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how to ask for benefits at work

by Maegan Heaney Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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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.

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.Jun 9, 2021

Full Answer

What benefits should I ask for when applying for a job?

If the role requires much more travel, for example, you may need to request benefits such as childcare reimbursement or travel allowances. When going into negotiations, make sure you have an idea of the company's current financial or organizational situation.

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.

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 do I get the benefits information I Need?

Here’s how to get the benefits information you need. 1 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?

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How do I ask for salary and benefits?

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 do I ask for more 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 I talk to my boss about benefits?

If it's common, share that information and talk about how it's benefited your industry. If it's rare, make a list of reasons why remote work would be helpful for your particular business. It's OK to talk about how it would help you personally, but try to relate your arguments back to the work itself.

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 benefits should you ask for?

Here are 10 benefits to ask for in a job:Paid time off. Paid time off, or PTO, is a benefit that grants you compensation for personal time off. ... Commuter benefits. ... Insurance plans. ... Flexible hours and work from home. ... Professional development opportunities. ... Student loan repayment. ... Health and wellness benefits. ... Parental benefits.More items...•

When should you ask for benefits?

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 I ask my boss for financial help?

Don't be afraid to broach the subject. ... Make money the main topic of conversation. ... Provide evidence. ... Formulate your request ahead of time. ... Don't give an ultimatum. ... Have a plan in case the answer is no.

What bosses should not say to employees?

7 things a boss should never say to an employee“You Must do What I Say because I Pay you” ... “You Should Work Better” ... “It's Your Problem” ... “I Don't Care What You Think” ... “You Should Spend More Time at Work” ... “You're Doing Okay” ... 7. ”You're lucky to have a job” ... 6 Ways to Act on Your Ambition.More items...•

How do I ask my boss for an opportunity?

How to ask your boss for more responsibilityBe very clear on the responsibilities you want to take on. ... Look for opportunities to make an impact. ... Arm yourself with new skills. ... Come with a plan and options. ... Choose your timing and words wisely. ... Find out where help is needed. ... Remember, it's a dialogue.

What questions do employees ask 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 you ask for salary politely examples?

Asking directly about salary is one way you can demonstrate to the interviewer that you have the confidence and communication skills to thrive in the position for which you're applying. You could say, "What is the expected salary for this position?" or "How much can I expect to earn per year in this role?"

How do you politely ask your boss about salary?

Be professional and have a meeting with your boss to point out everything extra you are doing and ask if you can be compensated for them. Don't demand. Don't threaten to leave. Give the boss an opportunity to increase the pay.

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 employee benefits?

Employee benefits are any non-wage compensation provided by employers. 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, but they can improve an organization's employee retention rate as well. Some commonly offered job benefits include:

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 ask about benefits?

If you’re eager to get additional information, but you’re not sure if it’s appropriate to ask questions about benefits, try asking general questions that may provide the insight you’re looking for. For example, asking, “How would you describe the company’s culture?” could produce insights about schedule flexibility, paid time off (PTO) or incentive packages.

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 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.

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.

Do employers pay for health insurance?

In most cases, both the employer and employee contribute to cover your health plan’s premium. For example, if the employer offers a health insurance policy, employees generally pay a portion of the premium each paycheck. With a reimbursement benefit, employees purchase their own insurance and are reimbursed by the employer on their paycheck.

Is there a one size fits all approach to sick time, holidays, or paid time off?

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to sick time, holidays or paid time off (PTO). Make sure to inquire about the differences, as well as how much total time is allotted. Other questions to ask: Are sick days included in PTO? Are sick days included under short-term disability? Does this office take federal holidays off? What about personal days?

When evaluating a job offer, what should you calculate?

Similarly, when evaluating a job offer, calculate the financial value of the company's health care package, 401 (k) matching contributions and transportation stipend so you can use those figures to negotiate, too.

When is the best time to negotiate for benefits?

The best time to negotiate for benefits is during the hiring process.

What does it feel like to negotiate for better benefits?

Negotiations for better benefits can feel like water torture: a continuous drip, drip, drip of demands that drives hiring managers and bosses crazy.

Why is it important to think beyond salary?

After all, benefits can have significant financial value, boost your quality of life and make your career more satisfying.

How to find out the financial situation of a company?

To learn the truth about a company's financial situation, check its public filings; nonprofits must fill out tax Form 990, while public companies file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. And to figure out the market value of your skills and experience, talk to peers at other workplaces and use online tools like Glassdoor.com and PayScale.com.

Did Francesca Gino ask for a signing bonus?

But he hadn't asked for a signing bonus.

Did Gino ask for a bonus?

But he hadn't asked for a signing bonus. Now, he told Gino, he regretted that career mistake, especially since a bonus could help defray the cost of the loan he had taken out to pay for his business degree. The professor urged the student to go back to the firm and request the benefit, which can amount to tens of thousands of dollars.

What to say before accepting a job offer?

We’ve all heard about the value of negotiating salary before accepting a job offer. “Know your worth,” “Ask for what you deserve,” “Be willing to walk away if you don’t get what you want,” and so on. But a new hire package typically comes with other benefits woven in—many of which are up for negotiation, as well.

What to ask for if you have a long commute?

“If you’ll have a long commute, there are plenty of benefits you should consider asking for. For instance, you could request that they provide you with an automobile to use. If they won’t do that, maybe they could add your car to the company insurance policy, cover a certain portion of your automobile expenses, or share the cost of a leased vehicle.” —Michael Rainey, a business instructor at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School

What to do if you don't ask for tuition reimbursement?

“If tuition reimbursement for graduate or other programs is important to you, ask about it, and tell the employer why it matters to you. Remember: The worst they can do is say no. But if you don’t ask for it, you’ll never know what the answer is. Plus, if you’ve researched the company to familiarize yourself with their values and understand what benefits they offer, you should be able to make a strong case for yourself.” —Matthew Burr, an HR consultant who previously owned a business

What is non monetary benefit?

“Sometimes, non-monetary benefits can translate into greater value than a simple raise can. For example, negotiating for a more senior-level title or office is an obvious way to create non-monetary value for yourself. Plus, your ability to innovate and create bilateral benefits might impress the prospective employer, as well.” —Michael Rainey

What are the benefits of a new hire package?

But a new hire package typically comes with other benefits woven in—many of which are up for negotiation, as well. Paid time off, parental leave, commuter benefits, professional development opportunities, tuition reimbursement—the list goes on. There are so many things you can consider when assessing an offer, and understanding the full range ...

Can you ask about stock options?

“You can always ask about stock options or other long-term incentives if you’re at the management level. Many companies reserve some of these benefits for certain levels, but it never hurts to ask if it hasn’t come up.” —Tiffani Murray

Is it reasonable to work from home?

“Working from home is becoming increasingly popular, and it’s a completely reasonable ask for most jobs . Just be sure to negotiate for it appropriately. Don’t just drop in out of nowhere and ask your boss if you can work from home every Friday; make the ask after you’ve finished a great project, or frame it in a way that benefits the company.

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.

How do you negotiate benefits during the hiring process?

During the process of accepting a job and discussing compensation , you can begin negotiating your benefits. You can use the following steps to improve your chances of getting what you want:

When is it appropriate to negotiate benefits?

The appropriate time to negotiate benefits is when you receive a job offer. An employer should provide a copy of their benefits package, which you can review to determine whether it meets your wants and needs. If you find areas for improvement, start a discussion about negotiations before accepting their offer. Eager employers eager will be more interested in negotiating to ensure you feel motivated to work for them.

What benefits can you negotiate?

While employers often offer insurance plans (health, dental, life, vision, etc.) and 401 (k)s , it can be difficult to negotiate these items because the companies already have set terms.

How do you negotiate benefits when advancing in the same company?

Whether you ask for a promotion or your employer approaches you, make sure to negotiate for relevant benefits during the process. A promotion demonstrates that the company recognizes your value, which means they may be more likely to accommodate your requests. Here are some steps you can take to negotiate benefits as you advance within the company:

How to convince your potential employer to hire you?

Reiterate the successes from your professional history, such as your ability to save costs, streamline processes or promote growth. Then explain how you aim to provide that same value to their company, and the benefits you receive should reflect that. When employers recognize the talent and advantages you offer, it may make them more interested in adapting to your needs.

Can you negotiate benefits?

Employees often focus on salary during the negotiation process, but you can also negotiate benefits or other job perks. Benefits contribute to your overall compensation, so keep that in mind when reviewing a job offer. For example, you may not receive as much of a salary boost when moving to a new job, or the employer has little room to negotiate on it. You can then try to negotiate benefits to supplement your salary needs or otherwise improve your work-life balance. You may even find that some perks matter more to you than your salary.

How much does a benefits package make up?

On average, a benefits package makes up about 30% of an employee’s total compensation in the U.S. So it’s definitely worth paying attention to the perks and benefits a company offers as you’re looking for a job in addition to the salary.

What are wellness based perks?

Wellness-based perks—such as fitness subsidies, meals, and access to mental wellness apps and counseling —are becoming more common.

What are the benefits of compensation?

Compensation traditionally includes non-salary benefits like health insurance and retirement plans. And many companies also offer perks—including flexible schedules, educational opportunities, and wellness programs—to support employees in other ways. “More and more, perks and benefits are becoming integrated together” to support employees in a more holistic way, says Bobbi Kloss, director of human capital management services at Benefit Advisors Network.

What are some perks that you can negotiate?

Flexible schedules are another perk that you can likely negotiate—just make sure you and your employer both come away with a clear idea of which days and times you’ll work.

How long does disability insurance last?

Most long-term disability insurance lasts for 10 years or less (but some policies last until you reach retirement age) and covers about 60% of your annual earnings.

Do millennials understand benefits?

In fact, about a third of all workers and 54% of millennials said they don’t understand the employee benefits they signed up for, according to a 2020 survey by Voya Financial. So as a job seeker it’s often up to you to ask a prospective employer plenty of questions to make sure the benefits they’re offering meet your needs.

Is salary part of the overall offer?

Once you’ve found a job and company that you’re really excited about, salary might top your list of priorities. But while salary is important, it’s only part of the overall offer. To get the full scope of what you’ll really earn at a job, you need to factor in the perks and benefits that a company offers, too.

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