next »

[freespirit08]

I'm having my first on-campus interview and have a 30 minute slot with someone from the HR office. I looked the individual up and they are the benefits manager. I'm assuming that this is really just their chance to tell me about insurance, retirement, etc. Like I said this will be my first time, so I was hoping that people could offer advice on any specific questions they would ask this person. I hope this isn't a repeat - I searched and didn't find what I was looking for. Thanks!

[macaroon]

They usually have a spiel that they do and are very good at it.  Ask if relocation packages are standard of if they are negotiated in your contract. 

[sir_lancelot]

Like macaroon said, the HR person will likely do most of the talking.

It's a good place to ask about things you don't want to ask the committee, like maternity leave, child care options, partner benefits etc.

Ask about the details, like how long after being hired will health insurance kick in? This is esp. important if you have any ongoing medical needs. I was flabberghasted at one university where I found out that you can only sign up for health insurance the month after you start and it will only kick in 3 month later! Same can be true for the retirement plan.

Ask about the relocation package. Ask if untaken leave will be paid out. Ask if they have an emergency pool for sick leave. Make sure you understand what the retirement options are. Some are lousy.

[svenc]

This is almost certainly an opportunity to provide you with information, and not about the HR person asking you interview questions.  In my opinion, it's also a good (if minor) sign about the institution: They aren't ashamed of their benefits, and they know enough to be trying to sell you on them.

The guy will have a shpiel prepared for you and it's not that important to come with questions in mind.  Just ask about anything that's unclear or on your mind.  I wouldn't even worry too much about asking about any special concerns at this time - if you have any specific concerns there's always an opportunity to ask after you have an offer and before you accept one.

I've found these sorts of meetings during campus visits to be a bit of a break from the stress of the job talk, meeting the dean and department members, etc.  Of course, it's always important to stay on good behavior with everyone you meet, but unless the HR person has two heads, this is not going to be the part of the day you remember most when you get home.

- Svenc, who has met with HR folks, assistant deans for students, diversity officers, internship program managers, and all sorts of non-academic staff in various campus interviews.