Transitioning from the military to Civvy Street can feel daunting, but don’t forget, your experience is a huge asset. Leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and discipline, these are exactly the skills UK employers are looking for. The key is knowing how to showcase them on your CV and in interviews.
Why Now Is a Great Time to Focus on Your Job Search
Employers are always looking for skilled candidates, and veterans often have an edge:
- Roles need filling – many employers prefer to hire quickly, giving you an advantage.
- Less competition – fewer civilian applicants apply year-round, meaning your experience stands out.
- Get ahead – preparing your CV and interview answers now sets you up to move quickly when opportunities arise.
CV Writing: Highlight Transferable Skills
Worried you don’t have direct civilian experience? Focus on transferable skills:
- Leadership in service → Team management (don’t forget, veterans are known for their un-matched leadership skills)
- Problem-solving under pressure → Operations, logistics
- Attention to detail in reports → Compliance, admin, or intelligence roles
Your CV should tell a story about your capability in a civilian context, not just list ranks or job titles.
👉 Check out SaluteMyJob on Troopr for guidance on translating military experience and downloadable CV template.
Common CV & Interview Questions
1. How long should my CV be?
Keep it to two pages, focused, clear, and relevant.
2. Should I tailor my CV for each role?
Yes, highlight the skills that match the job description. Quality beats quantity.
3. What if I haven’t interviewed in years?
Start small: practise answers, bullet-point key points, even record yourself. Confidence grows with preparation.
4. How do I explain military jargon?
Translate it. For example, instead of “Section Commander,” use “Team Leader responsible for training and managing 12 people.”
Interview Prep: What Employers Want
Employers look for:
- Clarity – can you explain your skills simply?
- Examples – can you back them up with real stories?
- Fit – can you work in a civilian team environment?
Tip: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for structured, clear answers.
Example:
- Situation: Coordinated a team during a critical exercise
- Task: Ensure reports were accurate under tight deadlines
- Action: Created a tracking system and delegated responsibilities
- Result: Delivered reports on time with zero errors, improving team performance
Read Next → Your interview Toolkit: Confidence Boosting Tips for Veterans
Action Plan for Your Job Search
- Update your CV – focus on transferable skills.
- Apply now – don’t wait for the “perfect time.”
- Practise interview answers using STAR examples.
Your military skills are valuable, the trick is presenting them in a way civilian employers understand. With a strong CV and prepared interview answers, you’ll be ready to land your next role with confidence. Good luck!
👉 Explore SaluteMyJob and our other partners on Troopr for CV workshops, interview coaching, and tailored job support.
Your military skills are valuable — the trick is presenting them in a way civilian employers understand. With a strong CV and prepared interview answers, you’ll be ready to land your next role with confidence.