Layoff-Proof Your Job!

If you’re going to keep your job in this economy, you will have to make yourself indispensable to the company you work for. How you do that involves many factors, including integrity, a strong work ethic, morality and some other personal and professional qualities.

Sit back for a moment and ask yourself the following questions:

> Am I grateful for my job?
> Am I typically on time for work and meetings I am scheduled to attend at work?
> Do I complete the work expected of me?
> Can I be depended upon to finish all my work on time?
> Is the work I complete of good quality?
> Do I assist where needed, or, at least, help others out with understanding work processes?
> Do I dress for success where appropriate?
> Is my behavior professional at work?
> Do I complain to others at work about my job or other coworkers?

If your answers are an emphatic, “Yes!” to all questions, except the last bullet item, then you’ve made a good effort to keep your job. There are other actions, however, you’ll need to incorporate to stand out, and become indispensable and layoff-proof.

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Ask yourself the following additional questions. Deliberate carefully and honestly before you respond.

> Do I keep myself updated on the latest industry technologies?
> Do I take training, when available, to improve my skills or my portfolio of expertise?
> Do I specialize in information no one else knows? Have I made myself a subject matter expert, the go-to person for a specific area of expertise?
> When I take an issue to the boss, do I always have a plan of resolution prepared?
> Do I have a bachelor’s degree, or higher, in a pertinent industry specialization, or am I taking classes toward that end?
> Do I have any certifications that make me stand out – e.g., PMP certification?
> Do I research topics that come up in meetings with management to ensure my understanding, and to broaden my ability to provide valuable input?

Again, if you answered, “Yes.” to all of these, too, you are well on your way to keeping your current position, and even positioning yourself for a promotion.

If you think you are indispensable, though, you better think again. There are many who thought they were irreplaceable who are now standing in the unemployment lines. That means you’re going to have to step outside of that cubicle and see the bigger picture of the employment world.

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Room for Improvement

Even if you’re the subject matter expert, your position can be replaced by outsourcing. How many times have we seen that happen? No matter how excellent your qualifications, there have to be other alternatives that you take into consideration. You have to ensure you have a job going forward, even if your current position is eliminated. Also, you need to realize that no matter how well you do your job, there is always, always room for improvement.

Take a gander at the suggestions below as to how you can make the need for your skills more obvious:

Education Assistance – Take advantage of the education assistance program your company provides. If you’ve got your bachelor’s degree, go for your master’s.
PMP Certification – Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is obtained from the Project Management Institute (PMI) via George Washington University. Many job postings today state a preference to those who are PMP certified. If your work will pay for this training, take advantage of it. If not, and you can afford the training, pay for it out of pocket and get certified.
Cross-Training – Consider your professional environment. Are there other areas of interest you may want to pursue within your work group or in another work group? If you find that it could help your group by learning other skills available in another group, ask your manager if you can shadow another employee or group for a day or two during activities related to the new skills. This will broaden your skills base and position you more strategically as a “keeper” in your department during a layoff.

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Training – If management will approve it, take advantage of specialized training, either through your own company or elsewhere. This can only help your portfolio of skills, even if you end of being laid off.
Certifications – Whatever you do, it will always benefit you to pursue certifications. Whether you’re a plumber, an electrician, a corporate employee, or in any other line of work, certifications in your area of expertise will make you stand out from those without certifications. You can achieve many certifications online. Search the web for available programs.
Work Smarter – Keep in mind, no matter how well you do something, you can always do it better, do it smarter. Are there some processes that can be automated that will not only save the company time, but money? Look for ways to streamline business, to cut costs, use less expensive methods – e.g., schedule conference calls in lieu of face-to-face meetings, and schedule travel to necessary meetings on cheapest days to fly – Tuesdays, in particular. Look for ways to piggyback off existing processes, instead of using development dollars for creating new ones.
Brag – Make your boss aware of what you do and how well you do it. Mention to him when you’ve finished a project and if you finished it early. Also, make your manager aware of how much you do. Be discreet, but do keep in dialogue with your manager to ensure he is aware of your contribution to the company and work group. If your work ethic is stellar when a layoff is pending, and you’ve been in communication with your manager regarding your successes, your name won’t be the first mentioned in the layoff lineup.

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Here are some behaviors that might make you stand out in your job retention efforts:

> Keep yourself healthy, so you won’t be calling in sick – e.g., take those One-A-Day’s!
> Show up a couple of minutes early for better preparation, finish your work ahead of schedule, dress for success (when appropriate), be grateful for what you have, be considerate and respectful of your coworkers, acknowledge the successes of others, be honest in your communications and don’t demean anyone to anyone else. You’ll find that creating an atmosphere of kindness will open big doors for you.
> Finally, add that little extra touch that makes you stand out in your job – e.g., take on projects with a good attitude and sense of humor. Don’t take yourself or others too seriously. Humor can help you get through the most difficult days, but make sure it’s genuine and appropriate for your work situation. Also, make sure you find a good balance between work and play. If you’re working 60 hours a week, skipping lunches and breaks, you’re not going to be the easiest person to be around either at work or at home.

Careers Surviving the Recession

The upside to the current job market is that there are positions that will survive the recession with fervor. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics lists the fastest growing occupations in America, and includes the highest level of training that is typically required for each.

Some of these professions may surprise you. Here are their top 10:

> Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts
> Personal and Home Care Aids
> Home Health Aides
> Computer Software/Applications Engineers
> Veterinarians /Veterinary Technologists/Technicians
> Personal Finance Advisors
> Makeup Artists – Theatrical and Performance
> Medical Assistants
> Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors

Layoffs and bankruptcy are the top two reasons why unemployment lines are overflowing with warm bodies today. Be ready for anything. Regardless of how your current job plays out, make sure you keep an updated resume on hand. You may need it in the near future.

Keep your eye out for other job possibilities in case yours becomes a casualty. Post your resume on all major online job boards, especially if it appears that layoffs are eminent. You never know what the future holds, and you sure do want to be as prepared as possible for what may come.