As we will see in this chapter, you need to know how to value both the job and your skills and then translate these values into specific dollar figures. As you know, your military salary had been set by the government based on your rank and years of service. The situation is far different in the private sector. You must be prepared to negotiate your compensation based on your projected value to the employer. Once employed, your job performance becomes the key driver in terms of compensation.
Salary is one of the most important yet least understood considerations in the job search.
Many individuals do well in handling all interview questions except the salary question. As a result, many applicants may be paid much less than they are worth. Over the years, they will lose thousands of dollars by having failed to properly negotiate their salaries. Salary is seldom predetermined. Most employers have some flexibility to negotiate salary.