5 Tips for Keeping Your Job

Companies are reacting quickly to any changes in the economy or negative signals from the stock market. They’re canceling projects that were “full speed ahead” only a few months ago. Companies may get rid of entire departments, axing good performers along with bad. Or, departments across the company may be asked to cut staff by a certain percentage.

Regardless of how a company cuts staff, employees can reduce the likelihood that they will be cut – and even get ahead! Think of it as your own personal “public relations” campaign. Get on the good side of your bosses, and make yourself indispensable.

1. Keep your skills up-to-date. Companies get rid of people whose skills are obsolete and replace them with workers who are already trained. Take classes, join trade organizations, prove you’re plugged-in.

2. Take initiative. Get leading-edge assignments. Don’t let choice assignments go to someone else. When your organization decides who has crucial skills, will you be included? Don’t get a reputation as someone who simply does what he or she is told to do. Volunteer for critical responsibilities, including tasks for which your boss is responsible. Pick your head up, look around and get in on the action. Doing your job well is not enough.

3. Show only your good character traits (reliable, honest) Are you seen as someone who tries to get away with doing as little as possible, lies to get ahead, or irritates management and peers in other ways? Don’t get caught acting adolescent, and don’t take part in office gossip. If you’re known as a jerk, a staff cut-back may be a good excuse to get rid of you – even if you have great skills. Don’t lie about your expenses, don’t spend all day writing e-mails to your friends, don’t stay home with the sniffles. With a cut-back bearing down on them, your bosses will not be as likely to overlook your flaws.

4. Make yourself visible to those above you in the corporate pecking order. Make sure everyone knows about your great work and what you bring to the company. The elevator story.

5. Find out what it takes to get ahead. Notice what others who are successful are doing,. Have a formal meeting with your boss.

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