Questions to Ask When Getting Laid Off
Protect your finances, benefits, and future opportunities with clear questions during a layoff conversation.
1What is my official last day and how is PTO handled?
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What is my official last day and how is PTO handled?
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Why this works
Establishes timeline and payout details.
2What severance is offered and what are the conditions?
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What severance is offered and what are the conditions?
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Why this works
Clarifies amount, clawbacks, and release terms.
3How long will I have access to email and files?
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How long will I have access to email and files?
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Why this works
Plan references, portfolio, and handoff.
4How are health benefits and COBRA administered?
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How are health benefits and COBRA administered?
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Why this works
Avoids coverage gaps and surprises.
5What happens to my equity, RSUs, or options?
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What happens to my equity, RSUs, or options?
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Why this works
Vesting, exercise windows, and tax implications.
6Can I get an official statement this is a position elimination?
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Can I get an official statement this is a position elimination?
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Why this works
Provides neutral language for job search.
7Who can provide references and what policy governs that?
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Who can provide references and what policy governs that?
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Why this works
Aligns expectations for future employers.
8Is outplacement support available?
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Is outplacement support available?
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Why this works
Access to coaching, resume help, and job leads.
9What is the return-of-equipment process and deadline?
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What is the return-of-equipment process and deadline?
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Why this works
Avoids fees and ensures clean exit.
10What internal or sister-company roles can I be considered for?
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What internal or sister-company roles can I be considered for?
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Why this works
Explores redeployment before departure.
11What happens if I sign vs. don’t sign the severance agreement?
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What happens if I sign vs. don’t sign the severance agreement?
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Why this works
Informs legal and financial choices.
12Who can I contact with follow-up questions after today?
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Who can I contact with follow-up questions after today?
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Why this works
Provides a stable point of contact.
Stay Grounded
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.