How Employing Ex-Military Personnel Will Better Your Workforce

Posted on 16/05/2013 by Jennifer Lilley

Service Leavers – A valuable asset to any employer

At Hire a Hero we want more employers to realise just how valuable an ex-military work force can be and how it can greatly benefit your company overall.

Working in a military environment on whatever level and for however long there is no doubt that certain traits and skills need to be in place initially and during service these are developed and added to creating a person who, when no longer in the military, has a vast amount of transferable skills

In one way or another all UK Armed Forces swear loyalty to the country. For the Royal Navy and Royal Marines this means signing an attestation or engagement form on their entry into the forces to show their allegiance. For the rest of the Armed Forces they swear an oath;

“I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her heirs and successors and that I will, as in duty bound, honestly and faithfully defend Her Majesty”.

This oath sets high standards on values, professionalism, individual behaviour and self-discipline as well as them offering selfless commitment. The Armed Forces serve wherever and whenever they are needed despite the difficulties or dangers that might be involved.

The values of military personnel include discipline, integrity, loyalty, respect for others and total professionalism. Now who can deny these as being the transferable traits of a model employee?

Service leavers have a unique perspective on different values. They have the advantage that they understand the traditional values held in the civilian world but they also have worked outside the box. They understand the need to work to tight schedules and to work with only resources available to them often in a limited capacity. They have the ability to prioritise tasks and see them through to the end even under levels of stress which many of us in the civilian world never have and never will experience.

They have a proven record of integrity, sincerity and trustworthiness traits which for any prospective employer are highly desirable and can also ensure the protection of employees, property and materials. They also take on responsibilities that are thrown at them unwittingly and last minute, thriving under the pressure.

Military personnel have a great awareness of policy and procedures and why these are important for the running of any organisation as well as the implications not following these could have on the health and safety of themselves and those around them.

Learning new skills and concepts is nothing new to those who have served and people should not doubt their ability to fit into the work place and transfer their skills appropriately over a vast range of different sectors.

The military is the best source for a highly skilled, qualified and experienced workforce. A military background should hold a level of respect. Hire A Hero aims to open up employers eyes to the opportunities that they are missing out on and to give service leavers in their transitional period a smoother journey into meaningful civilian employment.

How to survive the six second CV scan

Posted on 02/05/2013 by Thomas Cummings

SCREENING: Make your CV stand out

It is an inconvenient truth that recruiters only look at a CV for an average of six seconds. It is therefore vital that it is as effective as possible.

One of the best ways to do this is to highlight on your resume how you meet the job specification, making it as easy as possible for the prospective employer to see how well you match the job requirements.

This can be done either by listing these at the top of your CV, or bring attention to them in bold, underlined or italicized fonts, placing them throughout your resume. Call attention to this fact, give the employer absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t be considered the perfect candidate for the job.

Just as importantly, make these requirements easy to find within a CV that is professionally formatted. A prospective employer’s decision on how long they spend reading your CV will be determined by the way that is set out. Why should the person waste time searching through the document to find information when others have clearly laid it out?

Don’t lose the attention of the reader with long paragraphs, if the information can only be found after filtering through a section of prose the reader isn’t going to be willing to spend the time finding it. Keep it clear and concise, highlighting how best you are suited to the job.

Hire a Hero is equipped to offer advice to those service leaver’s who are struggling to put together a CV that gets them notice. If you would like advice to help you in your job hunt please email info@hireaherouk.org.

Healthcare vacancies available via Hire a Hero

Posted on 01/05/2013 by Thomas Cummings

VACANCIES – The Hire a Hero employment map

This week sees Hire a Hero make great strides thanks to the acquisition of a number of vacancies within the healthcare sector that can now be found via the website vacancies map.

Openings are available throughout the country, ranging in contract type and job specification.

It is the belief of all the team at Hire a Hero that those who have served as part of military corps in the armed services now find themselves more than equipped for these roles.

Along with specialised healthcare positions a number of none medical positions can also be found ranging from the role of housekeeping supervisor to receptionist.

A total number in excess of one hundred vacancies within the healthcare sector can now be found on the Hire a Hero vacancies map and once again highlights the commitment of the charity to getting ex-military personnel into meaningful long-term employment.

As Hire a Hero’s portfolio of job vacancies grows openings will be placed on the charity’s employment map and advertised via HAH’s Twitter, @hireaherouk, and Facebook.

For all the latest employment opportunities via Hire a Hero please follow us on Twitter and ‘Like’ us on Facebook, perhaps even bookmark the employment map in your web browser.

If you do not find a vacancy that you deem appropriate to your skill set, or if you are looking for a particular avenue of employment please get in touch with us by emailing info@hireaherouk.org.

Make Your CV Stand Out – How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter

Posted on 29/04/2013 by Jennifer Lilley

Stand Out: A cover letter will set you apart from other applicants

It can often take a long time to get together a really good CV. A lot of work and effort goes into getting your CV just right and then you find out, you need a cover letter too. ‘Do I really need a cover letter?’

Bottom line is yes. You really do need a cover letter. Military leaver, top company executive, student graduate, everyone should have a suitable cover letter when applying for any position and here is why.

A friend of mine is leaving her current position and working her four week notice period. Her employer asked if she could advertise the position online to allow them time to interview and have a replacement for her departure. The position was posted online at 10am on Wednesday morning, over the next two days she received 120 applications by email alone. This is why you need a cover letter. Employers often have several hundred CV applicants to go through and of those you have to stand out. Perhaps they should spend an equal amount of time going through each but they don’t.

Sitting starting at a pile of CV’s what stands out? A direct cover letter telling the employer exactly why you are the employee they need to have in their company. The cover letter will get your CV noticed and without it you are just another piece of paper in a pile of CV’s.

So what is a cover letter?

A cover letter is your first interaction with the potential employer and gives you the opportunity to explain why you are applying for the job and why you are the right candidate for the job.

How do you write one?

When you start to put together your cover letter answering two questions will give you a clear idea of what you need to say: What does the employer want to hear? and what do I want my cover letter to say about me?

Your cover letter should ideally be addressed to a named person. This makes it a lot more personal. This can be difficult if perhaps there was no named given of who would be dealing with recruitment though this can be solved through a simple call to the company. If you really run into difficulty with this then a simple, Dear Sir or Madam, is suitable.

You should then move onto which role you wish to apply for, how or where you heard about the position and letting them know you CV is attached for their consideration.

Keep your cover letter short and make sure you hit the key points;

Why you are applying for the job
Why you are the best person for the job
Show interest/knowledge of the company
Highlight things on your CV relevant to the job

And remember to always end on a positive note.

Once you have your cover letter together your CV should back up everything you have said through qualifications, experience and skills.

There are many common mistakes that people make in their cover letter so make sure you avoid;

Your cover letter being too long. It gets boring and in turns reflects badly on you.
Don’t just repeat everything from your CV. A cover letter is more conversational so make sure you pick out key qualities and skills to focus on.
Try not to go off point. Keep focus and direct everything to the job you are applying for.
As with your CV it is easier to have a cover letter template though you must make alterations if you are applying for different positions. If you have one generic cover letter you use to apply for a number of different positions it will sound hollow and a lack of effort become apparent
Check, check and triple check. Spelling and grammar tells a lot about a person so get someone else to read over once you believe you are finished. Sometime a fresh eye can pick up on errors you might have scanned over.

Applying for a position without a cover letter leaves out some vital answers that an employer will want to know from the start. Why are you applying? Why should we employ you?

In this difficult climate it is important that you stand out from the crowd as you never know how many people you are competing against so get practising your perfect cover letter and don’t be pushed to the side.

If you are at all unsure about your cover letter or CV then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us info@hireaherouk.org.

Military Experience Makes Better, More Productive Workers

Posted on 25/04/2013 by Jennifer Lilley

General Sir Peter Wall – military reservists role in the Armed Forces will make them better and more productive workers.

The head of the Army has stated that companies should hire military reservists because their role within the Armed Forces makes them better and more productive workers.

General Sir Peter Wall, the Chief of the General Staff, called out to employers to help change the attitudes towards military reservists and help in delivering a ‘cultural reset’.

Sir Peter told the Daily Telegraph that companies need to lead the way and show the advantages of employing people within a military role.

“Having people who are getting a wide range of training will undoubtedly help to augment their role in the workplace” he said.

With the Army due to fall to its smallest size since the Napoleonic War following cuts to the defence budget, 30,000 reservists will begin to play a much more prominent role in military operations. When this happens, Sir Peter suggests that the nation’s attitude will need to change towards those volunteering to serve in the military.

“The area we need to look at is the relationship between the Army and the employer,” he said. “We need to have a more pro-active relationship between the reservist, the Army and the employer. We need to have the employers on side.”

Hire A Hero understands the vast skill sets of current and ex-military personnel and we want to help ex-soldiers to show how transferable their skills can be into a civilian working environment.

If you are interested in the work of Hire A Hero or if you are a service leaver looking for help or advice during your transitional period then get in touch with us info@hireaherouk.org.

Applying for Positions on the Hire A Hero Vacancy Map

Posted on 17/04/2013 by Jennifer Lilley

With the Hire A Hero map beginning to fill up with positions we thought it important to have a tutorial of how best to go about applying for these positions.

First and foremost make sure you have a thorough read of the different vacancies available on our map depending on which part of the country you want to work in and under your desired job key.

If you find a suitable job then great! Now take the time to break down the job specification. What qualifications/skills/expertise are they looking for? And how does that translate to what you can offer? If you think you are a potential candidate for the position then it’s time to move on to making your CV show this.

Have a look at your CV and cover letter and make sure that they highlight the key points that the employer is looking for. An on point CV and cover letter will demonstrate immediately that you are a suitable candidate for the position.

Most skills gained through any experiences are transferable across a number of different job positions. Analyse your skills and how or if they relate to qualities or skills that the employer is looking for. It is also great to have specific examples. If you say you have good communication skills then how have you demonstrated this? What examples from a working environment do you have to prove this skill? These are what employers are looking for, examples to show that your skills are transferable and will be useful in their workplace.

Once you have your CV and cover letter together using these tips you are ready to apply and can simply send your CV via the job key pin of your desired position on the map. You can then put your cover letter into the message section that follows with all your details.

If you are at all unsure about your suitability for any position or applying on the Hire A Hero map then please get in touch and we will be happy to advise you and point you in the right direction.

If you haven’t found a position on our Hire A Hero vacancy map, either in your area or that matches what you are looking for, then get in touch with us anyway info@hireaherouk.org and we can add your details to our employment list and contact you with future opportunities suited to your needs.

Have a look at our current vacancies.

Keep up to date with new positions added to the map via the Hire A Hero blog, by following us on Twitter and liking us on Facebook using the links below.

Veterans Chance to Voice Their Opinion on Transition Process

Posted on 09/04/2013 by Jennifer Lilley

Armed Forces: Share your experience of transition

At Hire A Hero we aim to do ‘whatever it takes for as long as it takes’ to ease the transition for ex-service personnel into civilian life. Listening to the views of those leaving the forces, what they need during their transitional period and making sure that these views reach the right people who can help and make changes is so important.

The Veterans Transition website is giving service leavers this chance, by allowing veterans and their families to voice their opinions.

The ‘Have Your Say’ page on the website allows service leavers to report their experiences, problems encountered and suggestions for improvement.

Lord Ashcroft, the Prime Minister’s Special Representative for Veterans’ Tranisition is collating information contributed through the website for his official review of transition at the end of 2013.

The review will take into account aspects of the transition period including employment, health, housing and education. The team who put together the report will also consult industry, local authorities and government departments, as well as other bodies including service charities like Hire A Hero and the Armed Forces themselves.

At Hire A Hero we want to educate people on the vast challenges faced by service leavers and ensure that it is understood on a wider scale the help that they need and deserve during their transition.

It is thought that depending on the findings of this report, Lord Ashcroft will recommend to the government specific changes in policy or practise.

The work aims to build on the Armed Forces Covenant, which commits the government to ensuring that veterans receive fair and equal treatment and are not disadvantaged as a result of their service to the nation.

Lord Ashcroft said:

“It is very important to me to get a feel for what those going through the process of leaving the Services actually experience. I want to know whether there are gaps between the government’s good intentions and what happens to individuals on the ground.”

“We will consult widely, but I also want to hear directly from those who have a view and want to be heard. The experiences of individuals and families who have made the transition from military to civilian life will play an important part in the review, and ultimately, I hope, in ensuring those who have served the country get the support they deserve.”

Minister of State for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans Mark Francois added:

“This government is committed to looking after all those who have given so much to protect and serve our country. We want to make sure that Service personnel get all the support and help they need when they make the transition to civilian life.”

“The Prime Minister appointed Lord Ashcroft as his special representative for Veterans’ Transition and I look forward to supporting his work.”

Hire A Hero encourage as many service leavers as possible to get involved and contribute their experiences.

Have Your Say @ Veterans Transition

Featured Job Opportunity: Sales Executive Trainee Scheme with nationwide building distributor, inside M25

Posted on 02/04/2013 by Thomas Cummings

A fantastic position is currently available at a nationwide building distribution company as part of its Sales Executive Trainee Scheme.

The candidate will be required to work within the organisation undertaking specific project work or operational delivery for the designated area, in order to develop key sales skills and build a good understanding of the business, its customer base and all aspects of the Sales Executive role.

The company in question are dedicated to the employment of ex-service personnel and ask that candidates must hold a full clean driving licence.

As part of the year long programme, which will lead to a permanent position and pay rise, the Sales Executive will demonstrate a professional approach at all times and flexibility to work with the requirements of the scheme. While, undertaking various roles in branch, to gain a clear understand of how a branch operates (6-8 weeks).

The trainee will be assigned a Sales Executive from whom they will gain the responsibilities and requirements of the role, ensuring targets set are achieved within time frame and that all training is attended.

While undertaking the role the successful candidate is asked to continually grow his/her own knowledge of market trends, competitor activity and supplier performance, to work towards continuous development, while promoting a positive company brand image.

As part of the scheme an attractive package is offered which includes a salary of £19,000pa, company car, 29 days holiday, pension, life assurance and share options along with staff discount.

If this is an opportunity that interests you please apply by emailing thomas@hireaherouk.org or via the link below, attaching your CV and a covering letter in both instances.
Click here to upload your CV & Apply

Hire A Hero Connects With Handy Heroes Construction

Posted on 27/03/2013 by Jennifer Lilley

VACANCIES: Hire a Hero are helping Handy Heroes Construction to recruit ex-military tradesmen

At Hire A Hero we are committed to finding meaningful jobs for ex-forces and we can happily lift the lid on our talks with London based construction company, Handy Heroes Construction.

Owners Rich and Matt have approached Hire A Hero looking for ex-military tradesmen who can use their military values and work ethic in providing a top service to their customers.

Handy Heroes Construction is set up and run by two former Royal Marine Officers, Matt Hammond and Rich Hughes. Both having left the forces completing two tours of Afghanistan and one tour of Iraq they have merged their skills, values and work ethic from their time in the military and have asked for the assistance of Hire A Hero in finding them ex-military personnel to help them with their new, expanding business venture.

Rich said; “Matt and I had spoken about the business idea during our service. When we both left the forces we wanted to take on a new challenge and gain commercial experience. The business has grown from there.”

Since setting up in February this year, the company runs with Rich, Matt and two other service leavers who are on call when bigger jobs arise. With more work becoming available Hire A Hero plans to help Handy Heroes employ more ex-forces tradesmen over the next year by putting the right people in contact with them.

“The scope and potential for work is huge and we aim to have at least ten employees over the next year, though maybe more with the way things are going” said Rich.

Like Hire A Hero, Handy Heroes is proud to support service leavers in finding employment. Hire A Heroes continuing work and employment connections mean that more service leavers will be matched to rewarding civilian jobs and be able to use their transferable skills to their full potential after service.

If you are a service leaver and think that a position with Handy Heroes Construction may be suitable for you then get in touch via email info@hireaherouk.org or send your CV directly to Rich and Matt info@handyheroesconstruction.co.uk.

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Another real life example of a veteran in need of housing support

Posted on 25/03/2013 by Thomas Cummings

VET: Dobbs during her time as a speciliat dog handler

VET: Dobbs during her time as a specialist dog handler

On Friday Hire a Hero found the story of two forces leavers struggling to find homes in Scotland, both forced to seek help themselves before being housed.

A similar story was published last week in Surrey’s ‘News Shopper’ telling the story of Private Lauren Dobbs.

Last November 23-year-old Dobbs left the military after six years, a stint that included one full tour of Afghanistan as part of the Vets Corps.

Since then Dobbs has been reliant upon night shelters and family in order to keep a roof over her head, circumstances the former Private describes as ridiculous.

“I think it is just ridiculous – I am very annoyed but there is nothing I can do,” said the 23-year-old.

“It is completely unfair – I have colleagues in the army who have had to re-join, or have not been able to leave, because they have not been homed.

Like so many former ex-military personnel Dobbs has been forced to fall back on family while studying with the Personal Trainer Academy, staying with her mother.

“I left because I wanted to move on and do other things,” Dobbs explained to the News Shopper.

“The army was what I had always wanted to do, and after that the personal training.

“But the fact you are not paid much in the army makes it harder when you leave.”

The mother of the aspiring personal trainer Michelle Lynn has since branded the situation as not ‘good enough’.

“It is not good enough – my daughter was fighting for her country, it is disgraceful that they treat someone who fights for their country like this.

“When soldiers leave the army they cannot afford a mortgage, their wages are atrocious – what are they supposed to do?”

It is the hope that in future former service men and women like Lauren Dobbs will seek advice from Hire a Hero.

Hire a Hero is committed to finding housing solutions for former Armed Forces personnel and service families, easing the transition from service to civilian life.

It is the aim of Hire a Hero to make service leavers fully aware of the range of housing and associated support and benefit options available, to aid the search for a suitable home for them and their family.

If you or anybody you know would like advice about re-housing following a career in the military please get in touch via email info@hireaherouk.org.

Along with housing advice Hire a Hero is also equipped to provide support when it comes to employment and re-training and is committed to finding meaningful jobs for ex-servicemen and women.