You’re on the job hunt, sending out applications, completing interviews and waiting to receive a job offer. While you’ll review many things when deciding whether a potential employer will be the right match for you, have you closely examined the company’s benefits package?
The benefits that employers offer their workers vary widely from one company to the next. Some organizations only offer bare bones packages while others provide gym memberships, matches on 401K plans and more. There’s much to learn from reviewing benefits packages and the details you gather may just finalize the decision regarding whether or not you want to work for a potential employer.
Review the Small Perks
While benefits such as life insurance and health insurance are standard in most packages, look for smaller perks offered by potential employers. Some companies include benefits such as gym memberships or onsite daycare in their packages to enhance the working experiences of their employees. If you receive a job offer from an employer offering small perks such as these, this could be a sign that your time and effort will be more highly valued at that company in comparison to others.
Inquire on Benefit Changes
In times of economic instability, many companies begin reducing their benefits packages. One common change is for employers to stop offering matching amounts on the 401K plans of their employees. If possible, ask about any changes made to a potential employer’s benefits package in recent years. This can provide insight on the company’s financial security and the likelihood that additional benefit reductions will be made in the future.
Understand Insurance Details
A main reason many employees choose to work for companies rather than become self-employed is for the reduced cost of health and dental insurance that comes with many benefits packages. If you mainly need to work to receive low insurance costs, closely review the insurance expenses that are included in the benefits package of a potential employer. These details include things like health insurance premiums, deductibles and co-pay amounts.
Make the Final Decision
After closely reviewing a potential employer’s benefits package and asking the necessary questions, the final step is to decide whether you’ll decline or accept the job offer. Typically, when you have hesitations after a job offer and after reviewing company details such as a benefits package, this is a red flag that the company isn’t the right one for you.
Receiving a job offer is exciting and you may be eager to accept the first offer you receive to start working. However, not all companies will be ideal matches and many details can be reviewed to determine if a potential employer is the right one for you. By considering the proposed benefits package and by understanding what the package says about the employer, you’ll be more likely to choose the right offer.
Author Bio: Shayla Ebsen is a full-time freelance writer and graphic designer with more than seven years combined experience from her time in the corporate world and through her freelance work. Shayla’s education includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in News/Editorial Journalism from South Dakota State University and a Master of Arts degree in Communication Studies with an emphasis in Organizational Communication from the University of South Dakota. Learn more about Shayla and her services at shaylaebsen.com.
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