How to negotiate locum pay

When negotiating locum pay always keep these things in mind as they will give you leverage as to who needs who the most.

Firstly is there a shortage of locums:

1. Shortage in your area
2. Time of the year/day of the week eg. Holidays
3. Low volume of locums as a whole in your profession

How quick:

1. How soon do they require a locum
2. How far away are you from the job.
3. The number of days you can do.

Your Qualifications

1. Do you have better qualifications then the rest
2. Can you have someone who can vouch for your quality of work
3. Have you got the number of years behind you for this type of work

The Company

1. Does this company typically pay well
2. If they require longer hours/shorter lunch
3. Does nobody want to work for them

When negotiating the locum fees remember to calculate how much this will cost for you are you going to pay extra for mileage/accommodation to help them out? Will the parking be expensive? Will it take you 4 hours to get to (time is money).

Timescale is the most important factor for negotiating your locum pay, the sooner they need you the more room for negotiation. But remember that if you are too expensive they will just cancel the clinic. Ring back to see if they have found anyone cheaper (compromise)

Always sell your self eg. I have been qualified 10 yrs with a master’s degree and have exceptional communication skills that will guarantee people coming back.

Never negotiate with negativity, although your fee is sacred to you would you rather be sitting at home in anger or feel happy you did your best to compromise.