CVs For Military Looking Outside
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CVs For Military Looking Outside
Can anyone recommend a CV writing company to help me put together a CV for presenting to civilian companies as I prepare to jump from the ever-listing ship that is the RAF?
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Geri,
My advice would be;
1. Do it yourself. Pro written CVs are dull and listless, and stand out a mile.
2. Allow flexibility to change it for the job you're applying for. One size doesn't fit all.
3. Be ruthless. 2 sides of A4 max and leave out the jargon.
My advice would be;
1. Do it yourself. Pro written CVs are dull and listless, and stand out a mile.
2. Allow flexibility to change it for the job you're applying for. One size doesn't fit all.
3. Be ruthless. 2 sides of A4 max and leave out the jargon.
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I'd agree with that, which is why I said 'max'. But sometimes you have to creep over.
Another tip is; if you're using an agency - find out what CV presentation format they use. In a lot of instances, an agency will tailor what you submit anyway to fit their template. Contact details for instance, will be taken out. If this happens, you might have some agency bird taking out what to you, is an essential part of your CV before sending it on, possibly because the client is screaming for potential interviewees and she is harrassed. Ask the agency for an example of what they send on to an employer and tailor the body copy of your CV for that.
Another tip is; if you're using an agency - find out what CV presentation format they use. In a lot of instances, an agency will tailor what you submit anyway to fit their template. Contact details for instance, will be taken out. If this happens, you might have some agency bird taking out what to you, is an essential part of your CV before sending it on, possibly because the client is screaming for potential interviewees and she is harrassed. Ask the agency for an example of what they send on to an employer and tailor the body copy of your CV for that.
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Career Transition Workshop
Get yourself booked on the Career Transition Workshop ASAP. You are entitled to attend it, it doesn't come out of your resettlement leave.
They will help you write a good CV. I was very sceptical about attending, but went along anyway. I was very impressed by the course, it will make you realise what skills you have to offer civvy street and convert mil speak into civvy speak.
Good luck, leaving the RAF was the best decision I ever made. It's a bit scary at first, but believe me it feels sooooo good!
They will help you write a good CV. I was very sceptical about attending, but went along anyway. I was very impressed by the course, it will make you realise what skills you have to offer civvy street and convert mil speak into civvy speak.
Good luck, leaving the RAF was the best decision I ever made. It's a bit scary at first, but believe me it feels sooooo good!
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I heartily recommend the Career Transition Workshop briefings as well as the comments about writing the CV yourself.
I found the biggest problem with joining the real world again was selling myself to a potential employer, as we (ex-military) have lots of skills that are sought after in the civilian world, but it is often difficult to translate what we know and do into language that is understandable to an interviewer.
As it happens the first employer I approached for a job interview almost snapped my arm off trying to get me in the door and I'm happy to say that a much better wage, a fair few employee benefits (such as free private dental, healthcare and a great pension scheme) plus job flexibility make it a good job.
To be really honest I'm quite shocked at how much I don't miss the RAF. I thought I was going to struggle without my light blue comfort blanket.
I found the biggest problem with joining the real world again was selling myself to a potential employer, as we (ex-military) have lots of skills that are sought after in the civilian world, but it is often difficult to translate what we know and do into language that is understandable to an interviewer.
As it happens the first employer I approached for a job interview almost snapped my arm off trying to get me in the door and I'm happy to say that a much better wage, a fair few employee benefits (such as free private dental, healthcare and a great pension scheme) plus job flexibility make it a good job.
To be really honest I'm quite shocked at how much I don't miss the RAF. I thought I was going to struggle without my light blue comfort blanket.
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One page if possible, good quality white paper, no fancy fonts.
As others have said, think of how to civilianise your skills (team worker, independant thinker etc).
You should have a basic CV with the relevant facts on it, but you can (and indeed would be ill advised not to) tailor it for individual jobs, i.e. move the order in which you state you skills/personal qualities etc around to prioritise them depending on what the job you are after will require.
As others have said, think of how to civilianise your skills (team worker, independant thinker etc).
You should have a basic CV with the relevant facts on it, but you can (and indeed would be ill advised not to) tailor it for individual jobs, i.e. move the order in which you state you skills/personal qualities etc around to prioritise them depending on what the job you are after will require.
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Totally agree with the above. I recently made the jump myself and had similar questions. I saw some other CV's before making mine. Some were very good, some very bad. I tried to take the best bits from each and think I came up with good result. Certainly I had a job before I left anyway!
The key things i found were,
- as said before - brevity. Employers see so many CVs, so will not read though pages and pages of your life story. Keep it relevant. Most are not too interested if you were milk monitor aged 12!
- clarity - use tables and colour to highlight important sections, and break it up making it easier on the eye. It doesnt need to be full colour, using shading and greys works perfectly, and can be photocopied without losing effect.
- a normal photo of yourself at the top can also be useful. Putting a face to the name is often difficult after meetings and interviews, so make it easy on them.
- deliver the CV in person. Again, I did this and I am sure it paid dividends.
As they say "you make your own luck", I dont know exactly who "they" are, but good luck anyway, and if I can e-mail you a template of the one I used if you wish. I am definitely loving life on the outside, and it is nowhere near as scary as some think.
The key things i found were,
- as said before - brevity. Employers see so many CVs, so will not read though pages and pages of your life story. Keep it relevant. Most are not too interested if you were milk monitor aged 12!
- clarity - use tables and colour to highlight important sections, and break it up making it easier on the eye. It doesnt need to be full colour, using shading and greys works perfectly, and can be photocopied without losing effect.
- a normal photo of yourself at the top can also be useful. Putting a face to the name is often difficult after meetings and interviews, so make it easy on them.
- deliver the CV in person. Again, I did this and I am sure it paid dividends.
As they say "you make your own luck", I dont know exactly who "they" are, but good luck anyway, and if I can e-mail you a template of the one I used if you wish. I am definitely loving life on the outside, and it is nowhere near as scary as some think.
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CV writing
There are some good tips on monster.co.uk and the other job sites such as www.jobsite.co.uk and www.reed.co.uk
Do write it yourself. Get other people to check it - don't undersell yourself and don't use jargon. I use linkedin.com to hold my online profile and recommendations - a lot of recruiters are using this now - you can get an account for free (PM me if you want an invite) - I have a link to this on my two page CV. If people are interested, then they can find more by clicking on the link.
Probably worth getting a copy of What Color is Your Parachute from WH Smiths - lot of job hunting and career review tips in there.
DON'T use a professional CV writing service. I did a couple of years ago - cost a few hundred pounds and what I got was a bunch of cliches that did not speak for me. If I see a CV I expect that it comes from someone who is able to express himself in clear and concise English. If they can't, then what use are they going to be as an employee?
Good luck!
Do write it yourself. Get other people to check it - don't undersell yourself and don't use jargon. I use linkedin.com to hold my online profile and recommendations - a lot of recruiters are using this now - you can get an account for free (PM me if you want an invite) - I have a link to this on my two page CV. If people are interested, then they can find more by clicking on the link.
Probably worth getting a copy of What Color is Your Parachute from WH Smiths - lot of job hunting and career review tips in there.
DON'T use a professional CV writing service. I did a couple of years ago - cost a few hundred pounds and what I got was a bunch of cliches that did not speak for me. If I see a CV I expect that it comes from someone who is able to express himself in clear and concise English. If they can't, then what use are they going to be as an employee?
Good luck!
Red On, Green On
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Happy to help out any one leaving the Services, for no fee apart from a beer if you are passing close to the secret Oxon heli-base. I'm a specialist headhunter in telecoms, so I won't be the route to your next job, but I see a dozen CVs a day, so I have a fair idea of what works.
PM me for my office email address.
PM me for my office email address.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Nothing wrong with any advice so far.
Some points from the brief I got.
1. Don't use "I". Say "Managed a budget of £5m"
2. Don't bull****. The budget of £5m will include non-discretionary sums such as Pay over which you have virtually no control.
3. Don't say you were Responsible for the budget. You may well have been RESPONSIBLE but responsibility does not attest to effectiveness or efficiency.
So the "I" word and the "R" word are both out.
Create a CV 2-3 pages say. Write a one page job-specific CV for each application. In the CV say why you are the person best suited to that job with the best qualifications.
The tip about hand delivering the CV lead on to reconnaisance. It will give you the chance to see the company.
Finally, if you really must go to 2-sides ~
Girl applying for a job, at the bottom of the page where she had hobbies the last line read:
Rowed single handedly across the . . .
They turned the page to see that the next word was the:
Serpentine.
She got to interview.
Some points from the brief I got.
1. Don't use "I". Say "Managed a budget of £5m"
2. Don't bull****. The budget of £5m will include non-discretionary sums such as Pay over which you have virtually no control.
3. Don't say you were Responsible for the budget. You may well have been RESPONSIBLE but responsibility does not attest to effectiveness or efficiency.
So the "I" word and the "R" word are both out.
Create a CV 2-3 pages say. Write a one page job-specific CV for each application. In the CV say why you are the person best suited to that job with the best qualifications.
The tip about hand delivering the CV lead on to reconnaisance. It will give you the chance to see the company.
Finally, if you really must go to 2-sides ~
Girl applying for a job, at the bottom of the page where she had hobbies the last line read:
Rowed single handedly across the . . .
They turned the page to see that the next word was the:
Serpentine.
She got to interview.
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Gericault
Some good advice above - like anything, you will sift and take out the best bits so I will not pass specific comment, other than one area - your CV should be tailored to the job you are going for. If you are applying to the airlines, copy one of your mates' CVs who got a job. If you want to step into management consultancy at senior level, you may find some of the advice above about not using agencies misplaced. You will probably benefit from professional help in some context - you are competing against clever people with a wealth of commercial experience. I am willing to bet you will not realise the value of some of your skills and experiences and you will be able to hold your own at interview. However you will not get chance to do so unless you are able to articulate those things in a certain way on your CV. A professional will definitely put a different slant on them.
I did once use a company - I think they were called Impact - don't know if they're still around, but they were very good. The points about them removing details and writing bull**** are simply not relevant - you're the client - get them to change things you don't like or just alter yourself. I would strongly advise against just doing the whole thing yourself, if it's the first time for a long time.
Hope that's of some use
Good luck!
Some good advice above - like anything, you will sift and take out the best bits so I will not pass specific comment, other than one area - your CV should be tailored to the job you are going for. If you are applying to the airlines, copy one of your mates' CVs who got a job. If you want to step into management consultancy at senior level, you may find some of the advice above about not using agencies misplaced. You will probably benefit from professional help in some context - you are competing against clever people with a wealth of commercial experience. I am willing to bet you will not realise the value of some of your skills and experiences and you will be able to hold your own at interview. However you will not get chance to do so unless you are able to articulate those things in a certain way on your CV. A professional will definitely put a different slant on them.
I did once use a company - I think they were called Impact - don't know if they're still around, but they were very good. The points about them removing details and writing bull**** are simply not relevant - you're the client - get them to change things you don't like or just alter yourself. I would strongly advise against just doing the whole thing yourself, if it's the first time for a long time.
Hope that's of some use
Good luck!
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Girl applying for a job, at the bottom of the page where she had hobbies the last line read:
Rowed single handedly across the . . .
They turned the page to see that the next word was the:
Serpentine.
She got to interview.
Rowed single handedly across the . . .
They turned the page to see that the next word was the:
Serpentine.
She got to interview.
Very good, and would definitley deserve an interview in my opinion. Way more imagination and originality than I have!
Thread Starter
CVs
Thank you everyone for your thoughts and valuable advice. It is a big cold world out there when viewed from the warmth of a desk and regular pay chit, so I am not underestimating the task, nor over estimating my value. That said, i am acutely aware that there are a number of skill sets I will have picked up that may seem inconsequential to me but that may be the one thing that a particular employer is looking for. Thanks again and I will be PM'ing those of you who have kindly offered further help.
Gericault.
Gericault.
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Its a great world Geri, of fantastic opportunity and very quickly, the sole attraction of a steady pay packet will be lost. Project yourself, be what your potential employers want you to be and grab it by the balls.
If I might, my hard earned advice would be this:
Think where you want to be in 5 years, and think of the salary that you want to be earning in 5 years. Don't be afraid to use employers as stepping stones in achieving that but by the same token, don't build up a track record of flitting from one job to another simply to get a bit more money each time. Many of the ex servicemen I've spoken with have talked of getting itchy feet after a few years in a job; a bit like a posting cycle - we have all got used to moving on after 3 years or so. Is that going to be you?
When you leave, do you want 'just' a job, or are you interested in developing a long term second career? I know its difficult when you last day in uniform hurtles closer and you become obsessed with having to pay the mortgage, but remember that when you accept an offer; thats going to be you for the next few years. Are you going to be doing what you want to do? Might it be better in the long run to sit tight for a month or so extra and get the role that you really want?
If I might, my hard earned advice would be this:
Think where you want to be in 5 years, and think of the salary that you want to be earning in 5 years. Don't be afraid to use employers as stepping stones in achieving that but by the same token, don't build up a track record of flitting from one job to another simply to get a bit more money each time. Many of the ex servicemen I've spoken with have talked of getting itchy feet after a few years in a job; a bit like a posting cycle - we have all got used to moving on after 3 years or so. Is that going to be you?
When you leave, do you want 'just' a job, or are you interested in developing a long term second career? I know its difficult when you last day in uniform hurtles closer and you become obsessed with having to pay the mortgage, but remember that when you accept an offer; thats going to be you for the next few years. Are you going to be doing what you want to do? Might it be better in the long run to sit tight for a month or so extra and get the role that you really want?
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Geri,
Think of everything you have done in the mob in the last 10 - 15 years, write it down and then take it apart to nail down the skills / qualities used + required in said task. My point is that you will be gobsacked at what you have done ( especially on ops). Then get that onto paper and you wil have the start of a great CV. Also work on a CV and have a good effort ready to go for the CTW. It will get picked to peices, but that is only to your benifit as you will have a stroger CV when you leave.
Best of luck, PM if you need more gen.
C130JB
Think of everything you have done in the mob in the last 10 - 15 years, write it down and then take it apart to nail down the skills / qualities used + required in said task. My point is that you will be gobsacked at what you have done ( especially on ops). Then get that onto paper and you wil have the start of a great CV. Also work on a CV and have a good effort ready to go for the CTW. It will get picked to peices, but that is only to your benifit as you will have a stroger CV when you leave.
Best of luck, PM if you need more gen.
C130JB
Red On, Green On
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Top tips:
When sending your CV as an email attachment, name it with your name, and some version identifier, such as the date. cv.doc is not really very helpful when it's the 17th you've rec'd that day.
If you play off a handicap of less than ten, then say so!
No need to put your workplace address on your CV, but if possible do put a daytime number that will be answered, even if it's by someone who will take a message.
When sending your CV as an email attachment, name it with your name, and some version identifier, such as the date. cv.doc is not really very helpful when it's the 17th you've rec'd that day.
If you play off a handicap of less than ten, then say so!
No need to put your workplace address on your CV, but if possible do put a daytime number that will be answered, even if it's by someone who will take a message.
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Be ruthless. 2 sides of A4 max and leave out the jargon
I sat alongside an RAF Loadie on (what was then called 'resetlement') once and he had at least 5 pages in a folder. Ridicularse!
Good luck on leaving the Service, for what it's worth here is my advice:
Don't worry about those 'I took part in Operation Provide Comfort' -type certificates I once saw a SNCO waving around, (just before putting it into his 5+ page portfolio).
Get some business cards made up: Name, email, telephone number. It saves scribbling down details on paper when you are networking.
Forget the Military, from now you are a civilian looking for a civilian job, spending the next few months in the RAF or whatever, start thinking like a civilian, not an Officer. Of course you may have to play the game slightly here depending on who you want to work with / for.
I would second what airborne_artist has said apart from the golf bit.
Also, most people know ex-mil. have 'done stuff' but in some cases it can have the opposite effect than is desired, it can intimidate.
Last edited by plinkton; 28th Jan 2008 at 19:45. Reason: To add tact and last line.