What would you consider to be your forte within the functions of Benefits? How could this benefit our team?
There are a lot of subspecialties within Benefits and depending on company size, it is sometimes necessary for each team member to have a strong skill set in specific areas. The interviewer wants to know what you consider your strongest Benefits specialty and how your skills in that area can help the department and organization.
"In my current job, I oversee Leaves of Absence, tuition reimbursement, voluntary benefits, and some monthly billing. My favorite of those, and the one I believe I am most skilled at, is the Leaves of Absence. I currently manage the entire process, from receiving the initial LOA request to ensuring certifications and medical releases are on file. I take care of the reporting and tracking of our leaves and also handle all communication with the employees. In the five years, I have overseen our LOAs, the company has not had a single complaint or lawsuit brought against us. I do often speak with employees who are upset about being denied leave or not getting an extension they've requested, but I have learned techniques to manage those conversations in a way that leaves the employee feel heard and respected, even if they did not get the answer they wanted. If I were to join your team, I could review your current LOA processes to see if there are any areas where my own system might be beneficial and I would be ready from day one to take on any difficult LOA conversations that need to take place."
Think about where your specific skills shine the most within the various aspects of Benefits and where you find the most satisfaction. Be passionate in your answer to show authenticity.
