Ready-to-Use Layoff Email Templates and Scripts
Copy-paste starting points for the conversations that come up after a layoff. Edit them to fit your situation.
Resignation letter (generator + 8 templates)
Two weeks' notice, short notice, immediate, email and more — three tones, live preview, free .txt, .docx and PDF.
Open templateSeparation statement for a quit claim
A structure for explaining a voluntary quit on the unemployment application: reason, what you did first, and the documents you have.
Open templateAsk to be included in a reduction
An email asking HR about a mutual separation or resignation package before you hand in notice.
Open templateAsk HR for severance details
A professional email requesting how your severance was calculated and what conditions apply.
Open templateAsk HR for final paycheck details
Confirm your last day, final pay date, PTO payout, and what the check includes.
Open templateReview your layoff letter
Annotated layoff-letter examples, a document analyzer, and a copyable email asking HR to confirm the details.
Open templateRequest a leave of absence
Medical, personal and parental leave request letters that also get the pay, benefits and FMLA questions answered in writing.
Open templateAsk for a reference after layoff
Two short, low-pressure emails asking a former manager or colleague to be a reference, plus the heads-up note before a call.
Open templateNegotiate severance politely
A respectful framework for asking whether the package is negotiable.
Open templateExplain the layoff in an interview
A calm, forward-looking way to address the layoff when asked.
Open templateLinkedIn layoff post
An optional 'open to work' announcement that keeps a positive tone.
Open templateRecruiter DM
A short, specific outreach message to a recruiter.
Open templateReferral request
An easy-to-forward note asking a former colleague to put a referral in at their company.
Open templateRent / mortgage hardship letter
Two copyable letters — to a landlord and to a mortgage servicer — with what to ask and what to have ready.
Open templateCredit card hardship script
A phone script and email for asking your issuer about hardship programs, plus the questions to ask before enrolling.
Open templateFrequently asked questions
Are these templates free to use?+
How should I customize a template?+
Can I send these emails to HR directly?+
Do these templates count as legal or financial advice?+
Your next steps
Keep your momentum — here's where to go next.
Build My Layoff Plan
Get a personalized plan that tells you which templates to send and when.
OpenSeverance Pay Calculator
Estimate your package before you email HR about it.
OpenHow to Negotiate Severance
A respectful framework for asking whether the package is negotiable.
OpenRecruiter DM Template
A short, specific outreach message to start your job search.
OpenJob Search After Layoff
Resume, LinkedIn, and interview resources to land the next role.
OpenRelated resources
Everything in this section
Educational content only. LayoffNext does not provide legal, financial, tax, insurance, employment, immigration, unemployment, investment, or mental health advice. Always consult a licensed professional or official government source for guidance specific to your situation.
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