Navigating the resettlement process: your guide to switching career.

Transitioning from the military to civvie street is daunting. We know this, because we speak to veterans and over and over again we hear the same thing: The resettlement timeline is difficult to navigate, it’s hard to access the right information, and when you do, it can feel like information overload.?

And that’s not surprising. It’s a major career shift with a lot of moving parts. There’s plenty to think about, and 12? months might feel like a long time to get your sh*t together, but it flies by, trust us.?

It’s likely one of the reasons why veterans are 15.6% more likely to be underemployed than non-veterans. (UK Government Employment Data Lab analysis)

But, if you plan it right, there’s absolutely no reason why you won’t smash it.?

So, in this edition of the Redeployable Rocket, we’re taking a look at the bigger picture, and guiding you through the process of transitioning into your next career, one step at a time. (Remember, this process can be applied whenever you fancy a career change..)

1. Making the decision?

The decision to transition into a new career is a significant one. It’s not easy, but the simplest place to start is with your why.?

Whether you’re looking for a new challenge, stability for your family, or taking on a passion project, your motivation for your career shift has to come from the right place.?

Now’s the time to also consider your long-term goals, reflect on your journey so far and identify the skills you’ve gained along the way. With all that in mind, you can start mapping out how to achieve your goals.?

Getting started

It’s okay to feel a little lost as you begin this journey. But if you start by jotting down your next steps and everything in between, it will make planning much easier.?

This includes mapping out when you’ll focus on certain aspects of your transition, like when you’ll draw up your CV and start applying for jobs. This is a surefire way to make the most of the year-long process.?

Think in GOALS?

When you’re planning your next steps, consider any possible 2-year, 5-year or even 1o-year aspirations.?

This should include where you want to live, if you want to travel, whether a 9-5 is something you can see yourself doing, and lots more.?

The Ikigai concept is a great framework to help you visualise these goals and aspirations.?

Write these down, and don’t forget to chat with other veterans who’ve walked this road. Their stories should help you if you’re looking for support taking the leap.?

From here, you can start to narrow down the industry that you’re interested in, and subsequently, the role that will suit you. Get stuck into research, networking and looking into companies that you like the look of.?

Courses and degrees - Should I bother?

When mapping out your next steps, you’ll probably consider whether you need or want to attend training courses to expand your skills. We speak to a lot of veterans who think they don’t have the skills to switch to their new careers. Often they do have what it takes, so make sure you do a full skills analysis before diving into a course.?

You can also check if the training provider for your chosen course is approved by the Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service (ECLAS) by reviewing their list of approved providers .?

2. Getting stuck in?

Start networking

Networking is SO important, we’ve even built a veteran network because of how key it is for career success.

Building your professional network can help you land new roles and connect you with mentors who will help you on your transition journey. Throw yourself into military transition events and start up conversations with folks who've been there and done it. Don't be shy about asking questions, prepare a list in advance and if you can, look up the guest list when you attend events. This means you can go after the people you're most interested in. Plus, having some background knowledge of what they do and which organisation they work for means you can get one step ahead in the conversation and stand out.

Get active on LinkedIn and connect with people in your chosen field. Don't feel like you can't reach out to people. Remember, the worst that can happen is someone doesn't want to speak to you and might not reply. That's fine. Remember, people reach out to new connections on LinkedIn ALL THE TIME, so it won't come as a surprise to anyone.

And use Redeployable. Our network of veterans has either been there and done it, or they’re going through the process. It’s a space for you to post your questions, look for articles or videos giving advice, attend events and arrange to meet up with others. Networking is made easy essentially.?

Translate your skills?

Tighten up your CV and translate your military experiences into ones that civilian hiring managers will understand. Think about the key soft skills that you’ve had to use, and pick out experiences that prove them. For example, iterate how your rank and responsibilities demonstrate management, leadership, organisation, and decision-making.?

Run your skills by friends or family without a military background, it can be helpful to sense check for any jargon or language that civvies just don’t get.

Apply for work

You can start applying for civilian jobs up to six months before your discharge date. This gives you plenty of time to secure a position and reduces the gap between your military service and new employment.

Looking for new roles can be daunting. But the best way to get started is to, well, start. Leverage your network and scour LinkedIn for opportunities in your desired field.?

Before you click that “apply” button though, you’ll need a clear picture of the civvie hiring process. ??

3. Understanding the Hiring Process?

It’s different to the military process, and vital you understand it. Here’s a basic breakdown:

Applications

It might feel long-winded, but you must tailor each application to the role and company that you’re applying for. Approaching your applications with a ‘quality over quantity’ mindset will help you manage your time and ensure you don’t end up sending bang-average applications to jobs you don’t want that much. Cherry-pick ones that you can see yourself in, and give it your all.?

Research the company, and highlight the bits of experience you have that will genuinely benefit the organisation. Connect with people in the company, from the hiring team to those who are currently working in similar roles to you. Consider key words; lots of talent teams now use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to manage their applications. It means you need to have the right skills highlighted, so pay attention to the job description and be sure to nod to any ‘must have’ skills or experiences by writing them on your CV.?

Interviews

No one loves the interview process. But if you prepare well, there’s no reason why you won’t breeze through.?

Preparation doesn’t just involve acting out interviews with your mates. Getting to know the company and the people you’re interviewing with is crucial. Make a note of what the person’s role is, what the company does, in your own words, and what makes them attractive to you as a candidate.?

When it comes to selling yourself for your potential new role, highlight your relevant military experience using the STAR method. This stands for Situation, Task, Action and Result.?

Think about which skills the role requires and jot down which ones you recognise in yourself. Consider how you’ve used these skills for any given task or situation, keep these short and to the point.?

Don’t be afraid to be candid, and ask lots of questions, especially at the end of your interview. Being curious about the role and your position shows your interest, and is also useful for bettering your understanding of the job.

After your interview, take the time to email, thanking each of the interviewers for their time. It will reflect positively on you, and it opens up the conversation if you have further questions or if they want to ask you anything else.?

Landing your first job

Landing the first role on your new career journey is a big milestone. With your military experience and skill set, you’re bound to succeed, but working cultures can differ significantly.?

So ask your mates.? Check-in with friends who have already made the switch. If they’re in the same industry, even better. They can give you the download on what life is like, even down to office etiquette and what to wear.??

Use Redeployable. Shameless plug, but genuinely, our network of veterans exists for this reason. Drop a post in the hub, or ask an anonymous question. Anything goes.?

Key takeaways

Think GOALS. Make a plan.?

• Start with the end goal and work backwards.?

Get to know your skills. You’ve got enough of them.

• Swap your military experiences for civilian-friendly skills. Drop the jargon, keep it simple and back it up with experiences.???

Build your NETWORK.?

• Start building your network ASAP, don’t be shy. Everyone does it.?

Quality over quantity on applications.?

• Only apply for jobs you really want, and if you really want them, prove it. Put in effort and detail - it will pay off.?

Lean on your friends?

• Talk to those who have been there and done it, they’ll give you hugely valuable insights and tips.?

Prep for your interviews

• Use the STAR method, be candid, and remember to identify and speak about the company you’re interviewing with.?

And that’s it (for now)!

Good luck.?

Remember, there are service leavers currently on the same journey as you, and seasoned veterans who’ve walked to career-switch-path. Join Redeployable now to connect with your people and get support on your journey.?

Link in the comments. ??