Jul 24, 2024
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Job offers are tricky, no matter whether you’re fresh out of nursing school or a seasoned DPT with years of experience. As a potential hire, you have some big questions that need answers before signing on the dotted line, and we all know that how you ask is just as important as what you ask.
It’s important to learn to put your best foot forward by negotiating for what you deserve without appearing too timid or overzealous. With a little preparation, you can ask pointed questions that will give you a sense of whether the organization is the right fit for your personal and professional needs, while still coming across as smart, focused, and professional. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what to ask at every stage of the job offer process.
There’s nothing like the rush of finding out you nailed the interview process and got the job. However, no matter how much you want to pop the champagne and launch the confetti, it’s essential to hit pause and review the offer before giving an answer.
After all, it’s far easier to negotiate before you accept an offer rather than down the line. The vast majority of hiring managers will understand and fully respect that you need a few days for consideration, and if you do find yourself being pressured for an immediate answer, you’re looking at a potential red flag.
Salary is likely one of the biggest influences weighing on your decision, but it’s not the only factor that plays into your job satisfaction and quality of life. There are plenty of tangible and intangible elements for healthcare professionals to consider, such as:
During the interview process, it’s natural to hold off on getting into the nitty-gritty details. However, once an offer has been made, it’s vital to get the full details in writing to ensure that there’s no miscommunication or misunderstanding.
To make an informed decision (and to figure out what you want to negotiate), you need clarity on the total compensation package, as well as what the role will entail. Plus, it’s in the best interest of you and your prospective employer to be on the same page and in agreement about the terms and conditions of your employment.
Negotiating money matters can be intimidating, especially for entry-level healthcare professionals. However, the truth is that avoiding this conversation can come at a much higher cost: Those who never negotiate salaries can miss out on an additional $1.5 million over the course of a lifetime. Being prepared is the key to success, and the good news is that it’s never been easier to find information about what your industry peers are being paid.
Free online resources like Glassdoor.com, Nurses.org, Salary.com, AllNurses.com, and Payscale.com provide a wealth of data. On top of all this, consider consulting your personal and professional networks for insights as well. You should be armed with research on comparable industry salaries, as well as a clear case for the value that you’ll personally bring to the organization.
Catherine Burger, an RN with more than 30 years’ experience and a media and brand specialist for RegisteredNursing.org, encourages healthcare professionals to keep a track record of measurable achievements. For those who are looking to switch specialties or divisions, Burger says there’s still leveraging power; it just requires some creative packaging.
“Even if you feel like you don’t have extensive experience in a certain area, there are ways to demonstrate how you’ll add value,” Burger says. “Perhaps you’re willing to get a new certification, which will cost money, or could suggest serving as a department lead on a committee. Don’t sell yourself short!”
Crystal Polson, MSN, RN, NP, with 18 years of experience, echoes this sentiment.
“We’re a female-dominated industry, and many women have an innate hesitation of asking for more money, especially in nursing,” Polson says. “It took me way too long to realize that my male colleagues were almost always negotiating their salaries. Most of the time, you get what you ask for. But no one’s going to just hand you more money without you asking.”
If you’ve tried your hand and there’s no wiggle room as far as salary goes, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to walk away. It’s important to first look at the big picture and examine other factors or benefits that may be open to negotiation, such as company stock or more paid time off.
Need more time? Of course you do. According to Kate Tulenko,MD, MPH, MPhil, FAAP, health workforce expert and the CEO of Corvus Health, it’s important to be mindful of framing your request through the lens of enthusiasm about the offer.
“You don’t want to project a ‘what’s in it for me’ attitude, but rather express that you have the hospital’s best interest in mind, too, by ensuring that you’re a good personal fit,” says Tulenko. “There’s nothing wrong with asking for more time; if anything, it shows you’re being thoughtful, deliberate, and intentional on your side, which are all qualities that employers look for.”
Most hiring managers expect you to want to deliberate over an offer anyway, so you don’t need to be meek about asking for some extra time when they need an answer. Saying something along the lines of, “Thank you for the opportunity; I’m excited about the potential of working for your company! Is it possible for you to send me the offer in writing so I can review?” is an appropriate way to buy yourself more time.
If you’re reading this section, chances are that you decided to accept the job. Congratulations! At this final stage of the process, asking questions shows that you’re a proactive and engaged team member — and it helps to ensure a smooth, successful start on your end. Here are a few crucial questions to consider asking before you start your new job:
Because we’re a professional liability insurance company, we’d be remiss if we didn’t urge you to dig deeper and ask more questions about the malpractice coverage your employer may provide for you. You can typically do this during onboarding, so you can decide if you need a supplemental policy. (Don’t worry, you can get one same-day!) Here are some questions to ask about their malpractice insurance:
No matter what stage of the job search you’re facing, we wish you the best of luck! And be sure to check out salary reports, state-by-state rankings, and resume and cover letter templates in our Career Growth resources.
Image courtesy of iStock.com/trumzz
Last updated on Jul 24, 2024.
Originally published on Dec 20, 2019.
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Hannah Chenoweth is a contributing writer for Berxi. She is a Baltimore-based freelance writer who enjoys covering healthcare and human interest stories. Feel free to connect with her at hannahchenoweth.com.
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