Benefits and Perks: What to Compare

When comparing job offers, salary is only part of the picture. Benefits—health insurance, pension, leave, and other perks—can add (or subtract) a lot of value. If you don't compare them carefully, you might take an offer that looks better on paper but leaves you worse off overall. Here's what to check when comparing benefits and perks.

Health and wellness

• Health insurance. What's covered? What's the deductible and copay? Does it cover dependants? When does it start—day one or after probation? Compare coverage and cost (your share of the premium) across offers.
• Other wellness. Does the company offer mental health support, gym allowance, or other wellness perks? These can matter a lot depending on your needs.

Pension and financial

• Pension. Does the company offer a pension plan? Do they match your contribution—and up to what %? When do you become vested (own the employer's contributions)? Compare match rates and vesting schedules.
• Other financial. Signing bonus? Relocation allowance? Stock or equity? These can make a big difference to total compensation.

Leave and flexibility

• Annual leave. How many days? Is it fixed or increases with tenure? Can you carry over unused days? Compare leave allowances—they vary a lot.
• Flexibility. Remote work? Flexible hours? Parental leave? If these matter to you, get them in writing—don't assume "we're flexible" means you can work from home every day.

What to get in writing

• Benefits start date. Do benefits start on day one or after probation? Get it in writing.
• Key terms. Coverage, cost, match rates, leave allowance—get the key terms in writing so you can compare and so there are no surprises later. BeforeYouSign can highlight benefit language in your offer so you know what to compare and what to ask about before you sign.