In an era of large-scale layoffs and precarious employment, it may seem as though there’s nothing you can do to secure your position, besides just sitting back and hoping for the best. But that’s no solution. In fact, it’s exactly the kind of attitude that will weaken your job security. If you see the future of your organization as totally out of your control, what does that say about how supervisors and co-workers will perceive your value to the company?

In this article we’ll discuss the proactive steps you can take to be the first one hired if you’re currently looking for a new position, and more important, to be the last one fired. Essential to both of these circumstances is your ability to demonstrate how you deliver value to your organization, fast.

First one hired

You’ve put together an impressive résumé. You have all the right credentials from top institutions, and you articulate beautifully during interviews. So why haven’t you landed that dream job? To cut to the chase: The issue is that it’s not all about you. Employers are looking for the same thing in every new employee—they want someone who will deliver value to their organization fast and consistently.

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