With the recent announcement of further cuts to Military staff over the next few years likely to bring an increasing number of committed, highly trained staff from the Army, Navy and RAF onto the job market, the question for recruiters and hiring managers will be how to assess and utilise the wide range of skills that they can offer.

We asked David Hale of ForcesRecruiting,a specialist in helping ex-forces personnel make the transition back to civilian life, what the top 10 attributes forces leavers offer their future employers….

“Having helped a wide range of service leavers from the Army, Navy and RAF of all ranks and ages, both male and female it is very clear that the majority have the key personal skills that companies look for – team oriented, self-motivated and reliable. So we decided to look deeper, and using employer feedback as well as our own experience, we put together a list of the top ten skills that ex-Forces candidates can offer…

1. Leadership skills: Employers highlighted this as one of their key requirements. Being able to lead a team of staff requires confidence, as well as being able to delegate tasks and roles, whilst giving help and support to those you are leading.
2. Good Communication: Serving in any of the armed forces requires the skill to communicate with colleagues in some of the most stressful and hostile situations. This skill is necessary in all working environments, whether with staff or in a customer service situation.
3. Self-Motivated: This is essential, giving individuals the drive to succeed, complete tasks and increase opportunities for advancement and progression.
4. Efficiency: This is also becoming an essential attribute, particularly during a recession as companies are looking to streamline or cut costs in all areas. Having the capability of achieving the desired result with minimum use of resources, time and effort is a valuable and vital skill. Continue reading “10 Skills that ex-Forces Employees Can Bring to Your Business” »