Questions to Ask When Being Laid Off
Critical questions to protect your rights, understand severance, and secure references and benefits during a layoff.
1What is the effective date of my termination, and what is my last day of work?
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What is the effective date of my termination, and what is my last day of work?
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Why this works
Clarifies timeline and when your employment officially ends.
2Am I being offered a severance package, and what does it include?
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Am I being offered a severance package, and what does it include?
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Why this works
Establishes what compensation you'll receive beyond your final paycheck.
3How is the severance amount calculated, and is it negotiable?
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How is the severance amount calculated, and is it negotiable?
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Why this works
Shows the formula and whether there's room to negotiate better terms.
4What happens to my unused vacation, sick time, and PTO?
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What happens to my unused vacation, sick time, and PTO?
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Why this works
Ensures accrued time off is paid out per company policy or state law.
5How long will my health insurance continue, and what are my COBRA options?
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How long will my health insurance continue, and what are my COBRA options?
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Why this works
Clarifies healthcare coverage and costs so you can plan for continuity.
6Will the company provide outplacement services or career counseling?
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Will the company provide outplacement services or career counseling?
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Why this works
Assesses support for your job search and whether resources are available.
7Can I get a letter of recommendation or reference from my manager or HR?
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Can I get a letter of recommendation or reference from my manager or HR?
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Why this works
Secures positive references while relationships are still intact.
8What will be shared with future employers if they contact for a reference?
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What will be shared with future employers if they contact for a reference?
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Why this works
Clarifies what the company will say about your departure and employment.
9Am I required to sign a release or non-disparagement agreement to receive severance?
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Am I required to sign a release or non-disparagement agreement to receive severance?
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Why this works
Ensures you understand what rights you're waiving and what you're agreeing to.
10How long do I have to review the severance agreement before signing?
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How long do I have to review the severance agreement before signing?
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Why this works
Confirms you have time to consult an attorney if needed.
11What happens to my 401(k), stock options, or other retirement benefits?
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What happens to my 401(k), stock options, or other retirement benefits?
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Why this works
Clarifies vesting, portability, and deadlines for decisions.
12Am I eligible for unemployment benefits, and will the company contest my claim?
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Am I eligible for unemployment benefits, and will the company contest my claim?
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Why this works
Helps you understand eligibility and whether the process will be contested.
13Can I keep my company laptop, phone, or other equipment, or do I need to return them?
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Can I keep my company laptop, phone, or other equipment, or do I need to return them?
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Why this works
Clarifies what you can keep and avoids disputes over company property.
14What is the reason for my layoff, and is it performance-related or economic?
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What is the reason for my layoff, and is it performance-related or economic?
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Why this works
Ensures the record is clear and protects against wrongful termination claims.
15Will I be eligible for rehire in the future?
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Will I be eligible for rehire in the future?
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Why this works
Clarifies your status and whether doors remain open.
16What support will the company provide for LinkedIn updates or networking?
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What support will the company provide for LinkedIn updates or networking?
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Why this works
Shows whether the company will help you transition publicly and professionally.
17Are there any non-compete or confidentiality agreements that remain in effect?
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Are there any non-compete or confidentiality agreements that remain in effect?
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Why this works
Clarifies ongoing obligations and whether they'll limit your next role.
18What is the timeline for receiving my final paycheck and severance payment?
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What is the timeline for receiving my final paycheck and severance payment?
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Why this works
Ensures you know when money will hit your account for planning purposes.
19Can I receive my severance as a lump sum or structured payments?
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Can I receive my severance as a lump sum or structured payments?
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Why this works
Clarifies payout options and tax implications.
20Who should I contact if I have follow-up questions after today?
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Who should I contact if I have follow-up questions after today?
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Why this works
Establishes a point of contact for ongoing issues or clarifications.
Navigating a Layoff
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.