You can feel it coming. Whispers of doom are rippling across campus. Any day now, the efficiency experts will be circling your workstation. But you're no sitting duck! Bernadette Kenny, chief career officer at HR giant Adecco USA, offers these tips for dodging the ax. — Mathew Honan

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Self-improve. Use the new year as an excuse to ask your boss for feedback. Hit up your colleagues, too. Then follow their advice: Whether it's to learn a new programming language or learn Mandarin, you (literally) can't afford not to.

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Get noticed. Now is not the time to keep your head down. Find ways to make yourself appreciated. "In these times, companies need risk takers and innovators," Kenny says. Show initiative by pitching new projects.

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Don't get noticed. Resist the temptation to post your résumé online (unless the site offers airtight privacy). If your employer gets word that you're browsing, you'll be kicked up to the top of the boot list.

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Make a backup plan. Update your skill set. Network. Research potential employers. If you're in a dying industry like, say, print magazines (huh?), brainstorm how you can apply your experience to a new field.

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