Transitioning from the military is a whirlwind, this plan will help guide you through the process.
Parachute Regiment veteran and now in operations, Tom shares his guide to using resettlement to get on your feet and find your calling. By breaking down the year into blocks, you'll ensure that the year doesn't pass you by, and that you do the right things, at the right time.
We're sure it will be a big help.
Months 1-3: Figuring Stuff Out
Feeling a bit lost? Don’t worry, you're not the first (or last) to be in this position. Start by writing down everything that comes to mind—yep, even the things you know you don’t want. This might sound basic, but trust us, it's a solid starting point.
Consider:
Minimum Salary: This one’s crucial. Factor in those “little luxuries” that you’ve grown accustomed to. You might not be in the armed forces anymore, but that doesn’t mean you want to be scrimping on the essentials, right? Think about the lifestyle you want to maintain and add those must-haves to the mix. Check out this article for more info on salaries.
Location and Travel: Time is precious—ask anyone who’s spent hours commuting in and out of London. Do you want to be stuck in traffic, or would you rather work from home (or a local café)? Still, an office environment might offer some benefits, like networking and a clearer line between work and downtime. Weigh it up.
Working Pattern: Are you the 9-to-5 type, or do you need flexibility in your schedule? Loads of civilian employers are offering more freedom now (thank goodness), so consider how you want your day structured. You’ve probably been used to a certain level of routine in the armed forces, but civilian life offers new options.
Type of Work: Are you more comfortable in big teams or do you prefer small, agile groups? Are there specific skills from your military service that you’re itching to use in a civilian job? What gets you fired up in the morning? (Don’t just pick any role—think about what you actually enjoy, not what you think you should do. (Remember, our platform can help with skills and lifestyle matching)
Now, dig into the industries that are booming where you want to settle. Whether it’s tech, finance, or construction, there are civilian roles out there waiting for you. Narrow your choices and sketch out some potential career paths. Writing it down on a whiteboard is a good old-fashioned way to get your priorities sorted. Not into boards and markers? Try tools like Miro or Trello to map out your thoughts digitally. Read our 2025 industry predictions for more on this.
Whatever you do, don’t skip the planning stage—it’ll save you faffing about later.
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Months 4-6: Network, hard.
Military transition events and chatting with folks who’ve already made the jump to civilian life? Absolute goldmine. Don’t be shy—ask all the questions, no matter how trivial they seem. Better yet, prepare a list in advance, and if you can, check out the guest list before attending. That way, you can target the people you’re most interested in and get ahead of the game. Having a bit of background on what they do and where they work means you won’t come across as completely new to the whole thing. Trust us, it’ll help you stand out.
Get active on LinkedIn too. Connect with people in your chosen field (don’t be afraid to hit that “connect” button). If you’re after a new skill, sign up for courses to boost your credibility. And here’s the thing: don’t let the fear of reaching out hold you back. The worst that can happen is they don’t respond, or they don’t want to chat. Big deal. People get LinkedIn requests all the time, so it won’t raise any eyebrows.
And don’t forget about Redeployable. Our veteran network is a solid space for you to ask questions, read articles, watch advice videos, attend events, or arrange meet-ups with others. Everyone’s either been there and done it, or they’re going through the same thing. Networking made easy, basically. So, get involved, ask away, and connect—because it’s all about getting yourself ahead in the civilian world. Read more about networking in this article.
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Months 7-9: Polish Your Profile
Time to show the world that your military skills are the real deal. First things first—get yourself a smart, professional headshot. If you look the part, people are more likely to take you seriously.
Now, your one-liner title. Ditch the old military job title and align it with what you want to do next. If you're aiming for project management, for example, call yourself a "Project Manager" or "Operations Lead." That way, when people search for folks in those roles, they’ll find you instead of your old rank. It’s all about positioning yourself for the future, not the past.
Next up: references. Get your mates, colleagues, and anyone who’s seen you in action to drop you a recommendation on LinkedIn. Ask them to endorse you for the skills they know you’re good at, whether that’s leadership, strategic planning, or anything else you’ve mastered during your military career. These endorsements add weight and credibility to your profile.
When it comes to your CV, highlight the key moments where you’ve showcased your skills and backed them up with results. Employers like proof, not just talk. And make sure you’ve done your homework on the skills you’ll need in your target industries. Brush up on the specific skills for the roles you want, and be ready to show them off during interviews.
Lastly, if you can snag some work experience or an internship, grab it with both hands. A little bit of civilian experience can go a long way. Just ask Tom—his internship with Redeployable turned into something pretty great.
Your military background gives you an edge—now it’s time to let everyone else see that too. Check out this article on personal brand building.
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Months 10-12: Cue the applications
Alright, now it’s time to get serious. The applications are rolling in—this is where the rubber hits the road. Get those CVs out there, practice your interview skills (check out our blog for some solid tips), and lean into your new network for referrals and insider knowledge. When you apply for each role, don’t just copy-paste your CV. Tailor every application and make sure you highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job. This isn’t the time to be lazy—it’s your chance to shine.
And remember, finding the right career doesn’t happen overnight. Even if you don’t land the job immediately, keep your chin up and keep pushing forward. It’s a process, not a sprint. Need some help preparing for interviews? Check out this article on how to ace them.
If you think free skills analysis, gap analysis, matched roles, and a personalised resettlement plan could be useful, try out our AI-driven platform today.
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