Here's how you can confidently navigate salary negotiations in Corporate Communications.

Be greedy. Be shameless. Have a clear walk out number in mind, stick to it. Know that the organization needs you exactly as much as you need them. If it's a large consulting/tech company ask their average billing rate. Don't negotiate on the backfoot.

Knowing your worth is very important in today's world. An example that happened to me today. I was conducting an interview, and the candidate disclosed her current package as 4.2 LPA. When I asked about her expectations, she stated 7 LPA. I was taken aback by her response; she was essentially proposing a jump from a 35K monthly salary to 58K. So, my next ques was how she arrived at this figure. She explained that she conducted market research and consulted with friends. She then suggested, "Let's have a virtual call, give me some tasks, & you'll see my worth." Conclusion, if you know your worth and are confident in it, you can navigate interviews successfully. However, it's crucial to maintain confidence without veering into overconfidence.

To confidently navigate salary negotiations in Corporate Communications, start by thoroughly researching the industry standards for your role, experience, and location. Prepare by documenting your achievements, especially those that have significantly benefited your company, such as successful campaigns or crisis management. Articulate your value clearly and confidently, linking your accomplishments to the impact they've had on the company's goals. Practice your negotiation points and anticipate potential counteroffers. During discussions, remain professional and composed. Express your enthusiasm for your role and the company, but be firm about your expectations.

Research industry standards and company benchmarks for similar roles. Highlight accomplishments and unique skills that add value. Practice articulating desired salary range confidently. Be prepared to negotiate beyond salary, considering benefits and perks. Maintain professionalism and flexibility to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

First, the expectations need to be set. Do not apply or begin the interview process without knowing what the employer is willing to offer. If it’s within the range of what you’re looking for then negotiation could be on the table. It’s a dance, if they’re playing the Rumba and you come in doing the Waltz, it will be awkward and uncomfortable. Everyone will leave the dance floor disappointed.

What are the company needs and how can you contribute with your abilities to accomplish them. From there, the negotiation will go according to your personal needs and the company's necessities / willingness to have you on board.

Industry and location are two main drivers in your research. Rarely will you find the same results if you’re looking to change industry or location. That’s not to say you couldn’t get a higher paying job doing something similar in a different industry but typically that industry knowledge will pay higher. So if you’re transitioning, don’t expect more simply based on years of experience in the field you’re in. You must consider location and industry as competitive factors between you and the candidates that are also applying.

Before negotiating, it's essential to conduct market research to determine the average package allocated for the particular role. This step enables you to negotiate salaries more effectively and ensures you aren't underpaid. By gathering information on prevailing salary norms, you gain leverage in negotiations and can advocate for fair compensation reflective of your skills and experience.

Embrace research & standards! Before talking to your boss, research average salaries for your experience & location in Corporate Communications on salary sites. This sets your negotiation baseline for ultimate success.

When you’re smack in the middle of a salary negotiation, don’t just brag about your skills. First, ask what keeps the employer up at night—their goals, their headaches. Knowing what the company values lets you tailor your pitch. Highlight how your past wins that confront their current nightmares head-on. Here, many employers, like Amazon, insist that the interviewee use "I" statements. Don't rely on "me and the team" statements—now is your time to shine. But don’t just live in the past; show them you’re the future. Explain how your unique talents will keep delivering the goods. It’s about showing them you’re a damn excellent investment.

Every organization values the additional skills and capabilities you bring to the table, as they contribute to your overall effectiveness and can enhance your salary package. Eg: My friend who works in corporate communications at a digital marketing agency. His knowledge of digital marketing serves as a significant asset. If a company were to hire someone who excels in communication but lacks marketing expertise, it could pose challenges. Given my friend's digital marketing experience, he now manages both communication tasks and the company's social media platforms, commanding a higher salary. P.S: When one person is doing the work of two.

If you have identified a specific pain point that you can solve through your skills, knowledge, expertise and attitude, then leverage on this unique selling proposition.

Confidently navigate Corp Comm salary talks! Articulate your value by highlighting your value with benchmarking facts! Quantify achievements (e.g., media placements, campaign results) & show your impact on the company's or your department's business goals.

Not only salary negotiations, but everything needs to be approached strategically. Even if you're planning to take leave from your office, you need to plan ahead and communicate effectively with your managers. As an example from my own experience, being involved in client growth, I have a deep understanding of my company's finances. This is why I haven't asked for a salary increase yet. However, when I do ask, they won't be able to deny it because of my thorough knowledge of the company's financial situation. Additionally, my company values team growth over individual advancement, so they won't have any issues with raising salaries.

Negotiation, simply put, is the initiation towards a guaranteed stronghold over your confidence in Corporate Communications. If one cannot even begin with clear, open communication on their own worth, how else will they be able to navigate their way through the corporate jungle?

It's like the satisfaction needs to be there if the salary doesn't satisfy. Imagine you're offered ?6,00,000 per year for a Corporate Communications Manager role. Instead of solely negotiating salary, discuss holistic benefits like professional development, flexible hours, and performance bonuses. This approach can enhance job satisfaction even if the salary remains unchanged.

While negotiating salaries, maintaining professionalism is crucial. I've observed some freshers saying, "Ma'am, we are comfortable with whatever you are providing," which is a big no-no. Instead, it's essential to assert yourself respectfully. You could say, "Ma'am, I appreciate the offer, but considering market standards and my potential contributions to the organization, I believe a salary in line with X would be more appropriate." This demonstrates confidence in your value while still being respectful in your approach.

Empower yourself with market knowledge and self awareness to assert your value. Set a target range and confidently communicate your worth, focusing on the unique benefits you bring. Be open to creative solutions and willing to explore alternatives if needed. Approach the conversation with assertiveness and respect, and be prepared to stand by your ask. By doing so, you'll effectively advocate for your compensation and achieve a outcome that reflects your worth. Don't waste time to prove your value, define a timeline. If your company doesn't value your worth that you bring to the table, it's time to switch. Somebody's inability to see your worth, doesn't decrease your market value. There's plenty of fish in the sea!