What to ask for when being laid off
Dear Sam: I was just downsized from my employer of 13 years. I worked for a fairly small business, and they have not assembled any type of outplacement package, other than the normal severance pay. I have heard of people at other companies getting help with resume prep, interviewing and job searching. I do not want to spend my own severance dollars — as I have a family to take care of — securing those services to help me move into my next role. Can I negotiate with my human-resources rep to secure a more robust separation agreement, or is that taboo? — Ty
Dear Ty: While it may seem a little uncomfortable, you can still negotiate for a custom package based on your needs and preferences, even if your employer is providing outplacement services. I have worked with many people who have been part of a mass layoff and been provided with outplacement support through a large company and, instead, have requested dollars to spend for providers of their choice. There is no harm in asking. I would recommend contacting some providers, getting price quotes for the services you would like and approaching your human-resources representative (or soon-to-be past supervisor/manager) with details about the cost of the services needed to support your transition.
Small and midsize companies will likely be receptive to this and, I often find, are more than willing to offer this financial assistance to employees they really did not want to downsize in the first place. I recently worked with an executive who had been downsized, and just as I suggested to you, she approached her human-resources department and presented a case for assistance in her job search. Her employer provided a stipend for her to use, at her discretion, allowing her to choose the professional she liked best who fit into her budget.
Some small employers assume they can’t afford to provide outplacement services, as larger companies do charge an incredibly high amount for such wraparound services. But there are many professionals out there who provide services (to individuals) that can support smaller outplacements and provide the one-on-one personal guidance a downsized employee needs during this transition. Take a chance, and ask.
— Samantha Nolan is a certified professional resume writer and the owner of Nolan Branding, a full-service resume-writing firm. Email resume or jobsearch questions to dearsam@nolanbranding.com. To find out more about Nolan and her services, visit www.nolanbranding.com, or call 614-570-3442 or 888-952-3928.