Depends. If you have a large Fortune 1000, or 5000 corporation and they have a horrible quarter and need to lay off people, they will cut departments, groups,

Depends. If you have a large Fortune 1000, or 5000 corporation and they have a horrible quarter and need to lay off people, they will cut departments, groups, willy-nilly. They will see if a group of 1000 people is really necessary to the main strategic goals of the firm, and if they are not, they will slash everyone, good or not. There's nothing that you can do about it unless you are the CEO's son or daughter. When you get down to mid-size or smaller companies, where they look at individuals, the reality is that "the employee that has good relations with the people in charge of layoffs never get laid off." This is a theme I've mentioned many times - at any company, you should find the people who have the power and develop strong relations with them. Make them happy. And be easy to get along with - don't whine and complain. Smile and be genuinely friendly (do not be unctuous). Nothing at all will 100% guarantee you never get laid off, but that's the best way to maximize your not being laid off. Also, be in the revenue generating part of the company if you can.