We've put together some quick advice to help you prepare for the daunting, yet potentially exciting, process of finding a new job.

IF YOU THINK YOU MIGHT LOSE YOUR JOB

While everything may turn out fine, there is always the possibility that your dot.com may be the next one to go down.

Here are a few things that you might want to have in place, just in case.

NURTURE YOUR RESUME

Updating your resume is much easier to do when you're actually on the job than it is when you are sitting at home wondering where your next paycheck is coming from. If you are still at work, the recent outstanding accomplishments and important projects that you want to include in your portfolio will still be fresh in your mind - and just as importantly - close at hand.

Nurture your resume by adding each significant project to it as you complete it. By doing so, you won't have to dig through old files or remember what tasks you worked on last quarter, or even last week.

A PENNY A DAY

The job market is a little slow, at the moment. As a result, your job search could take a bit more time than you expected. If you have not already created a savings fund, this would be a good time to do so. It's an excellent idea to have a reserve stashed away against any potential lean periods. Try not to live check to check. Take a fair amount out of each pay-check, instead, and tuck it safely out of the way in case you suddenly need it. One of the simplest ways to do this is to arrange for 'direct deposit' - an automatic deduction from your paycheck to your savings account.

Also, try not to use credit cards and, instead, work to pay off as much debt as you possibly can.

NETWORK. NETWORK. NETWORK.

Make a list of the companies you'd most like to work with, should the opportunity arise. Familiarize yourself with each of your industry's trade magazines and user-group web sites. Find out who can get you in the door, at those companies. Joining a trade association will help introduce you to more of those crucial contacts in your field. If you wait until the moment you are laid off to start networking, then your task becomes much harder. Start now.

IF YOU ALREADY HAVE BEEN LAID OFF

Okay, so the worst case scenario has arrived. Don't panic! If you follow the following guidelines, it is possible to be back at work - and in a better job - in no time at all.

TAKE STOCK OF YOUR FINANCES

The first thing you'll need to do is assess your financial situation. Do you have enough money to support yourself for the next few months? If there is severance pay or you have managed to put aside some savings, then you probably have some breathing room. If not, you may want to explore other options. Borrowing from either your family, your 401(k) or from your life insurance are just some of the more obvious possibilities.

TAKE STOCK OF YOUR TALENT

Next, you should take an inventory of your creative skills and strengths. This could be the perfect time to re-examine which industry you'll most likely find successful placement within. If there is a proverbial ‘silver lining’ here, getting laid off may be the ideal moment for a career change. Get in touch with any of the networking contacts you’ve been nurturing. An informational meeting with someone in your field, or a field which you may now be considering, may give you clear and strong direction.

DON'T PANIC

As hard as it may be, try to ignore the temptation to rush out and start interviewing. The experience of a recent lay-off can often leave employees angry, confused or even a little depressed. And anyone interviewing you for that next job may pick up on that energy.

Take some time to relax and reflect. Since layoffs are suddenly becoming common place, rest assured that you are not alone and try not to let any bitterness affect your job search. Think of it as a 'work-sponsored retreat' of sorts. A chance to reassess.

To re-evaluate.

And, once you've taken this time, you will be more than ready to take the next step in your career path.