As economic times tighten, the question lurks into our minds whether we want it to or not.

“Is my job safe?”

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With jobless rates higher than they have been in years, it’s not unreasonable for employees to assess their value to the company and decide how they can avoid the employment ax, should it come to that.

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Different companies have different ways of assessing value of employees, but one of the most common mantras is “first in the door, first out the door.”

Under this scenario, your seniority could play to your favor. However, more seniority usually means more money and if a company is looking hard at its bottom line, you’re never safe.

KPHO-TV in Phoenix talked to several career experts who offered the following advice:

Update and upgrade your skills within your job. It increases the tasks you can take on within the company.

Take initiative. Anything you can do to decrease your boss’ workload makes your more valuable in his or her eyes.

Mentor another employee with less experience than you. It reminds those around you that you know what your are talking about.

Be flexible. The ability to adapt to the current environment employers in all trades will consider.

Document your work so when it’s time for a review, you have a paper trail of what you’ve done.

Finally, you’ll want to dress appropriately for your workplace and avoid gossip. These are two huge red flags when employers consider who’s valuable and who’s expendable.