At what point in the interview process is it ok to ask about benefits,etc.?

[HangerAngler]

This is a question that ought to apply to more than just actuarial positions.

At what point in the interview process is it acceptable to ask about:
1) benefits (health, 401k, etc)
2) vacation time, sick time, etc
3) bonus structure

...when contacted by headhunter (meaning asking the headhunter)?
...during initial phone interview (if any)?
...during face to face interview?
...upon receiving an offer?

[Vorian Atreides]

Definitely not during any initial interviews. This is best asked of HR personnel.

[Gentle Giant]

I'm not sure it's always bad to mention benefits during initial interviews. It might be OK if it is a primary concern, particulary in the case of certain, very specific benefit needs. For example, someone might place a whole lot of importance on having an on-site day care (or one that is very close). There's no point in wasting the employer's time if that's a show-stopper.

As a matter of fact, I think that anything that is going to be a show-stopper, whether benefits-related or not, should be stated up front. Politely, of course.

[Westley]

Agree with GG. If it's a deal-breaker, and not usually negotiable, then get it out immediately - don't waste peoples' time. Through recruiter/HR is better than with profesionals (actuaries or otherwise).

Most of the rest, I think of it as part of the aggregate negotiation, and it should be dealt with after an offer is extended.

Bonus structure is a little different. That goes to learning about the company's priorities and how it manages them, and can be asked earlier. "What's my bonus potential?" is best left to part of the salary negotiation.

[Take 2]

Ask the recruiter if he/she knows, but don't ask them to press the issue if they don't know.

When you talk to the HR person, ask about benefits, but don't make any negative comments -- you're unlikely to change them.

If you get an offer, ask details that are important to your decision, but leave the rest to orientation on the job.

[Mitzy3K]

My experience in the majority of my interviews has been that I have a phone interview, and then when they decide to offer me an onsite interview, I have been mailed a package with an application to fill out and bring with me to the interview. In nearly all the cases, that packet has also contained a summary of the benefits at the company. Perhaps I have just had unusual luck in seldom having to ask. Beyond that, I have generally started my onsite interview day with a representative from HR who takes my application, talks with me some about the company, asks me a few questions about my background, then asks me if I received the benefit information package, and asks me if I have any questions about it.

Of course, nearly all of my interviews have been for places over 500 miles away, so maybe this practice is more common when the costs of interviewing a candidate are higher (for both the company and the cadidate).

[Dr T Non-Fan]

Originally Posted by Vorian Atreides

Definitely not during any initial interviews. This is best asked of HR personnel.

I agree. It gives them time to hear themselves talk, and it gives you less chance to screw up by talking.

Aside:
Isn't a "show-stopper" a good thing? I mean, it's so good that it interrupts the interview?

[GeekGoddess]

I normally won't ask during the phone interview, I tend to check the website afterwards to see if they have any information that is accessible there. Some companies will send benefits stuff in an email after the phone interview, or hard copies with a trip itinerary for long distance interviews.

I do ask in my HR interview, they should have the answers, and the questions asked to the business interviewers are more along the lines of the actual position and the area specifically. At least that is how I do it.

[Dr T Non-Fan]

I'd leave it to the end, noting that an e-mail or US mail with the details is all that's needed.
Need better questions to ask, such as the National/Universal Health care issue (for health insurers), where is the company relative to its competitors, any unusual stock option issues, etc. Something that says, "I'm interested in your company, and I want to know more."

[DudeMan]

If using a recruiter, i'd ask the recruiter to tell me what he/she knows about the benefits. If not, I would wait to ask until they give me an offer.