If you are out of work, obviously your top priority is to find a new job. However, you're wise to focus on maintaining your professional development given the rapid changes that occur in our industry.

First, take comfort. You are not alone, especially these days, in having a chapter of your career that you would like to leave out of the story.

A degree in public relations is not necessary when attempting to find work in the PR industry. A classic liberal arts education with demonstrated intellectual achievement in a wide variety of disciplines, such as English, science, or business will be very attractive to a multitude of agencies.

Usually what you need from your manager is direction, feedback, or support based on a business need.

When crafting your resume, it's important to remember that resumes serve two purposes - as a door opener and as an interview leave-behind.

Richard Nelson Bolles, author of the career handbook, "What Color Is Your Parachute?" describes informational interviews as "trying on jobs to see if they fit you."

regional manager of Paladin Recruiting and Staffing

Partner at Exchange Place Partners

VP, Makovsky & Company

VolumePR, president, founder, and CEO