How to Talk About Your Military Experience in a Job Interview

Whether it’s your first interview since leaving the military or you’ve been in civvy street for a while, your military background is a big reason you were shortlisted. That experience matters, and it’s something to be proud of! Of course, preparation is key; learn about the company, understand the role, and brush up on your interview skills. But, just as important, is having the confidence to highlight how your military skills make you the right fit. Employers want to see how your unique background can bring value to their team, so don’t be afraid to show them exactly why you’re the best person for the job.

1. Drop the Military Jargon 

You will have already dropped any military acronyms and jargon from your CV and translated into ‘civvy’ friendly terms, so it’s important to make sure you do the same in the interview. Steer clear of acronyms and military slang and if you slip up, just quickly explain what you mean. It will be worth preparing by explaining what you did to someone with no military background - and if they get it, you’re on the right track! 

2. Use the STAR Method

Commercial employers are a big fan of structured answers, especially for competency-based interviews. That’s where STAR comes in: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Following this method can really help you from going off on a tangent. For example, say you are asked about a time you worked in a team. 

1. Set the scene (the Situation) 
2. Explain what needed to be done (Task) 
3. Talk about what you did (Action) 
4. And share the outcome (Result)

3. Go Through the Job Description with a Fine-Tooth Comb

Before the interview, go through the job description and pick out key skills they’re looking for and think of how your military skills can match. Take ‘negotiation’ as an example. Maybe you once found yourself in the middle of a tense discussion with half a dozen rival tribal leaders, relying on an interpreter, in 54-degree heat. That’s negotiation under serious pressure. Pull out the key elements: you reached a solution, managed complex dynamics, and worked through language and cultural barriers, all in the challenging environment of Afghanistan. If you can handle that, you’re more than ready to negotiate across a conference table!

5. Be ready to bust some myths - with a smile

You might come across the occasional awkward or well-meaning-but-misguided question. It’s less common these days (thankfully), but some misconceptions about military service still pop up. The key is to respond without frustration and use it as a chance to set the record straight. Always steer the conversation back to the positives; how your military experience has shaped valuable skills like adaptability, leadership, and problem-solving. These are your strengths, and they’re exactly what make you a great fit for the role.

Show up with confidence, and remember, you don’t need to change who you are. It’s simply about presenting your military experience in a way that’s clear, relatable, and relevant to the role, so employers can see exactly what you bring to the table.