Smart job strategies to avoid layoffs offers some suggestions and I’ve added some of my own thoughts in italics.

Strategy: Make sure higher-ups know you by solving problems and taking on high-profile projects.

Well this is an evergreen.  Don’t wait until a recession to practice this.  It should be your every day mantra.

Strategy: Share client leads or ideas to generate revenue even if that’s not part of your responsibilities.

No kidding, Watashi.  No one fires a money maker.

Strategy: Hang out with the people the boss respects most. The halo of their good reputation may extend to you.

Not too sure I’d waste my time hanging out with anyone when there’s work to be done.  But then I’m a recovering…but not much…workaholic.  And I’m not sure anyone fires a workaholic either, since they’re usually doing the work of 3 people.

Strategy. Keep on top of advances in your field and expand your expertise beyond your core area.

Another evergreen.  Don’t wait for a recession to do this.  Do it day in and day out, rain or shine.

Strategy. Look for problem spots that you can help fix. And pitch in whenever extra hands are needed.

No kidding.  Who wrote some of these?  The office slow poke?  ( No offense meant.  I know they gave some good examples which is worth a lot I guess.)

Strategy. Volunteering to take a pay cut during an industrywide downturn can make you look like a hero.

I am really not too sure of this one.  I’m not sure anyone should step up and devalue themselves.  If you’re the CEO or one of the top management of a company by all means, step up to the plate and ask for a pay cut.  You’re the responsible party.  But, for employees below that level, I think the better advice is to keep your salary the same and offer to take on more work.

These are my thoughts.  But if you want to compare them in detail, go to Smart job strategies to avoid layoffs and read the whole piece…lots of examples.

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It’s definitely a mistake to bring up salary until there’s an indication you are wanted for the job. Then be prepared.

Participate in Structuring the Process

Find ways to make the negotiation more fair and objective. When discussing salary, bring benchmarks to show what others in your position in your industry are earning. Use comparisons, studies, and surveys to help make your point. Don’t let the opposition make all the rules. You make rules more favorable to your position.

Bolster Your Arguments with Specifics Of Your Accomplishments

One of the most basic elements of your success will be knowing “how to toot your own horn”. You should have an easily accessible collection of all the articles written about you, any special projects, awards, videos of your presentations. Anything which identifies your unique selling points and capabilities; anything which demonstrates how you stand out from the crowd should be on hand to impress the person you are talking with that your would be an asset to their company.

Use a range of salaries

Don’t mention a spefic salary, use a range, with the low end somewhat higher than you are looking for. What you are trying to do is frame expectations so you don’t want to start too low or be locked into one salary when a higher salary might be offered.

Don’t forget to negotiate for intangibles

Everything is negotiable. Not only should you negotiate for your salary, but for perks, benefits, title, office space and support staff, issues involving your duties, such as the need for increased manpower, authority over projects, flexibility with clients, arrangements, communication or sharing of the workload with co-workers; all these require a form of negotiation. The moment between the time a company decides they want you and the time you actually become an employee is the best moment to ask for and get some of these issues resolved in your favor.