Lead with the ask. Think about what will appear in the two-line message preview the recipient will see as she scrolls through her inbox: Will it capture her attention? Without being abrupt or pushy, it’s important to put your ask at the top of your email—within the first sentence or two if possible.
Full Answer
Can you ask for help by email?
There may be a time when you need to ask for help. There are many different ways to approach someone for assistance, and each way has its benefits. One common way to reach out for help is through email. If you choose this method, it's important to understand how to do it effectively.
How do you ask about benefits in a job interview?
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. Questions like “When can you start?” or “Can you provide references?” are generally a sign that an offer may be in the cards.
How do you discuss benefits with a potential employer?
Wait until you have a job offer to discuss employee benefits, either with human resources or the person who is offering you the job. Next, take some time to review the benefit plans so you can make an educated decision based on the benefits information provided by your prospective employer. Review the benefits offered.
How to ask about salary in an email?
How to Ask about Salary in Email 1 Research salaries in the field. 2 Determine your personal salary range. 3 Determine the starting salary before a second interview. 4 Ask about starting salary in a reply email rather than a new one. 5 Begin your email with a greeting and end with your signature. See More....
How do I ask a question about benefits?
Questions to Ask About Employee BenefitsDoes the company offer health insurance?Will it cover members or my family as well as myself? ... How much of the premium costs do I have to pay for myself? ... Can I choose different levels of coverage? ... What kind of coverage is there for dental, vision and disability insurance?More items...
How do I ask for benefits package by email?
“Dear (Mr/Ms _____) , Thank you for giving me the chance to work in (Company) as your (position) . I'm thrilled at the prospect of working with such a promising team. Before I accept your offer, I would like to discuss the compensation package.
How do I ask about pay and benefits?
Always let the interviewer bring up the discussion first As hard as it is for most job seekers to do, the only appropriate time to ask about salary and benefits is at the offer stage of the interview. Always let the interviewer bring up the discussion first, so you know that you are at that stage.
How do I ask for benefits after a job offer?
Wait until you have a job offer to discuss employee benefits, either with human resources or the person who is offering you the job. Next, take some time to review the benefit plans so you can make an educated decision based on the benefits information provided by your prospective employer.
When should you ask about health 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.
What benefits should I ask for?
Consider hiring bonuses, vacation time, retirement plans, sick leave, insurance, and other company benefits as open for negotiation as well. If you are planning to go back to school, tuition reimbursement may be just as important as health insurance.
How do you talk to employees about benefits?
Effectively Communicate Your Employee Benefits in These 5 WaysEducate employees through onboarding. Consider adding information about your company benefits to your careers page or job descriptions. ... Empower managers. ... Create an ongoing conversation. ... Make it accessible. ... Build an integrative strategy.
How do you politely ask about salary?
Be polite but direct in asking about the starting salary. Show enthusiasm for the position. If the company has asked whether you're interested in the job, you should thank them for their message, state that the position does sound interesting, and then write "May I ask what the salary range is?"
How do you answer expected benefits?
How to answer "What are your total compensation expectations?"Research the industry and geographic area. ... Emphasize your flexibility. ... State a range rather than a fixed amount. ... Consider offering high compensation. ... Be honest. ... Focus on why you expect the amount. ... Prepare for price negotiation.
How do I negotiate benefits?
Can you negotiate benefits when asking for a raise?Get the timing right. A good time to ask for a raise is during your annual review. ... Set realistic goals. A good time to ask for a raise is during your annual review. ... Determine your negotiable areas. ... Assess the value of the benefits. ... Outline your accomplishments.
What are your desired benefits?
Top benefits among job seekers are health care, wellness, retirement, and flexible schedules. Other desired benefits include generous leave policies, career guidance, travel expense compensation, and relocation assistance.
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).
How much of your total compensation is employment?
Employment benefits can comprise 30% or more of your total compensation, so it's important to know what will be included in your coverage. Here’s how to get the benefits information you need. 1
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 ...
Do you get paid extra for holidays?
Some companies provide time-off for holidays, others expect you to work. If you are required to work on a holiday, you may or may not be paid extra. It depends on the organization you work for.
Do you have to be fully informed before accepting a position?
It is much better to be fully informed before you accept a position than it is to have an unpleasant surprise later on. For example, if you're not married and want to cover your partner, will your health insurance plan insure them? Perhaps, if domestic partner coverage is provided and if you meet the requirements. 2 Some employers or insurance companies require unmarried domestic partners to file an affidavit through their human resources department. 3
Why do employers list benefits?
Employers often list their specific benefits on a job listing to be transparent about what exactly they offer employees . Therefore, examining the job listing can help you better understand what benefits you'd receive as an employee. If benefits aren't detailed in a job listing, consider contacting the hiring manager to ask about them.
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.
Why do employers have waiting periods?
These policies help employers offer health insurance coverage to new employees regularly without having to wait for yearly enrollment dates. In addition, some employers mandate waiting period s to ward off the potential for high employee turnover.
What are the most important things 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, it's important to ask your potential employer thorough questions to understand what benefits they have to offer. In this article, we outline 10 essential benefits questions to ask during the hiring process and offer tips for finding a job with good employee benefits .
What are the benefits of working at a company?
Workplace perks, like remote work possibilities, flexible schedules, free food or snacks, fitness memberships and technology stipends, are exciting benefits for many candidates. While not every employer provides things like this, these perks can significantly influence how comfortable and satisfied you are in your role.
Why do we need workplace perks?
Workplace perks sometimes help cover employment-related costs, like commuting or eating lunch in the office, but other times, they're simply offered to improve your quality of life. In addition, in recent years, some organizations have begun offering remote and flexible work schedules to show that they value their employees' time. These perks often make employees happier and help them perform better in their roles. If certain workplace perks appeal to you, it's a good idea to inquire about these benefits with your potential employer.
What are the benefits of education and training?
Educational and training benefits can be incredibly enticing for candidates seeking careers that support their professional development and advancement. Though most organizations offer professional development opportunities, they're typically geared toward training you for the role they want you to serve in.
What to do if you are unhappy with the job offer?
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. You won’t know if you don’t ask! Just keep in mind that any outrageous requests towards the end of the hiring process could cause companies to rescind their offer. Just be reasonable when negotiating, if you decide to.
Is it a mistake to ask about vacation days in an interview?
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.
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.”.
How to get a sense of a company's salary?
Look on sites like Glassdoor and Comparably to get a sense of the company’s salary range and benefit structures. If possible, connect with existing employees on LinkedIn and ask them about the organization’s culture.
How to structure a question in an interview?
Even then, the best way to structure the question is to include a solution as part of of the query. This way, you don’t put the pressure on the employer to figure out how to accommodate your needs; instead you’re proactively offering a reasonable fix, making it easier for the interviewer to say “yes.”
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 avoid awkward interview questions?
At the very least, make sure you reread the job description and review the company website. It’s possible that this research will give you all the information you need so that you avoid having to ask an awkward interview question altogether!
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.
How to ask about salary?
Be polite but direct in asking about the starting salary. Show enthusiasm for the position. If the company has asked whether you're interested in the job, you should thank them for their message, state that the position does sound interesting, and then write "May I ask what the salary range is?" [2]
How to avoid mentioning salary in email?
You should pick a subject line that is generic but still lets the recipient know that the message relates to the job. You might consider including your name and a reference to your "thoughts on the offer."
How to determine your salary range?
Research will help you to determine your salary range. You can use websites like Glassdoor and Payscale again to get a sense of what professionals with similar experience and education to your own make in your field and city.
Why don't companies disclose salary ranges?
Although it would be helpful if the salary range was listed in the job advertisement, many companies don't disclose it because they are probably hoping to find a candidate who is unaware of their own market worth and the average salary range in the field, whom they can lowball. That's why it's helpful to do your research before asking about salary.
How to address an email with a prefix?
If your communications have been formal so far, address the email with "Dear" followed by the recipient's prefix (Dr., Mr., Ms., etc) and last name, then a comma and a line break before beginning your message.
What should your justification be for your salary?
Your justification for your salary should be based on your skills and the average salary range for this position. Don't try to build your case on arguments about how you personally need a higher salary to be able to pay your bills.
What to do if starting salary does not meet minimum?
If the starting salary does not meet this minimum standard, you should probably not continue with the interview process for this particular job. You might be asked what your target salary is before the starting salary is disclosed, which is another good reason to have your salary range in mind already.
Why should I care about an email?
Why should I care? is the tacit question hovering in most people’s minds as they open an email, especially if it’s from someone they don’t know. This is why establishing your credibility early on in the message is crucial. Tell your reader why you are different, why you are accomplished, or why they should pay attention to you.
What does it mean when you email someone you know?
If you’re emailing someone you do know—getting in touch with a coworker about an urgent task, for example—you might legitimize your request by indicating that you are under pressure from the boss (assuming that’s true).
How to make an email digestible?
Use bullets, numbers, and/or bolding to make your email skimmable and digestible, emphasizing the key points. If you scoff at this type of spoon-feeding of information, go ahead and get over it. Emails are about getting results, not testing your recipient’s reading comprehension. Here’s an example of how you might recap next steps after a client meeting.
Why are bullets in email bold?
Because this email requires the client to do something, you want the action items to pop out of the email—thus the bold text—and be easily digested— thus the bullets. Due dates are also offset in parentheses so they’re easy to see.
What is it like to write an email today?
If writing a letter a hundred years ago was the equivalent of sitting down with someone in a quiet room and talking face-to-face, writing an email today is like yelling at someone across a noisy intersection while they’re rushing to an appointment.
What is the goal of an email?
For your email to be read, it has to be opened. Your goal should be to compose a subject line that is clear and, ideally, provocative. It’s much like writing a compelling headline for an article or blog post that you want people to click on.
What is the difference between the first and second email?
The first message is short but lazy and will require numerous back-and-forth messages to clarify what’s really at stake. The second email is longer but includes everything necessary for the conversation to be resolved immediately. The writer has done her homework, the costs and benefits are clear, and it’s easy for the boss to just say yes. Being proactive in your communications takes more work upfront, but it pays huge dividends in the long run.
How to ask for help in email?
How to ask for help via email. Follow these steps to ask for help using email: 1. Use a clear, direct subject line. Use the subject line to clearly express what your email is concerning, especially if you don't know the recipient well. The subject line can act as an introduction to your email. The person you are asking for help may be more ...
Why do people ask for help over email?
Asking for help over email can help you organize your thoughts before reaching out to someone, and it shows the person you are asking that you respect their time. Emails are often less time-sensitive than a phone call and less invasive than visiting someone in person. Using email to ask for help can give your colleague, ...
Why do you include a greeting in an email?
Including a greeting can help the email seem more personal and set the tone for the rest of the content. The greeting you choose can give your reader an idea of how formal or informal your email will be. Be sure to spell their name correctly and use the appropriate honorifics (for example, using "Dr." instead of "Mrs." if the recipient has a Ph.D. or medical degree).
Why do you ask questions in email?
Ask your question early in the email so that the recipient can find it easily. Many people skim their emails, so placing the question or request early in the email helps ensure that they will see it. Positioning the question at the top of the email also helps them determine whether they can help without spending too much time sorting through information.
What to say when closing an email?
When you close your email, you should thank the recipient for their time and assistance. They may be more inclined to respond if it's clear that you respect their other obligations and expertise. Thoughtful closing sentences can also build goodwill and friendship.
What is the subject line of an email?
The subject line can act as an introduction to your email. The person you are asking for help may be more interested in the body of your email when they are interested in or curious about the subject. 2. Greet your reader.
How to give your reader a deadline?
Give your reader a deadline. To give your reader a better understanding of what you need and when make sure to tell them your timeline. When you give the recipient a time frame for when you need their help, it allows them to determine whether they can give your request the attention it deserves.
