How to ask about benefits & work-life balance
- Bring it up softly. This is, admittedly, a broad question but the interviewer’s response will tell you a lot about the...
- Ask a more granular question to gain an understanding of schedule. This is a bit more pointed than the previous prompt,...
- Ask the interviewer. Get the interviewer talking about their own experience in the...
What are the best questions to ask during an interview?
We think answering interview questions is enough pressure without having to think of any of your own, so we’ve done the hard work for you. Here’s our essential list of the best questions to ask during an interview. WHY ARE YOU HIRING FOR THIS POSITION? This key question is so often overlooked.
What benefits should I ask for?
I remember reading something that said I should begin the “paperwork ... but the Social Security benefits you earned from a lifetime of working are there for you. Here’s what you need ...
Should I ask about the salary before accepting an interview?
To sum up, here’s what you need to remember when talking about salary in an interview:
- Know your worth and the forms of compensation that matter most to you.
- Use salary resources like Indeed Salaries to study the current trends and learn about the range for this job in your city.
- Give a range, not a specific number. ...
- Don’t try to negotiate until you have a formal job offer.
What should you do before an interview?
The week before the interview:
- Do your homework. Research the company and its background beforehand. ...
- Prepare your questions. When asked by the interviewer if you have any questions, have a few ideas up your sleeve. ...
- Practice your interview technique. Think beforehand about how you can best demonstrate your skills and experiences in an interview. ...
- Plan your journey. ...
- Stay focused. ...
When to Ask About Benefits During the Hiring Process
When you’re considering a job, there are many different factors in play. Most people think of the salary first and foremost, but benefits can be equally important. What can be challenging is knowing when to bring them up in the process. Asking about vacation days in your first interview is a definite mistake.
Timing is Everything
Early on in the process, a good rule is to not bring up benefits unless the company does first. For example, many recruiters will ask about specifics, knowing what the company offers and trying to pair it up with a candidate looking for the same thing. Some companies won’t discuss benefits at all.
Negotiation & Questions
If you’re unhappy with what is offered, or feel like you may be able to gain more, you could negotiate. Some companies may be firm on their salary offering, but willing to give you more days off.
How long can you have health insurance after leaving a job?
Employer-provided insurance plans can have waiting periods of up to 90 days. 4 So, if you're leaving one job for another, you may need interim coverage. If you’re leaving a covered employer, you can opt to continue your health care coverage through the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA).
Is a salary enough to pay for an employee benefit plan?
A great salary isn't always going to be enough to compensate for an employee benefit plan that doesn't offer what you need. In general, there are employee benefits questions you should ask about to ensure that your overall compensation plan is right for you and for your family. Also, ask specific questions based on your needs and on ...
What are the benefits of a job?
Some commonly offered job benefits include: Insurance coverage for medical and dental care. Life insurance policies. Disability insurance.
How long do you have to wait to get unemployment benefits?
Typically, the maximum waiting period is 90 days , meaning you might have to wait a full three months on the job before you're able to access your benefits. Comparatively, some employers have established shorter waiting periods, and others may not require a waiting period at all.
What are some examples of employer sponsored benefits?
For example, if you have a child, spouse or another dependent, you'll want to pay attention to what benefits your potential employer might offer them as a part of your package.
What are the most important factors to consider when choosing a new career?
Employee benefits are one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a new career. The type of insurance, paid time off and retirement benefits you're offered during the hiring process can greatly influence how satisfied you'll be in your new position. In order to make the most informed decision possible, ...
Is an employer's salary considered an employee benefit?
Therefore, anything your employer offers you besides your salary or regular pay is considered an employee benefit. Since employer-sponsored benefits can improve an employee's quality of life and level of job satisfaction, they're an important part of the offer and negotiation process. Not only do great benefits often draw in competitive candidates, ...
Do employers have a waiting period for health insurance?
Many employers have established waiting periods for employees before they can start to receive benefits. These policies help employers offer health insurance coverage to new employees regularly without having to wait for yearly enrollment dates.
Do employers cover dental insurance?
Inquiring about health insurance costs is one of the most important things to do during the offer process. Some employers fully cover medical and dental insurance costs for their employees, while others may choose to deduct partial premium payments from your paycheck.
When to ask about benefits?
A good rule of thumb is to wait to ask questions about benefits until you know you’re a serious candidate for the position, such as during the second or third round of interviews. Likewise, if the potential employer introduces the topic of benefits, that’s a good indication that it’s appropriate to ask clarifying questions to get more information ...
How long do you have to wait to enroll in a new health insurance plan?
A company may have a specific enrollment period or need criteria to determine when you are eligible. Some plans have a 30-day or 90-day waiting period .
How much do companies match 401(k)?
Ask how much the company match is and at what percentage. For example, at 4% of your monthly paycheck, the company might match 100% . However, at 5% of your monthly paycheck, they may only match 50% . Ask when that match becomes vested. If you leave the company before you’re fully vested, the company may withhold the match.
How many employees are required to have health insurance?
If the employer has 50 or more employees, they are required to offer health care plans, but more than 75% of companies offer more than what is just required by law. Depending on the company, these benefits may include dental insurance, vision care and life insurance. Make sure to ask what exactly is offered and who can be covered under your plan.
What is it like to bring up salary and/or health care benefits during a primary interview?
Bringing up salary and/or health care benefits (or benefits of any kind) during a primary interview is like going for a good night kiss at the beginning of a first date; most people generally aren’t receptive to it. “The biggest blunder made by job applicants is the tendency to jump to the issue of compensation too quickly,” says Deb Koen, vice president of a nonprofit group called Career Development Services. So keep those questions to yourself for the time being—you don’t want to look like you’re interested in only one thing.
Do companies offer compensation other than salary?
It’s the last thing to remember and it’s as simple as it sounds, some companies simply will not offer compensation other than salary. However, if you know what you’re worth and you know what you require, you will eventually find an employer that offers the benefits that are right for you.
When is the right time to ask about benefits?
The right time is generally after you’ve captured the interviewer’s interest by showing them you are a good fit for the job. Focus first on selling yourself and wait for the right opportunity to ask about benefits. Look for strong signs of interest from the interviewer before broaching the topic of salary.
What to use when asking about salary?
If you’re asking about salary, use the word “compensation” rather than “money and ask for a range rather than a specific number. Likewise, if you want to find out about work-life balance, it may be more useful to approach the topic in terms of “office culture.”.
Why do employers hire?
Employers hire because they have problems and as a potential employee, you should focus on how you can solve these problems. At the same time, figuring out if an employer can meet your personal standards and needs for salary and benefits are a key determinant of whether a job is a good fit for you. So how can you ask about salary ...
How to phrase a question?
There’s always more than one way to phrase a question. Style and approach help you get the information you want. Choose your words and phrasing carefully when asking about what an employer will do for you. Let’s dig into this. Sometimes using specific words can make all the difference.
Can you get information without coming across as overly demanding?
You can get the information you need without coming across as overly-demanding or dismissive of the company’s needs. It’s definitely a delicate situation, but with the right strategy you can make a great impression and get the answers you want.
Can you march into an interview and ask for vacation time?
You can’t simply march into the interview and demand to know how much money and vacation time you’ll get. Instead, you need to approach these topics with diplomacy and finesse. Here are few things for you to do to set up tactful, effective questions about salary or benefits: