The country may be in an economic slump, but you can still move ahead at your current job—or get your foot in the door at a new one. In a recent Strayer Connections newsletter, Leslie Quander Wooldridge contributed an article on how to recession-proof your career. Below you can see some of the valuable advice offered in that article.

Now is the time to recession-proof your career by updating your job search skills and getting your resume ready to go while continuing to impress your current employer.

Refresh your resume. It is critical to update your resume with new skills. “Whenever you make a significant change in your job responsibilities, you should and update your resume,” says Cynthia Archie, a human resources manager at The Yellowstone Group. When it’s time to make a move you will already have an up-to-the-minute record of your expertise.

Experiment with interviews. Test the waters even while you’re employed—it keeps your interview skills sharp. “A lot of people go on interviews when they’re not really looking to change positions,” Archie says.

Learn new skills. Going back to school is an investment that can pay off down the road, says Frances Sullivan, human resources coordinator for the nonprofit Office of Human Affairs in Newport News, Va. “I highly recommend education as a way to stay marketable and current,” Sullivan suggests.
Even if you don’t need an additional degree, you can take short-term training seminars or individual courses. “Once you already have a degree, it’s easy to go back and get a certification,” Archie says.

Work for free. Giving back to your community can add greatly to your professional experience. And if you’re unemployed, volunteering can keep you busy and helps to fill in gaps in your resume, says Mary Johnson, CEO of a human resources consultancy in Lorton, Va.

“You can develop new skills, help qualify yourself for other things or maintain your skill set,” Johnson says, noting there’s no need to explain that you were not paid for your work. Just put your official title on your resume and list your duties and accomplishments.

Market yourself online. When searching for new opportunities, you can’t beat the benefits of reaching out to your circle of contacts. Post professional profiles on social networking Web sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook, and chat with friends and family—you never know where the next opportunity could be hiding, Archie says.

Sullivan also suggests joining a professional association in your current or desired field. You can access industry information, meet colleagues and potential mentors, and perhaps impress a hiring or current manager with your dedicated work ethic.