You’ve received a contract, but you’re not very happy with all of the terms. Or maybe you spot some discrepancies between what the facility promised you and what is written in the contract. The good news is you don’t need to sign the contract right away. There’s still some room for negotiation. 

The best time to negotiate a contract is at the beginning. If you’re not happy with the initial offer for whatever reason, it’s best to address it at the beginning. You don’t want to continue and sign the contract before coming back and saying, “I know you offered me XYZ, but I actually need this amount instead.” If you do that, the facility will not change the rate, and the staffing agency will most likely not work with you in the future because they’re going to think you’ll consistently try to change the contract at the end. Make sure you negotiate at the beginning of the contract. 

If you spot a discrepancy, make sure you bring it up as soon as you see it. Whether there’s a difference in the rate you were quoted or if your requested days off are not listed, bring it up immediately. That way, the facility or the recruiter you’re speaking to can rework the contract to meet your needs.  

If you’re a travel healthcare worker, you can also negotiate things like your travel and your housing. If the contract offers to find you a rental car, but you would rather drive your own car and get mileage, you can ask that. On the other hand, if you would rather have a rented car so you don’t put wear and tear on your vehicle, you can mention that as well. Same goes for housing. Agencies might offer to find you housing, but you can also ask for a housing stipend and find a place on your own. 

Keep open communication with your recruiter. They are here to help you get what you want. Let them know if there are any discrepancies and whether you want any terms to change. However, you need to start negotiations when you first receive the contract. Don’t wait until further down the line because it makes it more complicated and harder to change. If you’re happy with the terms, you can sign the contract, but make sure you go through our checklist of things to look at before signing a contract. 

MEDRelief recruiters are here to not only help you find a job but also to navigate contracts and make sure you’re getting what you want. You can always reach out to them via social media, and if you are interested in a hot job on our website, send your resume to michael@medrelief.com!

If you’re looking for a job and want tips on topics such as resume building, how to ace an interview, red flags to look out for, and more, read our other blogs or check out our podcast, Staffing Stat!