Congratulations! Your job search has paid off, and you've landed that job of your dreams. Time to sit back, relax, and start collecting your paycheck, right?

Wrong! Landing your first job is just a "baby step" on that long path that will be your career. In these days of corporate downsizing and company cutbacks, the smart employee keeps his job-search and work-related skills up to date, even when he's happy with his employment. After all, U.S. Department of Labor research indicates that the average worker will hold eight to 10 different jobs during his or her employment lifespan-and the greatest turnover happens before the worker reaches the age of 30.

So how can you assure that you'll have what it takes to avoid being downsized-or that you'll have what it takes to bounce back when the pink slip does come?

First, make yourself a valuable employee, one that no company would choose to let go. Second, keep yourself on the cutting edge of your field-because, if that lay off does happen, you'll want to get back on the career track without missing a step.

Easier said than done? Well, if you follow these simple tips, you'll find that no matter how many times your career changes course you will never become "job-solete."

1. Think of yourself as an entrepreneur. Remember, you are the product that is being offered in the marketplace. Figure out what your strengths and interests are, and continue to develop and market them so that you never lose your edge over the competition.

2. Learn and earn. In this economy, employers probably won't offer you loyalty, but they can offer you skills. Take advantage of every opportunity to learn something new-by helping out on a new project, volunteering to "cover" for an employee who's on leave, or signing up for seminars and workshops that the company may offer or sponsor. Many employers offer some sort of tuition reimbursement, so take classes in your field. Don't allow your education to become obsolete.

3. Update your records. "You should always keep a record of your accomplishments, perhaps even a portfolio, even when times are not threatening," suggests Patrick Lennahan, an independent career counselor and director of the career center at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island. "Be able to demonstrate the value that you have added to your organization or work unit." Also include contact names and references in your portfolio, along with a resume that's updated on a regular basis. You never know when an opportunity may present itself.

4. Take "It's not my job!" out of your vocabulary. Instead, volunteer to take on new responsibilities and think of every new assignment as a learning experience. If you have any "down" time, look for other ways to contribute. Remember: being cross-trained will make you that much more valuable. Employers also value workers who don't have a "nine to five" mentality. If you have to work some extra hours to help with a special project, do so willingly. It will be remembered.

5. Dress up your attitude. The dress code of the office may be "casual," but your approach to work should be anything but. Even when doing the most unpleasant or routine tasks, do them with style. Deal with everyone on a professional basis, from the receptionist right up to the CEO. You are all partners in creating a dynamic and cooperative workplace.

6. Seize the opportunity! Don't wait to be told to do a job or take on a responsibility. Make the first move. Ask, "May I help?" "Valuable employees don't wait for someone to ask them to take on a project," says Shelly Field, author of The Unofficial Guide to Hot Careers. "Instead, if they see something that they think should be done and would help make the company better, they offer to handle it."

7. Make the team. Employers want employees who can work together for the goals of the company, instead of promoting their individual goals. "Valuable employees give credit to others, knowing they are part of a team," says Field.

Laura Berman Fortgang, author of Living Your Best Life, agrees. "To become a valuable employee, we need to show we are a team player and that we are committed to the organization's goals."

Fields adds, "Generally, when someone needs to be let go superiors will be much less likely to fire the person who has been a team player, is a positive force in the office and pleasant to be around." Having personal goals will help keep your career on track. Just make sure they're in line with the employer's goals as well.

8. Bond with the boss. Even if this job won't last forever, a good relationship with your supervisor will endure-in the form of high recommendations and networking in the future. Field suggests, "Make sure your superiors know who you are and see you in a positive light. Your superiors should know that you always pitch in are ready to help and you are a team player.

9. Make change your perspective. Every employee should acknowledge-even embrace-the changes in the workplace. If you're not a part of the change, you'll soon find yourself left behind.

"Are you perceived as a supporter of change, or as a change resister?" asks Barbara Yoli, president of Change Results Consulting. "Have you demonstrated the ability to perform well in changing circumstances and difficult situations? With all the changes that occur in major organizations, these skills are not only critical, they are still rare." Develop them, and your value as an employee will develop as well.

10. Keep your computer skills cutting edge. As the world of work becomes increasingly computerized, the employee who has kept his computer skills ahead of the competition will be indispensable. Take any computer class or seminar offered by your employer-even if it's a class offered after hours. "In today's business, computer skills are fast becoming the cost of admission", Yoli says. You don't want to have to play "catch up" while looking for a new position or trying to secure a promotion. So what are you waiting for? Start investing some time behind the computer monitor, in seminars or pitching in to help your co-workers. These steps may be simple, but each is an investment in that valuable commodity-your career path. Step by step, you'll build your market value so that the career you're developing will never go off track.

Reprinted from JobWeb with permission of the National Association of Colleges and Employers, copyright holder.