Keith Crosley: This is sort of an aside, but I just completed some research where we found that the increasing number of layoffs is definitely having a negative impact on companies' IT security readiness. About half of large US companies told us that increasing numbers of IT staff have negatively impacted their ability to protect confidential, proprietary or sensitive information in the past 12 months!
In terms of people who are seeking jobs in today's environment, I'd definitely encourage them to use social media and social networking as ways of connecting with opportunities. Things like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. really have critical mass now and they make it much easier to "network" than in years past. Proactively let people know what you are looking for and what unique value you can bring and enlist your network of contacts to help find things that might be a match. My other tip applies at any time -- not just in a recession -- as a hiring manager, one thing that constantly amazes me is when interviewees don't express any enthusiasm for the job. When you get to the interview (and I know that's harder to get to that point right now than it's been at other times), if you're really interested in the job, make sure the hiring manager(s) knows it. Often, that's the thing that sets llone candidate head-and-shoulders above the rest. Enthusiasm wins.
Misha: Keep going in everyday knowledge / skills improvement.
Davd Oxley: Get connected! Join professional IT security groups, attend conferences, network with other professionals...the number of ways to do so are ever-increasing. Subscribe to blogs and stay abreast of recent happenings in the infosec world. Consider investing a bit in yourself in terms of books and software if you're really willing to put in the time and effort to learn the material.
Darrell Jones: Expand your search beyond your immediate skill/responsibility sets. Flexibility in ability and attitude are keys to success in a down economy. Additionally do not look at a demotion in responsibility as all together bad. It could provide for addition opportunities to learn new skills or even spend more time in your personal life. The last piece of advice I would provide is to remember that nothing last forever. Things will change.
Robert Newby: Use the time you have wisely, talk to everyone you can about jobs, but don't compromise on what you want. This downturn won't last forever, and when we come out the other side, you don't want to be in a job you hate, having to look for for another position.
Lawrence Pingree: Personal marketing, blogging, writing books and writing whitepapers is essential for you to become "known" in your industry. Think about it, why is Michael Moore popular? Why is Barack Obama well known? Mostly because they are good speakers and they do it often.
Robert McArdle: A lot of people are going through some very difficult times at the moment, in every country in the world and in every industry, but the IT security industry has actually survived better than most - even when compared to other IT sectors. Most modern successful businesses now realise that securing their companies networks and information is of critical importance in the world they find themselves in, and as a result security spending is one of the very last things to be cut from a budget.
For people who have lost their jobs but are interested in security, now is a good time to look at upskilling themselves. I've already mentioned some excellent course but these can cost quite a bit of money, however the investment can certainly be worth it. There are loads of free/cheap resources available however to introduce people to this industry - all of the blogs mentioned above and excellent books like the CISSP handbook, Hacking Exposed series and there are lots of good books on specific areas such as systems hardening and reverse engineering. Makes sure to put any skills you pick up to the test. For example, take a windows machines and learn how to harden it or create a virtual machine, setup a lab, and carry out your own pen tests. Learning security skills really improves the more hands-on approach you take.
This downturn can't last forever (I hope), and having a good solid base of skills will definitely help when job markets pick back up.
Sebastian Bortnik:I'm not qualified for giving advice in this matter. This kinds of problems in economy, and the crisis, are too difficult. Also, I have the luck to be employee and I have no experience in this environments.
But, to give an answer, I think could be a good tip to be flexible. If you lost your job, you could take advantage of new technologies to look for a job: internet, work from home (and to other cities or countries), social networks (like linkedin) and those kind of things, can be an opportunity.
Shakeel Ali :The recession period of 2008-2009 has left many of us unhappy. But trying to get another job is not that hard if proper skills and commercial experience is in your hand. Improving your skills and getting job specific certifications are considered more useful to get better placement. However, many employers prefer to have multiple set of skills (technical+management) to get the job done. On the other hand, from economy crisis perspective, it worth noticing from various media and conservative market research reports that the need for information security professionals will increase during 2009-2012. This may happen because of an active role of various government and commercial organizations to take e-security more diligently.
Richard Stiennon: No time like a downturn to switch your career direction. Get networking and I must say get writing. Start a blog on your uphill battle to switch careers. Post every day. Share what you are learning. People will find you!
Vijay Vedanabhatla: Its a good time to re-look at your priorities in life. There are many ways of getting food to the table. Choose the one that has been your hobby or passion. You might be surprised.
IT Security - What it Takes to be successful