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Help Your Job Security

No matter what your job, it's important to protect yourself in case your company cuts jobs or you cross paths with someone who doesn't care for your style, has a different personality, is jealous of you, or just plain doesn't like you.

Whether you work as a secretary or a vice president, a creative or a data processor, you need to protect yourself and be prepared, so keep these in mind.

Document, document, document. Even in the day and age of the "paperless" society, keep some kind of records about projects, promises, absences, and company policy.
Follow the rules. Although you may not agree with or understand certain company rules, follow them. Dress codes may seem outdated, or telephone time limits may cause problems at home; but if you break these rules, you may not get a second chance if a sticky situation develops.
Use email, not the phone. In voice conversations, people can say one thing and mean another or later deny saying something altogether. Protect yourself by using email, and be sure to file important responses.
Get it in writing. If you are promised something, or someone wants to change a project, get information in writing. Verbal promises or changes may not hold up later.
Cultivate professional relationships. When people you don't regularly work with need help, be willing to help them. Don't limit yourself to helping just your group or department. When others see how you have helped them, they may be a help down the road.
Try to keep complaining to a minimum. Even when things are bad in your job, department or company, try not to complain all the time. It can tarnish your reputation.
Volunteer in your community. When you help in your community, it shows you care about others, helps cultivate relationships outside of work, and gives you experience you may not find in your job. In addition, your volunteer "boss" may be a good resource and reference at a later date.
Take credit for your own work. If you did the job, take the credit; however, if the team all helped on a project, be sure you don't try to take all the credit.
Choose your friends and confidants wisely. You cannot trust everyone, so watch for nonverbal communication when you talk to someone. If what you have said in confidence come back to you, remember who you told, and steer clear of confidences in the future.

It's important to always give your all to your job, but that isn't always enough. The most important thing is to protect yourself, and be sure to keep your resume up to date.

Learn more about this author, F.Terenc.
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