How to make your job layoff-resistant

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Jim Lanzalotto, vice president of staffing company Yoh, says workers more likely to get fired are those who “aren’t close to the customer. If you’re working on non-core, or infrastructure projects, or 'nice to have' kind of projects, it’s a tough environment to stay successful now.”

If you’re on the team that’s working on a major company product or service, he says, then you probably have job security, as opposed to support or back office staff.

But, he admits, “A lot of times it comes down to the relationships you have in an organization and the perceived value you bring to the table. It’s not always people who are suck ups, but people who’ve built relationships.”

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Their perceived value may be greater than actual value is, he adds but enough people like them and decide they can stay.

So, is it time to take your colleagues out for drinks after work or start learning jokes so you become the worker everyone loves?

Not a bad idea. No one’s going to paint a layoff-target on a worker who everyone loves.

Rich Gee, a career coach, suggests you “stop having lunch by yourself, at your desk.”

“Have strategic lunches once a week — get out of the building, meet a colleague, a friend, or a new acquaintance — get the skinny on what is happening outside of your circle,” he says. “Talk to everyone you meet. Not just exchange pleasantries. Ask them questions, look interested and then ask more questions.”

Here are some more tips from Viscusi’s upcoming book on how to keep your gig:

Perfect the art of looking busy — being active makes a great impression. The boss should never wonder whether you have enough to do… because you should always have things to do.
Come in early, stay late. (Even when there is nothing to do.) This aggressive stance as a hard-working employee is always remembered when it comes time to decide who will be on the chopping block.
Look good — dress for success. Look the part — neat hair, clothes, and invest in whitening strips for your teeth. (Yes, whitening strips.) Be sure to dress appropriately for your work environment. Be sure to look professional and not stick out. Stay away from exaggerated colors and styles.
Take initiative — volunteer for the hard assignments that no one else wants. (As long as you are sure that you can accomplish these tasks well.) Taking on a project that you have no chance of completing successfully can be as damaging as not taking initiative at all.
Share credit — this shows a lot about what kind of person you are, and in difficult times, a positive personal trait like that may help you keep your job.

But if you do get that pink slip, remember, don’t take it personally and move on!

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