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7 Transferrable Skills Veterans Have That Employers Really Want

Your Military Experience is a Civilian Asset

Transitioning from military to civilian life can feel daunting, but your experience in the Forces gives you a unique edge in the UK job market. Employers across industries- from logistics and engineering to healthcare and cybersecurity- are actively seeking the skills that veterans naturally bring. Yet many struggle to find candidates with the discipline, leadership, resilience, and problem-solving abilities – all skills you developed during your military service.

"The military train their personnel to get things done, often under pressure with tight deadlines and ever-decreasing resources," says Hugh Andree, co-founder of weServed. "These are exactly the type of people UK employers should consider."

In this article, we'll explore seven key transferrable skills that can help you position yourself as an in-demand candidate and make your military experience work for you in civilian employment.

1. Leadership and Team Management

Veterans frequently lead diverse teams in high-pressure environments, making decisions that impact safety and mission outcomes. Civilian employers value leadership that includes mentoring, conflict resolution, and accountability- all core to military command roles.

Examples of civilian roles suited to this skill:

• Project Manager
• Team Supervisor
• Operations Manager
• Department Lead

2. Problem Solving and Strategic Thinking

In the military, you are trained to assess complex situations, develop contingency plans, and act decisively under uncertainty. This skill is invaluable in civilian roles requiring independent decision-making and strategic planning.

Examples of civilian roles suited to this skill:

• Business Analyst
• Risk Manager
• IT Security Analyst
• Logistics Coordinator

3. Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Veterans regularly brief senior officers, liaise with external agencies, and coordinate across departments. In civilian life, this translates to the ability to adapt your communication style to different audiences- from frontline staff to senior management- building rapport and handling sensitive information confidently.

Examples of civilian roles suited to this skill:

• HR Specialist
• Account Manager
• Customer Success Lead
• Public Relations Officer

4. Resilience and Grit

Military service builds emotional resilience, stress management, and the ability to perform under pressure. These traits are highly sought after in industries such as healthcare, emergency services, and security, where employees must thrive in challenging environments.

Examples of civilian roles suited to this skill:

• Emergency Services Personnel
• Security Consultant
• Healthcare Professional
• Crisis Management Coordinator

5. Discipline and Work Ethic

Punctuality, reliability, and a strong sense of duty are hallmarks of military life. These qualities set veterans apart, especially in workplaces where absenteeism and poor timekeeping are common challenges. Demonstrating commitment to standards, procedures, and continuous improvement makes you an attractive candidate, particularly in regulated environments.

Examples of civilian roles suited to this skill:

• Compliance Officer
• Manufacturing Supervisor
• Operations Coordinator
• Quality Assurance Specialist

6. Health and Safety Awareness

Veterans are trained rigorously in risk assessment, hazard identification, and safety compliance. If you have civilian certifications like NEBOSH or IOSH, these further strengthen your profile. Employers value candidates who can create a safety-first culture, identify risks early, and respond effectively in emergencies.

Examples of civilian roles suited to this skill:

• Health & Safety Officer
• Facilities Manager
• Construction Supervisor
• Industrial Engineer

7. Adaptability and Willingness to Learn

Veterans excel at adapting to changing environments, learning new systems, and retraining when needed. Civilian employers value candidates who thrive through change, and your military experience equips you perfectly for this. Highlighting recent courses, apprenticeships, or certifications can help bridge the military-to-civilian gap.

Examples of civilian roles suited to this skill:

• IT Support Specialist
• Logistics Planner
• Technical Trainer
• Project Coordinator

Conclusion

Your military experience is more than a career- it's a toolkit of highly valued skills. Take time to reflect on your strengths, translate them into civilian language, and showcase them on your CV.

Ready to take the next step? Explore veteran-friendly jobs and resources on weServed, and sign up for alerts to start building your civilian career today.

Making the UK the best country in the world to be a Veteran