Here’s a guide to help you navigate this process of negotiating your contract effectively:
Research Market Rates and Benefits
Benchmark your worth: As a locum, you likely had more flexibility with rates. Research the typical salary for permanent roles in your field and region. Use your locum earnings as a comparison to negotiate a fair salary.
Consider benefits: Permanent roles offer non-monetary benefits such as pensions, paid holidays, insurance, and professional development support. Calculate the total value of the package, not just the salary.
Know Your Priorities
Decide what matters most: Is it salary, flexible hours, work-life balance, professional development, or location? Rank your priorities so that you know where to be flexible and where to stand firm in negotiations.
Understand the Full Scope of the Role
Clarify job duties: Ensure you have a clear understanding of the responsibilities and expectations of the permanent role. Being clear about the workload, patient or client caseload, and after-hours responsibilities will help you set the right expectations.
Set performance expectations: Discuss performance metrics and expectations for your role. Knowing how your success will be measured helps to align your contributions with the organization’s goals and gives you leverage to negotiate your career growth path.
Negotiate Flexibility
As a locum, you enjoyed more flexibility. You can try to negotiate similar flexibility in a permanent role, such as:
Remote working: If applicable to your industry, discuss options for remote or hybrid working arrangements.
Flexible hours: Ask about staggered shifts, the possibility of a four-day workweek, or other forms of flexibility to maintain a work-life balance.
Negotiate Salary
Start high, but realistic: When discussing salary, aim a little higher than what you're willing to accept, as employers often negotiate downward. Use your locum earnings as a guide but factor in the additional benefits a permanent role offers.
Consider incremental raises: If the employer can't meet your ideal salary, consider negotiating for regular performance reviews tied to salary increments, or bonuses based on specific milestones.
Discuss Career Progression
Long-term growth: Make sure to ask about career development opportunities, such as promotions, skill development, or management roles. If possible, ask for a structured timeline or clear steps for growth within the organization.
CPD (Continuing Professional Development): Many employers offer CPD allowances. If this is important to you, make sure it’s included in your contract. Some organizations might also cover costs for conferences, training, or further education.
Negotiate a Trial Period
Consider a probation period: You might feel uncertain about committing fully to a permanent role after being used to the locum lifestyle. A probation period (e.g., 3-6 months) can allow both you and the employer to evaluate the fit. Make sure both parties agree on clear outcomes at the end of the trial period.
Get Everything in Writing
Clarify all terms: Before signing the contract, ensure all aspects of your agreement are included in writing, such as salary, benefits, job responsibilities, working hours, flexibility, and opportunities for review and promotion.
Avoid verbal promises: Employers might offer perks verbally, but it’s important to get everything formalized in the contract to avoid misunderstandings later.
Prepare for Potential Counteroffers
Stay flexible: Employers might come back with counteroffers or alternative solutions. Be prepared to listen and negotiate based on your top priorities. Sometimes they might offer additional benefits instead of salary, so evaluate the full package.
Consult a Professional
Legal advice: Especially if this is a big career move, consider consulting a legal or HR professional to review your contract and ensure there are no red flags. They can help you identify hidden clauses or better negotiate tricky terms.
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