To bid on a job you are interested in, please remember a few tips:
1) Be sincere
Do not bid on jobs in an insincere manner (e.g., in order to find out what your maximum rate may be). Only bid on jobs you are truly interested in performing.
2) Capture your business costs
As a self-employed independent contractor, you pay your own taxes, insurance, travel, lodging and other expenses. These business expenses should be factored into your bid. Fortunately, most business expenses can offset your tax burden and your take-home pay will likely be significantly higher than in a traditional employment relationship, even with a competitive bid rate.
3) Overtime and holiday rates are not mandatory
Unlike in a traditional employment relationship, as an Independent contractor you do not have to charge overtime or holiday “time-and-a-half” rates. This is your choice- in order to craft the most competitive, yet lucrative, bid, you may wish to have the same rates for regular, overtime and holiday hours. Healthcare facilities do not like to be charged for overtime, and may even consider a higher-than-average regular rate if the overtime rate is the same as the regular rate.
4) Lack of Response
If your bids do not get opened or accepted often, you have some options. First, assess if your bid is competitive. You can cancel your bid and re-bid on the same job, with more competitive rates. Also, be sure your profile is complete and your skills checklist and resume or CV are up to date.
5) Contract discussions and negotiations
Please remember that your bid is not binding until the Medical Services Agreement contract (https://freelanceclinician.com/msa) is signed by both you and the healthcare facility. You can discuss variations on your bid (e.g. starting and ending the job one week later) and make any agreed changes to your bid in the contract before it is signed. It is, however, considered poor form to attempt to negotiate higher rates once you place your bid. You are discouraged from doing this.
Good Luck!
