When you transition from a string of hourly jobs to the real world, you may think you don’t have a say in your benefits. As an entry-level professional, you have to take what you’re given, right?
Well as you might have heard, closed mouths don’t get fed. Your job benefits aren’t always set in stone. Your employer is likely to offer you the minimum, but there’s room for better benefits if you speak up. “Thirty percent of your total compensation are actually your benefits,” explains Sarah Bettington, a career coach at Two Roads Atlanta. "Your salary is not the only thing you should be worried about."
“Is this negotiable?” should be a phrase you become very comfortable asking aloud (or typing) when you get your first job offer.
If there’s some wiggle room, you’ll need to prepare the reasons behind why you’re asking. Why will granting you a certain benefit help the company, and your performance, in the long run? Provide clear-cut examples that are less about you and what makes your life more convenient, but rather what would help the longevity and productivity of your work overall.
Here’s your guide to understanding and negotiating your job benefits.
