how to ask for benefits at interview

How to Ask about Benefits in an Interview

• Do Your Research. When it comes to interviews, forewarned is always forearmed. Make sure you go into any discussion of...
• Timing is Everything. While it’s important to ask about benefits, it’s equally important not to get ahead of yourself.
• Don’t Be Too Specific. At this stage, you’re having an exploratory conversation, not an...

Full Answer

When should you ask about benefits in a job interview?

If a company is outright with it, they are likely okay with you having an open discussion. For all other companies who don’t bring benefits up, the best time to discuss them is after an offer is made to you. At this point, you hold the most power, and it doesn’t seem assumptive of you to ask about benefits.

What questions do they ask in a benefit specialist interview?

The interviewer may ask a question like this one to evaluate how you take action to promote diversity and cultural awareness through your actions as a benefit specialist. Use examples from your experience to highlight your attention to detail, communication skills and ability to make decisions.

What questions should I ask about my benefits plan?

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 the criteria that are important to you. Does the employee pay for health insurance coverage?

How to ask about salary in a job interview?

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. This is when you have leverage to push the interviewer for more information about benefits. How to ask about salary

Is it OK to ask about company benefits in an interview?

“Company benefits [and salary negotiations] don't come into play until an offer has been extended,” says Kohut. The same principle applies to sick time and vacation days. It's best to avoid any question that sounds like you assume you already have the position—unless, of course, your interviewer brings it up first.

How do you ask for benefits in 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.

How do you ask about salary and benefits in an interview?

By the second interview, it's usually acceptable to ask about compensation, but tact is key. Express your interest in the job and the strengths you would bring to it before asking for the salary range. Make the employer feel confident you're there for more than just the paycheck.

When interviewing for a job when is the best 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.

How do I ask for better benefits?

How to ask for more benefits and sweeten a job offerKnow the going rate. ... Ask for flexibility. ... Take advantage of growth opportunities. ... Negotiate for the title you deserve. ... Ask for more vacation time.

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.

What are good questions to ask at the end of an interview?

20 smart questions to ask at the end of your next job interviewWhat do you personally like most about working for this organisation? ... What do you find most challenging about working for this organisation? ... How would you describe your organisation's culture? ... Can you tell me about the kind of supervision you provide?More items...

How do you ask for salary and benefits in an email?

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?"

What is your expected salary best answer?

Consider giving a salary range, not a number If a job post asks applicants to state their expected salary when applying for the position, then give a range — not a specific figure — you're comfortable with. Answers like “Negotiable” might work, but they can also make you look evasive.

Is it appropriate to ask about benefits in the first interview?

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.

Is it OK to ask for salary range before interview?

If you plan to take the job no matter what, wait until they bring up salary. If you are only willing to take the job if it meets specific salary requirements, ask for the salary information up front. The way you ask about the salary can make a big difference to the way the company perceives your question, however.

Can you ask a recruiter about benefits?

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.

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:

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.

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.

What are the questions asked in an interview?

The following in-depth questions help the interviewer gain insight into how you perform on the job and what you do to ensure success: 1 What kind of benefits do you feel interns should have in an organization? 2 How would you determine which employee benefits to expand or eliminate? 3 How do you research and propose new benefits policies? 4 What kind of benefits would you recommend to our company for remote employees? 5 Do you have experience working with human resources management systems? 6 What limitations do you feel a work-from-home benefits policy should encompass to ensure employee productivity? 7 How do you ensure employee records are accurate and up-to-date? 8 What's your approach to educating employees on their health insurance benefits? 9 What do you do to ensure employees use their health and personal leave benefits? 10 How do you calculate and keep track of the costs for company benefits?

What is a benefits specialist?

A benefits specialist is responsible for coordinating, developing and recommending employee benefits packages to businesses and organizations. They help research and analyze the best options that help companies save on costs while providing employees with adequate coverage for health, personal leave and retirement planning.