Transition To Civvy Street: Creating An Eye-Catching CV

Anyone leaving the forces will probably find writing a CV a fairly daunting task because they have never been required to do one. 

You’ve spent 22-years in the forces, you’ve been to inhospitable places around the world, yet a simple CV is filling you with dread. Don’t panic.

Military charity, the Officers’ Association has this advice for creating an eye-catching CV.

Structure

Keep it simple & straightforward. Ensure your CV is no longer than two pages in length. Make sure your name and contact details are at the top, followed by a short introductory paragraph describing who you are, then bullet point your key skills. Finish off with your career history and qualifications.

Demonstrate Results

Don’t just write down a list of tasks and responsibilities. Instead, describe the outcome. Careers Consultant, Fiona Jackson has this example:

"If someone has designed and delivered training for a group going on operations, what the reader would want to understand is what was the value added? In that all of the people attending the training all met the standard to deploy."

Impact

Recruiters will spend about four seconds scanning your CV. Therefore, it is essential you get your message across quickly & concisely. It doesn’t need to be a long essay. Use plain English to make it punchy.  

Tailor Your CV

One size does not fit all. You need to tailor your CV to your intended audience and the job you are applying for.

Every week, Chris Kaye, discusses a different aspect of starting a new career after leaving the Armed Forces with the Officers' Association.

Ernie Rowe, Head of Forces Radio BFBS UK, said:

“BFBS is committed to giving Service personnel the information they need. For those leaving the Armed Forces, that means having access to relevant career advice. The weekly interviews by the OA will help them to be job-ready in a civilian environment.”

Liz Stevens, Head of Employment Services at the OA, said:

“The interviews give our Career Consultants the opportunity to share their knowledge and expertise with a wider audience. They have supported thousands of Servicemen and women into new careers.”

The interviews are part of the OA’s aim to support transitioning and former officers to achieve a new fulfilling and sustainable career. The charity has a regional office in York, providing confidential, impartial and practical advice on all aspects of transition and employment to the local officer community. Service leavers can access jobs and training opportunities, including employment symposiums, networking events and weekly webinars.

Picture: Alpha Stock Images / Nick Youngson