As a prospective employee, what should I ask about Employee Benefits?
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» As a prospective employee, what should I ask about Employee Benefits?
The time to ask about benefits is before accepting or starting a job, not after. Benefits are just as important, if not more so, than a regular salary. When negotiating a compensation package, keep these things in mind:
- Does the company offer health insurance coverage? If so, how much do I have to contribute for a single or family policy? Is the premium deducted from the paycheck? And how much is the deductible?
- When does health insurance coverage begin? And what restrictions exist?
- How much sick time is allowed? Can this time be used to care for ill dependents or for myself only?
- How much vacation and holiday time is allowed? Am I allowed to use the entire pool immediately, or must I wait until I accrue the time?
- Is a pension plan offered? Does the company match my contributions?
- What educational benefits are offered? If tuition reimbursement is an option, what are the terms? How long must I be employed at the company after completing my degree?
- Are short- and long-term medical leaves available? What are the requirements?
- If relocation is necessary, what will the company cover, if anything?
This list, of course, isn’t all-inclusive, but covers the basics. Anything important to you is worth asking at this point. Just remember, these questions shouldn’t be asked during the interview! You’ll want to wait until after you’ve been offered the job to tackle these weighty issues.
Next Page: Do my company’s Employee Benefits stack up?
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