How to Increase Job Security (With Example Jobs)

Here are ways to increase your job security:

1. Be the best at what you do

The most straightforward way to boost your job security is to be the best at your role. Being an over-achiever and pursuer of excellence will set you apart from coworkers and colleagues. You will have an exceptional understanding of your job and have the best skills sets and knowledge to deliver results, fast. If your company knows that you are their go-to person when they need to get things done, they will do everything to keep you with them regardless of industry upheavals.

2. Show your value to the company

If you are in an industry that provides less job security, it is vital to always provide value to your company. You can show your value in diverse ways, including being loyal to the company, being flexible and dedicating your energy and skills to helping the organization achieve its goals. Staying late to finish a project, helping other employees to achieve their tasks, motivating junior colleagues and championing the company’s mission and vision are other ways to demonstrate to the management you are indispensable to the company.

While being valuable to the company can help protect your job, it may also give an employer an oversized influence over you. So make sure to set boundaries and be assertive while showing loyalty to your employer.

3. Be resilient and adaptable

Being resilient and highly adaptable can also help secure your job in times of crisis. Resilience will help you overcome sudden challenges that can disrupt your industry or organization’s work and leave you vulnerable. It will motivate you to push on in the face of adversity and maintain the momentum required to achieve positive results and success.

You also need to be adaptable if you want to stand out from other employees. A change in technology can render several positions obsolete. You must be able to follow industry and market trends and prepare yourself for disruptive developments. Being able to acquire new skills, perform new tasks, or work outside of your core competencies are some ways to show employers you can add value to their business.

Being able to identify problems and recommend ways to help your employer solve them is a hallmark of highly successful employees. If you can meet challenges head-on and also help your team and coworkers to solve problems, you will be a valuable asset to your organization.

4. Be result oriented

Being creative with problem-solving and developing strategies to help solve problems is a great asset. However, you will be appreciated more if you are even better at executing your company’s plans. If you are result-driven and have a knack for solving problems, you will have a higher job security. It gets better if you are self-driven and can resolve challenges without being prompted by your manager.

During times of uncertainty, companies need creative and proactive employees who can get things done quickly. Achieving this will require determination, dedication, self discipline, and a deep understanding of your company and industry.

5. Be a student for life

In the fast-paced information age, skills quickly become obsolete and even ground-breaking technologies rapidly become outdated. The result is that employees who don’t continue to learn and update their skills will become irrelevant and lose their jobs to younger, more agile candidates with in-demand skills. However, you have to be strategic in choosing what to learn.

Study your industry to identify skills that will be in demand so you can position yourself for better opportunities in the future. You can also learn new skills in other industries so you can take advantage of enhanced career opportunities when they present themselves.

6. Show your achievements

Sometimes, your organization won’t value you because they don’t know of your achievements. While it is ideal not to boast, there is nothing wrong with marketing yourself. Demonstrating your professional accomplishments will show your employer you have the capabilities to deliver results. It can also show potential employers your value and ultimately help you get better offers. However, make sure they do not perceive you as being overconfident or arrogant while showcasing your achievements.

7. Improve your networking skills

Your professional and social networks can be valuable assets when you need to find a job or even keep your current position. With the rise in remote work, connecting with colleagues and coworkers puts you top-of-mind with people, and this can expand your career opportunities and improve your relationship with current colleagues. You can ask for tips to become a better employee, request for referrals and recommendations, and even let them know you are looking for new opportunities.

8. Practice empathy

Besides being the best at your job, being empathetic is a powerful soft skill for advancing in a competitive work environment. People who are empathetic have excellent people skills and can persuade others to support their views and initiatives.

Practicing empathy includes actively listening to other people’s points of view, asking how they are doing, showing a genuine concern for their wellbeing, and offering to help. Empathy will not only make people like you more, but it can also increase your approval ratings at work and help you keep your position for longer.

9. Have an up-to-date professional profile

Whether you are actively looking for a new job or think you might lose your current position, it is important to always keep your profile up-to-date. Make sure your online profiles are professional, captivating, and position you as the best at what you do.

Keep your resume current, engaging, and ready so you can send it at short notice if a new opportunity is available. Doing this will allow you to take advantage of new positions within and outside your company, help you present yourself as a professional, and reduce the chances of making costly mistakes.

10. Be positive and prepare yourself for change

Regardless of the situation in your company and the economy, stay positive but prepare yourself for change. Part of preparing for unemployment is saving. Besides your pension fund, keep some money for a time when you won’t have a job. Also, update your skills, let your organization know your value, and continue to network professionally to position yourself for new opportunities.

Here is a list of jobs that offer high levels of job security:

Software developer

Average base pay: $76,526

With millions of businesses moving their operations online, software developers continue to be in high demand. As a software developer, you may have a college degree or even be self taught. Check here for software developer jobs.

Nurse

Average base pay: $65,870

With the rising levels of healthcare issues worldwide, nurses will always be in high demand. Nurses need a college degree, and sometimes, a masters degree to qualify for employment. Check here for nurse jobs.

Veterinarian

Average base pay: $85,092

Pet ownership has been climbing, and with it the demand for veterinarians. Vets require a doctoral or professional degree and industry and state licenses to practice. Check here for veterinarian jobs.

Statistician

Average base pay: $76,884

Statisticians are highly valued in the private and public sectors for their ability to make sense of vast amounts of data. The work is highly rewarding and you can do it remotely. Check here for statistician jobs.

Operations research analyst

Average base pay: $69,816

Operations research analysts collect and analyze information to help governments and private sector clients make decisions. Check here for operations research analyst jobs.

Medical assistant

Average base pay: $31,508

Medical assistants help doctors and other healthcare professionals with patient care. The role requires an associate degree and can help launch a successful career in the healthcare industry. Check here for medical assistant jobs.

Physical therapist

Average base pay: $73,148

Physical therapists help people regain use of their body. They work in healthcare facilities and patients’ homes and are widely sought after all over the country. Check here for physical therapist jobs.

Whether you have a secure or insecure job, it is important to safeguard your livelihood. Showing your value, practicing empathy, and being the best at your work are some ways to increase your job security and prevent a sudden loss of income.

Learn more: Get a free, personalized salary estimate based on today’s job market