You work for a company that has been going through a lot of changes and turmoil. Word is going around about layoffs and worries that will be next. If you have been an exemplary employee and the dismissal is not because of anything you've done, be sure that these three questions as they are being handed his Pink Slip:

1. Request a reference letter. You can use this to help you land that new job, and it will be beneficial to have a letter praising you and your accomplishments. This will show prospective employers that his dismissal was a business decision and not for any wrongdoing on your part. Most people forget to ask about this, and it is difficult to try to return later and ask for one.

2. Ask about severance pay. Not automatically guarantee this unless stipulated in his employment contract when they were hired .. Usually, a week apart is given for each year of service to the company, but this may be negotiable. And especially if you have recently completed a major project has been honored or achieve an important goal, be sure to remember. You can buy one week of severance pay they were not thinking about giving.

3. Are you entitled to payment for unused vacation? In most cases, the answer is no. Some companies allow you to roll over unused time from one year to another, while others have to use it or lose it policy. Most companies explain their rules in the employee handbook, but asking to be paid for his unused vacation pay can only earn a few extra dollars you can use right now.

You can not get any compensation or vacation pay, and especially not if you do not ask for it. Do not forget, this is a very difficult situation for your boss, too, so that he or she may be willing to give more of the provisions. You'll never know unless you try, and the worst they can do is say no. If the moment passes, the chances are you will not have another opportunity to ask these questions again. Know in advance what to ask can give you the confidence to speak for yourself in this difficult time. Good luck!

keep it up

Wait a couple of days after you receive the offer before negotiating. Give yourself time to both understand all aspects of the offer and come up with a negotiating strategy based on what you've learned. You'll normally ask the person who made the offer about the details.