Reservists are highly motivated, clear-thinking people, who are prepared to learn. That’s why increasing numbers of employers recognise the value they can bring to the workplace. Talking to your employer about the benefits you offer as a Reservist will help them appreciate the extra potential you offer – and help you gain their support. You’ll find it much easier to sell your skills by seeing the benefits from an employer’s point of view.
Transferable skills Here are some examples of the kind of skills Reservists gain from their military training and the advantages to an employer:
Ability to learn
Organisations want employees who are quick to grasp new ideas and techniques. As a Reservist your ongoing training and development specifically prepares you for any challenge.
Pro-activity
Employers like people who get things done. Reservists are trained to take action no matter how difficult the task
Handling pressure
Few jobs are as demanding as being in a real or simulated combat situation.
Planning and organising
Reservists have a distinct advantage here. Planning is vital to every military activity so you’ll have plenty of experience of deciding how to achieve objectives as effectively as possible, within time and resource constraints.
Problem-solving
Employers want staff who can resolve problems for them. Reservists learn how to look at a problem from all angles (taking into account the resources available, risk factors etc.).
Team working
Organisations look for employees who can work constructively with others. As a Reservist you’ll have had experience of working in numerous teams as well as with people from all walks of life and cultures.
Practical skills
As a Reservist you’ll also be developing a whole range of practical skills, such as health and safety. Weapons and parade drill help give you precision, coordination and accuracy - useful skills if you use expensive machinery or technology in your civilian career. On top of which you’ll be learning military skills which enable you to practise resourcefulness, perseverance and the ability to improvise in unfamiliar or difficult circumstances.
Personal qualities
Don’t forget you personal qualities such as reliability, integrity and confidence which any employer would value.
Special Training
You could also mention that your training gives you the chance to take part in adventurous activities such as climbing, trekking, abseiling and white-water rafting. The Armed Forces place a high value on such activities because they’re character-building, and help develop fitness, self-confidence, determination and perseverance. They also teach you how to lead or work within a team, solve problems, communicate, present ideas and organise a complex event or process. Your employer will value these activities for the same reason that the Armed Forces do.