It’s a job candidate’s market right now! There are more open positions than there are people to fill them, which means you, as a job seeker, have an advantage when applying for jobs. That also means you can look for a better benefits package to help determine which job you should take.
But how do you know what constitutes a “good” benefits package?
Here are three must-have perks employers should offer if they want you to accept a job.
Health insurance coverage.
This is almost a no-brainer, but not all companies offer access to health insurance coverage as a default. Whether you need to pay in to access coverage or if your employer covers your membership, make sure this is included in your employee benefits package. Taking care of your health is of the utmost importance, and your employer should understand and respect this — access to health care means you’re able to take better care of yourself, making you less likely to call out sick as often (or at all), plus it’s a good investment in employee’s overall health, happiness, and well-being. If the company offers dental and/or vision coverage, that’s a big bonus worth noting as you weigh your options.
Continuing education opportunities.
Whether you’re just out of school or you completed your training years ago, the ability to stay sharp and in the know about the latest developments in your field is important. Employers who invest in the ongoing education of their teams understand that this benefits everyone: Employees who can learn while they earn will have the ability to stay on top of their skills without having to look elsewhere and the company will benefit from their expanded expertise. Opportunities can include mentoring within the company, workshops or online training for new skills, or access to continuing education programs.
Retirement contributions.
Some day, down the road, you’ll be ready to retire. That’s the end goal for many workers, at least, and employers should respect and acknowledge that. The best way to do so is to help you save for your future. Companies that offer access to retirement benefit programs, whether that’s a pension fund, a 401(k) contribution match, or other savings opportunities help you make automatic donations to your retirement funds, setting aside money before taxes that will help you achieve your future goals. Look for companies to make a contribution match — some might limit it to a certain percentage, and it’s in your best interest to take advantage if you can.
Looking for a new job with good benefits? Sterling Personnel can help you find the best one!
If an employee benefits package isn’t outlined in a job posting, it’s well within reason to ask about them during your interview process. Be sure to take notes to see what each company offers so you can make an educated decision about which job will best support you and your interests.
You don’t have to conduct a job search alone! Sterling Personnel can help: we partner with great companies who are looking for new employees with just your set of skills and experience, and we can help match you with one that offers the benefits you need. Call Sterling Personnel today and let’s get started.
