Everyone must be prepared for a layoff at any time. Going into fear because of what might happen puts you at a disadvantage and, inevitably, because of that fear, you’ll be laid off. It is often said that you become what you fear. So, if go around your place of work wearing that fear others will sense it and you’ll sign your own layoff warrant!

  But, here are some strategies that you can adopt regardless of how secure you feel at your current job:  

1. Become more visible, not less, to upper management, customers, and others whose opinion counts in how they see your creating value for the company.
2. Find out what initiatives will alleviate the pain your company is in. Suggest some ideas after trying what works and lead the charge to make the change. During difficult times everyone hunkers down, even your managers! Change the mindset and charge ahead.
3. Identify what bullets on your current résumé will strengthen your value proposition. Seek those assignments and get those accomplishments to claim them on your résumé. Even if you do not get to finish them (you get laid-off) it shows you think differently than the rest.
4. Burnish your LinkedIn Profile and get Recommendations from customers and others who pay the bills.
5. Target a company (preferably your competitor) and discover what their pain is. Write a one page prospect letter to the CEO and communicate how you can help them get rid of that pain.
6. Do not waste time looking busy, instead, invest meaningful time in getting your campaign ready with a great message, strong network, and a highly targeted company list.
7. Don’t look glum, instead smile and look confident! A positive attitude may not get you what you want, but it will annoy enough people around you to make it worth the effort!
8. Start a blog in your area of expertise and become visible to outsiders in your space. Sign-up to participate in your company’s marketing shows.
9. Explore where the hiring is and transform your message to align with the opportunities using your transferable skills (your genius!)
10. Do not wait for the layoff, exit before it happens if you do what is said above (#1-9)

Good luck!