Are you facing a severance package from your employer that doesn’t meet your expectations? If so, you might consider writing a severance counter offer letter. This letter should outline the terms that you want and explain why you believe that they are reasonable. In this article, we’ll provide tips and examples to help you create a persuasive severance counter offer letter that will increase your chances of getting the package you deserve.
Tips for Writing a Severance Counter Offer Letter
Writing a persuasive severance counter offer letter requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you create a letter that is professional, persuasive, and effective:
- Start with a clear and concise title: Your title should indicate that this is a severance counter offer letter.
- Explain why you are asking for a better package: Be specific about why you think the employer’s offer is not fair. For example, you could mention that you have been with the company for a long time or that you have made significant contributions to the organization.
- Suggest specific terms: Be clear about what you want. For example, you might ask for more severance pay, extended healthcare benefits, or a better reference.
- Provide evidence to support your position: If you can show that other employees in similar situations have received better packages, or that industry standards suggest that you are entitled to more, this can be very helpful.
- Be polite and professional: Remember, you are asking for something that is not required by law. You should be grateful for whatever package the employer has offered, even as you seek to improve it.
- Use a template: There are many templates available online that can help you create a professional-looking severance counter offer letter. You can use these examples as a starting point and customize them to suit your needs.
Example Severance Counter Offer Letter Templates
Request for Additional Severance Pay
Dear [Employer],
I am writing to request additional severance pay. While I appreciate the package you have offered, I believe that my long service to the company and my contributions to its success justify a more generous offer.
Specifically, I am requesting an additional [insert amount] of severance pay, which will help to support me while I search for new employment opportunities. I understand that this is not required by law, but I believe that it is a fair and reasonable request.
Thank you for your consideration, and please let me know if you need any further information from me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Request for Extended Healthcare Benefits
Dear [Employer],
I am writing to request an extension of my healthcare benefits. While I appreciate the severance package that you have offered, I am concerned about the impact that losing my healthcare coverage will have on my ability to care for my family.
Specifically, I would like to request an extension of my healthcare benefits for [insert time period]. This will enable me to continue receiving the care that I and my family need, without incurring additional expenses during this difficult time.
Thank you for your consideration, and please let me know if you need any further information from me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Request for Better Reference
Dear [Employer],
I am writing to request a better reference as part of my severance package. While I appreciate the package you have offered, I am concerned that the reference that you have provided will not accurately reflect my skills and experience.
Specifically, I would like to request a reference that emphasizes my contributions to the company, my skills and experience, and my positive working relationships with my colleagues. I believe that this will be helpful as I search for new employment opportunities.
Thank you for your consideration, and please let me know if you need any further information from me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Request for Additional Vacation Time
Dear [Employer],
I am writing to request additional vacation time as part of my severance package. While I appreciate the package you have offered, I believe that my long service to the company and my contributions to its success justify a more generous offer.
Specifically, I am requesting [insert number of days] of additional vacation time, which will allow me to spend more time with my family and pursue other interests during this transition period. I understand that this is not required by law, but I believe that it is a fair and reasonable request.
Thank you for your consideration, and please let me know if you need any further information from me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Request for Extended COBRA Benefits
Dear [Employer],
I am writing to request an extension of my COBRA benefits. While I appreciate the severance package that you have offered, I am concerned about the impact that losing my healthcare coverage will have on my ability to care for my family.
Specifically, I would like to request an extension of my COBRA benefits for [insert time period]. This will enable me to continue receiving the care that I and my family need, without incurring additional expenses during this difficult time.
Thank you for your consideration, and please let me know if you need any further information from me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Request for Additional Retirement Benefits
Dear [Employer],
I am writing to request additional retirement benefits as part of my severance package. While I appreciate the package you have offered, I believe that my long service to the company and my contributions to its success justify a more generous offer.
Specifically, I am requesting an additional [insert amount] of retirement benefits, which will help to support me during my retirement years. I understand that this is not required by law, but I believe that it is a fair and reasonable request.
Thank you for your consideration, and please let me know if you need any further information from me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in my severance counter offer letter?
Your severance counter offer letter should include a clear and concise title, an explanation of why you are asking for a better package, specific terms that you are requesting, evidence to support your position, and a polite and professional tone.
Can I use a template to write my severance counter offer letter?
Yes, there are many templates available online that can help you create a professional-looking severance counter offer letter. You can use these examples as a starting point and customize them to suit your needs.
Should I mention my legal rights in my severance counter offer letter?
No, it is not necessary to mention your legal rights in your severance counter offer letter. Instead, focus on making a persuasive argument for why you deserve a better package based on your contributions to the company and industry standards.
What if my employer refuses my severance counter offer?
If your employer refuses your severance counter offer, you may need to consider other options, such as negotiating with a mediator or taking legal action. However, you should be prepared for the possibility that your employer may reject your request.
Can I negotiate other terms besides severance pay?
Yes, you can negotiate other terms besides severance pay, such as extended healthcare benefits, additional vacation time, or a better reference. Be specific about what you want and why you think it is reasonable.
Should I consult with a lawyer before sending my severance counter offer letter?
It is not necessary to consult with a lawyer before sending your severance counter offer letter. However, if you are concerned about your legal rights or the terms of your severance package, it may be helpful to seek legal advice.
Conclusion
Writing a persuasive severance counter offer letter requires careful planning and attention to detail. By using the tips and examples provided in this article, you can create a letter that is professional, persuasive, and effective. Remember to be polite and professional, provide evidence to support your position, and use a template to create a letter that is easy to read and understand. Good luck!