The recent fall of the economy has not fared well with those in the job market. There are many companies cutting back on operating expenses, payroll and in general, on employees. Hundreds of thousands of people have already been laid off and it does not look like it will get better any time soon. So, what can you do?
One of the most important things that you can do for your career is to make yourself visible. In order to prove to the higher-ups that you are indispensable, you need to make yourself look indispensable. You need to be visible and that does not mean wearing those old fruity looking suits that your granddad wore to the office. Being visible has much more to do with bulletproofing your job than it does with being seen in general.
Your job is your most valuable asset. This phrase is especially true if you are supporting a wife and children. In order to ensure that you are not one of the thousands of men finding themselves in the unemployment line, you need to do a few things to show your bosses that you cannot be replaced that easily.
Remember that the guy who seems invisible is typically the first one to get the ax. If you are invisible, in other words if the company can get along fine without you because you rarely contribute, then you are easily replaced. You need to make yourself seem more valuable to your company. You need to show your boss that you are not replaceable, that the company simply cannot get along without you. So, how do you do that?
First, you need to always be sure to be on time. In fact, you should strive to be early as much as possible, and stay later than others. This will show your boss that you have a strong commitment to your work and that you are not afraid to roll up your sleeves and take one for the company if needed. Never let them see you watching the clock waiting on Happy Hour. Instead, when you find yourself close to quitting time with nothing left to do for the day, volunteer for another project, anything that will show your boss that you are willing to do as much as it takes.
Now, being visible does not have that much to do with your appearance. However, you should make sure that your appearance is professional. Keep your shirt tucked in and your tie in place until you actually leave the office. Looking professional from your head to your toes will instantly get you noticed. Keep in mind that small details are just as important in the overall scheme of things. Be sure to pay attention to the smallest detail.
Be sure to also keep your eyes and ears open. Pay attention. You might even prepare a little speech about yourself. Nothing long and boring, just a few seconds to let people know who you are and what you are all about. You need a pitch that gives people the right impression. Be sure to always maintain eye contact when speaking, especially to the higher-ups and present a good and strong handshake.
You also need to prove to your boss that you are useful. That does not just mean being there when there are assignments to be handed out. Get in early. Look for things to do and impress your boss with your unique sense of creativity. Reach out to others and offer help. Being useful is one of the best ways to stay visible and ensure job security.
Now, here is a do not. Do not complain, whine or otherwise gripe about something, especially if that something is trivial. If you need to communicate, then do it with clear speech and carefully planned speaking. Whining is for the dogs. Do not let yourself get pulled into a gripe-fest with other workers.
Finally, you need to be prepared for anything. Being prepared gives your boss a sense of confidence in you that tells him or her that you can handle virtually anything. Stay away from company gossip and by all means, never let them see you sweat. If you show an air of confidence, the higher-ups will have confidence in you. In order to be and stay completely visible in your job, you need to show them that you can handle anything that comes your way.

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