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What job do I want?
Getting Prepared
- Research the 'best practice' on a successful career transition.
- Identify the things you are a passionate about and enjoy doing.
- Identify your transferable skills from your military career - list each skill and note how you think it may be used in your next career.
What Industry should I work in? What role do I want?
- Use this website to think about potential career paths.
- Research Veteran-Friendly Industries.
50 Must Follow Veteran Friendly Employers
- Research Veteran-Friendly Companies.
- Use the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (DERS) and www.Salutemyjob's employer list to find out more about veteran friendly employers.
Defence Employers Recognition Scheme
- Research which companies have specific veteran on-boarding schemes.
Employment Schemes for Veterans
- Research the market - who are the main employers in your chosen area/location?
- Narrow down you chosen company list - use your key criteria to narrow down your chosen list of companies e.g. Are they commutable? Can you WFH? Will the role provide you with job satisfaction? Are they recognised on the Defence Recognition Scheme?
- Get training and qualifications - there are multiple organisations that will help you gain qualification for your chosen career path. Useful links can be found below:
Career Transition Partnership (CTP)
WithYouWithMe Aptitude Testing
How do I apply?
Find a Vacancy
- Use LinkedIn and build your profile
- Inform the SCOTS Network that you are looking for a Job
- Sign up to Jobs Boards
Career Transition Partnership (CTP)
- View our Jobs Opportunity Group
Preparation
- Build your brand - to start building your personal brand, focus on what makes you unique, and create a vision and mission that supports your professional goals. Having a strong personal brand can help you demonstrate your expertise and set yourself apart from your competition.
- Write and practice your elevator pitch - an elevator pitch is traditionally a very quick introduction of yourself or your idea designed to create interest for a longer meeting. You need to convey what you are looking for and what you bring to an organisation.
- CV and Cover Letter - a guide to writing a stand-out CV.
Who do I KNOW?
- Use your network - find out what employment opportunities are available and who you know in the company.
- Ex- Military - use the SCOTS Connections service to find people who can share their experience.
- Utilise Social Media Groups
- Local Employers
- SCOTS & Antecedent Associations
- Officers Association Scotland (not just for Officers) - Officers Association Scotland provides networking events and is open to all ranks. Provide your contact details using the link below:
Officers Association Scotland
Getting a recommendation?
Personal recommendations, or internal references, are important to a foot in the door.
- Ask people for 3 colleagues/ associates who you could find out more about the industry/company/the role - make the ask clear and easy for them to carry out.
What preparation should I do before an interview?
- Confirm time, date and location
- Research the company and the role - use the internet, information from the recruiter, job description and your network
- Researching the Interviewers - use LinkedIn and Google to find out information to build connections during the interview.
- Finding out what to wear - find out what constitutes appropriate work clothes. Dress up (NOT down) if in doubt.
What to wear for a job interview
- Turning Up - turn up on time, be polite and leave a good impression.
- The Interview - confidence is key and order to convince an interviewer that you are fit for the job, you need to be able to convince yourself. Preparation is key.
Ultimate Interview Guide for Military Veterans
Don’t fear an interview – British Training Board
Rehearsals
- Interview Prep - do your homework, identify how your skills relate to the job description and prepare answers to common and hard interview questions. The STAR method is a framework which when followed, allows you to structurally answer behavioural interview questions by describing the situation, task, action and result of your answer.
- Rehearse your interview with friend or colleague
- Rehearse a telephone/ Zoom Interview
- Plan what questions you are going to ask the interviewer
How should I follow up an interview?
- Self analysis - think about what went well and what didn’t. Where do you need help?
- Arrange a follow-up or feedback session - via email or appropriate messaging platform thank the interviewer for their time. Most companies are happy to provide feedback on interviews so don’t be afraid to ask.
- The Job Offer - Congratulations! You have been accepted, they want you, which gives you a degree of leverage, but don’t abuse that power. Consider the checklist below:
Checklist before accepting a job offer
- Thank your Network - update your network even if not successful. People appreciate the gratitude.