While everyone talks about economic crisis, it's time to assess what impact it can have on your career. First, do not panic. Nobody knows for sure how the turmoil in the financial sector will spread the so-called real economy. The crisis has a direct effect on the labor market. Some professionals feel the impact more than others, says the headhunter Jeffrey Abrahams, director of Abrahams & Associates.

Everything depends on the sector in which your company operates, the health of her book and the position you occupy. According to the Institute of Applied Economic Research (IPEA), you need a very strong impact on the economy to create a scenario of reduction of vacancies in the labor market. For now, what is affected is the pace of creating new jobs. One thing is certain: it does not affect his career at the moment the economy. Proceed with caution, but do not stop their plans. People tend to paralyze the projects, which is very dangerous, because the crisis will pass, says Karin Parodi, head of consultancy Career Center in St. Paul. Beside, we have assembled 21 tips for crossing the stage of unstable economy with little impact on career.

How is my career planning?

Check out the recommendations for the next professional steps:

1 - For those who are employed, it might be better to wait before making a career move. Wait for the next unfolding crises. Currently it is difficult to assess what is a good fit, says Elaine Saad, general manager of Right Management in Sao Paulo. Change in time of uncertainty is only worthwhile if you realize that there may be in a company downsizing.

2 - The chances of finding better opportunities are greatest at the beginning of the year when companies are beginning to implement their projects and tend to hire more. If you can wait, stop the search for employment now and only return to the market in January.

3 - Inform yourself as to whether the crisis will impact your career. Talk to colleagues and friends. Verified that as the crisis affects your company. If she has traded, ra confidential quarterly reports.

4 - If you are dissatisfied and want to change jobs, get as much information about the company you plan to visit. This will prevent you change your bad job, but stable as a stolen - and end up without either.

5 - The decision to do an MBA should not only take into account the current scenario, it is fleeting. Think how it fits into your career in the long term. But if you have to calculate breath to play the course. If the MBA is abroad, Yukiko Takaishi, area director of career transition, consulting Mariaca, São Paulo, recommends an even greater caution. With the fluctuating exchange rate, the value of the MBA can escape the control of the student.

What are the most affected sectors?

Some markets have already reacted to the crisis. See how it is his job:

6 - Enterprise Brazilian exporters are most difficult to obtain lines of credit in international market, making it difficult to sell their products abroad. If you work in a company devoted to foreign trade, should be wary of how it can finance their exports. The good news for companies in this area: the possible increased value of the dollar will make Brazilian products more competitive in international market.

7 - The banking sector consolidation talk in the market. Public banks and large private institutions may buy small banks with cash flow problems in the coming months. Already in the large, there are even opportunities. Itau and Unibanco, for example, Brazilians are recruiting an MBA abroad. Over the past two months, executives of these organizations were in the United States to seek professionals to their areas of retail, corporate and wealth management.

8 - Among the investment banks, the U.S. financial market crisis is forcing Brazilian executives who work on Wall Street to pack and return to Brazil. Every American investment bank has, on average, about three or four Brazilians, says director of a multinational consulting human resources. This return movement will cool the war for talent in the industry, mainly in investment banks, and give us a brake MegaBônus that were being paid to executives.

9 - The IT and telecommunications companies may be impacted if the dollar continues, which will increase the price of imported equipment. But turbulent times present opportunities for companies in the industry. There's room for services and products that promote efficiencies and cost reductions through technology, explains Thaddeus Fucci, president of CIMCORP, IT services company, from São Paulo. The battle for skilled workers should continue. Those who have a higher degree of expertise and knowledge of high-tech companies are still disputed, said Thaddeus.

10 - Automakers like Honda, Volkswagen, Fiat and General Motors have given collective vacations to their workers, but did not connect, officially, the extent of the crisis. There is also predicting layoffs in the industry. With exports forecast to fall in 2009, the sector will depend more on how he will react to market. If the credit crunch lasts, there may be reductions of positions in this market.

And the pay, what now?

There may be changes in its mix of benefits in the coming year:

11 - To ensure that the results collapse with the economic turmoil, companies should prioritize short-term incentives such as bonuses and commissions. It is a way of keeping staff motivated, says Pedro Pinheiro, a compensation specialist consultancy Mercer, Sao Paulo .

12 - In a scenario more difficult to achieve a result, many companies are redoing the plans for the coming year. Some may even include bonuses for smaller goals, but achievable in the face of unfavorable market. What is certain is that the rigor with which does not meet the results will be greater. When the pressure increases, the patience of the company with bad outcomes decreases, says Peter Pike, Mercer.

13 - Salaries should rise despite the crisis, according to estimates by Mercer. So if your performance review is good, do not be shy to negotiate a raise. The consultancy is forecasting that the executive salaries grow 8% in 2009.

What changes in my day-to-day?

Skills valued in the face of an unstable scenario:

14 - The adaptability characteristic of professionals capable of shaping the different scenarios quickly gaining importance. The companies value those who can work well outside the comfort zone, says Karin, the Carrer Center.

15 - Good leaders help keep people motivated during the crisis, especially youths, who have never lived a similar situation. We must move on and calm optimism, keep the good mood and keep the self-esteem and led, suggests Elaine, of Right Management.

16 - The power of concentration is difficult to maintain when the crisis tightens. People are so preoccupied with themselves that they forget the job. Stay focused. The company can not reward their commitment, but it will help maintain your results. With a good performance, you will stand out, says Elaine.

17 - Among the financial executives, the market is going to appreciate those who help the company save money. Who is creative in the use of techniques and instruments stand out, says headhunter Jeffrey Abrahams.

18 - Skilled salespeople know that the crisis is an opportunity to stand out. It's time to listen to the needs of customers, says Jeff rey.

My job is at risk?

Measures that can help in time of a possible replacement:

19 - Make a financial plan to balance the next 12 months. Avoid wasteful spending. The higher their reserves, the calmer you will have to analyze the employment opportunities that arise.

20 - Begin to evaluate more carefully what kind of career move would be most interesting to you. Ask questions like: What I want to take charge? , In which companies I want to work? . At worst, what is the range of salary reduction you would accept?

21 - And, of course, take these basic steps: strengthening the networking, rewrite your resume, make a list of his main qualities and professional accomplishments.

Posted By: S / A - National - p. NA 72/75: Career