Negotiating a salary is daunting. Negotiation allows you to get paid more, more time off, or for whatever else you are arranging. It indicates to an employer that you understand your value, are confident in your worth and are the type of PT who will get things done. Keep the following information in your head for the next time you negotiate your salary.
Do Your Research
Before negotiating a salary as a PT, ensure that you have accurate salary data for your position and geographical area. Use as many sources as possible with your data when doing your research. You can use local recruiters, Glassdoor, and job market reports. Knowing the average local salary is a significant advantage. It allows you to select which offers you can negotiate and which ones where you are being low-balled. So perform your research on a competitive package for your region before negotiating a salary.
Be Logical and Passionate
Do not let your emotions get involved in negotiations. Please be logical and realistic with how much an employer can afford to pay you based on professional value. However, remain passionate about solutions to improve the perceived value of the profession so employers can afford to pay therapists their true worth in the future. You can do this by saying no to cheap low-ballers and saying yes to ethical value-based entrepreneurship.
Create a Strengths List
It might entail a bit of effort, but try to compile a list of your strengths. Ensure that the strengths list is from the employer’s perspective as well. You want to prove that you have value to add to the business that is lacking in your competitors. You want to demonstrate that you are the key to their current problem. Use these questions to guide your thinking:
- What makes you better than more experienced candidates?
- Will you be easy to train?
- Will you stick around long enough to make it worth hiring you?
- How will you provide a high-quality customer experience?
Offer a Salary Range
Your desired salary range will come up in the discussion. By offering a salary range, you and the employer aim for something fair that benefits you both. Be sure to leave your employer wiggle room to consider salary and benefits they can afford in the offer while still providing a suitable package.
Is the offer slightly less than what you are seeking? You might be able to request a 3-month or 6-month review with the possibility of a raise by proving yourself. Suggest a productivity target, complete a certification, or attend training and get the contract in writing. If the offer is much lower than the stated range, it might be time to find a new PT job because of the gap between how much you value your service as opposed to how much your employer values your work.
Let myPTsolutions find you a flexible physical therapy job that fits your lifestyle.
