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Translate Your Skills
HMForces.co.uk
Express your skills in cutting-edge civilian lingo. Make sure you translate your MOs into civilian skills. As you are developing your CV, it is crucial that you do not use military acronyms, slang, jargon or terms. Civilian employers just do not understand military terminology.
Here are some additional guidelines to overcome the translation problem:
• Avoid acronyms and abbreviations. Write out the terms and, when necessary, explain them.
• For specialised military training, list the names and dates of the professional and technical courses you have taken; however also attempt to translate it into civilian terminology.
• Use a line or two to describe or list some of the topics studied in the course that may be pertinent to the job you applying for. For example, write, “Management of Supervision” as a course title. Then add the course content: (course objectives) i.e. equal opportunity, giving directions, etc.
As translating your military skills can be critical to get the job you want you may find it helpful to pay to get help on your CV.
HMForces.co.uk has a CV centre containing the latest CV building tips. Go to our section on CV Writing Service to bring out your hard, technical skill as well as the soft skills like teamwork and leadership.
Useful links:
HMForces.co.uk on-line job board – Search for jobs that fit the skill set of your military trade
CV tips to make the transition": – Find out the best way to present your military experience to civilian firms
How to use your Personal Development Record – Your PDR holds a summary of your military achievements. Use it to impress employers.
Job hunting tips – Find out how to get ahead of the pack
Back to: Using Your Personal Development Record
