You may wish to look it up on Employment law websites but I'm almost certain that firms will have to provide a basic contribution from this year. You could say to them that you have been contributing to a private pension and wonder if you need to up the contributions. I don't think there is anything underhand about planning for the future.

Okay. I'm just a little concerned on if they ask any questions about it and me not having a scoobies what they're talking about.

never been for an interview

but id ask things like

...and how far do you think this job can take me ie i want your job

...will there be an opportunity for devolpment

...why are you looking for new people

...are the bacon sandwiches in the canteen any good

Don't really know... but good luck Rawky 

 

 

Thanks, Roger

 

Dunno if they'll have a canteen 

I'd ask more of pirate's type of questions before I'd get to the 'what's the package' type  - if it's informal, they may not be ready to discuss it.. and if they offer the job, it'll all be confirmed in writing and then you can decide, or try to negotiate.   Just play it by ear, Rawks, if they want to play it informal, why not just go with it ?   Maybe that's just how they operate (we're like that in my place... very informal and someone coming over all corporate would probably just put us off them)  

Oh yeah.. and good luck!  

What exactly do you want to know about pensions? I can explain the difference between, direct contribution, direct benefit, and private. You may also decide to save through your ISA allowance, or even invest in property.

A private pension will secure you Rawky...
Think you'll find though that most professional companies will offer a pension for you to pay into.....or will match what you pay privately

I do the funnies round here

Ok Richard Branson

C'mon - its McDonald's isn't it??

If it is and they ask where do you see yourself in 5yrs time do not answer,

Frankie & Bennies

I leave all this type of thing to Mr Cosi, so I'm worse than useless at advice.  Hope you get the answer you're looking for - and good luck with the job 

Indeed! Forgive my practical approach. I also hope you are successful .

Isn't there an ad on at the moment where everybody pays in, employee and employer? You could ask about that scheme maybe.

I also hope you will be successful, in fact, I'll bet my house that you will.

i'd be totally up front and honest. I'd say that you have been working abroad etc. and are not up to spec on Pension stuff. Then just ask what the company policy on pensions is etc.

 

I always find (well in some instances) that it's best to admit that you've not got a clue rather than pretend you know and then say something foolish. 

 

Obviously ignore what I've said ^^^ if the position is for a Pension Adviser

have you had your interview yet?  How did it go? 

Hi all, thanks for your messages. Apologies, I went to bed early so didn't read them till after the interview.

 

The interview went very well and it's a job that I would really like. It's a trainee position, which is perfect as it will help me develop my skills in the software they use. The guy seemed a little unsure about pensions himself , but they don't offer one at the moment for trainee's.

 

The only issue I have is my age. He mentioned how he was expecting a recent graduate who expects to start as a trainee, rather than someone who graduated a few years ago - but he seemed very positive about me, although he is interviewing more people, who I expect are these graduates.

 

I'll find out in a week or so.

 

Thanks again, and I DO appreciate your help GJ. Ignore Renton.

Well done Rawky  seems it went ok?

Hope you get good news. Its so tough out there for graduates. Hopefully your experience working abroad impressed them. 

Yay Rawky - I'll keep my flippers crossed for you 

 

which ever way they go, treat it as valuable interview experience 

That sounds hopefull Rawks. Hope it turns into something for you

did you ask about the sandwich situation?

 

no canteen 

surely thats illegal!

*EVERYBODY OUT*

 

dont worry you can work for me

you any good at fly pitching & legging it fast?

That sounds positive. I'll keep everything crossed for you, Rawky.

 

Pensions!

 

I do feel for you a bit as I have in the past found them to be slightly confusing and as a process (especially as you move jobs) to be somewhat chaotic.

 

At work this week we found out that they are changing from a final salary type pension to an average salary pension.

 

Then you hear about all the people on the news and on financial websites that seem to have got fairly poor annuity rates when they come to retirement and buy an annuity.

 

So a good few years ago I decided not to pay into a pension but to manage my own retirement fund. I have and will be soon purchase property which I rent out. I have also used my annual allowance of Cash ISA savings (tax free). Yes the rates are poor at the moment, but I now have a substantial cash pot. Then I will soon be dripping cash into a Tax Free Stocks and Shares ISA.

 

The good thing about ISA's are that there is no tax implications.

 

I suppose it depends on how risk averse you are. I think my investments are relatively low risk. Stick with a company pension if you don't feel you can do a better job.

 

Personally it feels good to have control of your cash/investments.

 

There is one other thing to note, there have been some changes to the pension system in the recent budget. I for one will be getting my hands on all of my private pension when it matures - I will reinvest it myself.

 

 

As for questions don't overt worry. I have done dozens and dozens of intern news over the years and have never dismissed anyone for not asking questions at the end. Some of the interviews have been so long that I did not want them to. One one occasion a chap pulled out a pad and had about 20 questions on it - no lie he did. Funnily enough he was the preferred candidate and got the job.

 

If you really want to ask something I would go with this type of thing (although it would help if I knew what job you were applying for):

 

"what career development opportunities would you see open to me".

 

If you have specific educational ambitions, see if there is support for that but tie it into their business so they can see ho they would benefit.

 

 

Good luck 

 

 

Never heard of him.

I like my burger flipped thrice, i tell thee !!!

Hang on - i'm veggie

I seem to be in the same situation as EC. They tried to take our Final salary pension and we the monthly staff pushed for a strike with the support of our union.
However under joint consultation we were undermined by the weekly staff and their bent full time official. In short they didn't know how pensions work.
I also then took charge of my future. In the end it's down to getting a quality newspaper and reading the financial pages on a regular basis.