Your benefits coordinator must primarily have knowledge of a variety of plans for health, dental, vision and life. They need to understand the benefits of disability and long-term care policies in order to explain the policies to your workers. They should know how to create a plan that meets the worker’s needs and stay within the company’s budget. What to look for in an answer:

• Knowledge of employee benefits programs
• Experience with all types of insurance for employees
• Understanding of how to create a benefits plan

You need someone who understands how to address a large employee base and explain why benefits packages are helpful and vital to their well-being. The coordinator explains the total cost of deductions and the premiums for each plan. They present details about how coverage works and which plans work best for workers based on their circumstances. The candidate addresses large groups of workers at once and answers all questions and concerns effectively. What to look for in an answer:

• Superior public speaking and communication skills
• Knowledge of all policy types and how they work
• Experience with all business sizes

Group insurance policies are purchased to cover larger groups of employees. The company owner pays a portion of the premiums. A benefits coordinator communicates with carrier representatives to resolve issues with the group coverage and calculates the monthly premiums for workers and the company owner. A candidate must provide details about their experience managing the policies, premiums, and related costs. Superior communication skills are a must for them. What to look for in an answer:

• Knowledge of group rate insurance coverage
• Math skills needed for calculating deductions and premiums
• Superior problem-solving and communications skills

Benefits coordinators work with HR managers and obtain statistical data needed to renew benefits packages related to health, retirement and life insurance plans. The coordinators inform the employer about any changes in premium costs due to a reduction or increase in enrollments. A candidate must understand the importance of meeting deadlines and completing necessary insurance forms to continue coverage for employees. What to look for in an answer:

• Collaboration and teamwork with Human Resources
• Knowledge of insurance renewal processes
• Experience managing premiums, claims and related insurance costs

Candidates coordinate and plan meetings with employees individually when setting up benefits plans. The coordinator explains each policy of interest and gathers information from the employees. The benefits coordinator issues notices to all workers covered under the plans when changes occur or premiums increase. Incentive programs that help workers save on their health or medical plans are included in discussions, and the coordinator explains how the plans work for employees. What to look for in an answer:

• Practice with one-on-one benefits orientation
• Experience educating workers about all insurance options available to them
• Knowledge of incentives plans and implementation

Benefit coordinators handle many administrative activities in relation to employee benefits. As an employer, you can use this question to gauge a candidate's experience in typical job duties and training requirements. A competent benefits coordinator would demonstrate that they can handle the key responsibilities of the position.

A candidate's answer should emphasize:

• Awareness of job duties
• Relevant industry experience
• Strong communication skills

An example answer to this question can look like this: