Layoff language: How to answer 4 key questions.

Paul Falcone, a former Time Warner HR exec and popular author on HR issues, suggests these legally safe answers to common layoff questions:

1. "Why was my job chosen for elimination?"

   A: "It was a business decision. Please don't take this personally. When a reduction in force occurs, positions are eliminated. The people who are attached to those jobs get laid off. Selecting positions for elimination is so difficult because you realize people's lives will be interrupted. That's why I'm so sorry that this is occurring."

2. "Who else is being laid off? Why me?"

   A: "I can't share who else is being laid off at this point. We haven't spoken to the others yet, so I'd ask that you allow me to hold off on answering that for now."

   or: "Yes, yours is the only position in our department that's being eliminated. I want you to know that you're eligible for rehire once the hiring freeze is lifted, although we can't guarantee that. For now, understand that we had to eliminate one position and yours made the most sense."

3. "Who's going to take on all of my job...