Although no magic formula exists for predicting job security, this Quick Quiz can help you consider various factors that may determine whether you wind up on a layoff list. Although some things are out of your control, many are not. For job security advice, check out How to Avoid Losing Your Job.
| Agree | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | Disagree |
| Your Work | |
|---|---|
| 4 3 2 1 | 1. Top management views my type of work as critical for business success. |
| 4 3 2 1 | 2. The work I do supports top priorities of the managers above me. |
| 4 3 2 1 | 3. I have agreed with my manager on my most important goals for this year. |
| 4 3 2 1 | 4. I am extremely busy all the time. |
| 4 3 2 1 | 5. My manager views me as a top performer in my department. |
| Total | |
| Your Skills | |
|---|---|
| 4 3 2 1 | 6. I have the skills needed to produce outstanding results in my current job. |
| 4 3 2 1 | 7. I have the skills needed to adapt to future changes in my organization. |
| 4 3 2 1 | 8. I am viewed as one of the most capable people in my department. |
| 4 3 2 1 | 9. I try hard to keep my work-related knowledge and skills up-to-date. |
| 4 3 2 1 | 10. I have skills that would enable me to do other jobs in my organization. |
| Total | |
| Relationship with Management | |
|---|---|
| 4 3 2 1 | 11. I get along well with my manager. |
| 4 3 2 1 | 12. My manager’s boss is aware of my contributions. |
| 4 3 2 1 | 13. I have a good relationship with my manager’s boss. |
| 4 3 2 1 | 14. I have a good relationship with my human resources department. |
| 4 3 2 1 | 15. I have received high ratings on my most recent performance reviews. |
| Total | |
| Reputation | |
|---|---|
| 4 3 2 1 | 16. I am known as someone who gets along well with others. |
| 4 3 2 1 | 17. People often come to me for advice or assistance. |
| 4 3 2 1 | 18. People in other departments view me as helpful. |
| 4 3 2 1 | 19. I know a lot of people in my organization. |
| 4 3 2 1 | 20. I am known as someone with a lot of expertise. |
| Total | |
| Your Organization | |
|---|---|
| 4 3 2 1 | 21. My company or agency is financially sound. |
| 4 3 2 1 | 22. We have not had any layoffs in the last year or so. |
| 4 3 2 1 | 23. There has been no “bad news” about our organization in the press recently. |
| 4 3 2 1 | 24. The demand for our product or service has remained strong. |
| 4 3 2 1 | 25. Top management in our organization has not changed recently. |
| Total | |
Total Points:
There is no surefire way to predict job security, but the more points you have, the safer your job is likely to be.
| No Job Security | 25 | 50 | 75 | 100 | High Job Security |
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