With unemployment rates climbing to a whopping 5.7 percent and almost daily reports of industry giants closing their doors, many of us have that queasy feeling of impending doom in the pit of our stomach. And unless we're lucky enough to be in a "recession-proof" career (if there's such an animal), the lingering question on all of our minds is whether or not our jobs are safe in these tough times.

Embracing the company mission and goals is a good way to strengthen your position. Companies often have expendable positions, and you should make every effort to set yourself apart from others by exemplifying the core tenets of success which the company leaders have set out. Make yourself visible. Come early and stay late. Make suggestions. These will announce to the management that you are an engaged and active player in the business at hand.

Since many companies have corporate offices in other states, the likelihood of your hard work and accomplishments standing out to them is lessened. You must do whatever you can to impress your local supervisor so that the message can be conveyed up the corporate channels. Being proactive is in your best interest at times like these.

So, here are some proactive steps to take while you still have your job. Update and revamp your resume. Polish up your interviewing skills. Consider your options. Do you have the skills to move smoothly into another career if necessary? Or will you need to go back to school for more training? Begin networking to let folks know that you may be looking for a job soon. Start circulating your resume to local companies and online career sites.

If a job loss seems like it may be possible, you should certainly curb any large purchases and immediately begin to pay down your debt. Signing up for credit insurance to help cover your bills is a good idea if you should be out of work. Unemployment is usually collectible, but know that it will only be a fraction of what you earned while workilng. It is important that you keep your head up and keep a positive outlook if you should indeed lose your job, because as they say, when one door closes, then another opens. You just need to be ready to turn the knob.