Impressing your next employer

It should not come as a blinding surprise to learn that civilian employers look for much the same things as Service recruiters when they select someone for a job. They want to be sure that they can do it well; they want to see commitment; they would like some evidence of past success; and they want someone who shares their values.

Let us suppose that you have the necessary qualifications for the job, that you have some relevant experience, and that you are targeting employment fields and levels that are right for you. What else can you do to make the difference?

The answer is enthusiasm and self-confidence; but not bull-in-a-china-shop and cockiness.

Employers want to see people with spark, get-up-and-go, a hit-the-ground-running, can-do attitude – call it what you will – joining their organisation. They generally do not want stuck-in-a-rut, comfort-zone-orientated, nine-to-five jobsworths. The reason is that the former help an organisation to grow and develop. Their enthusiasm fires up other people and brings in more business. The latter are resistant to change and lead to organisational suicide.

Few organisations nowadays do not want initiative and thrust, although they may want them at a slower pace and with less intensity that the Services; and this is something that you may have to appreciate. You will, however, have been encouraged to think for yourself, and had your leadership abilities encouraged – it is just a question of being careful that your drive does not alienate the rest of the workforce.

So, how do you show these qualities to the person making the employment decision?

First of all, find out everything you can about the job and the organisation through research and reconnaissance using brochures, documents, reports and accounts, and websites. Talk with the organisation’s HR or PR departments or, better still, the current incumbent of the job or front office staff. Be polite but insistent. Ask for information.

Angle your CV and covering letter to answer all the written and implied requirements of the job advertisement. Or, if this is a speculative approach, make sure you express real enthusiasm for working in the organisation and explain why you want to. If you are going to see a contact, ask them about their job and their organisation; most people respond to flattery and are only too happy to talk about themselves! Try something like: ‘What you’ve told me about XYZ Ltd sounds really interesting. I’d love to work here and be a part of it. How do I go about getting a job with you.’ Follow this up with a letter and phone call to remind people about how keen you are. Even if there is no job there, you may well be remembered long enough to be mentioned to another potential employer as a likely prospect.

Show your enthusiasm at interview. Ask questions that show that you have done your research, and that you want the job. You may not get it but sometimes you will be remembered long enough to be offered another one. Do not posture or bluff – you could be found out. Demonstrate a belief in yourself and your abilities, and be ready to prove it through your achievements to date.

Remember that an interview is a two-way process and you may discover that you are not right for the job or that the job is not right for you. You can only do your best to present yourself and your strengths; if the interviewers choose someone else, that is their loss. Forget it and move on to the next one. But learn from the experience and do not repeat any mistakes you made.

Be persistent after the interview if you really want to work for the organisation. Whatever the result, write a polite letter thanking the interview panel for its time. Write to the HR director or contact anyone you know to say how sorry you were that you were not selected but please to keep you in mind for any future opportunity. If you want that particular type of appointment in that particular organisation enough be persistent and do not take no for an answer. If you are genuinely that interested and are in any way suitable for the job, someone may notice you if you stand out from all the others.

July’s Quest brings you Russell Light’s resettlement story, which includes some good tips for others on the same path. A mixed bag this month looks at aviation security, construction and breakdown services, which are all areas popular with Service leavers. Close protection is another favourite, while the emergency services have also attracted great interest. Electrical and electronic engineering, and health and safety continue to provide opportunities for qualified individuals. So, for most of our readers there will be at least one career in this edition that they should consider.