Interview advice for ex-military personnel

Preparing for an interview can be daunting, especially if it’s your first job role outside of the military. Thorough preparation is key to walking into a job interview feeling confident, positive and getting through the interview successfully. Remember, a job interview is your opportunity to shine and prove to a prospective employer that you are the best person for the job.

At Demob Job we want to help all our candidates reach their full potential, below we have outlined our top tips for preparing for an interview.

Research the company

It is important to understand the company and job role that you have applied for. Take the time to research the company by visiting its website to find out about their history, what they do, company values, latest news etc. Also review the job specification so you have a clear understanding of the skills and experience required and consider how this ties in with your experience and skillset.

If you have secured the interview through a recruitment agency your consultant should spend time preparing you for the interview. Your consultant will have a great deal of knowledge about the company and will be able to advise on the interview format and even the types of questions you might be asked.

Have a positive attitude

Some employers can be reluctant to consider ex-military personnel for job roles due to a preconception that they are "set in their ways" or potentially lack the personal skills to adapt well to a civilian working environment. It is important to create a good first impression, be positive about yourself and confident in your responses to prove you have the right attributes and can add real value to a business.

Know your CV - (see my article Top Tips for Writing an Ex-Military CV)

Your CV will highlight your strengths, skills and experience but it will not cover everything. It is important to review your CV and prepare answers to possible questions which may be asked and try to adapt your answers to fit with the position you are applying for. This will show the interviewer that you have considered how your military experience and skills can be transferred to the role.

Research the interviewer

It is a good idea to get the names of the people who will be conducting the interview in advance. This will allow you to research your interviewers on the company website and LinkedIn to find out more about who they are, their position in the company and background. Building a rapport and making a connection with your interviewer can increase your chances of being hired as people tend to appoint candidates they like and believe fit with the company culture.

Have questions prepared

Most interviews tend to end with ‘Do you have any questions?’, this is a great opportunity to show your interest for the company and position. Prepare your questions prior to the interview.

Be prepared

Ensure you know where the interview is taking place and how you are getting there as you don’t want to arrive late. Familiarise yourself with the area, check what parking is available or find the best route if you are travelling by public transport. We recommend that you arrive at least 10 minutes prior to your interview to give you time to compose yourself.

If you have engineering or technical experience and are looking for employment, the Demob Job team can help.

Please contact us on 0333 344 5577 or email us at [email protected]

www.DemobJob.co.uk