When To Talk About Job Perks
July 9th 2008 02:28
Ok, so you have an interview with a company that you are really interested in working for…should you ask about the perks of the position while you’re being interviewed? Please don’t, unless you want to be talked about after you leave.
I don’t have a very good poker face, so I know that when someone asks me that question the dumb founded look on my face is quite apparent. It’s true, I’m always shocked when someone asks about the perks while I am trying to get to know them better and determine if I want to hire them. I have yet to meet the candidate that is so astounding that talking about the perks doesn’t faze me.
This is actually a topic that is best discussed if and when an offer is made. You may be able to get an idea of perks in some of the discussions you have with other employees, especially if there is some time to informally meet with people over a meal or something.
If it’s the employee benefits you want to know about (health insurance, 401K plan, etc.), maybe you could get away with asking for the phone number of a contact in HR that you can call after you leave. However, don’t ask if you are going to get a company car. It will come across as if you are not really interested in the job but only care about the extras. There is also the possibility that you will come off as being greedy and selfish. I usually don’t like to work with people that only think of themselves. They are not often good team players.
So if you get a job offer, congratulations. Now comes the art of negotiation.
I don’t have a very good poker face, so I know that when someone asks me that question the dumb founded look on my face is quite apparent. It’s true, I’m always shocked when someone asks about the perks while I am trying to get to know them better and determine if I want to hire them. I have yet to meet the candidate that is so astounding that talking about the perks doesn’t faze me.
This is actually a topic that is best discussed if and when an offer is made. You may be able to get an idea of perks in some of the discussions you have with other employees, especially if there is some time to informally meet with people over a meal or something.
If it’s the employee benefits you want to know about (health insurance, 401K plan, etc.), maybe you could get away with asking for the phone number of a contact in HR that you can call after you leave. However, don’t ask if you are going to get a company car. It will come across as if you are not really interested in the job but only care about the extras. There is also the possibility that you will come off as being greedy and selfish. I usually don’t like to work with people that only think of themselves. They are not often good team players.
So if you get a job offer, congratulations. Now comes the art of negotiation.
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