Pharmacist Job Search: Salary Negotiation
The job search process regardless of what industry or position is a long, stressful, and detailed process. As a pharmacist you are no different. The typical process involves resume screening, phone interview, and a face-to-face interview or two before the job offer and salary negotiation process. If you’ve made it through the multiple interviews, it’s job offer time. As if the job interview process wasn’t tricky enough, you’re faced with the salary negotiation process. You have mixed emotions. On one hand you’re excited to receive a job offer and often relieved and on the other you try to maintain your cool. How does the salary negotiation and job offer process work for pharmacy and pharmacists exactly?
Typically, you receive a job offer either by phone or sometimes face to face with the recruiter or hiring manager. Each job offer situation is different. Here are some points to consider.
- Be upfront. If the hiring manager gives you a lowball offer, express your disappointment and your expected salary range based on the position requirements and qualifications. Sell yourself and what you bring to the table but be realistic. This means researching industry salary trends and geographic norms. The most recently published median salary for a pharmacist in May 2010 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics is $111,410. However, pharmacists with little experience can expect salaries that are a bit lower in this economy and there are many variables to consider such as geographic location, site and specialty. Contact CareerPharm if you’d like information.
- Be professional. This is most important. No matter what the situation is don’t beg or treat the hiring manager unprofessionally. Often times the salary negotiation process takes time. Keep your game face on but stay calm.
- Don’t feel pressured. Take the time that you need before you jump in. Measure the pros and cons. Speak with family members and your professional mentor. If the company wants you, they’ll wait, just not forever.
- Ask questions. Hopefully, during the interview process you’ve already asked some questions and gotten a feel of the culture and environment that you as a pharmacist might be working in. Make a list and don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need.
- Be realistic. Don’t make crazy demands that are unrealistic.. Do your research ahead of time and come up with a realistic number that makes sense to your lifestyle. Consider whether company benefits like 401K contributions and match, pension plans, commuter reimbursements, tuition reimbursement and other financial rewards balance a salary that is lower than you might have expected.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for more vacation, PTO, and benefits. This is your one chance to be in the driver’s seat with the company you’re interested in working for. If the employer can’t come up on the salary you may negotiate another employee benefit like more vacation or personal time, travel to meetings or a membership with your national association ASHP.
Learn more about the job search process and how Career Pharm can help by visiting our job seeker resource page.
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