Ask About These 4 Underrated Benefits In Your Next Job Interview

As seen on Forbes.

When job hunting, it’s only natural to gravitate towards salary figures and bonus structures — we’ve all got bills to pay, after all. But if you’re like most of today’s workers, you know that there’s more to life than just work and paying bills. 

While a comfortable salary should still be a top priority, it’s not a bad idea to look for companies that are more inclined to take care of their employees in more ways than a paycheck. Here are four benefits to ask about in your next job interview. 

1. Ask about PTO

Paid Time Off (PTO) provides employees with paid time away from work for various purposes, such as vacation, sick leave, or personal time. Instead of traditional leave plans that limit how many days you can use for each purpose, PTOs give employees the freedom to use their free days at their discretion. 

Many people don’t think to ask about PTOs because they assume that there’s a standard figure that all companies offer. While there seems to be an average of 11 days after a year of employment, there’s really no federal rule that prescribes a minimum or maximum, making it flexible, at least in theory. 

So, in your next job interview, be sure to ask about their PTO package and whether there’s any wiggle room for an extra few days. You’ll never know unless you ask. 

2. Explore Stock and Equity Options

If you’re looking to get hired by a startup, it’s a good idea to ask if they offer any stock and equity options on top of your salary. 

Startup stock options are a type of equity startup founders give to their earliest employees. This often comes in the form of an agreement where employees can buy company shares later at a set price, giving the employees a chance to gain a significant financial reward if the company’s shares go up in price. 

If you’re skeptical about getting paid in something you can’t pay the bills with, I don’t blame you. Stock and equity options are a gamble, but one that can pay off handsomely. 

In fact, many famously rich CEOs get paid nominal salaries but make most of their wealth through stock and equity options. Elon Musk, in particular, doesn’t get paid a salary at Tesla but is the third richest man in the world as of April 2024 (he was no. 1 in January). 

Now, the catch is that startups that offer this are often those not yet in the financial position to offer the most competitive salaries. But if you think you can live with the salary offered and find the startup promising enough, having stock and equity options can indeed sweeten the deal.

3. Inquire About Health Insurance

Healthcare is a significant concern for anyone, especially those living with dependents. With most Americans one health crisis away from bankruptcy, getting health insurance provided by your company is a big opportunity that you shouldn’t take lightly. 

Again, there’s no federal rule about companies providing health insurance unless you work for companies classified by the Affordable Care Act as an applicable large employer. If you’re fielding multiple offers, try to compare and contrast coverage, costs, and benefits associated with each company’s health insurance plan. 

It’s also a good idea to consider other factors such as premiums, deductibles, co-payments, coverage limits, network providers, and additional perks like wellness programs or telemedicine services. This will give you a good picture of the health insurance policy being offered. 

4. Look Into Self-Development Opportunities

If you’re looking for long-term employment with a company, it’s a good idea to ask whether they have a program focusing on employee self-development. Also, ask what the company offers regarding training programs and mentorship initiatives and whether or not they sponsor upskilling or further education opportunities. 

While on the topic of self-development, it’s also a good idea to ask about career advancement pathways, which can include opportunities for promotions, lateral moves to different departments or teams, or specialized tracks for leadership roles. 

Self-development programs are a good indication that a company looks after their employees long-term. They understand that besides compensation, it’s the daily working experience that dictates employee satisfaction, which also directly influences the decision to stay or accept the next job offer. 

Out of all the perks stated in this article, this often gets taken for granted. Some people just look at their employment as just jobs, and that’s valid. However, don’t underestimate its importance. After all, while stability is a rare commodity nowadays, no one wants to get stuck doing the same job for 10 to 15 years. Good luck with that interview!