HOW TO NEGOTIATE YOUR FIRST EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT

ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELF. There is a huge shortage of vets. Remember to always put yourself first and ask for what you want.

DIG INTO THE DETAILS ON COMP. Are you paid a fixed salary or as a percentage of your revenue? What is included and what is not? Is there a relocation bonus or a starting bonus?

TALLY UP THE BENEFITS + VACATION. This can be a game changer when you need it. Seek to understand what is being offered and how it compares and what you care about.

THINK ABOUT MENTORSHIP.Who will be your mentor? Who do you look up to? One of the top reasons for staying at a practice are having role models to look up to.

ASK ABOUT EDUCATION. What is the commitment to continuing education? How often do people go? Is it simply allowed or is it encouraged?

MAKE A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION. Show that you’ve studied their practice, their reviews, their style of medicine. Wow them so they fight for you.

PLAN FOR THE WORST.What if things go south? Do you have a non-compete that will prevent you from working elsewhere? Is there a provision for severance if you are let go?  

BUILD A PATH TO OWNERSHIP.Talk about this from day 1 to understand what it looks like. Is there one owner or multiple? How long did it take? Are owners planning to sell to corporate? You are making a huge personal investment - know what you are getting.

HAVE OPTIONS. It’s very hard to think critically when only one option is on the table, but many of us feel guilty shopping around. Having other options will help you understand what’s most important to you.

LOOK BEYOND THE $$.Make sure there is an alignment of values around care, treatment of staff, work-life balance -- whatever is important to you.