by Kristen Bevilacqua

Created on: August 25, 2009   Last Updated: August 27, 2009

It can be difficult to overcome the initial shock and frustration after receiving a pink slip. It is important to remember that being laid off is not the end of your career or even representative of the work you did in your recent position. Most layoffs are not personal, but business decisions. The way you conduct yourself after being laid off can go a long way to encouraging your employer to assist you in your situation.

Use Benefits to Your Benefit

Ask your employer if they will compensate you for unused vacation time. In many cases, pay for vacation time has already been factored into a company's expenses, so your employer may be willing to pay you for that time. Also inquire about extending the termination of health benefits for you and your family. Most benefits end after one month of termination. In layoff situations, employers are usually willing to extend that time to up to six months. For the welfare of your family, it is worth asking!

Request Wrap-up Time

Try to buy yourself some extra time, especially if the layoff comes as a surprise to you. Ask your employer if you may work an extra week or two past the termination date they have given you. Explain that the extra time will allow you to wrap up outstanding projects and tasks, ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks in your absence. It will also allow you to get finances and affairs in order while getting a jump start on your new job search.

Ask for a Recommendation

The most important thing you take with you from your old job is not just your experience, but your contacts. Do not rule out a good recommendation from your employer just because you have been laid off. Your accomplishments and work ethic speak for themselves. Ask for a letter of recommendation and ask if you may use your boss's contact information to be contacted for future recommendations. If you have had a good working relationship with your boss, he will want to see you land on your feet in new job.

Your request will also imply to your boss that you intend to speak well of the company and your experience there. That attitude will secure your status as a valuable employee with a positive attitude and increase the potential for them to consider you for future freelance work or open opportunities.

Ask your employer for help to soften the blow of being laid off. You have dedicated your time to working for the company, and the company has invested in you as an employee. The company's assistance will benefit you both, so don't be afraid to ask.

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