Page 11 - The Sandbag Times Issue No:53

ASK KERRY

Ask ...Let her

help you to
Kerry... open doors

Your First Civilian Job is

Not Your Last Civilian Job

When I start working with a client going through the transition process, I repeat the above statement to
them on a regular basis. Why?

1] The first civilian job is there to prepare the way for your journey ahead. The job gives you the opportu-
nity to understand the civilian employment market and work out your true worth. It can be very hard read-
justing and understanding how your military skills are invaluable to a civilian employer. Being able to see
the overview of a situation and then putting in place a plan of action is a key skill. You will be a ‘role
model’ for those around you. Your remaining calm under pressure will positively infect your colleagues –
and will be noted by the management team.

2] Changing jobs every two years in the military is a superb learning experience. It prevents stagnation.
You are always preparing for the next move, the next job, promotions and so on. Learning new skills is the
professional norm. This mind set is attractive.
3] Many military CV clients have taken a leap of faith and have decided to go down a different path career
wise. Their decision for their second career path is often based on the wishes to be work closer to their
families. Understandable when your military career has regularly involved working away from home. My
clients who have decided this is the path for them have used this experience to network locally. Garner
intelligence and plan for their second civilian job. The pressures are off them. Decisions made with angst
are never wise ones.

4] Cul-de-sac jobs. If after a few months in your first civilian job you think to yourself ‘WHY WHY WHY’.
Stop – take a deep breath and review the situation. The job has broadened your skill set. You have deep-
ened your understanding of the civilian job market. When CV clients come to me and say they have made
a mistake – I kindly tell them that they should view their first job as an extended Work Experience place-
ment. The job has served its purpose. Do not be hard on yourself.

As part of my coaching and mentoring support I advise clients on how to tweak their CV for every job they
apply for. I now have three former clients in their 6th job.

Your first civilian job is not your last civilian job.

GET HELP NOW: Combat Stress

0800 138 1619

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