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It seems as if job layoffs are becoming a daily occurrence in the United States. It seems as if you can’t turn on the television without hearing a news report of a company closing their doors, putting a freeze on new hires, or laying off current workers. You may be concerned with your job and rightfully so. Layoffs are tricky. Companies use different standards to determine who stays onboard and who stands in the unemployment line. Although there are no guarantees, you can take some steps to help save your job. What are they?

Know the risk of changing jobs right now. With the poor economy and job market, you may think it is better to find a new job. Why wait until you are laid off? Why not find steady employment before there are an additional 100 people in your community looking for the same job. This is a good theory, but consider the industry first. The auto and manufacturing industries are in poor shape. These plants are the ones cutting back costs and laying off workers the most. Therefore, you leave your current job working at an air conditioning manufacturer to find a new job making auto parts. Great, but what if your new employer decides two months down the line that they too need to cut costs? As a new employee, you may be the first to go. Many companies base who get laid off on seniority. The newer employees are often the first to go.