Keep developing
Azzarello urges workers to take charge of their career development instead of thinking the employer will direct progression. Ask for a challenging assignment. Target a skill, knowledge gap or business practice to master each year. "If you have been doing the same job, the same way, at the same level for 20 years, you are much more vulnerable than someone who has risen in the organization, continues to refresh his skill level and is consistently finding ways to contribute more value to the business. Also, if you have been at the same skill level, getting raises for years, you are more expensive than someone new who can do your job at the same level."
Continue to learn
Similarly, it pays to stay current in your field. "If you hold certifications or licenses, keep them up-to-date. If additional courses or an advanced degree will better position you to compete in the workplace, consider expanding your educational horizons," says Debra Yergen, author of "Creating Job Security Resource Guide."
Go the extra mile
"When you refuse to go above and beyond to get the job done, someone else will," Cohen says. Adds Azzarello, "Do more than your job. The people who are most at risk are the ones who do their job as written and never contribute extra value. Invent a process to increase efficiency. Solve a persistent problem. Create a technique to help sell. Improve customer service. Mentor others. When you do this consistently, you have a much better chance of keeping your job because you are known for always contributing more than others."
Be visible
We'd all like to think that hard work speaks for itself, but if no one sees your results or associates what you do with success, you are at risk. "Communicate. Present. Speak. Blog. Share. Know whose opinion counts and make sure they know how your efforts impact the business," Azzarello says. "Communicating is not political (or annoying) as long as it builds upon excellent results."
Seek out high-level mentors
The harsh reality is that when executives are poring over layoff lists, they are more likely to terminate people whom they don't know personally. Thus, it makes sense to build a network above and around your boss, perhaps seeking out select individuals as mentors.
"Make sure that someone in a position of influence understands the value you bring to the team," Yergen says. "If your position ever comes under review for a reduction in hours or force, having a powerful champion advocating for you will help secure your job."
Speak the language of money
Lastly, it helps to realize that the bottom line for a business is money. Without it, there is no company -- and no job for you.
"Salaries and benefits are the largest single expense most organizations face. So naturally, in times of fiscal constriction, workers who are least vulnerable are those who are either viewed as revenue-generating or those who are immediately necessary to keep the doors open," Yergen says.
Azzarello urges workers to take charge of their career development instead of thinking the employer will direct progression. Ask for a challenging assignment. Target a skill, knowledge gap or business practice to master each year. "If you have been doing the same job, the same way, at the same level for 20 years, you are much more vulnerable than someone who has risen in the organization, continues to refresh his skill level and is consistently finding ways to contribute more value to the business. Also, if you have been at the same skill level, getting raises for years, you are more expensive than someone new who can do your job at the same level."
Continue to learn
Similarly, it pays to stay current in your field. "If you hold certifications or licenses, keep them up-to-date. If additional courses or an advanced degree will better position you to compete in the workplace, consider expanding your educational horizons," says Debra Yergen, author of "Creating Job Security Resource Guide."
Go the extra mile
"When you refuse to go above and beyond to get the job done, someone else will," Cohen says. Adds Azzarello, "Do more than your job. The people who are most at risk are the ones who do their job as written and never contribute extra value. Invent a process to increase efficiency. Solve a persistent problem. Create a technique to help sell. Improve customer service. Mentor others. When you do this consistently, you have a much better chance of keeping your job because you are known for always contributing more than others."
Be visible
We'd all like to think that hard work speaks for itself, but if no one sees your results or associates what you do with success, you are at risk. "Communicate. Present. Speak. Blog. Share. Know whose opinion counts and make sure they know how your efforts impact the business," Azzarello says. "Communicating is not political (or annoying) as long as it builds upon excellent results."
Seek out high-level mentors
The harsh reality is that when executives are poring over layoff lists, they are more likely to terminate people whom they don't know personally. Thus, it makes sense to build a network above and around your boss, perhaps seeking out select individuals as mentors.
"Make sure that someone in a position of influence understands the value you bring to the team," Yergen says. "If your position ever comes under review for a reduction in hours or force, having a powerful champion advocating for you will help secure your job."
Speak the language of money
Lastly, it helps to realize that the bottom line for a business is money. Without it, there is no company -- and no job for you.
"Salaries and benefits are the largest single expense most organizations face. So naturally, in times of fiscal constriction, workers who are least vulnerable are those who are either viewed as revenue-generating or those who are immediately necessary to keep the doors open," Yergen says.