Moving from military life to the civilian world can feel like learning a new language. While you had a ready-made network in the forces, building business relationships works differently in civilian life. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you connect with the right people and find your next role.

Step 1: Start with People You Know

Your existing contacts are gold. The Career Transition Partnership (CTP) runs regular job fairs and workshops where you can meet employers face-to-face – check out their events at https://www.ctp.org.uk/events.

Groups like SSAFA and Combat Stress also run great meet-ups where you can connect with others who’ve made the same journey.

Real Story: “James, who used to work as an engineer in the RAF, met his future employer at a CTP event. He’s now leading a team at a major company and doing better than expected – his targets are up by 15%.”

Step 2: Get Comfortable with LinkedIn

Think of LinkedIn as your online networking go-to. Most business people use it between 8:30-9:30 AM, so that’s a good time to join conversations. Fill out your profile in plain English, share your thoughts on industry topics, and follow companies you’d like to work for.

Step 3: Share Your Story – Your Experience Matters

Every career journey is unique, and that’s exactly what makes it valuable. We’ve seen this firsthand with our candidates – it’s often the distinctive aspects of their military experience that catch an employer’s attention.

The key is being yourself and sharing your authentic experiences: – Talk about real projects you’ve managed – Share specific challenges you’ve overcome – Describe actual situations where you made a difference – Explain what you learned and how you’ve grown

Remember: Your journey is unique. Whether you’re from the MOD, Whitehall, or active service, it’s your individual experiences and perspectives that make you valuable to employers.

Step 4: Choose the Right Events (That Actually Work)

There’s a whole world of events specifically designed to connect veterans with great employers.

Here’s where you’ll find the most valuable connections: Veteran-Focused Job Fairs The Career Transition Partnership (CTP) runs regular employment fairs across the UK – find their upcoming events at https://www.ctp.org.uk/events. These events are specially designed for people moving from military to civilian roles, with employers who understand and value your experience.

British Forces Resettlement Services (BFRS) also hosts targeted career events: https://www.bfrss.org.uk/events. What makes these particularly useful is that every employer there is specifically looking to hire veterans.

Industry-Specific Meetups

Beyond the big job fairs, look for smaller industry meetups where you can have more meaningful conversations: – Armed Forces & Veterans Resettlement Expo events – Forces Families Jobs networking sessions – Local Chamber of Commerce events (find yours at https://www.britishchambers.org.uk)

Professional Networks Many professional bodies have special interest groups for veterans. They often run networking events where you can meet others who’ve made similar transitions: – Institute of Directors (IoD) military network events – Engineering Council military transition workshops – Veterans in Business networking groups Quick Tip: Don’t feel you need to attend every event. Pick one or two that align with your interests and focus on having genuine conversations rather than collecting business cards.

Remember: These events are full of people who already understand the value of military experience – you don’t need to convince them of your worth.

Step 5: Build Meaningful Connections

This isn’t about collecting business cards – it’s about building relationships that lead to fulfilling careers.

Start by listening and sharing experiences. When you meet someone at an event or online, focus on understanding their journey. Many employers are actively looking to support veteran hiring but might not know how to connect effectively.

Step 6: Keep in Touch

Follow up with new contacts within a day of meeting them. Send a friendly message reminding them where you met and what you talked about. Stay in regular contact by sharing useful information or checking in occasionally.

Step 7: Seek Support When Needed

The military community is increasingly diverse, with the RAF leading at 16% female representation, followed by the Naval Service at 10.9% and the Army at 10.4%. This diversity brings different perspectives and experiences – use these networks to your advantage:

– Career counsellors specialising in military transitions

– Veteran support networks

– Professional mentors

– Recruitment specialists who understand military experience

Step 8: Take Care of Your Wellbeing

Transition takes time, and it’s different for everyone. Your wellbeing matters during this journey:

– Connect with other veterans who understand your experience

– Take advantage of any Mental Health Services

– Balance your networking activities with self-care

– Be patient with yourself as you navigate this change

Remember: Your military experience is unique and valuable. The right opportunity isn’t just about finding any job – it’s about finding a role where you can thrive and continue to grow.

Next Steps: Ready to put these networking strategies into action? At OWOA, we understand the challenges of transition – we’re here to help you find not just a job, but a role where you can maximise your potential.

Book a free career strategy session with our team. We’ll help you create a personalised plan that builds on your unique experience and connects you with employers who value your skills. Email [email protected] or call +44 (0)2089457705 today.