Why did you set-up JobOppO?

No one who has ever served in the British military should ever have to struggle after leaving. That’s what happened to me. After serving Queen and country, going to war, I left and felt I had no support or guidance to help me navigate the transition. I struggled a lot, but my resilience and adaptability got me through. 

About 10 years ago, when major redundancies were happening in the British Military, I had friends of mine reaching out to me for support in finding a new role as I had already done a lot to raise awareness over the military-to-civilian transition. JobOppO is really a result of that. It grew out of a reaction to what I could see and how I could better support the community. 

If you could go back and tell yourself one piece of advice before leaving the Military, what would it be?

There’s quite a lot I would tell a younger me. The first is don’t be scared of the new or the unknown. Also, failure is normal - don’t be afraid of it. I feel like at times, being in the Military, we’re taught to bury fear so when you leave you still hold on to that. But, now coming out the other side I would say embrace new opportunities no matter how scary. And also, the life skills that you have already gained are going to take you far. 

What are your future JobOppO plans?

We like to shake things up and do things differently. We are not a transactional job board where we provide a service and then disappear into the background. The next step for us is to continue growing our community and help drive everyone forward. We’re all about educating and giving back, so this year we’re planning even more interactive resources from seminars to a new podcast. Watch this space… 

JobOppO has grown rapidly over the last year (during a global pandemic, no less). What is driving this expansion?

Firstly, we’re investing heavily in spreading the word and going above and beyond. From educating corporate clients to attracting a closed community of candidates, we have not stopped shouting about our mission. Also, our passion and drive resonates with others because it’s genuine and we find it seems to have a knock-on effect with those we partner up with.

What sets JobOppO apart from other veteran-focused job boards?

It’s hard to compare us to others, because we do things so differently. But, at face value we know that our vetting process gives our clients peace of mind and for our community we only put them in front of an already-invested and supportive employer. We create an environment that is mutually beneficial for both the candidate and employer.

What’s the feedback been like since launching JobOppO?

So far we have signed up large, well-known companies as well as thousands of candidates and that speaks volumes. But, the feedback that keeps us going are the comments we see on social media from our candidates - some are hopeful, some appreciative - and it just cements that what we are doing is having a ripple effect within the community.

How has your military background shaped you?

I wouldn’t be me, without the years behind me in the British and Australian Military. The life lessons, skills and stories will stay with me forever and I take those experiences and channel them into what I do now.

For those transitioning from Military life to Civilian life, how should they go about highlighting their transferable skills?

It’s important those leaving the Military or who have left some time ago understand their skills, knowledge and attitude they can bring to a civilian employer. Inherently we don’t like to “gob off” but you have to learn to be willing to sell yourself.

Do you have any universal CV tips you can share?

My top three would be:

1. Never have just one 1 CV - have bits that you can cut and paste or reorganise/tailor as relevant to the application you are making.
2. Always break down your military experience and try, where possible to liken it to a civilian equivalent. Think projects not patrols, people not platoons!
3. Use plain language that you understand, particularly in a personal statement. 

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You talk to large, corporate companies daily. What’s the response been when you talk to them about hiring Ex-Military?

I’ve found that those that are already invested in the workforce, maybe they have a veteran programme already in place or have signed the covenant, are extremely receptive. They already understand the benefits and the demand for the skill sets of the community. For those that haven’t yet tapped into the market, they’re keen to learn more and I’m happy to help educate them. Either way, the Ex-Military workforce is an emerging market that’s becoming increasingly popular and year-on-year there has been substantial growth.

How is JobOppO disrupting the industry?

I’ve worked for other job boards in the past and I would say that JobOppO offers all the traditional features of a generalist job board - but has added bonus features that I haven’t seen anywhere else. It has the exclusivity factor, the platform is closed for our verified and vetted community and the information cannot be accessed by any lurking third-parties.

What keeps you motivated day-to-day?

For me, it’s been an eye opening experience to see how the Ex-Military community helps each other out. It’s totally different to the corporate world, where it’s more dog-eat-dog. With this community, even after leaving their teams behind, they are still conditioned to have each others back and that’s extremely refreshing to work with. 

What do you feel makes veterans and service leaver stand out to potential employers?

They have a lot skills to offer such as leadership, teamwork, organisation, problem solving and flexibility. Ex-military are well trained, highly motivated, and talented individuals that can bring a range of transferrable skills to their workforces.  Ex-military are versatile and have the ability to adapt and overcome , delivering outcomes to a high standard.

How would you say JobOppO supports veterans and service leavers?

By offering a completely free and exclusive service to anyone that has served.

Change can be daunting but when you know someone ‘has got your back’ such as a like-minded community, it can help make that transition feel smoother.

JobOppO educates the employer to realise the true potential veterans and service leavers have to offer. Meaning our partners already recognise and value, unique skills and attributes of our community, creating an environment this is beneficial for both candidate and employer.   #valuablenotvulnerable

What makes JobOppO a good community to be a part of?

JobOppO exists to support veterans and service leavers realise their potential to find THE job, not just A job. Working exclusively with companies that value and respect ex-military personnel.

Providing free guidance and resources to help veterans and service leavers transition and progress in their next career.

I’m so glad I joined the JobOppO team!

What advice would you give a veteran or service leavers looking to find meaningful employment when they leave?

Johnny – You have to spend time thinking of all the things you have done and unpicking the skills you needed to carry out the tasks – then try and translate those things into civvy speak. You also need to back yourself and feel confident your experience is worthwhile and wanted. JobOppO can help with this!

Jane – For me it’s about the culture and about feeling happy to commit your future to an organisation that will respect you for the value you can add AND the experience you have had.

What do you think makes a “veteran friendly” employer?

Jane – To me it’s an employer that doesn’t feel sorry for you or want to employ you to tick a CSR box, it’s an employer that offers you a job because they know you’ll be great at it – and more.

Why JobOppO?

Johnny – Most of the team at JobOppO have been through it and have had their own challenges to navigate. This means they will empathise not sympathise.

Jane – They will do things a bit differently. They are well connected and well liked and have built some strong relationships with employers who want veterans and service leavers.