Is there a way to become layoff-proof?

As unemployment figures remain high, people with jobs can't help but wonder if they might become the next statistic. Is any worker  layoff-proof?

"No one is ever completely protected from getting fired," says Roy Cohen, a career coach and author of "The Wall Street Professional's Survival Guide." "When the numbers in a layoff are staggering, there are few places to hide and few strategies to employ that will keep you, and everyone else, from being caught up. That's just a fact. When there is no money left, no one is safe."

Adds Patty Azzarello, a business speaker and adviser for the California-based Azzarello Group and author of "Rise: How to Be Really Successful at Work and Like Your Life," "Even the most valued people are subject to layoffs when the world changes. When there are acquisitions, often the managers from the acquiring company get into leadership roles and want to make staff changes. Or sometimes you are in an organization that gets divested, and the new company does not want your role."

While such scenarios give workers valid reason to be nervous, strategizing now can reduce vulnerability later. "You have to start early and proactively and approach the process opportunistically," Cohen says. "It is generally too late to make a difference if you begin to rally your support at the time of termination. The decision has already been made, and companies are often reluctant to backtrack for fear of establishing a precedent and the potential for litigation."

To increase your staying power, experts recommend the following:

Keep developing

Azzarello urges workers to take charge of their career development instead of thinking the employer will direct progression. Ask for a challenging assignment. Target a skill, knowledge gap or business practice to master each year. "If you have been doing the same job, the same way, at the same level for 20 years, you are much more vulnerable than someone who has risen in the organization, continues to refresh his skill level and is consistently finding ways to contribute more value to the business. Also, if you have been at the same skill level, getting raises for years, you are more expensive than someone new who can do your job at the same level." 

Continue to learn

Similarly, it pays to stay current in your field. "If you hold certifications or licenses, keep them up-to-date. If additional courses or an advanced degree will better position you to compete in the workplace, consider expanding your educational horizons," says Debra Yergen, author of "Creating Job Security Resource Guide."  

Go the extra mile

"When you refuse to go above and beyond to get the job done, someone else will," Cohen  says. Adds Azzarello, "Do more than your job. The people who are most at risk are the ones who do their job as written and never contribute extra value. Invent a process to increase efficiency. Solve a persistent problem. Create a technique to help sell. Improve customer service. Mentor others. When you do this consistently, you have a much better chance of keeping your job because you are known for always contributing more than others." 

Be visible
We'd all like to think that hard work speaks for itself, but if no one sees your results or associates what you do with success, you are at risk. "Communicate. Present. Speak. Blog. Share. Know whose opinion counts and make sure they know how your efforts impact the business," Azzarello says. "Communicating is not political (or annoying) as long as it builds upon excellent results."

Seek out high-level mentors

The harsh reality is that when executives are poring over layoff lists, they are more likely to terminate people whom they don't know personally. Thus, it makes sense to build a network above and around your boss, perhaps seeking out select individuals as mentors.

"Make sure that someone in a position of influence understands the value you bring to the team," Yergen says. "If your position ever comes under review for a reduction in hours or force, having a powerful champion advocating for you will help secure your job."

Speak the language of money

Lastly, it helps to realize that the bottom line for a business is money. Without it, there is no company -- and no job for you.

"Salaries and benefits are the largest single expense most organizations face. So naturally, in times of fiscal constriction, workers who are least vulnerable are those who are either viewed as revenue-generating or those who are immediately necessary to keep the doors open," Yergen  says. 

"Know how your company makes money," Azzarello adds. "It gives you great ideas for how to contribute more value. When the layoffs happen, those associated with impacting the bottom line are safe.

Beth Braccio Hering researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues for CareerBuilder. Follow @Careerbuilder on Twitter.