Marc Temple is a Talent Delivery Consultant at Electus Recruitment, here's his account of leaving the Armed Forces to start a new career...
1. What was your role within the Armed Forces and how long did you serve?
My role was to set up and maintain communications to Air Defence detachments via a command post and I also gave orders over secure communications. I served for five years in the Royal Artillery.
2. What were your reasons for leaving?
The main reason for leaving was to try something different and after five years service I felt it was time to look for a new challenge.
3. How did you feel about the prospect of life and work on civvy street?
It was quite daunting at first but I felt that if I were determined enough to carve a new career, then it was totally possible to transition from the Armed Forces into everyday life.
4. How did you go about finding work after leaving the Armed Forces? How easy/difficult was this?
At the time of leaving I remember updating my CV with all of my qualifications and transferable skills I gained within my position in the Armed Forces. My role was quite specific but there were general character building attributes and duties that I knew would be applicable to roles outside of the Armed Forces. I printed out many copies of my CV, registered with specialist recruitment agencies and visited various companies, handing my CV out to them directly. I also registered with the Job Centre. With determination it didn’t take long to find something suitable and that's the key thing, don't give up!
5. What skills were transferable?
I left the Army with many skills, but mainly telecommunications which at the time allowed me to get into a role fitting TV, Phone and Broadband for NTL which is now Virgin Media.
6. Are there any similarities between your role now and your role in the Armed Forces?
As a Talent Delivery Consultant at Electus Recruitment, I work in a sales environment with targets so I suppose that determination and the will to achieve, skills which I learnt within my time in the Army, stand me in good stead within the role. I have also gained a great deal of people skills and knowledge from different industries which allows me to communicate with candidates and clients more effectively.
7. Do you ever regret your decision?
No, after five years I felt it was the right time to move on.
8. What advice would you give others thinking of leaving the Armed Forces?
First and foremost update your CV then do your research, registering with relevant recruitment agencies within the industry you are looking to move into. It's also a good idea to create a Linked In profile or update one if you already have one because Recruiting Managers might headhunt online before making a vacancy available.