Let's be honest. Times are tough. If you have a job, chances are it could be in jeopardy. Downsizing and layoffs are running rampant.
Of course, there are no guarantees anywhere, but by following these four tips you greatly enhance your ability to hang onto your job.
1. Become Indispensable
You want to be the "go to" person. Find something that's important to your company and latch onto it. If it comes to layoffs you want them to say, "We can't fire Lindsey, she's the new business person." Or, "We can't fire Connor, he's the logistics guy." It's even better if you become the all-star in an area that makes the company a lot of money.
2. Take on More Work
Here's what happens during layoffs. Departments of 15 become departments of five, but none of the work goes away. When management is deciding who will make the cut, they look for people who can carry the load. Start volunteering now to do the extra assignment, to take on more work, or to pitch in on the big project.
3. Network
Usually, we think of networking as a way to get a job, but in times like these you have to network inside your company. A common misconception is that your boss decides if you stay or go during a layoff. The fact is, it's often a team of very senior managers making the call (for all you know, your boss is getting fired). If they don't know who you are or if they have never seen you, it's much easier for them to pull the trigger.
I've been in the room during layoff discussions and management will say something like, "Does anyone know Eric from legal? No? All right, let's get rid of him."
You have to do what you can to make sure senior management knows who you are. That might mean coming in very early so your division head sees you working at 7:30 a.m. when he gets in. Maybe you work up the courage to make small talk with the COO at the company holiday party. Or perhaps you volunteer to work on the pro bono project headed up by your senior VP. Make sure they know you!
4. Have a Great Attitude
Sometimes, it's almost worse to be one of the folks who doesn't get let go after a big layoff. Morale is down, people are hurting, and the work still needs to get done. If you happen to be Debbie Downer before the layoffs, or if you love to spread gossip and rumors, that could mean your demise. Companies are looking for people who can pick up the pieces and keep charging ahead after a big downsizing. I know it's not fun right now at the office, but keep your chin up and don't complain.
If you're worried about your job, keep these tips in mind as you go to work. They just may make you fire-proof.
Brad Karsh is president of JobBound, a career consulting and resume-writing firm. One of the nation's leading job search experts, Brad Karsh is author of "Confessions of a Recruiting Director." If you have a question for Brad, email him at jobtalkin@yahoo.com.
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