How to negotiate a severance package

Seek out specific information

You need to gather information about your organization's financial situation and status, the reasoning behind your termination, and the common severance package for your industry and specific role. This will help you to understand what is reasonable to ask for in a severance package.

Determine your priorities

This is important, you need to consider what is important to you in terms of an adequate severance package. This could include items like high severance pay, extended health care coverage, a positive reference, or even a referral.

Talk with HR

Next, you need to start the conversation with the human resource department at your company. Be respectful and professional, but also make sure you are clear about your goals, and any details you might find unacceptable.

Counteroffers

Once you have heard your severance package offer from your employer or HR representative, you then have the opportunity to use all of the information you have obtained in the previous steps to make a well-informed counteroffer. Stick to the items you have prioritized and professionally push for them.

Get it in writing

Be prepared to compromise, but whatever the final result of your negotiations is, make sure you get it in writing. This should include terms, timelines, deadlines, or any other critical details.