How to Negotiate Your Severance
Strategies to get the best package
Did you know?
43% of employees who negotiate get more
Average improvement: 4 more weeks
What You Can Negotiate
More Weeks of Pay
Ask for 1-2 additional weeks per year
Extended Healthcare
Company-paid COBRA for longer
Outplacement Services
Resume help, job search coaching
Accelerated Vesting
Stock options or RSUs that haven't vested
Reference Language
Positive reference or neutral policy
Non-Compete Waiver
Release from non-compete clauses
Top Negotiation Strategies
1. Don't Sign Immediately
You have 21 days (or 45 days for group layoffs if over 40) to review. Use this time to negotiate.
2. Know Your Leverage
Long tenure, specialized skills, pending projects, or potential legal claims give you negotiating power.
3. Ask For More Than You Expect
Start high so you have room to negotiate down while still getting what you want.
4. Get It In Writing
Everything agreed verbally should be in the final written agreement.
5. Consider a Lawyer
An employment attorney can often get you a better package than their fee costs.
Watch Out For:
- • Non-compete or non-solicitation clauses that limit future work
- • Non-disparagement clauses that are too broad
- • Releases that waive claims you may want to pursue
- • Unclear language about unemployment benefits
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This is general information, not legal advice. Consult an employment attorney for your situation.