If you've just gotten your pink slip (or pink e-mail?), it's tempting to storm out of the office, never to return. A dramatic display, to be sure, but certainly not the best way to handle the situation. Not only because you don't want to burn any bridges—and your boss probably isn't any happier about losing you than you are about leaving—but also because there are some things you want to make sure you take care of before you leave the office. Remember, don't take your layoff personally; these are tough times, and the decision to let anyone go is not an easy one—it was a business decision and nothing more.

The first thing you want to do is go see your direct supervisor. If he's busy, schedule a meeting for later in the day. This is where you can tell him that you understand it's not his fault, and he'll probably mention something like what an asset you've been to the company. This is a great spot to ask for a letter of recommendation. In most cases, your supervisor will be happy to provide one, and these letters can carry considerable weight when searching for another job. You want to do this as soon as possible, so that your supervisor can't say that he or she is weighed down by so many other requests for letters (this is especially true with mass layoffs). It's first come, first served in most cases. Whether he will or will not write you a letter, it's important to keep this meeting incredibly polite, friendly, and civil. Do not burn bridges. When the economy picks up, the company may start hiring again, and if they remember you in a positive light, they may hire you back.