Top 10 Tips for ex-military CVs

[Adrian Cheesman]

We have some great top tips for your CV on CivvyJobs.com, plus you can gain a free appraisal on your CV from an expert who specialises in ex-military CVs.

Please visit:

http://www.civvyjobs.com/ex-military-cv-tips.php

 

[Past Engineering]

Good to see a link for help, when I did my resettlement course at RAF Cottesmore one of them included all this, and when I attended a course at Sleaford they had an ex PSF lass who would vet your CVs and used to offer advice, she also took good bits and produced a database type guide for helping produce a civilianised CV depending on your service career.There is one important one missing from the list which I was allways told and I pass onto my kids and that is tailor the CV to the job, do not produce a generic one to send to all jobs.

 

[Rigga]

Totally agree PE.

Always tailor your CV using the Advert to which you're applying and responding to the advert's specifications in your CV. That way you maximise the reader's attention to your experience and qualifications and match the job spec.

You can do this in an accompanying letter too.

 

[Kim Wipe]

Excellent advice. As someone who 'sailed close to the wind' before extending I did all the resettlement gumpf, and I can't praise it high enough. The 3 day resettlement workshop is worth its weight in gold!

Best piece of advice I was given was to write a letter to the CEO's of major companies (even if they're not recruiting) with a copy of your CV enclosed. Tell them you are preparing for life outside the MoD and ask for advice on your CV, and what qualifications you should be looking at to work within their company.

I sent over 200 copies out, got 50 replies with some excellent advice and 4-5 interview offers. The majority also kept my CV on file for future positions.

It's hard work but worth every minute!

 

[briggfairy]

Totally agree PE.

Always tailor your CV using the Advert to which you're applying and responding to the advert's specifications in your CV. That way you maximise the reader's attention to your experience and qualifications and match the job spec.

You can do this in an accompanying letter too.

A top tip there, having the job spec in your application can help you get past a computer screening program as well as past a hr bod who has no idea about the actual role especially if it is of a technical or specialist nature and into the hands of the decision makers.

 

[mild mannered janitor]

Another top tip is to get onto linkedIn it's a brilliant site to get yourself out there and recruiters do use it a lot. I got a job 6 months ago after getting out and have just started a new job thanks to the site.

 

[Trusty Adjusty]

Another top tip is to get onto linkedIn it's a brilliant site to get yourself out there and recruiters do use it a lot. I got a job 6 months ago after getting out and have just started a new job thanks to the site.

Second this, I'm still in and get job offers regularly from hits on my tagged skills and endorsements - a properly looked after and professional LinkedIn page is ideal for networking and maintaining professional contact with potential future employers.