Rejecting or Accepting?

Negotiations can only go on so long, and you'll eventually be forced to make a decision between accepting or rejecting the offer. You'll probably feel compelled to accept since you've gone through this lengthy process, but you shouldn't feel obligated.

If their latest salary offer is below what you need, then you have a responsibility to yourself to politely decline their offer. When you decline, this may even prompt them to make another offer because now they are going to know you're serious about what you need from them. If they don't, then there's no reason to regret your decision. You should just move on to the next job offer and start the negotiation process all over again.

If the offer is fair but maybe a little less than you were hoping for but you really want to work for the organization, then you might want to go ahead and accept their offer. You may always be able to negotiate others benefits into the contract, such as a physician bonus.

The Bottom Line

Negotiating your first salary can be a rocky experience, but it will also be valuable. Even if the negotiations don't work out the way you wanted them to, it's going to be a good experience for your future because you'll need to negotiate salaries every time you change positions. In fact, if you open your own practice, you may even find yourself on the other end of those negotiations. The key is to stay positive about the experience and to recognize what you have to offer your employer.

Resources Used in Article

Salary Negotiations

Sharpen Your Salary Negotiation Skills With Leverage

Doctors in Demand

About the Author

Amy Jorgensen is a freelance writer based in southern Indiana. Her articles have appeared in a variety of publications, including Southern California Physician magazine.

The author has no financial relationship to any of the companies listed in the article.