Severance Pay A Perk?

Compiled ByTraci Purdum The recent bout of layoffs from companies across the board has job seekers negotiating severance packages as part of their acceptance of a job, according to a recent survey conducted by TrueCareers, a Reston, Va.-based e-recruiting business launched by educational-loan provider Sallie Mae. In fact, 63% of job seekers report that negotiating severance agreements is an important part of the job-attainment process. Additionally, 40% of the 1,100 survey respondents say that they research severance and outplacement policies before initiating employment discussions with a company. What do potential employees think is a good severance package? According to the survey two-thirds say that six months or more severance pay is reasonable.