Facing Termination in Switzerland? Here’s What You Should Know

Introduction

Termination is never easy. It often comes with uncertainty, self-doubt, and questions about what to do next. But sometimes, a job ending isn’t the end of the road—it’s a turning point.

Recently, our founder Claudia Scherrer Domingos—a seasoned HR leader and career coach, was featured in ZEIT ONLINE, where she shared her expert take on how to handle termination professionally and how to move forward with confidence in the Swiss job market.

Here are her key insights that every job seeker or employee should know.

Am I at risk of being let go?

Don’t guess—ask. According to Claudia, most people have an instinct about how well things are going at work. But if you're unsure or sensing something's off, the best thing to do is be proactive.

🗣️ “Ask your line manager: ‘Am I meeting expectations? What can I do better?’” she says.

This isn’t just about damage control—it’s about gaining clarity, avoiding unnecessary stress, and positioning yourself as someone open to feedback.

Should you resign or wait to be dismissed?

Claudia’s advice is simple: If you already know what you want to do next, it can be beneficial to take the first step yourself.

💡 “If you resign, it’s easier to explain your decision in future job interviews.”

However, she also notes that in cases of restructuring or company-wide changes, being dismissed may be easier to explain and, importantly, gives you immediate access to unemployment benefits in Switzerland—something not guaranteed if you resign voluntarily.

Negotiating a severance?

Keep it professional. Negotiating a severance package can be tricky. Claudia emphasizes preparation and emotional control:

🧾 “List your achievements and approach the conversation with objective arguments. Don’t get emotional.”

A general guideline: half to a full month’s gross salary for each year of employment is often a fair and customary starting point—though outcomes may vary.

You’ve been let go—what now?

Claudia recommends a four-step process if you’re facing termination:

1. Process the shock. Talk to friends or family.
2. Review the legalities. Make sure the dismissal was done correctly.
3. Register with RAV (Swiss unemployment office). Timing matters!
4. Start planning your next step.

💬 “I’ve often seen that a termination has led to something better,” Claudia adds—reminding us that endings can also be beginnings.

Can I attend job interviews during work hours?

If you’ve been dismissed, yes—you can. And no, you don’t have to make up the time.

But if you’re still employed and actively job searching, Claudia says those meetings should take place during lunch breaks or outside of office hours.

Final Thoughts

Claudia’s insights don’t just come from theory—they’re rooted in two decades of hands-on HR leadership, where she made hiring and dismissal decisions for some of Switzerland’s top employers. Today, she brings that same knowledge to support job seekers through our coaching programs and workshops.

Her recent feature in ZEIT ONLINE is a powerful reminder of the expertise behind everything we do at CV Check Career.