What-Benefits.com

when to ask about salary and benefits

by Mireille Price Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

When should you ask about salary and 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.

Full Answer

When should you discuss salary?

  • AP* January 16, 2013 at 8:45 pm Yeah, thats not how you get that number raised. ...
  • Ask a Manager * Post author January 16, 2013 at 8:53 pm Agreed — that’s not how you negotiate salary. ...
  • Jamie* January 16, 2013 at 8:57 pm The only time I can see bringing up cost of living legitimately is if the candidate would have to relocate and it’s an ...

More items...

How to determine what salary to ask for?

Part 3 Part 3 of 3: Negotiating Your Salary Download Article

  1. Come up with a salary range. The bottom of the range should be the absolute minimum you are willing to work for, and the top number will be your ...
  2. Consider trade-offs. Salary is only one part of a comprehensive compensation package. ...
  3. Identify why you are entitled to the salary you want. ...
  4. Practice negotiating. ...
  5. Delay discussion of the salary. ...

More items...

When should you ask for a pay raise?

  • Know your value. No matter how much you’re currently paid, it’s human nature to feel like that amount isn’t enough. ...
  • Think Like a Boss. When you ask for a raise, what you’re saying to your boss is, “I think I’m more valuable than you realize.”
  • Don’t Compare Yourself to Your Co-Workers. ...

What to say when asked for salary requirements?

Tips for Communicating Your Salary Requirements

  • Do your research. Learn as much as you can about the position and compare salaries with other companies and similar job titles.
  • Give a range. After researching reasonable salaries, consider giving a salary range rather than a specific number.
  • Aim high. ...
  • Leave it negotiable. ...

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 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 the benefits of a job?

Some commonly offered job benefits include: Insurance coverage for medical and dental care. Life insurance policies. Disability insurance.

What is paid parental leave?

As stated above, paid parental leave and childcare benefits are typically supplemental benefits used to attract top talent and support employees throughout different life stages. If your potential employer offers these benefits, it may be a good sign that shows they try to take care of their employees.

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 does it mean to get paid holidays?

Getting paid holidays means you can save your PTO for when you really want to use it rather than saving it for holiday breaks, like the week between Christmas and New Year's Day. Since policies about paid holidays differ from company to company, it's important to inquire about your potential employer's practices.

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, ...

Why are benefits important?

Benefits are important because they answer personal needs and therefore increase your job satisfaction. They can improve your mood and motivation. You might find your position more gratifying when, for instance, your schedule is in harmony with your lifestyle or when you receive incentives that motivate you.

When to assess a job offer in 2021?

February 25, 2021. When you assess a job offer, it is essential to review the new hire package in its entirety. It often comes with many other perks than the salary. A good understanding of all the possibilities can help you pick a compensation plan that suits you and your family.

What to ask your employer for commuting?

If you have a long commute, you can ask your employer to assist with your commuting costs. For example, you can ask for toll, parking, gas or mileage reimbursement if you drive. If your position involves a lot of travel, a company car might be something you can request.

What is the difference between a retirement plan and a pension plan?

The difference between a retirement plan and a pension plan is that the employee pays for the retirement plan. In contrast, it is the employer who subsidizes the pension plan. You can ask your employer what type of plan they provide and how much they will contribute. The most common retirement plan is the 401 (k).

How long does an interim health insurance plan last?

For example, you should know when your plan takes effect so that you can subscribe to an interim plan during the waiting period that can last up to 90 days.

What are some examples of health benefits?

Some companies offer these benefits to encourage you to get better health habits. Another example of a health benefit is a monetary bonus to take a flu shot.

What is paid time off?

Paid time off. Paid time off, or PTO, is a benefit that grants you compensation for personal time off. Many employers offer two weeks of paid vacation, and some propose unlimited time off. Others might expect you to work on a holiday. In that case, you can ask them if they offer extra pay or not.

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 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.

Is it illegal to ask about past earnings?

It is unethical and in some cases illegal for a company to ask about candidates' confidential information like current salary. This is a privacy violation. The State of Massachusetts made it illegal starting in 2018 for an employer to ask about past earnings. New York City and Philadelphia have passed similar laws.

Can I go on one interview before deciding what my salary is?

You can go on one interview first if you want. However, don't accept a second interview before determining what the starting salary is.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9