HOW HARD should you push when negotiating a job offer? If you’re like many young physicians, you may not try to negotiate at all. You don’t want to make waves in your new job, so you just sign the contract you’re offered.
But while taking a passive approach may seem easier than speaking up, it can be disastrous in the long run. If you don’t make sure a job is a good fit, you’re not likely to stick around very long. And that’s a huge hassle for both you and your employer.
If you plan to negotiate, on the other hand, you don’t want to go to the other extreme and come off as hyper-aggressive or demanding. So how can you find a good middle ground?
Three articles in this month’s issue offer advice on how to negotiate without turning off potential employers. The consensus among physicians and recruit ers is that doctors need to be open and transparent throughout their job search.
That means that you don’t want to wait until the last minute to make it clear that you’re interested in being paid more or working less. But you also don’t want to make your entire job search about hours and money.
Edward Doyle
Editor & Publisher
