Right now, there’s still a talent shortage. But several sectors, including tech, are starting to experience large-scale layoffs. With high-interest rates and increasing inflation, most economists suggest a recession is imminent. The big question is how severe it will be and how it will impact jobs.

Let’s hope we escape a recession and jobs remain plentiful.

But if the opposite occurs, will you be ready? Are you confident that you could find another job that would give you the same satisfaction and reward as your current job?

Here’s a short checklist of things you might consider:

1. Are you clear in your mind, and can you describe the job you would be looking for to someone else?

2. Do you have some money set aside, or could you trim your family budget so you could stay afloat for three or even six months while you find another job?

3. Are your skills up-to-date and marketable? Is this the time to do some additional training?

4. If somebody asked you how your skills could be transferred to another job or industry, could you answer that question?

5. Can you describe the type of organization you would like to work for?

6. Is your resume up to date, including your current job?

7. Do you know how to write a cover letter conveying your qualifications for a particular job?

8. Do you have a list of references, including their up-to-date contact information, ready to go?

9. Do you have an established social media presence, particularly with LinkedIn and Twitter, and do you actively participate in discussions and posts?

10. Do you have a well-developed network of contacts you could immediately tap into?

11. Are you already a member of any professional or business associations to help with your networking?

12. Are you familiar with online job boards and how they work?

13. Do you know the recruiters in your area and their fields of expertise?

14. Would you be comfortable making cold calls to employers you might like to work for but may not know?

15. Are your interviewing skills well-polished? Are you prepared to answer difficult interview questions?

16. Do you know the technique for making a strong and favourable first impression in an interview?

17. Do you know the types of questions you can ask in an interview and the ones that will impress the interviewer?

18. Can you confidently state your salary expectations and support this with credible external research for comparison?

19. Do you exercise regularly and live a healthy lifestyle? Are there other personal habits you can develop to help you through a stressful and perhaps prolonged job search?

20. And lastly, do you look professional? Are your wardrobe and overall appearance appropriate for your age and industry?

It never hurts to be ready.