Leadership: In the military and emergency services, leadership is a critical skill. Whether you've led a team in conflict or managed a crisis situation, your ability to inspire and direct others is invaluable.

Communication: Clear and effective communication is essential in high-stakes environments. Your ability to convey information accurately, listen actively, and engage in constructive dialogue is a major asset.

Problem-Solving: You are trained to think on your feet and identify solutions under pressure. This skill is highly sought after in any industry.

Teamwork: Collaboration and the ability to work cohesively in a team setting are crucial in both military and civilian workplaces.

Technical Skills: Many roles in the military and emergency services involve specialised technical training, from operating machinery to managing advanced IT systems. While the systems may be different, there are common aspects which will apply.

Adaptability: Your ability to adapt to changing circumstances and new environments is a hallmark of military and emergency services training.

Attention to Detail: Precision and thoroughness are vital in your line of work, and these qualities are equally important in civilian roles.

Project Management: Experience in planning, executing, and overseeing projects is another transferable skill that can open doors in various industries. Many service leavers become great project managers.

Physical Fitness and Stamina: While not always directly transferable, your physical fitness can demonstrate discipline and perseverance; appealing traits for many employers.

Stress Management: Your ability to remain calm and effective under pressure is a trait that is highly respected in any job setting.

Beyond skills, your interests play a crucial role in finding a fulfilling civilian career. Reflect on the activities and tasks you enjoyed most during your service. Consider the following:

Now that you've identified your skills and interests, it's important to articulate them effectively on your resume and in job applications.

Here are some tips to help you do that:

Use Civilian Terminology: Translate military jargon into language that civilian employers will understand. For example, instead of "platoon leader," you might say "team leader."

Highlight Achievements: Focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your skills. Use metrics where possible to quantify your accomplishments.

Tailor Your CV: Have a generic CV and cover letter, and customise them to each job application, emphasising the skills and experiences most relevant to the position.

Showcase Leadership and Teamwork: Provide examples of times when you demonstrated leadership and teamwork, and explain how these experiences have prepared you for civilian roles.

Include Training and Certifications: List any specialised training, certifications, or qualifications you have obtained during your service.

Stress Problem-Solving Abilities: Emphasise your ability to analyse situations, develop solutions, and implement them effectively.

Mention Technical Skills: If you have technical skills, make sure to list them, especially if they are relevant to the job you're applying for. Be prepared to be tested on these skills if you make it through first round of application.

Describe Adaptability: Provide examples of how you have successfully adapted to new challenges and environments.

Explain Attention to Detail: Highlight your meticulous nature and give examples of tasks where attention to detail was crucial.

Stress Management: Describe how you have managed stress and maintained performance in high-pressure situations.