Leaving the armed forces is a big step. Engineering is a natural next move, but the way you present yourself on paper matters. We looked at the ex-Forces profiles in our own database to see what service leavers are aiming for and which CVs work best.
This report is created using unique Rise data from the last 12 months.
What ex-Forces candidates are applying for?
In our most recent ex-Forces profiles, the civilian job titles used most often fall into five groups:
- Engineering, maintenance and field service: Field Service Engineer, Maintenance Technician or Engineer, Electrical Maintenance Engineer, Electronics Technician, Vehicle Mechanic, Marine Engineer, Weapons Engineer.
- Logistics, driving and transport: HGV Driver (Class 1 and 2), Transport Planner or Manager, Yard Supervisor, Warehouse Supervisor or Operative.
- HSEQ and compliance: HSEQ Manager, Health and Safety or Permit Coordinator, Compliance Manager.
- Security and enforcement: Security Manager or Officer, Door Supervisor.
- Project and delivery: Project Manager, Delivery Manager, Operations Manager. These are often candidates who have translated leadership experience.
The strongest CVs in our data pick a lane. "Maintenance Engineer" lands better than "ex-Army looking for anything". Then back it up with evidence.
What the best CVs do
1. Lead with a civilian headline. Put the role first and the military second. "Electrical Maintenance Engineer (ex-REME)" or "Network Engineer (Royal Signals background)" works well. Many records in our database still lead with rank alone, such as Corporal or Warrant Officer. That is the weaker option.
2. Translate your experience into outcomes. Employers understand these signals if you spell them out:
- Fault finding
- Planned maintenance
- Compliance
- Safety-critical environments
- SOPs and inspections
- Permits
- Training others
- Shift work
- Documentation
3. Make licences and tickets easy to find. The most searchable profiles in our database list these clearly:
- Driving licence or HGV class
- Electrical qualifications, where relevant
- Safety tickets, where relevant
The test is simple. A hiring manager should be able to match you to a job in 10 seconds, without knowing military terms.
FAQs
Is there a set length of service or rank employers want when a job says "ex-armed forces"?
Usually not. Most adverts that mention ex-forces are welcoming the skills and discipline, not setting a minimum rank or time served. What counts is relevant experience, such as maintenance, fault finding or safety-critical work, and any tickets the role needs. Check the individual advert, or ask us.
What progression and learning is available in engineering?
Many roles in maintenance, utilities, rail, renewables and defence manufacturing have structured training and authorisations. Typical routes run from technician to senior engineer, then to supervisor, planner or manager. Specialist routes include commissioning, reliability and HSEQ. Resettlement guidance advises focusing on employers with structured training and authorisations.
Can I apply before I leave, and can the start date match my leaving date?
Yes. Tell the employer your leave date at the start. Support through the Career Transition Partnership usually runs from 2 years before discharge until 2 years after. Eligible leavers can use up to 35 days of Graduated Resettlement Time for resettlement activities. Many employers will work around that timing.
What support is available for service leavers?
The Career Transition Partnership is the official MOD resettlement service. It offers advice, training courses, events and a jobs portal. Courses cover engineering, health and safety, electrotechnical, renewable energy and more.
How do I write a CV without military jargon?
Swap rank titles for what you did. For example, "Colour Sergeant" becomes "Team Leader managing 30 staff". Show budgets managed, people led and results achieved.
Which jobs suit ex-forces candidates most?
Engineering, logistics, IT, emergency services and project management are popular. Our own data shows maintenance and field service engineering at the top of the engineering list.
Do I need extra qualifications?
Some qualifications transfer directly, such as driving licences and technical trades. Others need a civilian equivalent. Look at real job adverts, note the repeated requirements, and get the gatekeeper tickets first.
How do I find forces-friendly employers?
Look for Armed Forces Covenant signatories and Employer Recognition Scheme award holders.
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