Job security is at the forefront of a lot of people's minds right now.  With the struggling state of the economy, many businesses are either freezing their hiring or laying off/firing employees.  All kinds of businesses, from the local Subway franchise and coffee franchise to huge companies like Circuit City, are trying to ensure profit and stay in business, so they are cutting costs wherever they can.  However, there are ways that you can secure your job even in economic turmoil.  Follow these 4 tips to ensure job security. 

1.  Be willing go above and beyond expectations.

Doing what is expected of you is part of the job, and you are never going to go anywhere by simply doing what you should be doing.  As respectable as it is to be a solid, reliable worker, management likes people who go above and beyond.  If you are asked to stay a few hours late or come in a few hours early, do it.  Sacrificing a few hours, a Saturday or a weekend to travel is worth keeping your job, and maybe you'll even get promoted for your dedication. 

2.  Don't wait to be told to do something to do it.

Anybody can take instruction...it isn't that hard.  To do something that you are told is easy, to do it before you're told is what makes you stand out.  If you see that something needs to be done, do it.  Don't ask about it...don't bring it up, just do it.  Your assertiveness will be appreciated. 

3.  Make yourself irreplacable.

The most critical part of keeping your job is making yourself irreplacable.  They won't get rid of you if they can't replace you.  Learn as much as you can about your job and the tasks surrounding your job.  Ask your supervisor if there is any available training or seminars.  By having a diverse skill set, you make yourself irreplacable. 

4.  Become part of the business "family".

Since you will face cronyism and nepotism in pretty much any family, you are going to have to "play the game".  Sadly, you aren't always going to be judged on your skills and reliability.  The phrase "it's all about who you know" is one of the truest things you will ever hear.  If your co-workers and superiors go to a certain shop or restaurant for lunch or a specific bar for drinks on Friday, make it a point to be there.  What you do outside of work can deeply affect your standing in the office.