Comparing Defence Salaries

This issue of the “grass being greener” outside Defence has been around for years.  In fact this notion is not only synonymous to Defence, but every disgruntled employee thinks that life must be better in other work places.

The DFRT has achieved some amazing results in recent years for the salaries offered to serving personnel.  Does this mean it has made things better or worse when gaining employment after discharge?

One of the biggest mistake job seekers make is in negotiating a decent starting salary.

Many look at it from their own perspective – because my lifestyle has been built around $X, I need to at least be paid that or more.  While that methodology sounds logical from the individual’s perspective, it is irrelevant to the employer.

Just because one employer paid you $X, doesn’t mean that you provide the same value to the new employer.  You could be paid more, or less, depending on your skills and their needs.  Matching your skills to their needs is the only measure you can effectively use where both parties will agree in a financial transaction.  How well you promote yourself will determine your starting salary.

Some websites that can assist with understanding the median salary range for jobs in Australia include:

http://www.payscale.com/research/AU/Country=Australia/Salary

http://www.roberthalf.com.au/salary-calculator

The next time you need to talk money with an employer, talk in terms of how you can help them in their need, not what you need.  If you show them you can fill their need, then your needs will be met also.

If you’d like help in this area, please give us a call on 1300 366 104, or email info@transciv.com.au.