Whether this is your first job, or you have been working in the senior living industry for decades, navigating the hiring process can be extremely exciting – and also incredibly stressful. When that offer that you have been fighting for finally comes through, you might want to jump on it right away. Before you do, take the time to ensure that you really know what you are accepting and that you are not leaving anything on the table.

Many companies expect some level of negotiation. In this article, we will discuss the factors you should be considering when it comes to making a counteroffer. We will also share some tips and tricks to make sure that you are setting yourself up in the very best way possible.

Make sure you are considering all of the factors

Working in health care – and especially senior care – is incredibly difficult. You might feel burnt out at your current position. Long hours and demanding schedules have been made even more difficult as a result of the coronavirus, and many health care workers are rightfully concerned about their own health on the job. This does not mean that you should jump at the first opportunity presented to you.

When it comes to a job offer, lots of people make the mistake of only focusing on the base salary. Of course, this is incredibly important, but it is only one piece of the puzzle. Things like benefits, contract structure, company culture and reputation, professional development and advancement opportunities, and time off should also weigh in. Take some time to consider what factors are most important to you personally. While the pay rate may be fixed, you could very well negotiate flexible work hours or commute reimbursement.

Tips and tricks for negotiation

  • First things first: know your worth. Research what people in similar positions are paid. Be sure to keep in mind things like geographic location and years of experience, as these can create a lot of variance in salary. Then be sure to present your research so it does not seem like the request is coming out of thin air.
  • Always make sure that you have the offer – and counteroffer – in writing. If you are negotiating in person or over the phone, make sure that you (or, more likely, someone from HR) always leaves a paper trail.
  • Remind yourself that it never hurts to ask. While a counteroffer might feel incredibly stressful, remember that the worst that can happen is that the company will say no to your request. A counteroffer will generally not take the initial offer off of the table.
  • Communicate often and clearly. You want to be fair to the senior care facility that you are interviewing with, and demonstrate that you will be a proactive and efficient employee. You should also let other companies know once you have made your decision and accepted an offer. After all, you would appreciate the same level of respect if a company you are interviewing with decided to go with another applicant.

 

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