How to build motivation in today's workplace

"Honesty is very important," Katcher says. "As soon as you start telling half-truths to employees or telling them things to deceive them, they will see right through it, and you will lose their trust - maybe permanently."

Employees can also take steps to improve their own outlook on work. Rather than lying low or moping during tough times, they should:

Negotiate for perks other than pay raises. These might include more training, travel, or a more flexible schedule.

"Employees are always looking for more decision-making authority, more of a say in how they do their work, and also more control of their own time and space - flexibility," Katcher says. "Those are the kind of things that not a lot of employers provide, but are very important to employees these days because they're trying to get better balance in their lives, and they want to feel like they are respected."

Network, network, network. Don't dismiss the idea that you might actually find a better job - even in tough times.

"Never stop looking at what's out there," Weintraub advises. You may find that your current job isn't so bad or, conversely, find a much better one. Either way, you've gained by testing the waters. "You need to be ready and prepared."

That means networking, both inside and outside the company. "This is the time for people to form networks and even support groups," Weintraub says, so that you "have them if you need them."

Show your value - and be visible. Maybe you can develop a new source of revenue for your company or show how it can cut costs.

"Employees need to think about: what can I do to be more successful, and how can I help my boss and my company become more successful," Weintraub says. "You've got to sort of market yourself. You need to continue to look for ways of improving things in spite of the fact that you might not be getting the benefits, the compensation that goes along with it."

While performing well and achieving goals is essential, don't do it while hiding in your office, Weintraub advises. "People need to know what you're up to - especially your boss.... That's the No. 1 component for success."

Take a long-term approach. With many companies struggling now, Weintraub says, they value people "who are players, who are seen as [being] with you and proactive."

Your outstanding performance now, even if not currently rewarded with cash or promotions, can position you for rewards when times improve and managers begin to assess who should be first in line to share in the newly won prosperity, he says.

Hot on the trail of a new job? A recent survey of more 2,000 recruiters and hiring managers across a broad range of industries turned up a list of "most frequently asked" job-interview questions.

You might want to distill some cogent responses in advance.

"Although an effective résumé is usually successful in getting interviews, many job-seekers hit a brick wall when it comes to offering meaningful responses during the interview," says Brad Fredericks, a spokesman for ResumeDoctor.com, of South Burlington, Vt., which conducted the survey. " 'Tell me about yourself' is not the cue to begin your life story."

Recruiters and hiring managers frequently said that questions are often designed to probe subjective aspects of a job candidate, ranging from work ethic to preferred management styles and assorted "soft skills."

The Top 15 interview topics:

• Describe your ideal job and/or boss.

• Why are you job hunting/leaving your current job?

• What unique experience or qualifications separate you from other candidates?

• Tell me about yourself.

• What are your strengths and weaknesses?

• Describe some of your most important career accomplishments.

• What are your short-term/long-term goals?

• Describe a time when you were faced with a challenging situation and how you handled it.

• What are your salary requirements?

• Why are you interested in this position/our company?

• What would a former boss/colleague say about you?

• What are the best and worst aspects of your last job?

• What do you know about our company?

• What motivates you? How do you motivate others?

• Are you willing to relocate?

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