As per the title, does anyone have an example of a CV which encompasses army qualifications?

I'm fine at writing standard CV's, but I'm buggered if I know how to fit in all my army time.

Any help grealy appreciated!

Go on to "Linked in" and join one of the British Forces groups (there are loads).


You will then see lots of examples of cv's and get a few ideas of what works.

As per Bushmills comment, Linked In has a number of good forums to rape and pillage in UK Defence: Vacancy of the day, and Pathfinder magazine are a couple to look at.

When I came out I broke it down into postings and a general outline of responsibilities and courses attended, that way it gives a timeline to prospective employers and I found sometimes talking points to interviewers as well. Try to keep it to civvy speak and don't use too many TLA's.

Yeah, I've got the hang of translating stuff... So for example, a Regimental Signals Instructor becomes Advanced Digital Communications Lecturer.

I like the timeline thing, I'll have a look at knocking something up with that in mind.

Many thanks!

Like Stilly, I've listed my different drafts and courses in my employment history.

Something like this:

2009-Present
49 Para Commando Battery

Responsible for all tea making and gash disposal within the battery, mentoring junior soldiers throughout their tea making training and carrying out audits and quality control for the entire refreshment manufacturing facility.

2008-2009
RAF Cranwell

Advanced management training gaining a PHD in man management and health & safety. Subjects covered include; intermediate drinking, advanced jet skiing and fingering your mate's wife.

2006-2008
HMS Massive

Deployed on operations to the Persian Gulf, responsible for the maintenance of all defensive weapons onboard. Ever seen a Somalian's head explode? It's ace.

etc.

Originally Posted by Ravers

Like Stilly, I've listed my different drafts and courses in my employment history.Something like this:2009-Present49 Para Commando BatteryResponsible for all tea making and gash disposal within the battery, mentoring junior soldiers throughout their tea making training and carrying out audits and quality control for the entire refreshment manufacturing facility.2008-2009RAF CranwellAdvanced management training gaining a PHD in man management and health & safety. Subjects covered include; intermediate drinking, advanced jet skiing and fingering your mate's wife.2006-2008HMS MassiveDeployed on operations to the Persian Gulf, responsible for the maintenance of all defensive weapons onboard. Ever seen a Somalian's head explode? It's ace.etc.

Ohhh you copied my CV and just changed locations, I will have you for plagarism young Ravers.

My CV simply states:


I'm a hero. Give me a job you gopping civvy cunt.

It sometime comes as a surprise to people that the commercial sector is as much (if nor more) results driven than the military. Two year postings to get a tick in the box mean nothing to them.

Aim to highlight what you have achieved, not just what job you have done - don't tell them you were a salesman, tell them how much you sold.

Rather than focussing on how long you were an advanced digital communications lecturer, tell them how many students you instructed, at what level, pass rates, how this improved the productivity of your employer etc.

Also,

Put a summary section at the top with a brief outline of what a great guy you are finishing with a handful of bullet points outlining your key (transferrable) skills and abilties. E.g.

• In depth understanding of customer service and delivery
• Clear logical thinker with an aptitude for the Creative solution
• Clear, concise and effective communication skills
• Credibility, maturity and influence with staff and management at all levels. A rolled sleeves" approach. Drive, energy and enthusiasm with a "can do" attitude.

Don't forget to read any job spec throughly and if necessary taper the CV to the job applied for. You can never put everything you've done or learnt, so drop stuff that's not relevant and add stuff in that is. But don't lie.

When I recruit staff I'm looking for knowledge, skills, and behaviors. I.e What you know, how you've applied that knowledge, and what motivates you. But the most important aspect is behaviours, the other two can be taught in (to a certain extent). I'll be looking for the lateral thinker/ customer focused/ completer finisher / problem solver/ management mentor, as appropriate

When outlining your experience, try to highlight achievements or times when you've had a 'big win' not in military terms of course, but try to angle it to why a civvy recruiter would benefit from having you.

Have a google at 'experiental' interviewing techniques, most recruiters now don't bother with the "tell me what you've been doing for the last 20 years" They can read that from the CV. Nor do they ask hypothetical questions any more. It more like "can you give me an example when you had to convince someone senior that your way was right, how did you go about it", or "Tell me about a time when you've had to motivate staff not working directly for you, to complete a piece of work that was vital to your role"

Oh and re-read it over and over again for spelling and grammar, if necessary get someone to check it for you, nothing stands out worse than poor spelling and grammar.

Best of luck