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The moment has arrived: After years spent in medical school, it’s finally time to officially enter the workforce. As you’ve probably learned as a resident, the opportunities are many, whether in private practice or in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. And compensation varies widely.

So how do you, as a rookie, negotiate the best possible deal when it comes to your first job in medicine? What? You mean I can negotiate? some new graduates say as they enter the workforce with the idea that, because they are new, they can’t expect much and better be willing to take whatever is offered. Other students leave medical school imagining themselves guaranteed a high salary for their hard work and dedication. But nothing is so cut and dry, especially when it comes to compensation.

Here are some negotiation tips that will help you navigate the waters of life as a new doctor:

1. Don’t underestimate your value. Be willing to negotiate! Just because you are a new doctor doesn’t mean you should refrain from asking for higher compensation or other benefits before you agree to take a position. Think of the advantages your newbie status brings. You are arriving with energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge of the latest techniques and data. You might also offer other benefits, such as willingness to take on new tasks. Think through the pluses that your status as a new doctor can bring and plan on talking about them as you negotiate.
2. Don’t overestimate your value. While you are highlighting the benefits you can offer as a new doctor, don’t forget that even though you’ve spent years studying, and technically, working in the field, you are still in the early stages of your career. If you take a job in a busy department or practice, you might not be able to handle as many patients as a more experienced practitioner could, for example. Look at yourself with a critical but fair eye.
3. Do your research. Now that you’ve got a realistic idea of what you have to offer an employer, it’s time to get a clear picture of the salaries and benefits that go with a certain job. What are others in that position in nearby practices or similar hospitals earning? Do they have more experience than you or are they at about the same level? Be sure to pay particular attention to location. A specialist in a major big city hospital generally won’t have the same salary as a specialist working in a smaller market even if they are equally qualified. Through discussions with fellow doctors, trusted professors, and students as well as online research, you can gather elements that will help you identify the right salary range for your negotiations.
4. Align your expectations. Make sure your expectations are in line with what the employer can offer. A young healthcare facility, for instance, probably won’t have the same budget as a large, well-established one. Consider this as you enter the negotiation phase. Even if you are worth more than what the job is offering, can the employer afford to pay it? He or she might have to select someone willing to take a lower salary just for budgetary purposes. In this case, if you’ve always dreamed of this particular job, consider discussing opportunities for growth with the employer and other benefits that might not cost the facility as much financially.
5. Don’t forget the competition. Chances are, you aren’t the only one vying for the job, and chances are, many of the candidates have equally impressive qualifications. Showing enthusiasm and interest in the position is a way to make yourself stand out—and this positive attitude can work for you when you negotiate as well. You can do this by following up with the interviewer with a thank you and to politely check in if you haven’t heard back about the position. During the interviewing process, asking questions and showing knowledge of the hospital or practice will also put you in a better spot to negotiate when the time comes.

And finally, as you start your job search, consider working with a trusted ally like the team at Enterprise Medical Recruiting. Since 1990, we have placed thousands of physicians and advanced practitioners in top medical positions nationwide. Through our decades of experience, we’ve learned the ins and outs of the medical recruiting industry and bring our skills and knowledge to you.

Ready to get started? We can help! Contact one of our specialty-specific recruiters today.