The Contract Series: Part 1 – Preparing For Negotiations

 You’re in discussions with an employer for a position that looks like a great fit, and it looks like you’ll be offered a contract. However, one of the most critical aspects of the contract negotiation starts before an agreement is even tendered. Here are some important aspects to consider early on in the job search, interview,  and contract negotiation process as you evaluate different opportunities and, ultimately, multiple offers:

1) Understand what others at similar points in their career are receiving in terms of compensation. 

You may have a great idea of what your salary and benefits should be, or you may not. You may keep up with some colleagues that have open conversations about compensation. Resources such as salary.com, ziprecruiter.com, and glassdoor.com offer some useful ballpark information, but keep in mind that salaries can vary greatly based on location, market conditions, and candidate saturation. Your ETS recruiter can also provide insights based on our placements and experience in the market. 

2) Be familiar with the costs of the market to which you will be moving. 

Consider the costs of lodging, transportation, relocation, and everyday living in the area to which you will be moving. Sometimes, financial offers that appear to be similar may be significantly different based on cost of living. A cost-of-living index is an excellent tool to compare markets. 

3) Consider the value of other non-fiscal factors. 

Lifestyle, weather preference, and recreational opportunities are key factors, but many people find the proximity to family to be an important consideration. Evaluate and understand what is important to you before a contract ever enters the picture.

4) Understand the practice’s structure, culture, and future growth opportunities.

Do you have an interest in a partnership track? Is the reputation of the practice positive or negative? Does the treatment philosophy match your own? While these are things you can address as the interview and contraction negotiation processes progress, you can get a pretty good idea by doing some secondary research on your own ahead of time.

At ETS, we work closely with candidates to find opportunities that match their needs and preferences. We might already know of the perfect job for you! Contact us today.

News/Insights

Advance your Dental Career by Working with a Recruiter For Job Seekers

Advance your Dental Career by Working with a Recruiter

Sep 3, 2024

Get the edge you need to not just land a job, but to advance your dental career! The job market in 2024 is on fire, and demand for talented dentists and dental specialist is ...

Salary Negotiations for Dentists Offers/Contracts/Compensation

Salary Negotiations for Dentists

Aug 29, 2023

When going into salary negotiations for a new position, it’s natural to feel intimidated. Some simple preparation will help you negotiate with confidence and a sense of fair...

The Contract Series: Part 3 – Before You Sign Offers/Contracts/Compensation

The Contract Series: Part 3 – Before You Sign

May 13, 2021

You’ve interviewed. You’ve negotiated. You’re ready to sign. Almost. There are still a few details to confirm.  The first, and perhaps most obvious, step you should ta...

The Contract Series: Part 2 – Reviewing the Terms Offers/Contracts/Compensation

The Contract Series: Part 2 – Reviewing the Terms

Apr 20, 2021

You’ve been offered a contract. In many cases, the initial contract is a standard document with some wiggle room. Remember, you’ll have to live with the conditions of this...

How to Turn Down a Job Offer Professionally Interviewing

How to Turn Down a Job Offer Professionally

Sep 23, 2020

In 2020, landing a position with an independent dental practice can be a challenge, particularly in the wake of a worldwide pandemic. In recent months, however, we've seen a s...

Associate Contracts: What to Look For in Your Next Contract Offers/Contracts/Compensation

Associate Contracts: What to Look For in Your Next Contract

May 13, 2020

A manila envelope appears on your desk with your new contract. It’s all there in black and white—the terms, salary, perks, and expectations. While an employment contract ...

Base Salary vs Actual Compensation Offers/Contracts/Compensation

Base Salary vs Actual Compensation

Dec 11, 2019

Not all salaries are created equal. All too often, we find that job seekers will overlook a potentially rewarding opportunity solely because the base salary offered is lower t...

What to Do When an Associate Doesn’t Want to Renew Their Contract Offers/Contracts/Compensation

What to Do When an Associate Doesn’t Want to Renew Their Contract

Aug 20, 2019

Maybe the contract renewal has been with the associate for a while and you’re hearing radio silence. Maybe they’ve told you they have no interest in renewing. Either way, ...

Are You Ready to Be a Partner? Offers/Contracts/Compensation

Are You Ready to Be a Partner?

Jun 3, 2019

There comes a time at every practice when taking on an additional partner makes good business sense. Partners, unlike associates, are part owners of a practice. Practice owner...

Do’s, Don’ts and Red Flags of Contract Negotiations Offers/Contracts/Compensation

Do’s, Don’ts and Red Flags of Contract Negotiations

Mar 29, 2019

Spring is in the air, and we are approaching the season of contract negotiations. A pool of fresh-faced graduates means dental positions around the nation will soon be in flu...