How to Write a British Army CV for a Civilian Job?

Crafting a compelling CV is the critical first step for military personnel transitioning to civilian employment. By effectively translating military experience into transferable skills valued by corporate recruiters, veterans can significantly increase their interview shortlist rate. This guide provides a structured approach, complete with examples, to build a competitive British Army CV.

What Are the Key Sections of a British Army CV?

A successful CV for a civilian job must be structured to be immediately understandable to non-military recruiters. The key sections include personal details, a powerful professional summary, a detailed experience section, a dedicated skills list, education, and certifications. The goal is to frame your military career in a business context. For instance, a structured interview in the civilian world assesses competencies similar to those developed in the military, such as leadership and problem-solving. Your CV should prime the reader to see these parallels.

Personal Details: Include your full name, phone number, professional email address, and location (e.g., "Catterick, North Yorkshire"). You may include your rank and regiment, as well as security clearances if they are relevant to the role. Avoid personal information like age, gender, or marital status to prevent potential bias.

How to Write a Professional Summary that Captures Attention?

Your professional summary is a 2-3 sentence elevator pitch at the top of your CV. It must immediately highlight your value proposition. Instead of just listing your military role, state the transferable skills you bring and the type of civilian role you are targeting.

• Weak Example: "Former British Army officer with 10 years of experience."
• Strong Example: "A highly disciplined and results-driven leader with 10 years of experience managing teams and complex logistics in high-pressure environments within the British Army. Proven expertise in supply chain optimization and strategic planning, seeking to apply these skills to a challenging logistics management role in the private sector."

This approach directly answers the recruiter's unspoken question: "What can this candidate do for my company?"

How to Describe Military Experience for a Civilian Recruiter?

This is the most crucial section. The challenge is to avoid military jargon and focus on achievements and responsibilities using business language. Use action verbs and quantify results wherever possible.

• Instead of: "Responsible for platoon equipment."
• Write: "Managed an inventory of equipment valued at over £1M, ensuring 100% operational readiness for a 30-person unit through rigorous maintenance schedules and audits."
• Instead of: "Went on patrols."
• Write: "Led a team of 5 on coordinated security operations, requiring meticulous risk assessment and clear communication to ensure the safety of personnel and assets."

Present your experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent rank and position.

What Transferable Skills Should You Highlight?

Military service develops a robust set of skills that are highly sought after in the civilian job market. Create a dedicated skills section to make these easily scannable. Based on our assessment experience, the most valued transferable skills include:

How to Format Education and Certifications?

List your educational qualifications, starting with the highest level first. Include any military training that is equivalent to a formal qualification, such as courses from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. In the certifications section, include all relevant courses—from advanced leadership development to first aid or technical operations training. These demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development, a key factor in talent assessment.

To build a standout British Army CV: focus on translating military jargon into business benefits, quantify your achievements, and explicitly highlight your transferable skills. Using a template can ensure you include all necessary information in a clean, professional format. Reviewing examples from similar ranks and roles can provide a clear blueprint for success in your civilian job search.