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Dan Wilkinson, Head of Employment tells us about being unprepared for life on Civvy Street

I left the Army, after almost 18 years service on 31st August 2008. Two weeks later, the world was plunged into recession by the Lehman Brothers scandal.

Like most soldiers, I was completely unprepared for the challenges of Civvy Street'. As an Infantry sub unit commander, I thought I would walk into a job. I could turn my hand to anything.

But that was the problem. I didn't know what I wanted to do. I knew I didn't want to work in Defence and I knew nothing about Financial Services, so I ruled them out quickly.

Someone mentioned 'Operations' but it was a different definition to what I was used to. It sounded like getting stuff done, though, and I was comfortable with that.

I spoke to a few recruiters and told them my story. They seemed to like me and what I had done, so I was put forward on the 'short list' as the 'wild card' for a couple of jobs I knew I could do in my sleep.

After a few of these, I started to realise that nobody ever hires the wild card!

Recruitment (and business) is about de-risking. Why would they take a punt on me when they could hire Mr Boring who had been in the industry for 10–15 years? It didn't matter how sparkling my personality and how competent I came across, they were never going to take that much risk.

Better stick with a 7 out of 10 and know the job would be done.

Granted, I would need some time to learn, but it didn't matter that I might be a 9 out of 10 after a year in the job. That's often the view of the HR department.

And thus it dawned on me.
I had to find a different route.

As a 37 year old Major, I was confident I could do a job. I just needed an opening, an opportunity to prove myself outside of the military.

So I told everyone I met that I was looking to find my first job outside of the Army.

I started an account on LinkedIn and began to build my network.

Then I got the break.

Never underestimate the power of the school car park!

A friend I knew who had a daughter in the same class as my eldest daughter had heard my chat about looking for a job and put me forward for something.

I didn't know him that well back then, but he knew I was an officer in the Army, he liked my character and he assumed I was reasonably competent.

I started two weeks later, running a Round the World yacht race! Simples.

I've had 5 other jobs since then. None of them were advertised. All were obtained through networking.

I've been a programme manager, a management consultant, run my own business and worked in sales. All through developing and constantly cultivating an active network.

Then, aged 47, ten years after leaving, I found the job I knew I would do for the rest of my life. I found what I wanted to be when I grew up! Helping veterans find jobs is something I am perfectly qualified for.

Don't do what I did. Learn from my mistakes. And network your arse off!

If you need more detail than that, register on weServed and we will do our best to help you avoid the many pitfalls of military transition.

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