Employee Benefits

When Do They Matter

If you remember only one thing from this discussion remember this; “never inquire about employee benefits during the first interview”. There is nearly no exception to this rule. Knowledge of benefits is of no value until you’re sure this is a strong career move. The first round of interviews is your opportunity to decide if you think this is a challenging position that you are willing to continue to explore.

When you consider the amount of time allotted for you to assess the company, job, management team and culture - there isn’t a minute to waste. Use this opportunity to get answers to your professional questions. It doesn’t matter if they provide the world’s best healthcare plan, 60 days vacation in the fifteenth year of employment and paid parking on the roof if it isn’t a good career move for you.

If you are invited to meet with Human Resources during your first interview to discuss benefits, politely decline. Let HR know that you realize they are very busy and you’d prefer to delay this conversation until the company is sure they are interested in you and you in them. The benefit to you is that a polite message was just sent stating you are not desperate for the job and they will have to work to win you over.

By now you are probably asking when is the right time to discuss benefits? The answer is simple – when you are sure this is the job for you and an offer is extended. Once this point is reached it is a meaningful question.