5 Important Things to Discuss with HR Before Accepting a New Job.
Congratulations, you got the job. Now is the time to make sure it’s what you want and you begin work in full possession of some important facts. Thecareercafe.co.uk is happy to suggest 5 things you should ask HR.
Ask about Benefits.
The benefit package that comes with a job can be quite substantial. However, sometimes employers are not exactly upfront about your entitlement and you need to do your own research. Part of that is asking your HR team to explain your benefits entitlement and when it kicks in. Health and life insurance are fairly common benefits, but what do they exclude and how much would that cover cost you if you paid for it? Will the company pay for you to join a gym; do they have a gym you can access? Don’t lose out because you failed to ask.
Ask if the salary is negotiable.
The job advert you responded to possibly gave an indication of salary or said salary based on skills and experience. Whatever the approach, make sure that the job pays the going rate by looking at average salaries in similar jobs. Remember, your employer has gone through an expensive recruitment process and has chosen you. Unless you are asked what salary you are looking for during that process, leave any negotiation as late as possible; they are unlikely to let you go at this stage providing your expectations are reasonable. Ask HR to clarify what and how you will be paid and explore how open they are to negotiation.
Ask about other perks.
In addition to a benefits package, jobs often come with perks such as flexible working hours, a subsidised cafeteria, paid time off to attend medical appointments. Find out what the perks are in terms of advancement, training and promotion? It might be important to you that your new employer will pay or subsidise any training course you want to undertake related to your job. So often new employees only realise what is there to take advantage of when they see a colleague benefiting. Ask you HR for a list or perks that come with the job.
Ask about vacation times.
How many days vacation leave are you entitled, does this increase with service to and is it paid? You need to get the answer to these questions before you sign the contract. You also need to know how difficult it or easy it is to get time off from your employer. How much notice do you have to give and do you have to compete with colleagues for leave? Who has the final say and on what grounds are decision made? If you can’t take all your annual allowance will you be allowed to carry it over into a new leave year or get it paid?
Ask about travel expenses.
If you have taken a job some distance from your home area or previous place of employment part of the deal with your new company might be help with travelling expenses. Once you know for certain that you have been recruited, ask. If they don’t pay the actual cost of travel they may be able to point you in the direction of concessionary travel the company has arranged through a third party. Alternatively, why not lease a new car to go with your new job. Get a business lease from a broker. Travelling expenses these days can take a fair amount out of your monthly salary. Find out from HR what help is available to help compensate for that.
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