Americans are feeling the impact of the economic recession.

Workers face mass layoffs and unemployment rates continue to rise, along with people filing bankruptcy.

The current labor market is scary—many people are having trouble finding new jobs.

The Employment Law Alliance recently surveyed 1,159 workers and found that about a third of them are concerned about losing their jobs.

More than half of the workers surveyed said that if they were laid off, they think they would have a difficult time finding new employment.

Preparing for the Worst

The Wall Street Journal recently spoke with Dee Soder, managing partner of CEO Perspective Group, an executive-advisory firm, about mass layoffs.

Soder recommends that workers who are worried about layoffs spend a minimum of two hours a day preparing their career strategies. This process starts with an updated resume that focuses on the worker's most marketable skills.

Workers should also save copies of recent performance reviews. A list of job achievements, samples of their work and any other letters or documents that reflect a job well done should also be retained.

Some people who fear layoffs tend to try to stay under the radar and essentially become invisible in the workplace. However, experts warn that this may be a bad idea.

When rumors of job cuts are swirling, it may be the perfect time to let your talents shine. The difference between who stays and who is cut may lie in the value of the worker. By showing that you are a competent and self-starting employee, you may be able to weather the storm.

Getting Legal Advice

Laurel Bellows, an employment attorney, tells The Wall Street Journal that getting advice from a lawyer before being laid off may be a good idea.

Bellows notes that getting legal advice may be especially important to people who feel that they may have complaints covered under bias, whistle-blower or other employment laws.

According to Bellows, you should let your employer know immediately if you have concerns that employment laws are being violated. If an investigation is launched, your job could be preserved while the investigation is ongoing.

If your job cannot be saved, you may still be able to sit down at the bargaining table and negotiate favorable separation benefits. You might ask for a bonus, extended health coverage and outplacement services.

Experts recommend that you prepare your “wish list” in advance—just in case.