As I think we all recognise networking is the sport of choice when it comes to securing a new role.  A couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to meet Heather White from Smarter Networking in my search to increase my own knowledge and expertise in networking.  Heather was a real inspiration and has given me some articles on networking – I offer them for your edification and general interest.

There is no right or wrong CV, however there are some principles and recognised approaches – different people are looking for different aspects on a CV – HR bods and Recruitment Consultants.

A key point about this process is that most people try and complete a CV and then think about how they will ‘sell’ themselves at interview, I believe that this is the wrong way around.  You must be quite clear what you are ‘selling’ i.e. what you are going to ‘do’ for an organisation, before you can advertise it in a CV.

Networking is a mix of science and art, where the balance lies varies on you and the contact.  Laid out below is a model – you must adapt it to suit your own personality and style or it will feel false and uncomfortable.

Remember, less the lucky few this cannot be left to chance and must be viewed as full time work.

The synergy between you, your CV and how you sell yourself at interview is vital.  Arguably it all starts with how well you know yourself and what you want out of life/a career after the military. There are a huge number of ways to approach this; if you can find one that is fun then the chances are that you will get more out of it.