As an ex-mil, you’re a force to be reckoned with. Never underestimate the qualities that you’ve gained from your time serving, the high-standards demanded of you in the military often surpass those of civilian careers.
Here are five skills you’ve got under your belt, and how to show them off.
- Communicative 💬
The military demands you to convey information clearly, concisely and with confidence. Take this ability and use it in your next job, you’ll be amazed at how many non-military candidates struggle with it.
We rattle on a bit about this one, but it’s not to be taken for granted. Good communication skills are vital for success in any career.
- Adaptable 🛠
We’re used to being dropped in sh*tty situations, often without the right kit, people, or time. We’re expected to make things work.
In a civvy-street role, this will serve you well because you’re resilient and ready to think on your feet. Being able to be creative in your approaches will help you stand out and ultimately lead to success in any new role.
Share stories of your military experience and we’re sure you’ll impress in an interview too.
- Competitive 🏆
Okay, so maybe not necessarily a skill, but being competitive is a good trait to have in any career. In the military, if you’re not first, you’re last. It’s not so extreme on civvy street, but it pays off to be driven.
Constantly striving to improve will help you excel in your career. It shows you’re a doer, and it always pays to go above and beyond. Relating this mindset to your high-standards and dedication to getting results in an interview will always impress.
- Level-headed 🧊
Performing under pressure is second nature to us vets, and we’re sure you’ll have tons of impressive stories to prove this.
Being able to keep cool in tricky situations will help you stand out in your new career. Circumstances change constantly, thanks to a whole host of reasons. Customer demands, new targets, market shifts, organisational changes; the list goes on.
If you can guarantee to a potential employer that you’ll handle this with ease, you’ll smash an interview and your new job.
- Leadership 🗣️
It’s not uncommon to be given a lot of responsibility early on in your military career: an officer might get 18 months of training and then manage 30 people. A Private will promote to LCpl and will start to lead a team of people at a young age. It’s no biggie. But this doesn’t happen outside of the military, it takes years and years to lead such a big team.
It means you’ve already proven yourself to be a reliable and capable leader. Highlight to future employers your ability to handle a lot, and you’re guaranteed to impress.
So, when you transition to a new career, be sure to emphasise these five skills. Include them in your CV or profile, and arm yourself with examples when entering an interview.
Want to check out our interview tips? Click here.
Otherwise, good luck. Remember, you’re already steps ahead of the rest thanks to your time in service. 🔥
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