As employers finalize 2004 budgets, they’re more likely to make job cuts in September through December as they are in the preceding eight months, according to outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas.

The firm’s analysis shows that the average monthly job cuts during the last four months of the year was 80,858 between 1995 and 2002, 25% higher than the 64,914 cuts averaged in the preceding eight months of the same period.

“Employees should come to work, September 2, the day after Labor Day, ready to prove they are indispensable,” recommends John Challenger, CEO of Challenger, Gray & Christmas. “Many employees are proving to be exceptional, giving 110% all the time. They should resolve to give 115% between September and December.”

Here are some of Challenger’s recommendations for boosting your job security:

* Express a willingness to travel or relocate. That’s the attitude management looks for when considering promotions.

* Don’t let work expand to fill the time. Rather than doing the minimum required to hit a deadline, resolve to finish projects early and then suggest new work.

* Become an information vacuum. Read everything you can about your industry and position and absorb it. This will help you do your job better

* Don’t hide. Toot your own horn by scheduling face-time with your manager or preparing a memo or update of your project successes.

* Find ways to save money that require your doing. When savings occur in your department, you elevate your stature and strengthen your case.

* Be well-liked. Establish and maintain good interpersonal relationships with colleagues.

* Become a generalist. Specializing in just one area makes you more vulnerable to downsizing.

* Don’t criticize the company or anyone in it. Trash talking will brand you as a complainer.

* Be a problem solver. Don’t just find the problems, but provide a solution.

* Be there when you’re needed. Get an A for attendance and be available early and late.

* Bring the wardrobe up a notch. This will help you stand out rather than be just another face in the crowd.

* Give up telecommuting. Being away from the corporate office can put you at a major disadvantage, as there often remains the problem of “out of sight, out of mind.”