How to Compose a Successful Ex-Military CV

One of the key steps to ensure a successful transition is to create a stand-out CV that showcases your skills and experience in a way that will relate to civilian employers. 

By Stewart Sharman, Deputy MD and Head of Ex-Forces Programme at FDM Group

As an ex-Military professional, transitioning into civilian life can be an exciting yet daunting prospect. You will have achievements that you are rightly proud of as well as possessing a unique set of skills and experiences that are highly sought-after in the commercial world.

Based on placing over 800 ex-Forces personnel, here are a few tips for crafting an effective ex-Military CV.

Showcasing Military experience
Firstly, it is important to remember that Military experience is extremely valuable in a civilian context. The skills and qualities developed during Military service, such as problem-solving, strong organisation and working well under pressure, are highly sought after by employers. However, it is crucial to translate this experience into language that civilian recruiters can understand. Military jargon and acronyms that may be unfamiliar to those outside the Military should therefore be avoided. 

Examples of where your problem-solving skills have been successful in previous situations should also be highlighted, alongside your achievements to demonstrate how your experience can translate to civilian jobs.

Where you have shown outstanding teamwork, operating under pressure and across strategic, operational and/or tactical environments should also be included. Use the STARB mnemonic (Situation, Task, Action, Result, Benefits) to outline the situation or problem you faced, the task, the action you took, and the result. 

For example, instead of saying: “Led a team to deliver a tactical communication asset”, you could offer more detail. This could include stating the following: “As communications had broken down to a vital part of the organisation, I was tasked to plan a technical solution to the problem, procure the equipment and implement the solution. This was successfully achieved within the required time with communications restored while operating in a hostile environment.”

This will make it easier for recruiters to understand your achievements and show them how you can add value to their organisation.

Transparency around education and training
Ensure you showcase the range of skills applicable to each civilian role. Disclosing all of your current Military and educational qualifications is crucial, ordering the most relevant to target the type of roles you are applying for – a climbing or mountaineering qualification would not necessarily be relevant for a ministerial position.  

You should also try relating your roles within the Military to direct career paths. For example, if you were an engineer in the Army, you could apply for civilian engineering roles. Any technical or digital skills should be identified and highlighted, as organisations may offer more training opportunities to upskill and further enhance current capabilities.

Providing proof of previously acquired security checks can also help save time for recruiters and accelerate your chances of being selected.

Emphasising soft skills
Leadership, teamwork and communication are essential to most roles, and employers seek applicants with these skills. Try to incorporate how you have used these skills in different situations, particularly in a civilian setting, to help employers understand their relevance to the role you are applying for.

Understanding the employer’s perspective
One of the primary steps to crafting a successful ex-Military CV is to understand the employer’s perspective. It’s essential to research what characteristics and skills are sought after by employers, and how you can demonstrate these skills on your CV. 

While there may be misconceptions about hiring ex-Military candidates, it’s up to you to showcase the adaptability, teamwork, communication, and organisational skills you have developed through your Service.

Employers seek applicants who can show they have the qualities required to integrate into a team with ease. Highlighting your previous experiences and how these align with the job you are applying for can demonstrate how you meet the employer’s needs. Soft skills like leadership, communication, and teamwork can help to persuade potential employers that you are an ideal candidate.

Correctly formatting a CV

Your CV should be tailored to meet the needs of each job application. The skills and experience that are most relevant to the role should be highlighted within the profile. Therefore, researching the job description and the company to understand what they are looking for in a candidate is a must. 

Highlighting your professional profile at the start of your CV is an excellent way of capturing the employer’s attention, using keywords from the job description on your CV.  This makes it easier for recruiters to find the relevant information quickly.

When formatting your CV, use clean and easy-to-read fonts and avoid bright colours or elaborate designs. Thoroughly proofread your CV and get someone else to do the same before submission. Headings and bullet points should also be utilised to make your CV easy to scan.

In terms of content, there are several key sections that should be included in an ex-Military CV. These include:

Personal information: Your name, contact details, and a brief personal statement outlining your career objectives and key skills. Make sure the email address that you provide is professional, and not named casually.

Education and qualifications: List your Military qualifications and any civilian qualifications that are relevant to the job you are applying for.

Work experience: This should include details of 

your Military service, including your rank, job title, and the dates of your Service. Use the STARB method to describe your achievements in each role.

Skills: List the skills you have developed during your Military service, such as leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Provide examples of how you have used these skills in a civilian context.

References: Include the names and contact details of two or three referees who can provide a positive reference for you.

It is also worth noting that there are several organisations and resources available to help ex-Military professionals transition to civilian life and find employment. While the CTP will provide advice on putting your CV together, it is up to you to think through what you have done while in the Forces and relate it to the commercial world. 

Creating a successful ex-Military CV requires careful consideration of your skills, experience, and achievements, as well as an understanding of what civilian recruiters are looking for. By using the STARB method, tailoring your CV to the job you are applying for, and presenting your experience in a clear and professional manner, you can successfully demonstrate the value of your Military experience and increase your chances of being selected in the civilian job market.

Visit: www.fdmgroup.com