'Bulletproof' Your Job.... to Avoid a Layoff

Every day we hear about more and more layoffs. So it can be pretty tempting to hunker down in your cubicle and hope you can hide from the budget axe.

But thats the worst thing to do! Instead I have some great advice to help you "bulletproof" your job.

One Man Learns Why you Need to Update

Jeff Lefler wishes he knew 6 months ago what he knows now. The document specialist is now job hunting ...after being laid off by his longtime employer.

What he's learned since his layoff is that to survive in todays workforce, you need to update not just your resume...but yourself.

Jeff says "I decided to reinvent myself to make myself more valuable." So he just completed a Paralegal program...getting his certificate...which he says might have saved his old job.

The Importance of New Skills

That's something everyone should do, according to career counselor Dana Glasgo. She says these are some of the most important things to bulletproof your job:

• Update your skills...whether through computer training, night school, or testing for a new certificate.

Next: Do you duck behind your cubicle when the boss comes by?

• Don't hide from the boss: Dana says take on high-profile projects, where superiors can see how much you contribute.

Dana says "make yourself valuable to the company. Keep yourself at the head of the parade."

• Become a "can-do" person: Dana says volunteer for projects to help the company in these tough times.

"You've got to be out there raising your hand, volunteering for extra work, being of extra value to the company," she tells me.

• Prepare a "30 second commercial" about yourself ...To justify your paycheck.

Dana says "always have prepared a 30 second commercial for anyone who walks by your desk. So when the CEO walks by and says John, who are you, what do you do, and what value to you, you are prepared for that."

• Finally, don't complain: Dana says keep a positive attitude no matter how bad times may get.

Learning a Lesson

Jeff wishes he had known some of these tips before his company cut back. He's learned a tough lesson.

But now he's fighting back: And in addition to his Paralegal certificate....he has taught himself web design. He now runs a website for a local veterans group.

Jeff says "I figured anything about a website, and the internet, would broaden my self and my marketability."

With those skill sets he hopes to get re-hired -- as a Paralegal who also does website design -- and be more bulletproof next time job cuts hit.

Bottom Line

Finally, Dana says look for ways to help your company save money. If you come up with any suggestions -- besides obvious things like turning off lights -- share them with your superiors.

You may help bulletproof your job...and you dont waste your money.

I'm John Matarese.

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