At first, negotiating your hourly rate can feel awkward. But it's an essential part of the process. Here are Mycare's tips to help your negotiations.
You may be offered a specific rate of pay or be asked what you think is an appropriate rate for your services. Rehearse what you'll say, so you respond confidently.
Do your research
Consider what your skills, experience and qualifications are, think about any other relevant factors, such as whether you want to work certain hours or days, then decide on the hourly rate you'd be happy with.
As a contractor, you will need to take care of your own holiday and sick leave, and Kiwisaver. Because of this, we recommend that a usual pay rate has 15% be added to the total to accommodate the expenses that you take care of yourself.
At the interview, let the person hiring bring up the subject of pay. You want to have a chance to describe your skills, experience and suitability for the role first. Be confident about the ways in which you could bring value to the job and why you deserve to be paid a good rate for the responsibilities you'll have.
Discuss your costs
Being paid if you go with a client to an event, using your own car for outings, etc. You can claim for agreed expenses and mileage when you submit your visits at Mycare.
Work with the other person
Compromising and communication is what negotiating is all about. Agree on a role description, so if considerably more is expected of you, you can renegotiate the job and hourly rate. Or you could agree on a trial period to see how the role works out for both of you.
Make concessions if you can
This indicates your willingness to be flexible and your interest in having the job. Avoid being aggressive or unreasonable. No one likes to feel bullied or pushed too far; effective negotiations are win-win. Politely refuse the job if you believe the pay is unreasonable for the work you would be doing. Say thank you. Whatever the outcome, treat the client and their family with respect and maintain a positive attitude.