3 Sneaky Ways to Ask About Benefits in a Job Interview
When you're in a job interview, they’re not just interviewing you, but you’re also interviewing them 🫵🏼 Benefits like 401k, parental leave, and paid time off (PTO) are important aspects of your compensation package and you’ll want to approach these topics with professionalism.✨ It’s really all in the wording 💬 & yes, you can totally ask about benefits at the end of the first interview. Check their website first (and Glassdoor) to see what info you can find that’s publicly available 👩🏼💻
Ask About PTO Policies
What to Say: The company I currently work at has an accrual PTO policy. Does this company have a similar approach?
What Not to Say: So how many days of PTO do I get cause I’m really not trying to work my life away and I really want to go on a few vacations next year? 🏝️
This is a sneaky yet entirely professional way of bringing up PTO in a job interview. 🥷🏻🚤 By showing a genuine interest in understanding workplace differences, you allow the interviewer to naturally segue into discussing benefits like PTO, maternity leave, and other policies that reflect these values 🌱
Inquire About Professional Development
What to Say: I'm a strong believer in continuous learning and professional development. Can you share any opportunities the company provides for employee growth and career advancement? 📈
What Not to Say: Do you offer tuition reimbursement for further education?🎓
We get it, no one wants to pay for their own schooling if they don’t have to. But try not to ask for it right away 📢 Consider adding a reason behind why you value education and leaving the question open ended for the interviewer to discuss all types of professional growth opportunities. 💃🏼👩🏼⚖️ This approach shows your dedication to self-improvement while prompting the interviewer to elaborate on related benefits.
Discuss Maternity Leave
What to Say: Can you share the company policies around time off for family-related events such as bereavement or maternity leave?
What Not to Say: So I don’t want you to know this but I’m trying to have a baby in the next year so I kind of need to know what your maternity leave is because if it’s bad then I’m not going to work here 🤰
By referring to "family-related events," you open the door to discuss maternity leave and other benefits without appearing solely interested in personal advantages. 🍼 This question makes you seem like someone who thinks long-term and considers various life stages, without giving too much away. 🤫
Asking about a 401K Match
What to Say: I saw in the job description this company offers a competitive 401K match. Are you able to share more details about that benefit?
What Not to Say: So I’m trying to get that free retirement money from y’all but I couldn’t figure out how much you give online but I really wanna know so can you just like tell me? 💰
You don’t want to look greedy. 🤑💸 So consider referencing the job description or website as the basis for your inquiry. It’ll show that you’ve done your research and are simply looking to understand the role better to help you make an informed decision 💭
Incorporating these sneaky yet professional approaches into your job interview can help you gather essential information about the job benefits you really care about. You just have to get creative with your phrasing.
You got this! 👏
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