General question about employment termination

[Aukora]

Thought I would ask this, since I just found out that I am being severed from my company due to position elimination at the end of the month and curious if anyone has experienced this previously.

They are offering me a severance package with 3 months of pay+pto-taxes but if I accept it, I am not eligible for rehire. Now, not that I would ever dream of coming back to work here, I'm curious if that will affect my applications elsewhere when they ask if I am eligible for rehire, will that cause negative views?

I'm just wondering if anyone has ever experienced a severance due to position elimination and if it's normal for them to say you're not eligible for rehire.

[LBlackmoor]

Honestly, that is probably going to depend heavily on where you are. I know where I am in Washington State it "Shouldn't."

Heh, I've lost a few jobs in my time (fired from the one before this one actually), but never been "Laid off," nor ever offered a severance package of any type.

From personal experience from being fired... it came up during the interview, but obviously didn't effect me getting the job. Additionally from asking around the office here, its not anything that would come up until the interview, at which time you would have ample opportunity to explain the situation.

Further, from asking around here at work it sounds like some bad mojo on your former employers part. They seem to be saying that in hopes that you wont accept the severance due to fear for your future opportunities, both there and at another employer.

At most, you may have to be proactive about it on future applications and interviews.

Again, statutes and ordinances governing this situation will vary based upon your location.

[Aukora]

Yea, I thought it was a bad form. I asked them after posting this for an explanation, and the explanation they gave everyone who's being let go is that they're going to rescind that statement, it was suggested by outside counsel and they were told it was typical in these situations. So apparently it's a non-issue at this point I suppose, as numerous people railed against that.

[QorDaq]

Also, just to add, that for most non-senior executive positions, a 3-6 month severance is pretty typical, usually at the lower end, and I have seen as little as 1 month, so 3 is not awesome but probably fairly standard. Not that you asked about that part so much, but thought I'd throw it out there.

Additionally, and as LB suggests, being proactive in your future interviews and letting the new company know that it was your position being cut and not you personally is a very good idea.

In fact, I'd highly encourage seeking letters of recommendation from your former employer (as high up the food chain as you can), which can nicely offset any unlikely stigma that might come with being laid off. Just a thought.

Success to you going forward Aukora!

[cmdraftbrn]

In fact, I'd highly encourage seeking letters of recommendation from your former employer (as high up the food chain as you can), which can nicely offset any unlikely stigma that might come with being laid off. Just a thought.

+1

this.

[Aukora]

Yea, my direct manager, the head sys admin and Director of IT, is actually calling in favors for me with people he knows at various companies trying to find me something, which is awesome. Hopefully something comes out of his guys. I've got a couple of interviews coming up that hopefully nets me some options. Crossing fingers! Thanks for the advice and info guys!

[cmdraftbrn]

if their going that far, definitely get a recommendation letter.

[Aukora]

Yea, I'm going to do that, and get a recommendation from a couple of the other people around there just to hedge my bets. I forgot all about recommendation letters and how useful/great they are. Thanks for reminding me!