5 Tips: How to Keep Your Job During a Layoff

Employers often tend to lay off individuals whose contributions are not considered to be as necessary to the success of their company. The more skills you possess, however, the more "marketable" you are and the more your boss is likely to need you to stay onboard.

Update your current skills and learn other skills that are highly beneficial to your workplace, especially computer, tech and communications skills. If you have to take some courses or classes, do it to increase your fields of expertise. When you are efficient and capable of being able to do several things, instead of just one, your chances of being kept on by your employer increase.

When you are at work, you need to be professional at all times. Being unorganized, coming in late for work, taking too long for lunch breaks, being lax with projects you were assigned and kidding around too much makes you look like a slacker.

This will definitely put you at high risk of being axed if your company decides they need to lay off a few people.

Some people may refer to this as "kissing ass"... what you call it is up to you. ;)

While you certainly don't want to grovel, you should be willing to make yourself as helpful and useful as possible. Don't wait to be asked by your employer to do something - take the initiative and tell him or her that you are willing to participate in any project they need assistance with.

Bosses need employees who will go beyond the call of duty, and who will be available and flexible when needed. If you meet those requirements, your employer is more likely to want you to remain because he or she believes that they can't possibly do without you.

Even if you have the proverbial "boss from Hades", never complain on the job. Always present a cheerful front and keep a positive attitude. Be professional, friendly and respectful when communicating with both your superiors and fellow employees.

You may not think so, but bosses do notice your demeanor. Even the grumpiest of employers want people working for them who are agreeable and pleasant to be around.

You may not be able to control your company's plans to lay off employees, but you can control the way you are perceived. Taking aggressive steps that will give you an edge over others may be the best way for you to still keep your job during a layoff, in spite of the challenges.