What benefit do you deem most important when negotiating/reviewing an offer for a new job?

2015-02-18T01:00:46-05:00

With so many things to work and prepare for in finding the right job post military, considering the benefits that are best for you when negotiating or reviewing an offer from a company are not generally made a priority in a veterans transitional workshop education.

When you think about it, beyond the standard pay/location, what benefits are most important to you when it comes to accepting/rejecting an offer?

Please vote! The more votes, the more valid the data becomes, and the better we can evaluate what matters to Veteran candidates - your input is much appreciated!

Response by PO2 Stephen Brinkley (Scott) made Feb 18 at 2015 1:12 AM

2015-02-18T01:12:04-05:00

I love this question. I was lucky to have a wife that could hold down the household bills and give me an opportunity to go to school. I will graduate in March and will be planning to negotiate a contractor job. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Response by SPC Benjamin Smith made Feb 18 at 2015 1:19 AM

2015-02-18T01:19:50-05:00

Healthcare is first, with two small children. 401k is a close second, though. Matching is huge when it comes to long term contributions.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Feb 18 at 2015 1:47 AM

2015-02-18T01:47:43-05:00

I think Education benefits is a big deal, espicially if you are in a field that has quickly changing technology. I will be getting back into the engineering field (Mechanical) and there is always the 'newer' technology.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 2:12 AM

2015-02-18T02:12:21-05:00

Dental!

So crucial.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Feb 18 at 2015 6:51 AM

2015-02-18T06:51:01-05:00

Not long ago, I would have said 401 (k) and other retirement benefits were most important. But, given the cost of healthcare these days, it has moved to the top of my list.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 6:52 AM

2015-02-18T06:52:54-05:00

Those others are important, but I think health care is at the top of the list, followed closely by 401(k) contributions.

Response by LTC Dave Duffy made Feb 18 at 2015 6:54 AM

2015-02-18T06:54:57-05:00

Healthcare, than 401k. Have negotiated two jobs since retirement, Healthcare packages come in a wide variety. Don't forget your dental and eyes!.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Feb 18 at 2015 7:03 AM

2015-02-18T07:03:37-05:00

This is a really interesting thread and I look fwd to seeing the Full Results over time. Thanks for starting it!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 7:18 AM

2015-02-18T07:18:27-05:00

its a tie between health care and the 401(k).

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 18 at 2015 8:35 AM

2015-02-18T08:35:45-05:00

My wife has been with the same company for 10 years. UTC (Carrier).

When she started the Benefits were AMAZING. Slowly, over the years, the benefits have slowly dwindled.

First it was the Education Reimbursement. It went from 100% (whatever degree) to 80% (only up to Bachelors). She was part way through her Masters when that happened.

Her 401k Contributions are tied to the profit-sharing of the company, and have been "modified" several times over the years.

The Health Care package has changed at least 3 times.

Because of restructuring, whether it is positions added, subtracted, etc, defining advancement, even in a Fortune 500 company is going to be tricky.

This year, they removed the option of buying an additional week of vacation.

Therefore, my vote is PAY Followed by (Initial Vacation/Paid Time). A company has a much time adjusting your base compensation, than they do your "benefits." Every time they are looking to save 30 cents, they go after your benefits. Additionally, each year "if" you receive a cost of living adjustment, it is off your base pay. The higher the base pay, the more the increase. In years where you don't get an increase, which I have seen many, you're better off.

This isn't to say you shouldn't have Medical or 401k or Education. You absolutely should. But.... Increased pay allows for you to pay for those out of pocket when your company decides to "trim the fat" internally.

Response by LTC Hillary Luton made Feb 18 at 2015 8:45 AM

2015-02-18T08:45:10-05:00

Yup, probably would go with healthcare first, and 401K second, then vacation time. If I love my job, I'm not going to be focused on advancement. If I'm looking at the job as a way to get in the door, advancement will move up in importance. I already have an MBA, so the education isn't as important anymore.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 9:26 AM

2015-02-18T09:26:44-05:00

I can purchase life and health insurance. I want to know that there is a clear and definitive path for advancement. I don't want to be in the same position 10 years from now. I want goals to reach for.

Response by SPC Joshua H. made Feb 18 at 2015 9:30 AM

2015-02-18T09:30:59-05:00

Have to put Healthcare at #1 right now with the rising cost and having a family. Out of this list #2 is advancement opportunities, #3 is 401(k), #4 vacation time, and last is education as you should choose to pursue that on your own anyway.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 9:44 AM

2015-02-18T09:44:46-05:00

I will have to go with Healthcare as the number 1 option since those costs are sky rocketing out of site for everyone. 401K Contributions come in as a close second and matching of funds, you can always roll out the 401k if you leave the company to take with you to your next employer if need be. The company I work for is real great on the education front in house and that is very helpful and they are pushing it.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Feb 18 at 2015 9:53 AM

2015-02-18T09:53:42-05:00

The above topics are all important to me and to choose one over the other is difficult but I would say Healthcare benefits especially if you have a family. Therefore, I cast my vote for it although the rest are very important as well. My second would be vacation time/paid time off because a solid work life balance is essential. Then the others are all about equal in my book.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Feb 18 at 2015 11:11 AM

2015-02-18T11:11:54-05:00

I'm at the desperate point of just hoping that the key they give me fits the actual lock to the front door of the company. I have free medical already but all the jobs I apply for are govt jobs with the same coverage so no point in even bringing it up.

Response by SGT James Elphick made Feb 18 at 2015 11:16 AM

2015-02-18T11:16:54-05:00

I selected Vacation/PTO because the ability/necessity to recuperate and enjoy my hard-earned pay are important to me. I don't want to have to wait until retirement to take a real vacation, I want to be able to work AND spend time with family/enjoy myself. As a veteran education reimbursement isn't as key, I like that I have an employer now that provides good matching for my retirement but I have made it without. As a younger veteran I am not worried as much about advancement within a company as it is normal for my generation to move every year or so to continue to advance. Again, finally having an employer that provides good healthcare benefits is nice but I had the VA and although it is not fantastic I made do.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 11:26 AM

2015-02-18T11:26:19-05:00

All the above. You definitely have to be discussing all of these during the interview and negotiation process. People leave jobs and take jobs for a variety of reasons. But once hired, it's funny how fast some of the lesser important priorities all of a sudden become a priority. I say you should address all of them and go in with your eyes open.

As for the "Clearly defined opportunity for advancement within the company" one, that's going to be challenging for a hiring manager. You've only spoken a couple times and most hiring managers will be reluctant to stick their neck out too far in making any advancement commitments at the hiring stage of the game. They are well aware that the use of the word "opportunity" gets turned into "it will happen" by prospective employees.

Response by SPC Ryan D. made Feb 18 at 2015 11:34 AM

2015-02-18T11:34:32-05:00

Personally, if a company doesn't offer a comprehensive package with great benefits in all the above areas, I would take a pass. If you see a company making hundreds of millions in profit, but they don't offer a comprehensive benefit package, they obviously do not have their employees best interests in mind, only keeping their board members happy and well compensated.

Having to make a choice, I would go with Vacation time/Paid time off. Working for a company that allows me to take the time I need to deal with life is more important to me than a matched 401k or a clear path to advancement.

I'd rather take a day off to relieve stress, then working through it and having to rely on the provided healthcare benefits so a doctor can shove medication down my throat.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 11:42 AM

2015-02-18T11:42:27-05:00

The top two choices seem to be advancement pathways and healthcare benefits, so far. Those are important, but I chose vacation time/paid time off, and here is my reasoning:

1. Most of the benefits listed here can be replicated on your own, given the funds to do so. Healthcare, education, retirement, all can be funded as an individual. Is it nice to get them from the company? Of course. But I'm not dependent on the company for them.

2. Having a chance at upward mobility is nice, but it's difficult to guarantee. Companies restructure, openings disappear, and sometimes recruiters just flat out lie. Bottom line: If you're not happy with the job you're accepting, don't accept it. The "foot in the door" concept of yesteryear doesn't translate to much of today's corporate environment, where companies often hire from outside, rather than promoting from within.

3. Paid time off is the one thing you can't get without your employer's cooperation, and it's a clearly defined part of the job from the moment of hire (even if it doesn't kick in until later, it's defined at that time). I'd rather have that and pay for the rest myself, then give it up in exchange for something I can get on my own.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Feb 18 at 2015 12:13 PM

2015-02-18T12:13:52-05:00

Being self employed I have to look at this from a different angle. Here in Denmark I get health insurance(but pay through the nose in taxes), so that lightens the load a bit, but retirement I guess is my number 1 priority. I don't trust stock markets and with the ups and downs lately of the Euro and the dollar, I've been cashing in on gold and silver. I don't have all my eggs in one basket.

My next one is vacation. I don't get any paid vacations unless I plan for it, so each year I set a little aside for this as well.

Next I have to think of my profession. I need to attend courses and clinics to keep up with the advances in my field, so money needs to be set aside for this.

Then I got to plan for the unexpected, new roof, vehicle repairs, you all know the drill, so some gets set aside for this.

Sometimes I wish I was working for someone else and they could do all the paper work and planning, but then when I'm out daily on my job doing what I plan and enjoying myself, well it's worth it.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 12:26 PM

2015-02-18T12:26:17-05:00

It depends on the economy. You can easily be passed up for an opportunity if you outbid the competition. Making requests like moving expenses plus the common benefits could push you out of contention. For entry level to mid level, most of the benefits are predefined, i. e., Vacation/PTO, 2 weeks to start, etc.

In the DFW area there are so many businesses and potential employees moving into the area by choice, the job market gives employers options. Sometimes you just can't be picky.

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Feb 18 at 2015 1:15 PM

2015-02-18T13:15:52-05:00

As a retiree we have Tri-Care at this time but as I look at the news and I can see Tri-care going away and us having to fund via Affordable Healthcare Act which means several hundreds of dollars per month. All these above are important but I feel health care is the most important

Response by SPC David S. made Feb 18 at 2015 1:34 PM

2015-02-18T13:34:22-05:00

Unless you already have a masters this one is a big perk as a MBA from a tier one B school can run 80k +. This is a double win as it cost nothing out of pocket and you get to keep you education when you leave the organization.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Feb 18 at 2015 3:05 PM

2015-02-18T15:05:31-05:00

I must admit, one of the most valued benefits to me will be vacation time/paid time off. Just sayin....

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Feb 18 at 2015 4:05 PM

2015-02-18T16:05:44-05:00

Everyone on RallyPoint who sees this message should take a minute to vote in this 1-question survey. This will help our brothers and sisters across the military community.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Feb 18 at 2015 5:00 PM

2015-02-18T17:00:18-05:00

In order for me:
1. Clearly defined role and advancement path in an area I'm passionate about.
2. (tied) 401K and Education benefits
3. Healthcare
4. Vacation...Missing my 30 days of leave per year!

I think you'll find that veterans who don't have a retirement will rank the 401k a little higher. Healthcare is also big as many of us are not used to worrying about that piece on active duty.
I'm sure this keeps families with dependents up at night.

To all, please share this with your network and give it a polling vote. I think this is valuable info for all hiring managers who like to recruit veteran candidates. Thanks to MAJ George Hamilton for putting this together. Maj Private RallyPoint Member SMSgt Al Schilling Col Private RallyPoint Member TSgt Joshua Copeland SSG James J. Palmer IV Sgt Private RallyPoint Member Joseph Wong Lucas Buck LT George Bernloehr LCDR Mike Roshaven Janessa Gray Maj Private RallyPoint Member Maj Private RallyPoint Member Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member Capt Private RallyPoint Member

Response by LCDR Mike Roshaven made Feb 18 at 2015 5:30 PM

2015-02-18T17:30:43-05:00

Gotta be a 'Mission that Matters', just like the military was, or none of this stuff will matter...

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Feb 18 at 2015 5:32 PM

2015-02-18T17:32:02-05:00

For me, good affordable healthcare benefits. while I go purchase third party, group policies often have the best rates and lowest cost shares.

Now in descending order:

Clearly defined opportunity for advancement within the company
401(k) Contributions
Education reimbursement programs
Vacation time/Paid time off

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Feb 18 at 2015 8:45 PM

2015-02-18T20:45:37-05:00

Cash is king. "Clearly defined opportunity for advancement within the company" ties neatly with that.

Second in my opinion is "Vacation time/Paid time off" because no matter how much you make you can't buy time.

The rest I can buy with cash... often cheaper than I can get through an employer.

401(k) contributions (I'm assuming it's referring to a company match of contributions) don't perform as well as a Roth IRA long term. I don't turn down free money, but I only contribute what they match and then I dump money into a Roth eTrade account where I can buy whatever fund I want.

Healthcare benefits. My neighbor buys an individual policy cheaper than the local school district offers. Unless you work for a very large corporation that self insures, it's worth checking into.

Education Reimbursement. A degree only gets your foot in the door. You have to have knowledge, experience and the ability to work. There are very few jobs that require a specialized degree (Doctor, lawyer, nurse, etc) weigh the cost in time and money of going to school very carefully, I see a lot of people who go get their masters degree and then can't find a job that makes the investment of time and money worthwhile.

Response by SSgt Thomas L. made Feb 18 at 2015 9:25 PM

2015-02-18T21:25:27-05:00

While advancement within the company is important to me, there are members of my family who have serious medical conditions. Taking care of them is my first priority.

Response by Joseph Wong made Feb 18 at 2015 9:51 PM

2015-02-18T21:51:05-05:00

Many of these are non negotiable, so they do weigh on the offer, but not part of the negotiations process. I've worked for all Fortune 500 in my career and I've never worked for a company that can easily negotiate 401k, time off, or healthcare.

The only thing you can choose is who you work for. A bad manager will set you back years in terms of learning, confidence and exposure. A bad manager is the most harmful thing to have in a business environment. You can work for the best companies, with all the best benefits and the most time off, but if you have a bad leader.... Well, welcome to the corporate "suck."

An inspiring manager will bring out your best, test your limits, stretch you in directions that leads to other opportunities. This is what you should look for, beyond structured benefits or promises of advancement.

Response by Maj Walter Kilar made Feb 19 at 2015 12:22 AM

2015-02-19T00:22:43-05:00

1. Vacation time/ Paid time off. My time to regroup with my family and friends is worth more than money to me. When I leave the military, I will no longer get phone calls from the First Sergeant to pick up drunk troops, sign forms, or work unpaid overtime. I also look forward to not being denied leave requests or being told complete paperwork to leave the country or visit a certain country.
2. Clearly defined role and advancement path. I am so tired of lock-step promotion. Give me the opportunity to advance above my peers, and I will bust my hump to do so.
3. 401(k). Invest in my own future? Yes, please!
(Tie-4). Education benefits and healthcare. To me, education and healthcare should go hand-in-hand. Education to keep the mind healthy; healthcare to keep everything else healthy.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Feb 19 at 2015 12:27 AM

2015-02-19T00:27:54-05:00

Hmmm... Before I realized I had to pick only one (it said benefits not benefit), my votes as 401k and healthcare. I have limited post Army experience, but my screening criteria were both. My current (first) post retirement job offered free healthcare, and a better retirement plan than any other job I was looking at. Hours, impact, and job satisfaction also were on the list. Time off too... but that is an added benefit.

Response by COL John McClellan made Feb 25 at 2015 2:43 PM

2015-02-25T14:43:42-05:00

At this point,, it's flexibility and time off. I'm in pretty good shape with the others!!

Response by CW2 Eric Scott made Mar 6 at 2015 12:13 PM

2015-03-06T12:13:40-05:00

You have to be able to advance in the company. Chances are everyone who transfers from military to civilian will take a downgrade in status and we have to be able to earn that back.

Response by Cpl Jerry Millar made Mar 6 at 2015 12:18 PM

2015-03-06T12:18:02-05:00

This is a hard one because so much of it depends on what stage in your career and/or life you are in; I am mid to senior level, single with kids, still a ways off from retiring, and well compensated so Vacation/Paid time off and flexibility are hands-down the most important to me! I spent my late 20's and early 30's working 60+ hours a week, only recently have I been able to strike a balance between work and life...

Response by SSG Stacy Carter made Mar 10 at 2015 3:51 AM

2015-03-10T03:51:29-04:00

Clearly defined opportunity for advancement is very important. I do not want to be stuck doing the same thing day in and day out for the next 20-25 years until I can fully retire. My next choice would be 401(k), health care, vacation and then education reimbursement.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Apr 8 at 2015 7:18 PM

2015-04-08T19:18:19-04:00

Ability to obtain more experience and skills and promotion and mobility opportunities. From a strictly benefits side, the 401k as I can continue to obtain health benefits either through the military or my wife's work if necessary.

Response by SFC Miguel Lopez made Apr 9 at 2015 7:09 AM

2015-04-09T07:09:03-04:00

If government job, advancements and dental/vision. Private job, advancements and full medical.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Apr 11 at 2019 8:31 PM

2019-04-11T20:31:04-04:00

Health care is only significant if you are not a retiree. When I negotiate for a civilian job I want only 401k and the other benefits get added to my salary.