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Feb 18, 2009 11:06 pm US/Eastern
Best Ways To Bullet-Proof Your Job
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
With the national unemployment rate approaching historic high levels, the tumbles on the stock market, the federal bailouts and the skyrocketing number of home foreclosures seem to be a constant reminder of the gloomy economic forecast for our near future.
"I know a lot of people who are unemployed and can't find jobs," said one person who
CBS4 spoke with in Doral.
"I know a lot of friends out their looking for part time jobs and there's nothing out there really," replied another.
Steven Viscusi, author of Bulletproof Your Job" said if you still have a job that's your most valuable asset. So you've got to do whatever it takes to protect it.
Here are his strategies to bulletproof your job.
Number 1: Make friends with the boss
"There's nothing wrong with a little brown-nosing when it comes to saving your job," admitted Viscusi. He said managers find it hard to fire people they know and like. So talk about your kids and your spouse.
Number 2: No Whining
That means no complaining about the size of your workload, the size of your cubicle or anything else for that matter.
"It's really important to get along with your co-workers," suggested Viscusi.
Number 3: Stay Visible
"Telecommuting means you're out of site out of mind. It's not a time to plan long vacations, plan that hiatus or have a lot of kid problems," explained Viscusi.
Number 4: Look your best
"It's important to dress professionally and it can pay to look younger simply whitening your teeth or covering the gray can go a long way," according to Viscusi.
Number 5: Speak Up
If there's a project that needs to be done be the first to volunteer. You should also introduce yourself to managers you might not know because in the end it can be all about perception.
"If you come to work five minutes earlier than the boss or stay five minutes later than the boss, all the boss knows is that you're always there, said Viscusi.
And finally, if you get called into the boss' office and are handed a pink slip have a counter-offer ready like cutting back to part time or even taking a pay cut.
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