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• What Not to Do When Asking for a Raise
• Tips for Salary Negotiation and Written Guidelines
• Quick Tips on Asking for a Raise

4 Ways to Avoid Layoffs and Get Ahead at Work

DO - Take on tough projects

A challenging project gives you access to high-level meetings, customers, trainings and resources that you wouldn't access in more mundane assignments. We're not saying all tough projects are fabulous. Failure is always a possibility when you take on difficult hills. But taking a calculated risk with a challenging project can give the recognition you need to secure your position during tough times.

DO - Get a mentor

A friend of ours is fond of quoting his dad, "You burned your butt. You sit on the blister." The beauty of a mentor is that you learn from their burn. A mentor in an executive position can help you gain visibility even in a down economy. But your mentor doesn't always need to be a big cheese. It's great to be mentored by peers and army ants in the trenches. Accept great advice from any source.

DO - Be a bootlicker

We know that brownnosing feels more like the wrong kind of visibility- the kind that builds resentment rather than respect. That overlooks one important consideration: Sugar attracts ants. There are plenty of ways to be sweet without being awful. Listen attentively, offer your help to colleagues in need and congratulate coworkers on a job well done.

DON'T - Be like everyone else

We once asked a colleague how to get ahead. His reply, "Don't make waves and keep your mouth shut at meetings." This advice worked for years but isn't relevant in today's business culture. During a recession the corner office crowd is especially interested in hearing ways to make money or cut costs. You'll need to step up if you want to climb the ladder of success.

Follow these tips and you'll rise to the top of the ant hill at work.

Next Step: Get Ahead at Work During a Recession