People who join the military gain invaluable training that provides them with a strong set of transferable skills that can be used to improve their CV and make it more appealing to prospective employers.
Once leaving the military it can be hard for veterans to find a relatable job, but many of the skills learned in the military are transferable and can be applied to many different career paths. In this article we will discuss the importance of highlighting your transferable military skills when finding a new job and provide 10 top military skills that would easily attract employers’ eyes.
What Are Transferable Military Skills?
Transferable Military Skills are skills that can be easily transitioned from the military to a civilian job. They are usually leadership and teamwork-based skills, but can also include technical skills, depending on your role in the military.
These skills are learnt and developed in the military and can be easily transferred to a new workplace. As many veterans face difficulties when seeking civilian employment, having a strong set of transferable skills on your CV can be the difference between getting the job or not.
Why Are They Important?
Transferable Military Skills are important because they can help bridge the gap between military service and finding a new career. Many employers value the skills that ex-military veterans bring with them, and by highlighting these skills on your CV you are making yourself stand out from the crowd. They also demonstrate that you are capable of adapting to new environments, taking on leadership responsibilities, and working in a team.
What Skills Can I Transfer from the Military?
Here are our top 10 transferrable military skills list to add to your CV.
1. Communication Skills
The military is all about communication. Whether you’re issuing orders or taking them, communicating effectively is key to success on the battlefield. And that skill translates well into the civilian world. Strong communication skills can help you in any field, from sales to customer service to management. Great communication skills lead to more productive meetings, help resolve conflicts and communicate effectively to your team so that they may work to the best of their abilities.
2. Teamwork
Teamwork skills are essential in the workplace and can help you to be successful in any career. The military is a very team-oriented environment. Squads and Units of soldiers all working together to achieve the same mission goal. People who have been in the military can make great team leaders and collaborators, having the ability to know when to lead and when to support.
3. Problem-Solving
Being in the military and on missions, things can change very rapidly and problems can arise. It is the responsibility of the soldier to find a way to solve this issue. Being able to think quickly on your feet is imperative. Problems in the office can cost businesses money. Employers love an employee who can see a problem before it has come to fruition and find a solution for it. Problem-solving skills are essential in the military and can be transferred into any industry. These skills include thinking outside the box, being creative and analytical, and being able to see the big picture.
4. Leadership
Individuals with leadership qualities are highly sought after in the professional world. This is also a perfect attribute for management or supervisor positions. As a leader, you are able to provide direction, inspire others and make decisions that will benefit the team. To lead by example is a highly effective way to engage with others in the workplace and boost productivity.
5. Organisation
Organisation is imperative especially prior to dangerous missions, and military members are taught how to always be organised and efficient. The ability to have equipment, team and instructions organised shows that you will have the ability to prioritise tasks and organise your day. Employers look to candidates who are self-starters and know how to be time-efficient.
6. Technical Skills
The military is a technology-driven organization, and members are often required to have a working knowledge of a wide range of technical systems. That skillset can be extremely useful in the civilian world, where tech-savvy employees are always in high demand.
7. Adaptability
Resources, equipment, personnel, and environments are always changing in the life of a person in the military. This makes them adaptable and flexible to all work situations. This is a vital skill as it shows employers you can stay ahead of trends in certain fields, which will allow you to be versatile and handle change in a positive way.
8. Perform Under Pressure
The military trains you to always remain calm under pressure. Being able to deal with tight deadlines and deliver top standard work is a huge advantage to have in the workplace. Furthermore, to lead a team in stressful scenarios is just as important and would look good on your CV.
9. Dedication
Employers respect dedication and discipline, and they are qualities that can help you succeed in any field. Working in the military can often mean working towards a goal no matter the obstacles that may lie ahead. This level of dedication can help you stay productive during difficult tasks and times of stress.
10. Research
Gathering intel and information is of huge importance in the military. Many jobs now require researching information whether on other competing companies or information to help further their business. The ability to be an effective and efficient researcher is key in today’s world.
How Can I Transfer Them?
The best way to transfer your military skills to the civilian world is to highlight them on your CV. Make sure you can explain how the skills you have learnt in the military can be applied in a new workplace. You can also use examples of when you have used these skills in a work situation. If you have done any volunteering or training since leaving the military, make sure to mention this as well.
Finding a new career after leaving the military can be an exciting and rewarding experience, and the transferable military skills listed above are just a few of the many acquired during your time in the military you can use to boost your chances. By highlighting them on your CV, you will make yourself a more attractive candidate for civilian jobs and increase your chances of getting the job you want.
If you are looking for jobs for ex-military personal, check out our specialist career change jobs board with opportunities from employers looking to hire candidates with military experience. You can find jobs for ex Royal Marines, jobs for ex-SAS members, even jobs for ex-military personnel in the West Midlands. For further information and support, be sure to also visit our dedicated ex-military career advice pages.
