CANDIDATE

INFORMATION PACK

Unit 1 Grove Business Park

White Waltham Maidenhead

Berkshire, SL6 3LW

Tel +44 (0)333 202 6500 Fax +44 (0)870 446 5628

E-mail companies: info@ex-mil.co.uk

E-mail candidates: candidates@ex-mil.co.uk Skype: Ex-Mil Recruitment

Company Registration No: 5419148

VAT No: 890 3856 90 D-U-N-S Number: 346-123-651

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Contents

1. Out of Uniform: CV Tips for Making the Transition .................................................................. 3

1.1. Define Your Civilian Job Objective ..................................................................................... 3

1.2. Create a CV That Speaks to the Employer’s Needs ............................................................. 3

1.3. Translate Your Skills.......................................................................................................... 3

1.4. Using Your Personal Development Record ......................................................................... 4

1.5. Assume No Knowledge of the Military............................................................................... 4

1.6. Showcase Your Accomplishments ...................................................................................... 5

1.7. Flaunt Your Military Background ....................................................................................... 5

1.8. If You Were in Active Combat, Leave out the Details ........................................................ 5

1.9. Test-Drive Your CV ........................................................................................................... 5

2. CV and Interview Guide............................................................................................................ 6

2.1. The Interview ..................................................................................................................... 7

2.2. The Resignation Process..................................................................................................... 8

2.3. Counter Offers ................................................................................................................... 8

2.4. Points to consider ............................................................................................................... 8

3. Interview Skills for Candidates .................................................................................................. 9

3.1. Application Forms ............................................................................................................. 9

3.2. Preparing for the Interview: ................................................................................................ 9

3.3. At the Interview: .............................................................................................................. 10

3.4. Don’t: .............................................................................................................................. 10

3.5. Positive/Action Words to Use ........................................................................................... 10

3.6. Positive Personal Qualities. .............................................................................................. 11

3.7. Present a positive image ................................................................................................... 11

3.7.1. Do ............................................................................................................................ 11

3.7.2. Don’t: ....................................................................................................................... 11

3.8. Selling Yourself ............................................................................................................... 12

3.9. Questions. ........................................................................................................................ 13

3.10. Assertiveness & Non-Verbal Signs .................................................................................. 14

4. Interview Dress Code .............................................................................................................. 15

4.1. Men’s Interview Wear:..................................................................................................... 15

4.2. Women’s Interview Wear................................................................................................. 15

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1. Out of Uniform: CV Tips for Making the Transition

You are leaving the service and are faced with the daunting task of developing your CV. No doubt

your military career is studded with accomplishments, but even the most decorated veteran needs to

work out how to make the transition to a civilian position.

Follow these tips to draft a high-impact CV that shows how your military experience is transferable to a civilian job.

1.1. Define your Civilian Job Objective

You can’t effectively market yourself for a civilian job if you don’t have a clearly defined goal. As

so many service people have diverse backgrounds, they often make the mistake of creating CVs that

are too general to be effective. Before writing your CV, do some soul searching, research

occupations and pinpoint a specific career path. If you are having any trouble with this step, tap into your local Resettlement Centre or solicit help of a career coach. If you are torn between two or more

potential goals, set up different CVs each. Ex-Mil Recruitment are here to help. If you would like

advice on where to take your career or help focusing your CV please feel free to call or email, we

will make time for you.

1.2. Create a CV That Speaks to the Employer’s Needs

Now that your objective is defined, you are ready to create a winning CV. Consider a CV’s purpose: To answer the employer’s question, “What can this person do for me?”

A good way to start thinking about the employer’s needs is to research your target job.

Search for jobs, scour company websites and read as many job postings as possible. Visit the

Ex-Mil Recruitment website and browse the many jobs listed. It features a wide range of jobs from different sectors that are all ideally suited to those who have served in the forces. What types of skills

and experiences are employers seeking? What aspect of your background is most relevant?

Any information that does not relate to your goal should be eliminated or de-emphasised within your

CV. This includes any unrelated military awards, training and distinctions. For example, that medal you won for rifle marksmanship doesn’t belong on a civilian CV. This is often the hardest step for

ex-military personnel, which is why it is so common to see military CVs spanning five pages or

more. As you decide which information to include, ask yourself, “Will a potential employer care about this experience?” Only include information that will help you land an interview.

You may bring a lot of those distinctions to the interview, ready to discuss them. You could even mention in a cover letter that, if the employer wishes, you’ll be happy to discuss military

commendations in more detail. Later, if you discover during a job interview that the person across

the table has a military background, achievement can be an influential leave-behind.

1.3. Translate Your Skills

Express your skills in cutting-edge lingo. Make sure you translate your MOs into civilian skills. As

you are developing your CV, it is crucial that you do not use military acronyms, slang, jargon or

terms. Civilian employers just do not understand military terminology.

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Here are some guidelines to overcome the translation problem:

• Avoid acronyms and abbreviations. Write out the terms and, when necessary, explain them.

• For specialised military training, list the names and dates of the professional and technical

courses you have taken: however also attempt to translate it into civilian terminology.

• Use a line or two to describe or list some of the topics studied in the course that may be

pertinent to the job you are applying for. For example, write “Management of Supervision” as the course title. Then add the course content (course objectives) i.e. equal opportunity, giving

directions, etc.

As translating your military skills can be critical to get the job you want, you may find it helpful to

pay to get help on your CV. There is a multitude of companies who are specialised in this area

and you can find them easily online.

1.4. Using Your Personal Development Record

Former military personnel have one advantage over their civilian counterparts: Personal

Development Records (PDR). Use them! Each evaluation should describe your duties, the number of

people you were responsible for, and will point out bulleted, performance-related results.

Use these RESULTS to sell yourself. Employers need to see accomplishments that they can relate to

with regard to the open position. The hiring manager will want to know “What can this individual do for me?” When it comes to getting a job, past performance is the best indicator of future success.

This is what you need to do:

QUANTIFY: Describe what you accomplished with numbers and percentages. Explain how many

times annually, what percentage of increase or decrease you produced, how large a group you

supervised or trained or the actual value of equipment under your guidance. Here are some examples:

• Supervised 14 member staff

• Produced 150% over quota for eight consecutive month

• Resulted in £250,000 savings

• Administered travel budget of £15 million

• Reduced inventory loss by 20%

• Developed training program for a 600 person organisation

Your PDR SHOULD have this type of action oriented success.

1.5. Assume No Knowledge of the Military

Demilitarise your job titles, duties, accomplishments, training and awards to appeal to civilian hiring

managers. Employers with no exposure to the military don’t understand the terminology and

acronyms, so translate these into “civilianese”. Show your CV to several non-military friends and ask

them to point out terms they don’t understand. Refer to job postings for help substituting civilian keywords for military terms.

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1.6. Showcase Your Accomplishments

Your military career has offered you excellent opportunities for training, practical experience and

advancement. Sell your accomplishments so the average civilian understands the importance of your

achievements and the measurable outcome.

Here is an example of a demilitarised accomplishment statement:

“Increased employee retention rate by 16 percent by focusing on training, team building and

recognition programs. Earned reputation as one of the most progressive innovative IT organisations in the Army’s communication and IT community.”

Here is an example of incorporating a military award so employers understand its value:

“Received Army Achievement Medal for completing 400+ medical evaluations and developing

patient database using MS Access. The database improved reporting functions and tracked patients demographics, records, medication, appointments and status.”

1.7. Flaunt Your Military Background

You might have heard you need to develop a functional CV format to mask or downplay your military

experience, but the opposite is true. Your military experience is an asset and should be marketed as such. Many employers realise the value of bringing veterans on board. Attributes honed in the military

include dedication, leadership, teamwork, positive work ethic and cross-functional skills. If you fear a

potential employer won’t realise the significance of your military experience, make sure your CV clearly communicates the value you bring to the table.

A military background can be invaluable proof that you possess qualities like discipline, self-

motivation and learning ability. By running your job search according to civilian rules, you show your attitude, professionalism and readiness to work and that you are already making the transition to a

civilian career.

1.8. If You Were in Active Combat, Leave out the Details

Defending your country and its interests is among the most admirable pursuits, but the sad truth is

actual references to the horrors of combat leave many employer squeamish. While you might have worked in a short-range air defence engagement zone, this experience might not relate to your future

goal. Tone down or remove references to the battlefield.

1.9. Test-Drive Your CV

For some veterans, developing a CV that works in the civilian world is an on-going process. After

you’ve polished your CV, start your distribution and keep track of your CV’s response rate. Solicit feedback and listen carefully to suggestions for improving your CV. Continue modifying the

document until it successfully generates job interview.

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2. CV and Interview Guide

Submitting a CV is the basic method of applying for a new job. It is therefore vital to make a good first

impression. This guide may help.

Some of the following points may seem obvious but we receive CVs, often from highly qualified

personnel, that have basic errors.

• Ensure that your CV is typed on good quality white paper 2 or 3 pages maximum.

• Make sure that there are no spelling mistakes.

• Do not include a photograph unless specifically requested.

• If applying for a particular position, include a covering letter specific to the job applied for.

• Put contact and personal details (address, home phone number, mobile number, e-mail etc.)

at the top of the page. Avoid having an unprofessional answer phone message or email address.

• Usually, academic and professional qualifications follow. Generally people are not interested

in what school or college you went to, although (where appropriate) you could mention the

name of the University you attended.

• Depending on how long ago the examinations were sat, you do not have to list the subjects you passed at school. These can be summarised e.g. 7’O’ Levels, 3’A’ Levels. Other qualifications e.g. City and Guilds, degree etc. should be more specific.

• Consider following these basic details with an overview of yourself and your skills e.g. “A

General Manager with experience of developing and implementing new procedures to increase both productivity and profits”.

• If applying for a technical position, you may want to list products and systems you are

familiar with.

• Avoid a style that is too narrative, perhaps using bullet points to stress key areas.

• Start with the most recent position and work backwards.

• Leave no gaps in the career history and include any periods of unemployment.

• For each job, include your job title, key functions of the job, and any notable achievements

(e.g. orders won, projects managed). You may also want to mention what business your

employer was in, (e.g. major CCTV Installation Company).

• You do not have to include the reason why you left a job or your salary package, unless

specifically requested, or unless it benefits you (e.g. If you were made redundant).

• If you are a student/school-leaver with no work experience, try and include any information that may impress a future employer e.g. part-time jobs, extra-curricular activities,

memberships of school clubs, societies etc.

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2.1. The Interview

• Be sure that you know exactly what job you are being interviewed. Where possible you should also go in to the interview with a good idea of the salary and benefits package offered.

• Is there a job description that the company or consultancy can send you prior to the

interview?

• Research the company on the Internet. Can the company send you a corporate brochure or

some information about the company? It may be worth doing a company search.

• How many people will be interviewing you: who are they? Are thereinternal applicants? Will

there be a presentation to do?

• Take along a copy of your CV and any supporting documentation – commission statements, client’s references etc.

• Make sure you are familiar with your CV and are prepared to answer questions on it.

• Make a list of questions to ask, and take this with you to the interview. Take a pad and pen

with you.

• Try and think what questions you may be asked, and prepare answers.

• How long will the interview take? You do not want to have to rush the interview because you have another meeting to go to.

• Know exactly where you are going for the interview and how long it will take to get there?

Arriving flustered and/or late is no way to start an interview. Arrive (dressed appropriately) on

time and prepared.

• If there are corporate brochures on in-house magazines in the waiting area take one (perhaps

ask permission) either to read before the interview or afterwards.

• First impression counts. Walk into the meeting confidently, smile when you meet the

interviewers and shake hands.

• If offered tea or coffee, accept. Taking a sip of tea can give you time to prepare an answer to a

tricky question.

• Look directly at the interviewer. Sit formally but in a relaxed manner.

• If there are multiple interviewers, look at /talk to the person asking the questions, but try and involve the other interviewers.

• Answer questions directly and honestly. Do not waffle, but try to avoid simple yes or no

answers.

• Ask if you can make notes and do not forget to refer to the questions you have prepared.

• Do not be the first to mention salary.

• If invited to, ask any questions you have that remain unanswered.

• Ask how you have done and if they have any doubts of your ability to do the job. If they

express doubts, you can counter them there and then.

• Ask the interviewer what the next step will be. For example: "Will there be a second interview?”, “When are you looking for someone to start?”

• If you are interested in the position, tell them! Don’t be afraid to ask for the position.

• Call the Recruitment Consultancy as soon as possible after the interview: this helps them to

help you.

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2.2. The Resignation Process

Although finding your new job can be hard, it is easy to underestimate how difficult it can be to

resign from your old one. Remember it is always best, were possible, to leave a company on good terms.

Many companies will accept your resignation gracefully and wish you all the best for the future: this

makes the process very simple.

Some, however, will take it less well and may resent your decision for the inconvenience it causes

them. In these cases you need to make it clear to your existing employer that your decision has been made and is final and that you have made a commitment to your new employer that cannot be broken.

Even if you are with a large firm which conduct exit interviews, do not get drawn into distracting

discussions that detract from the business in hand i.e. arranging date and what your employer wants

you to do in the period leading up to it.

Some companies will want you to work until your last day, perhaps handing work over to colleagues during this time. Others may put you on Garden Leave, requiring you to stay away from your work

place during your notice period, but remaining available to answer questions and queries regarding

your current workload.

2.3. Counter Offers

Some companies may make you a counter offer to stay: Beware! Whilst these can sometimes be

flattering and tempting you need to remember that the company is doing this for their benefit not yours. Also remember that many managers and HR people have been trained how to handle

resignations and how to turn them around.

• Companies may start to express regret that you are leaving and play on your emotions.

• They may outline all the great plans they have for you in the future.

• They may try and ‘knock’ your new employer to make you reconsider your decision.

2.4. Points to consider

• Is the counter offer a ploy to avoid a short-term inconvenience by your employer?

• Will they seek a replacement to you anyway?

• After resigning once, your loyalty will always be in question and future prospects limited?

• They may just give you your next pay rise or bonus early and you will in effect be worse off in the future

• Any problems you have with your current employer will still be there: a pay rise will not make

them go away.

• In the future, if the company is forced to make redundancies: will you be the first to go?

• If they had great plans, and your future is so rosy, why didn’t they tell you before you resigned?

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3. Interview Skills for Candidates

3.1. Application Forms

The Application Form provides:

• Prospective employers with facts they need to know about you in brief easy to read format

• The impression you are well organised and serious enough about getting the job, to have

some thought into it.

• An opportunity to sell yourself.

When asked for qualifications or employment history, start with the most recent first unless otherwise

stated. Do not try to cram this information in if the space is not big enough, attach additional information on separate sheets.

Depending on what job you are applying for, you may have several qualifications that are not relevant for the post. Bear this in mind when writing them down, for example a Grade B in Biology

at GCSE may not be so relevant when you have a Degree in Accountancy going for a job in Finance!

The additional information should be clear and concise but truthful and no longer than two sheets. It

should be typed or neatly handwritten and error free.

Employers are interested in achievements – things that make you stand out from the crowd, such as:

• Problem solving skills

• Team working

• Time saving/money saving

• Contribution to service improvement

• Understanding business goals

3.2. Preparing for the Interview:

• Give yourself plenty of time to get ready.

• Find out all you can about the job.

• Check the time, date and place of the interview.

• Find out how to get there, check parking, public transport etc.

• Practise answering questions – use a friend, partner, tape recorder etc.

• Think of questions that you might be asked (…and the answers).

• Dress smartly but comfortably.

• The company phone number in case things go wrong and you are delayed.

• Visualise yourself in the interview, performing well.

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3.3. At the Interview:

• Smile

• Speak clearly and confidently

• Look at the interviewer

• Be polite and interested

• Be positive about yourself and the job

• Ask questions

• Ask about job conditions, training opportunities, prospects – think of what you want to know

• Answer questions fully, not just yes or no.

3.4. Don’t:

• Criticise previous employers

• Make negative comments

• Be late

• Be afraid to ask for time to think for more explanation of a question

• Lie

• Make jokes, flippant remarks or appear not to be taking the interview seriously

• Overdo perfume/aftershave

• Overdress

• Put on an act – it will show

3.5. Positive / Action Words to Use in your CV and Interview

Consider the following words when preparing your CV or completing your application and apply

them to the experience or qualifications you have.

They will make a positive, favourable impression on the potential employer, both in your

application and also at the interview.

Competent

Successful

Capable Resourceful

Qualified

Versatile

Efficient Knowledgeable

Consistent

Experienced Productive

Effective

Stable

Profitable

Positive Complete

Investigated

Designed

Developed Built

Established

Communicated Processed

Participated

Sold

Engineered

Specialised

Achieved Expanded

Employed

Repaired

Improved Analysed

Managed

Directed Initiated

Supervised

Organised Created

Implemented

Controlled Guided

Administered

Well-educated

Wide background

Equipped

Accomplished Worked Led

Co-ordinated

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3.6. Positive Personal Qualities

Assume at interview you will have similar skills to everybody else being interviewed. Using

these words will help to set you apart from the other candidates:

Adaptability

Creativity

Thriving under pressure Fitting into teams

Memory

Logic Analytical skills

Problem solving skills

3.7. Present a positive image

3.7.1. Do:

• Relax while you are waiting for the interview.

• Think positively, picture yourself enjoying the interview and answering the questions brilliantly.

• Walk into the room confidently; move forward to shake hands if you feel confident

enough to do so.

• Establish eye contact with the interviewer as soon as you enter the room and maintain it.

• Sit back in the chair in a relaxed but upright position.

• Listen attentively to questions and ask to have them repeated if you don’t at first understand.

• Answer as fully as you can without wandering off the point and provide examples of your

achievements where appropriate.

• If there is a panel look at the person asking the questions.

• Think about what you particularly have to offer and highlight this in your replies, it is

your achievements they want to hear about, not what the team did.

• Emphasise your strengths but always tell the truth.

• Speak clearly and confidently.

3.7.2. Don’t:

• Sit down until invited by the interviewer to do so.

• Slouch in the chair, or sit on the edge of it.

• Fidget or display any other signs of nervousness.

• Joke, swear or be over familiar with the interviewer.

• Draw attention to your weaknesses.

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3.8. Selling Yourself

Remember during discussion (and in your letter/application form) employers look again at people

who:

• Work on their own initiative

• Work well as part of a team

• Have an understanding of the sector they are going into i.e. Construction, Engineering, IT, Project Management etc.

• Have a real enthusiasm for getting the role

Employers also like to hear instances of how you can:

• Be cost effective

• Get the job done more quickly

• Avoid potential problems

• Improve appearance

• Organise

• Increase productivity

• Make the work flow more efficient

• Use old things in a new way

• Provide information

• Cut down time

• Reduce risks

• Meet deadlines easily

• Get Government support

• Develop employee performance

• Turn around a bad situation

• Introduce new systems

• Improve teamwork and relationships

Remember the interviewer is hoping that you will have the experience and qualities which they are

looking for. Most importantly, tell the panel what you as an individual have done successfully and

focus on your personal achievements rather than what you did as part of a team. They are likely to make assumptions that your contribution to the team could have been tiny! Talk about I, not we.

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3.9. Questions

You should prepare for questions. Practise questions and answers with a partner or friend to help

increase your self-confidence.

Some commonly encountered include:

• Where does your main experience lie?

• What are/were the main responsibilities of your current/last job?

• What were the main problem areas in the job?

• What do you do particularly well?

• What are your career objectives?

• Why did you leave your last job?

• Why do you want to join this section/department/organisation?

• What appeals to you about the job for which you are applying?

• Are there any people you find difficult to work with?

• What do you want to be doing in five years time?

• What are your strong points?

• What are your weak points?

• Why should we employ you?

Practise answers that will be useful in any of the above questions. The phrases you memorise will

come back to you in the interview, helping your confidence.

Don’t be surprised by the awkward or unusual questions. If one arises stay calm, these questions may

be aimed to test you under pressure. Don’t be afraid to ask for more time to think or for the question to be clarified.

You will also be asked questions about your knowledge of the subject, so make sure you do plenty of

background reading. Hypothetical questions will also be often asked to check out how you would react in a given situation.

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3.10. Assertiveness & Non-Verbal Signs

Non-Assertive Assertive Aggressive

Posture Slumped Erect but relaxed Erect, tense, rigid

Shoulders forward Shoulders forward Shoulders back

Shifting often Few shifts, comfortable Jerky shifts or firm in place

Chin down Head straight or slightly tilt Chin up or thrust forward

Sitting: legs entwined Sitting: legs together or

crossed

Sitting: hands behind head or

tensely leaning forward

Gestures Fluttering hands

Twisted motions

Frequent head nodding

Shoulder shrugs

Relaxed hands

Hands open, palms out

Occasional head nodding

Chopping or jabbing with hands

Clenched hands or pointing

Sharp, quick nods

Sweeping arms

Facial

Expression

Lifted eyebrows, pleading look, wide eyed, rapid

blinking

Relaxed, thoughtful, caring or concerned look, few

blinks

Furrowed brow, tight jaw, tense look, unblinking glare

Nervous or guilty smile Genuine smile Patronising or sarcastic smile

Chewing on lower lip Relaxed mouth Tight lips

Shows anger with averted

eyes, blushing guilty look

Shows anger with scowl, very

firm mouth or bared teeth,

extreme flush

Voice Quiet, soft, higher pitched

errs, ahs, hesitation, stopping in 'midstream'

Nervous laughter

Statements that sound like

questions with a voice tone

rising at the end

Resonant, firm, pleasant,

smooth, even flowing, comfortable delivery

Laughter only with humour

Voice tones stay even when

making a statement

Steely quiet or loud, harsh

'biting off' words, precise measured delivery

Sarcastic laughter

Statements sound like orders

or pronouncements

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4. Interview Dress Code

The first impression you make on a potential employer is the most important one.

The first judgement an interviewer makes is going to be based on how you look and what you are wearing. That’s why it is always important to dress professionally for a job interview, even if the

work environment is casual. You will want that first impression to not just be a good one, but, a great

one. The candidate dressed in a suit and tie is going to make a much better impression than the candidate dressed in t-shirt and scruffy jeans. It does make sense to dress your best for the interview,

regardless of the dress code at the organisation. If in doubt about how to dress for an interview, it is

best to err on the side of conservatism. It is much better to be overdressed than under-dressed.

Before you even think about going to an interview, make sure you have appropriate interview attire

and everything fits correctly. Get your clothes ready the night before, so you don’t have to spend

time getting them ready on the day of the interview. If your clothes are dry clean only, take them to the dry cleaners after the interview, so that they are ready for next time and polish your shoes.

Bring a breath mint (don’t chew gum) and use it before you enter the building. Take a deep breath before you go in, relax, smile and enjoy the experience knowing you look your best.

4.1. Men’s Interview Wear:

• Suit (solid colour – navy or dark grey)

• Long sleeved shirt (white or co-ordinated with the suit)

• Belt

• Tie

• Dark socks, conservative leather shoes

• Little or no jewellery

• Neat, professional hairstyle

• Limit the aftershave

• Neatly, trimmed nails

• Portfolio or briefcase

4.2. Women’s Interview Wear:

• Conservative suit (navy, black or grey)

• The suit skirt should be long enough so that you can sit down comfortably

• Co-ordinated blouse

• Conservative shoes

• Limit the jewellery (no dangling earrings or arms full of bracelets)

• Professional hairstyle

• Neutral tights

• Light make-up and perfume

• Neatly manicured clean nails

• Portfolio or briefcase.

For more information about our recruitment services and to discuss what Ex-Mil Recruitment

can do for you please feel free to give us a call on 0333 202 6500 or email us at

info@ex-mil.co.uk