When is the best time to look for a new job?

Richard asks: When is the best time to look for a new job?

In answer:
It is always a crazy market out there for jobs, but particularly at present. Even if you think your job I secure in your current post, you should always be doing the following.....

Always keep an eye on what is available – spend a few minutes each week surfing your favourite internet site, or reading the local and national newspapers jobs section. You may realise what you are doing is not what you want to be doing
Always keep your CV/Resume up to date – the best time to look for a new job is when you are comfortable in your current one, about 2+ years in to the position
Always increase your skill set – employers will often invest in ambitious employees through college or professional education programs, but make sure they are externally recognised/benchmarked. These make you more valuable to the employer - and even if you are released, it makes you more employable to others in a better position
Be kind to the people you work with – at least pretend to like them! Go to events organised by the company and outside organisations like unions of professional staff groups
Save some cash – have enough for around three months of redeployment, so you are not desperate to take the first job offer
If you are fired – don’t take the first severance offer: NEGOTIATE!

Good Luck!