How to Keep Your Job: Get Your Employer to View You as an Asset, Not a Liability

When it comes time for employers to downsize, one of the factors that companies consider when letting people go, is seniority, or the length of time that you have been with the company. However, even if you have only been employed there for a short time, you can still be one of the ones that your company keeps. If you are the type of employee that goes that extra mile for the company, and stands out above the rest, then you can believe that they are not going to let you go unless they absolutely have to! Being an asset to your employer is not as difficult as many people think. You just have to put yourself into your employer's shoes and ask yourself, "If I were the boss, what type of person would I keep, and who would I let go?" There are 4 things that employers look for when hiring someone. They want someone who knows how to do the job, wants to do the job, is willing to do the job, and finally, someone that they can reasonably afford. That's it!

If you know what you are doing, are willing to come to work everyday,and you don't waste their time and money, then you are already a stand out employee. Let's look at these 4 factors a little bit more into detail.

Employers look for evidence that you can actually do the job. They expect you to be knowledgeable in what they hired you to do. It costs them time and money when they have to pay another employee to fix your mistakes. This is why you should never lie about your skills. Not only is it an inconvenience for your employer to have to fix what you messed up, but if you are inexperienced and what you are doing, there is a chance that you might hurt yourself or someone else. This is why you should never lie about your skills. An employer would rather waste time training you than to have to deal with issues later because your work is not up to standards, so make sure you know what to do at your job. If you don't know how to do it, ask someone to show you. This also shows initiative and lets your boss know that you are willing to learn what it takes to be a good worker.

Employers want someone who is willing to do the job. Nothing makes a supervisor more annoyed than when he needs something done and nobody wants to do it because it is "not their job." They don't want to have to deal with someone who is always complaining about their work and who just does not want to be there. Most employers will agree that excessive absences and tardies will move you right to the top of their termination list.

If you want to be a "stand out" employee, then you need to be that person who always shows up to work and happily takes on extra work, even if it isn't your normal job, and even if it is something you hate doing. This tells your boss that they can count on you to get things done because you take pride in your job. If you get your work finished, help someone else with theirs, or ask your boss if there is something else that he can train you to do. (They love that!)

Those who do their job, and extra work, and go that extra mile to make their employer happy, can guarantee that when layoff time rolls around, they have nothing to worry about.

The most important thing is to come to work. Those who never call off are the ones who employers know that they can depend on. It shows them that you actually want to come to work, and they remember that when they have to make cuts. You can believe that the guy that is always missing work, is the first one that will come to mind when they need to let someone go.

Employers want someone who they can afford. If you are constantly wasting time, materials, and energy at your job, then it is costing your boss more money to have you there. It is important that you do your job efficiently. Get things done on time, and without wasting materials. Don't milk the clock by staying over every night or by taking long lunches. Don't throw things away that can be reused, Be careful not to make too many costly mistakes, and for goodness sake, DON'T STEAL SUPPLIES!

In fact, a "stand out" employee should be constantly looking for ways to make their job more efficient, and trying to find ways to make more money for the company. When employers see that you are actually saving money for them, you will definitely be an asset! In fact, more money for them means more money for you when it comes time to hand out promotions!

You need to properly present yourself, and your company! You are a representative of the company. When customers see you, they get an impression of the company by the way you carry yourself and your attitude. If you come to work dirty and unshaved with wrinkled clothes, or if you are rude to others and act as if you hate your job, chances are, you will not be there for long. If your employer has to constantly explain to others why you are being rude or not following the dress code, they aren't going to want you working for them. If you can't take care of yourself, how will you be able to take care of their company?

Make sure you are prepared to do your job. If you have to follow a dress code, follow it! Don't come to work tired, hungry, or preoccupied with your personal problems. Get a good night's rest, eat a good breakfast, and try to leave your personal problems at home.

Always be polite and helpful to customers, and NEVER talk badly about your boss, your job, or the company itself!

Get along with your coworkers. This can be difficult at times. However, it is a necessary evil. Your boss will not keep you around if you are always in their office complaining about your coworkers, or if your coworkers are always complaining about you. You need to be respectful to everyone in the company, even if they don't return the respect. Be nice to everyone! Learn everyone's names, compliment others when they do a good job, and help others out every chance you get. Don't gossip, and don't get into the middle of disagreements with other coworkers. If you have a problem with a coworker, try to work it out with them as politely as possible. If that is not feasible, then get away from them for awhile so that you can control your emotions.

Also, know how to handle criticism. Take is as a chance to improve your work, instead of feeling insulted by it.
If others treat you badly, continue to be polite to them.Attempt to compromise, and ask them what it is that you are doing to cause a problem,and what can you do to change it? (This also works for difficult customers.) By doing this, you are showing an effort to make peace with your coworkers, and they will respect you for taking their needs into consideration instead of arguing.

If this does not work, be respectful anyway! Eventually, your boss will notice what is going on, and they will be the one getting in trouble, not you.

If you follow all of these guidelines, you can be sure to have your job for a very long time.