How To Make Yourself Layoff-Proof in Your First Job

By Jasmine Escalera, Career Expert at MyPerfectResume

So many things can feel overwhelming and uncertain when starting out your career. In today’s job market, early career professionals aren’t just dealing with questions about how to kickstart their careers, but also how to avoid layoffs. In fact, according to data from resume builder MyPerfectResume’s The Great Stay survey, 81% of workers fear job loss in 2025, and 76% anticipate an actual rise in layoffs this year. These stats might raise some serious questions including: What can I do to protect myself when I’m just starting out?

While no job is ever 100% secure, there are a few very smart and proactive measures that can help make you as layoff-proof as possible, even in your first job. These strategies aren’t about working harder or putting in longer hours. Instead, it’s about being strategic and learning the importance of building connections, upskilling, and investing in your own growth. By using these tactics, you’ll align your role with what matters most to you and your company. This creates a win-win for everyone, making yourself a true asset wherever you work. 

Here are four easy (and fun) ways to make yourself layoff-proof in any role. 

Align yourself with company goals and your manager’s priorities 

The number one way to make yourself indispensable is to ensure your day-to-day work aligns with the bigger picture. When you understand your company’s goals, your manager’s top priorities, and your team’s needs, you can align your work to support them. This helps you go from just doing your job to being someone who adds tremendous value to a company. 

Here is how to make it happen:

• Ask about big-picture goals. Make sure to capitalize on one-on-one time with your manager. Ask questions like: “What are the top priorities for you and our team this quarter?” and “How does our team contribute to the company’s success and mission?” 

• Find out what success in your role means to those who matter. Ask your manager: “Where are there areas for growth in my position?” or “What does great performance look like in this role?” One question that is sure to set you apart is: “How can I help make your job easier?” These questions show initiative and help you focus your efforts on what really matters. 

• Be observant and listen. In meetings, pay attention to what your manager brings up often or they seem most concerned about. Use these messages as a guide to know exactly where to focus your efforts and work. 

• Be strategic when saying YES to extra work. Offer to help with projects and new work that align with your manager’s and company’s top priorities. Even small contributions in these areas can get you noticed and help showcase your value. 

Find a mentor (or sponsor) within the company 

Starting out in your career can be a bit overwhelming and you shouldn’t try to figure it out alone. Having a mentor can be a key way to grow in your career and navigate any uncertainty that comes up on your journey. Mentors can help understand the dynamics and culture of your company allowing you to make more informed career moves. They also supply lessons from their own experiences and real, honest feedback on how you can grow faster. Even better is if a mentor at your company can become a sponsor – someone who actively advocates for you behind closed doors. This is how you don’t just get advice, but receive new projects, promotions, or even stretch opportunities that help you showcase your value.

Here is how to find a mentor:

• Start with your team. Ask a more experienced team member for a coffee chat and take the moment to explore their career journey. A mentorship relationships can grow naturally with someone you work with on a day-to-day basis. 

• Look outside your team. Join your companies employee resource groups, volunteer for projects with other teams, or ask your manager to recommend a potential mentor. Your company is rich with knowledge and people to provide it. 

• Be clear about your goals. When asking for guidance from a potential mentor let them know your career goals and aspirations. This allows them to focus on providing the best possible tips, resources, and support aimed at your specific goals. 

Invest in skill-building even when you’re busy

More than 60% of workers plan to upskill in 2025 according to the MyPerfectResume The Great Stay report. Upskilling is a great way to show-off in your current role and stay competitive if layoffs happen at your company. Upskilling is something to build into your career now and continue as you grow.

Here is how to identify the most impactful skills to develop:

• Follow your company’s direction. Pay attention to new tools, processes, or technology your company is adopting (like new AI platforms, communication or data tools). If your organization is moving in a certain direction, learning the skills that support the shift can make you an essential employee. 

• Focus on soft skills. Technical skills are always valuable, but don’t neglect the importance of soft skills, especially with the rise of AI in the workplace. Soft skills like communication, conflict resolution, time management, and emotional intelligence are what help you collaborate, lead, and grow in your role and stand out as an employee. 

• Build skills to collaborate cross functionally. Consider skills that allow you to work across departments, teams, or projects. This not only helps you collaborate with colleagues but also build relationships with people who can support your career growth. 

Build your personal brand on LinkedIn 

It is always important to build a strong professional brand both in-person and online. And there is no better way to showcase your expertise and thought leadership online then LinkedIn. Your LinkedIn presence isn’t about just listing your jobs like a resume. LinkedIn is a place to show other professionals who you are, what you care about, and why people should want to work with you. 

Here is how to start building your brand on LinkedIn:

• Update your profile regularly. Make sure you add new roles, skills, wins, and certifications so your profile is always up to date.

• Post about your career journey. Posting regularly is a great way to boost your profile and professional brand. You can create posts to celebrate new roles, skills, experiences or even thoughts on industry trends.

• Engage with other professionals. Comment on other professionals’ posts and follow industry leaders, colleagues, and any new connections you make. This is a great way to keep your network active for when you need to reach out for support. 

Hearing about layoffs can be scary, especially when you are starting out in your career. And the truth is, many people don’t see it coming. According to Zety, a go-to source for resume templates, 21% of workers were completely blindsided by their layoff. But the good news is you can be proactive and do what is necessary to be as layoff proof as possible. By focusing on aligning your work with what matters most to key company decision-makers, making the best connections possible, building your skillset, and creating a standout professional brand, you become someone any company wants to keep around. Even if you do experience a layoff, you won’t have to fret. You’ve already been doing the work to land an even better new opportunity. Stay ready so you never have to get ready, and you’ll always have what you need to grow and develop in your career.