Keeping your job in the time of layoffs

In tough economic times companies are often forced to reduce costs. Unfortunately, this often means reducing the labor force. If they can get by with one person covering the responsibilities of two people, they will certainly do it. Here are some ways you can avoid the chopping block in your company if downsizing is on the horizon.

1. Become irreplaceable

Identify the urgent, unmet needs of your department and work diligently to meet them. Work overtime to solve these problems and offer more than one solution to your boss. Volunteer to implement the solution. Your enthusiasm and problem-solving skills will go a long way to making you indispensable.

2. Volunteer
What are the tasks that no one wants to do? Is there after hours work that needs to be done? What task does your boss hate to do? Volunteer for any of these and once again you will demonstrate your added value to the company.

3. Watch the company you keep
There are chronic complainers at every workplace. You know the kind—they talk about how unfair company policies are, how what they do is unappreciated, how management doesn’t know what they are doing, etc. Even if you don’t participate in the complaining sessions, just being associated with the naysayers will implicate you in negativity. Make sure you always come across as positive, even by association.

4. Look your best
Companies spend a fortune on their image and you should look like an extension of that image. This doesn’t mean you should spend a fortune on your wardrobe, it just means you need to be conscious of your look and don’t get lazy about it. Your image affects your confidence, credibility and authority.

5. Maintain modesty
Bragging or grabbing the spotlight is never a great quality, but especially not when jobs are on the line and companies are looking to keep only their best employees. Work harder, be indispensible but don’t boast about it. Humility is a professional quality that can help your image as much as hard work can.

6. Don’t stand back
If you are going to demonstrate your value, you will have to step forward. You will have to be visible and memorable. The anonymous people are easier to let go. Don’t be shy. This does not give you license to be boastful about your work ethic. Remember that you want to be noticed, but only with positive attention.

7. Adjust your expectations
If it is time for your annual review and the company is facing financial problems, don’t go into your review expecting a big raise. Better yet, volunteer to push your review off until things have settled down. This will likely be appreciated. Similarly, don’t look for bonuses, company lunches, big travel tabs or any other extras. This demonstrates your understanding of the situation and willingness to be part of the solution instead of part of the problem.

Keep your options open. Check out the jobs on www.collegejobbank.com.


Becky Papp has been a professional writer for 20 years, working for newspapers, magazines and corporate communications. She currently contracts for clients all over the world, writing online and print articles, newsletters, blogs, and e-books. She resides in Phoenix, Arizona.