Each year, more than 14,000 talented and seasoned individuals complete their service in the Armed Forces and are eager to join the civilian workforce.
Although the initial hurdle of securing their first job can be quite daunting for many, ex-military personnel have proven to excel in various professional fields once they leave the armed forces. There are a wide range of trades and professional qualifications available in the armed forces. With high-level training and skills, military personnel are known as the most well-trained workforce around.
Multi-sector opportunities
In addition to their valuable vocational skills, former personnel also bring a diverse set of transferable soft skills to the table, such as communication, organisation, leadership, teamwork, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities. They are also particularly well-suited for positions in engineering, logistics, project management, accounts, administration, and general management.
If you have left or are leaving the forces, embarking on a fresh career opportunity may be one of the best steps you’ll ever take. Here are our top 7 top transferable skills that make you ideal and what to bear in mind in your job search:
1. Problem-solver
Being in the military means you would have faced various challenges that demanded quick thinking and immediate problem-solving. This ability to swiftly navigate through issues can greatly benefit an employer by saving them valuable time and money.
2. Leader
The armed forces are known for their strict and disciplined environment, which demands strong leadership skills to keep those under your command in line. In today’s job market, there is a shortage of effective leaders, especially among young candidates. So, if you have experience leading others during your service, be sure to highlight it.
3. Composed
A workplace can sometimes turn into a real pressure cooker. But those who can stay calm and focused even in the midst of chaos are the ones who truly shine as valuable team members. Can you share instances where you managed to tackle and finish your tasks successfully despite being in high-pressure situations?
4. Adaptable
Adaptability is essential to modern jobs. Remember to highlight when you have quickly adapted to a new situation with little preparation.
5. Team player
Working in a professional setting goes beyond just having the right qualifications. To run a thriving company, it’s crucial for the employees to collaborate effectively, even if they have contrasting personalities and traits. Reflect on your experience in the military and highlight how you successfully worked with a diverse team, showcasing your ability to adapt and perform exceptionally well alongside them.
6. Good communicator
Effective communication is crucial. In a military role, a significant aspect of the job involves being able to interact with various groups in a manner that avoids hostility or disrespect. Understanding the appropriate time and approach to communicate with others is vital for the seamless functioning of any organisation.
7. Technically proficient
Today’s market is evolving quickly due to the rapid advancements in technology. Serving in the military exposes you to cutting-edge equipment, showcasing your ability to adapt to complex technology. Highlight to potential employers your proficiency in learning new technologies and emphasise the importance of staying updated with emerging trends. Also, it’s worth considering exploring part-time opportunities tailored for veterans to transition into a new career that aligns with your technological expertise.
How we can help
As a talent acquisition consultancy, we’re already tapping into the vast ex-military talent pool by placing many skilled candidates in a wide range of jobs across many sectors. As one of the key specialist agencies, we’ve been recruiting in rail for many years now, and with digital transformation changing the shape of railway, there has never been a more opportune time to harness military skills, particularly technical expertise, and establish an exciting new career in this field. Modification technicians, system engineers and electrification systems technicians are just some of the sought-after roles that suppliers are currently looking to fill.
As the recent testimonial below shows from a successfully placed Warranty Technician in rail:
“I recently transitioned from the Armed Forces to a career in rail and I couldn’t have done it without the incredible support of Ford & Stanley.
The Consultant provided brilliant communication, regular check-ins and unwavering encouragement every step of the way at an extremely difficult and stressful life change.
Thank you Ford & Stanley. I am now thriving in my new role and excited about the future. I highly recommend their services to any veteran looking to make a career move.”
Want to make the most of your transferable skills and need support in making your next big career move? Drop us a line now.
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