Profession: communications consultant
For a good thirty years, William has been working in the communication and press relations sector. Between agencies and companies, he makes every effort to boost, in the rules of the art, the fundamental news subjects for his clients. So much for the “pure” communication component.
His job obviously also consists of “bringing” new clients into the agency’s portfolio.
In April 2023, he changed jobs to join a Parisian agency of 25 people.
His previous salary: 50,000 euros/year
In his previous position, William was already a communications consultant. “I had accepted this position because I had been unemployed for 3 months and I was living very badly in this situation of uncertainty. For this, I had agreed to a remuneration of 50,000 euros per year. Against 80,000 euros in my position before with an advertiser as they say. It was my choice, I needed security”he recalls.
For 5 years, he will therefore invest himself fully in this small communication agency but does not see anything coming. Understand, zero increase in 5 years. To make him wait (again and always), the boss offers him to become an associate of the agency. “I put 1900 euros in the capital. And at the rate of 2 general meetings per year, I also received around 3000 euros per year »he assures.
But the account is still not there. The work atmosphere deteriorates and becomes less benevolent every day.
At over 50, I couldn’t stand being spoken to badly. And then, during the debate on the pension reform, I simulated my pension rights: 2300 euros per month. I then said to myself that I had to do everything possible to increase my salary and therefore my future pension rights.
William*
a very misplaced reflection from his boss, convinces him that this is no longer possible. On the way to a meeting, he grabs his phone to remember another agency boss who had always told him that one day they would work together.
His negotiation technique
Two hours after his phone call, William receives a call from his future boss who agrees to hire him. “He asked me my previous salary level and my expectations. I asked for 70,000 euros”he figures.
Finally, they agree to 67,000 euros per year, an increase of 34% compared to his job before.
“In the balance, I put my experience but also my address book. I immediately arrived with a new client. And a few weeks before, I had put the agency in contact with a prospect from my network. The deal was done; So two new budgets for the agency”he adds.
In her new position since April 2023, Williams feels more in line with her values.
In my decision to change, there was not only a question of money. I longed for more serenity, autonomy and confidence. Here, there is a “dumb” thing, but we have a credit card in a drawer for the agency’s small purchases. So trust really reigns. In addition, the flexibility is real. Apart from two days of presence per week at the agency, we work from wherever we want.
A first job and financial assessment is planned at the end of his 4-month trial period. “Depending on my ability to bring in new clients, my remuneration will no doubt be reassessed”he concludes very happy to have increased his income… and therefore his future retirement.
*Name has been changed
