next six months. Additionally, 28 percent said they wanted to look for a new job but were discouraged to do so because of the poor economy.
 
However, with crisis comes opportunity if you know how to adapt your tactics and career game plan to an uncertain job market.
 
One of the most powerful weapons in your job search arsenal is a strong resume. Now, is the perfect time to ask yourself and your trusted friends and advisors if your current resume is the best that it can be.
 
If it could be stronger, then get to work.
 
Take stock of your specialized, transferable and general skills, as well as your personal attributes, and then re-craft your current resume into a more effective representation of you as a potential employee.
 
If you don't know what jobs are out there, then visit job websites, watch business news shows and read industry trades to find out what career fields are hiring -- and what skills-sets are currently in highest demand.
 
Another essential job search tactic includes networking aggressively and using your contact base of friends and family to help prospect for new job leads.
 
Be proactive not reactive.
 
Use the Internet to post your resume on job boards. Create a target list of potential employers and work on perfecting your networking skills for social situations that could lead to referrals on job opportunities.
 
Be the “Commander in Chief” of a well-planned job search campaign that identifies and targets job opportunities that are right for you based on the research you have conducted. Be prepared to act quickly when the right job opportunity pops up by having a strong resume that is truly the best that it can be.
 
If your mission is to land a job in a down economy, it's up to you to be resourceful, persistent and diligent.