Be on time, whether it is with showing up for work, returning from breaks, going to meetings, or turning in assignments.  Call in if you know you will be tardy or absent. Most companies treat absences or tardiness without notice much more seriously than simple absence or tardiness.

Be a Team Player. The employees who don’t get along well with others, who gossip about other workers, or who aren’t willing to pitch in to help, aren’t going to be appreciated.

Distinguish yourself. Pick out one or more things in your job to do better than anyone else. Become known as the “go-to” person for such things. That will help managers remember you favorably at times when you really need to be remembered.

Be Flexible. Flexibility can be a key component of hanging on to your job. When the company needs someone to change shifts, work weekends, put in some overtime, or work a different schedule, think about volunteering if your personal schedule permits.

Don’t Complain. Nobody likes complainers, regardless of how legitimate the complaints are. If you don’t like your job, I can guarantee there are plenty of other people who would jump at the chance to get it. When the job market is as upside down in the employer’s favor as it is now, be really careful about complaining.

Offer to Help. One of the best ways to get (or keep) job security is to volunteer for new initiatives, to offer to help with projects, and to take on more responsibility.

Keep Your Thoughts to Yourself. Even if you hate your job, keep it to yourself and your family or close friends. Don’t tell the world, because the wrong person is probably going to see what you posted. That, in and of itself, can cost you your job.

Suck it Up. Maybe it’s not your favorite job. Maybe you’d rather be doing something else. However, it is a paycheck and if you need the income, it can make sense to stay until you secure a new position.

Try and Make the Job Work. Is there anything you could be doing differently to make the job work? Could you ask for a transfer or a shift change? Is there anything that would make a difference and convince you to stay?

When All Else Fails. When keeping your job simply isn’t feasible, and it isn’t always, take the time to prepare to job search and plan your departure, so you’re not scrambling to find a job because you just got terminated.