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:

• 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.
• Always break down your military experience and try, where possible to liken it to a civilian equivalent. Think projects, not patrols, people not platoons!
• Use plain language that you understand, particularly in a personal statement. 

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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 the 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 is 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.

As our SeniorOppO, what drove you to join the team?

I had already started to dip my toe in the veteran support space when I met Garrath Williams. Pretty quickly, it was clear we had the same purpose and desire to disrupt and change the way our community is supported. It was an easy offer to accept to come on board. I feel I can add value and bring lived experience to benefit the next generation of Service Leavers and Veterans. It is very rewarding to be part of a committed team.

What have you learnt about being a Veteran since joining?

I have always been a proud Veteran, maybe these days it sits more comfortably with me and I am wiser as to when it is relevant to promote and highlight. I think society's attitude has evolved, when I first left the RAF it wasn't always so. I think attitudes change when employers and peers see us in action. There is also no doubt about the willingness of the veteran community to give back. 

Why should Veterans & Service Leavers register with us?

To Get insights from those who have gone and done it on the outside! Opening your mind to your potential and finding a new purpose is critical before you dial in on a specific job. It's here whenever you need it and you can also give back in a trusted network when you are settled. Oh, and you don't have to stay in the same lane. JobOppO has so many resources, lived experience, and support built by those who have been there, done it, and sometimes learned the hard way.  It still needs you to invest effort into your own transition, or as we say Changing Gear, but it's got all the essential stuff at your disposal.

What do you bring to the team?

Having been out of the Military for almost 10 years, I have a broad understanding of what the next steps look like when the uniform comes off. 'Becoming a Veteran' is a personal journey, and no two experiences are the same, but they are all very similar in many ways. What I bring to the team is a voice that allows Service Levers and Veterans to share those experiences, learn from one another and raise awareness among employers, that our community has talent in buckets. I'm an enabler, a conversation starter and a passionate advocate for highlighting success within the workplace. 

What one “gem” would you tell the Tim about to “Change Gear”?

Firstly, 'Changing Gear' isn't a single event. It doesn't have an end state and the process evolves constantly. This change is good, it requires flexibility and is based on personal development. I would tell myself that the lessons are learned on the journey, not at the destination or on the completion of the goal. Building a network and surrounding yourself with like-minded people who may have done this before is key to avoiding the mistakes which can often be made if you're 'going it alone'. Community and network are key to positively changing gear. I would also tell myself to look broadly at where my skills might be applied well, outside of my comfort zone. It would have been easy for me to remain in healthcare, however, the soft skills, relationship building, and passion for helping others I have learned through my time as a Military Medic have also been effective in other sectors of employment.

To you, what makes JobOppO different?

JobOppO is all about community. It's about sharing ideas, learning from other people's mistakes, and being inspired by their achievements. JobOppO provides a platform for our community to genuinely build on each other's lived experiences of leaving the Military and ensures that the civilian employment sector is aware of our skillset and how that translates to not just finding any job, but THE job. JobOppO continues to forge a collective 'brotherhood' and 'sisterhood' focused on highlighting its members as assets, not resources whilst also encouraging members to learn from peers but importantly remind that individuals have a strong network to fall back on. 

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

They have a lot of skills to offer such as leadership, teamwork, organisation, problem-solving, and flexibility. Ex-military are well-trained, highly motivated, and talented individuals who can bring 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 knowing someone ‘has got your back’ such as a like-minded community can help make that transition smooth.

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

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

JobOppO exists to support veterans and service leavers to 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!