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Young adults entering the job market often focus on the salary or hourly wage first, and that makes sense. Pay matters. But the benefits package can be just as important, and sometimes a slightly lower-paying job with stronger benefits is actually the better deal.
Health insurance, deductibles, retirement matching, vesting rules, paid leave, sick time, disability coverage, tuition assistance, promotion potential, and work-life balance all have real value. A 401(k) match, for example, is part of your pay. Ignoring it is leaving money on the table.
I’d also tell young adults to look beyond the hiring brochure. Can employees actually use their leave? Are schedules predictable? Does the company promote from within? Do managers support people when life happens?
What benefits do you think young adults should pay the most attention to when choosing a job? Looking back, is there one benefit you ignored early in life that you now realize mattered more than you thought?
Not deductibles, leave, sick time, vacations, at least don’t mention them in an interview. That sends a message that your focus is not on the job. Check health benefits generally, especially if they are managed care or not, premiums, retirement benefits-company match. Asking questions at interviews is fine, but don’t put too much state in the answers to the ones you mentioned.
Good points, Jeff. And of course, many benefits taken in lieu of salary are tax free.
Thinking of jobs that require physical strength, health and longevity should be considered.