What Can You Do to Never Get Fired?

Posted August 19, 2018

People don't always get let go from a job because of bad performance. Economic downturns, downsizing and facility closings can all cause companies to let go of good, hardworking employees.

It is possible to survive a wave of firings during tough times. You just have to put yourself in the right position to do so. Below is a list of things you can do to make yourself fireproof.

Deliver the goods (and more)

Becoming indispensable starts with being reliable. If you can't be counted on, you're likely frustrating managers, and that means you're probably first on the chopping block, not last.

Don't just do what's listed in your job description. Regularly go above and beyond the call of duty, especially in ways that will get noticed. Make no mistake, you have to sell your value to management because nobody else will do it for you.

Network inside your company

Networking is a very useful tool when it comes to getting a new job, but it also has value when it comes to staying with the same employer. When you network inside your company, you can find out first about personnel moves and positions that won’t be affected by a wave of firings or downsizing.

The first step toward networking in your company is not to burn any bridges. There will be disagreements in any workplace and more than a few arguments. During any disputes, be sure your argument stays focused on work issues and doesn’t get personal.

Be a chameleon

Employees who are indispensable can change their priorities or methods when the situation calls for it without complaining.

Often, people are fired because of changing conditions that have affected a company. When you can roll with the punches, you are better able to handle these changes, which makes you more valuable than less flexible employees.

Always be learning

Indispensable employees regularly look for new ways of doing their job better or ways to expand their skills. This doesn't mean they are always trying to earn academic degrees or become a chief executive. However, they are invested in their professional development and improving their performance. They look to incorporate feedback as a means of learning and regularly ask for advice.

Roll with the punches

If you want to avoid getting fired, you need to be able to handle adversity and not let difficult times get you down. You need to remain calm in pressure-packed situations and bounce back after setbacks.

Try to approach workplace situations with a positive outlook. If you find yourself overly agitated or easily upset at work, look at your sleep habits, diet and exercise routine, as an unhealthy lifestyle can make it difficult to handle tough times.

At Ambassador, we support our contract workers long after they are placed in a job opportunity with one of our clients. Please contact our full-service staffing firm today to find out more about how we can support success in your career.