The United States is obviously entering a recession, even if no one has declared so officially. Executives are keeping their cards close to their hearts as layoffs begin. What can you do to protect yourself from being the next target?

Everyone has heard rumors that a recession is on the horizon, or that one is already underway. Because of it, layoffs are happening across all industries.

In addition to these layoffs, employers are becoming increasingly worried about their Generation Z employees. Three quarters of managers think that millennials are the most difficult generation to collaborate with, according to a recent poll. This is the reason why 65% of employers claim to terminate members of Generation Z more frequently.

For the sake of argument, suppose you have recently earned your diploma. I bet you didn’t anticipate how challenging the actual world would be. Because of businesses’ reluctance to hire people of your generation and restricted resources, how can you keep from losing your job?

Fortunately, when it comes time for layoffs, your company considers more than just your generational reputation. They will also look at things like performance, the adaptability of a person’s skill set, the importance of specific job responsibilities, and, shockingly, pay rate. Layoffs were associated with significantly higher compensation across a range of occupations compared to those who were retained, according to research from Revelio Labs.

When your boss hands out pink slips, what are you to do? If you want to maintain your value, you should stop worrying about things you can’t change and start concentrating on things you can. While it’s possible that your employer has strong opinions about your generation and the economy as a whole, there are things you can do to become an asset to your organization.

1. Take action instead of being reactive
When trying to cut costs, many companies start by calculating the worth of each position and department. Taking the initiative is crucial if you want to maintain your value. You should not sit about and wait to be given assignments.

• When you’re employed full-time, you usually have more time to devote to projects, cultivate stronger relationships, and take on extra tasks. Always aim to go above and above to get top-notch outcomes. If time is of the essence, focus on completing a single task thoroughly. Always keep your manager apprised of your priorities as you progress.

• Time management abilities that allow you to make the most of your restricted availability and adjust fast to changing circumstances are often required of those working part-time or on a temporary basis. Companies would like to retain you rather than recruit new ones, which is great news. The average cost to a company is approximately $4,700 per hiring, according to data from the Society for Human Resource Management.

2. Seek stretch opportunities 
Among the most important qualities that HR professionals seek out in potential new hires, according to a poll of IT recruiting managers, is the capacity to learn and adapt.

• If you are already working full-time, you should look for ways to further your education and become an authority in your industry by attending seminars, webinars, and conferences. Keep abreast of developments in your field by signing up for appropriate local training programs, keeping an open mind, and keeping up with the latest trends. Avoiding layoffs is as simple as making oneself irreplaceable.

• When hiring people for part-time or temporary positions, companies often try to find ways to make them more versatile by transferring them to other departments or giving them new skills. Keep an open mind and a hunger for knowledge; you never know what else you might discover. Think about volunteering to help out other departments when they need it, and find out how your company views career advancement.

3. Get Ready for the Possible Consequences

The ultimate decision as to who stays and who goes rests with your employer. There may not be enough money, no matter how much you try to keep your value high. If you’re laid off, having a strategy will help you get back on your feet faster.

Take time to ponder in full-time roles. The emotional and psychological toll of losing a job is real. Just sit for a while and think about what you want out of life professionally and emotionally. Think about the things you liked doing at your prior job and the things you hope to do at your next position. Revise your resume to incorporate your most current projects and to emphasize your most pertinent experiences and accomplishments that are in line with the job descriptions you are applying for. Temporary employment are typically merely lengthy interview processes, so be flexible if you’re looking for a permanent position.

Asking for recommendations from people you’ve worked with before is a good idea when applying for temporary or part-time jobs. To meet new individuals and grow your network, go to industry events, career fairs, and networking functions. If you’re looking for a job, you should look at general and industry-specific job search platforms. Local staffing agency websites often have more listings than popular job boards like Monster, LinkedIn, and Indeed.

Even though post-graduation life can be scary, you shouldn’t lose hope. Being proactive and receptive to new information can assist you in advancing in your current role and pave the way for future success. I believe in you.