Veteran Transition Tips: What Should You Ask Your Recruiter?

It’s safe to say recruiters don’t always have the best reputation. It’s a shame because the good ones go above and beyond the call of sales. Service leavers often have a tough time trying to explore the job market without support, and recruiters are uniquely placed to provide it. 

A decent recruiter can advocate for your skills and personality, represent your best interests, and connect you with a veteran-friendly opportunity that might otherwise pass you by. 

What does it take to get the most out of your partnership? It starts by asking the right questions. The team at Ex-Military Careers have put together a handy list. Check it out below.

What’s the Company Culture Like? 

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you start the job search, especially if you’ve never worked in the civilian world before. Not to worry, you can let your recruiter know your situation, and they’ll help guide you through the process. 

Part of the transition involves adapting to a new culture – every company is different, and so are the cultures they keep. 

Asking your recruiter to give you a breakdown of the company culture can reveal a lot about a business. Do they have veteran-friendly policies? Employee resource groups? Inclusive working environments? 

A good recruiter will have access to this information, and even if you don’t end up taking the job, it can help you get a better understanding of what’s on offer. 

What Does the Career Progression Path Look Like? 

It’s important to know where your career is headed and how you can get to the next level, otherwise you might risk getting stranded in a stagnant job. You’re a veteran, and you have a highly desirable skill set –  you deserve jobs that let you grow and flourish, not hold you back. 

Many businesses do a wonderful job of investing in their people, others, not so much. Knowing what you need to do to progress can help you identify an opportunity that matches your skills and ambition. 

Why Are They Hiring for This Role? 

Another potentially revealing question, asking your recruiter why the last person left can shed some light on the situation. Perhaps they moved up to a different role, or maybe you’ll be the first person to perform it. Whatever the case may be, it’s worth uncovering some info about the team dynamics, and this question can help you do it. 

What are the Biggest Challenges I Might Face in This Role? 

Knowing potential challenges ahead of time is a great way to think about how you’ll overcome them. This can give you a head start before the interview and help you better prepare for any difficult questions. 

Plus, it helps you identify any areas of your skill set that might need improving. If you’re not sure what the challenges mean in terms of your skills and experience, you can always ask your recruiter to help you translate your military background in a way that connects with the civilian job description. Speaking of which…

What Do You Know About Veterans Making the Transition to Civvy Street? 

It’s important that you connect with a recruiter that understands your unique skills and experiences. This way, your recruiter will have an easier time identifying relevant job opportunities, and how to advocate for your employability.

We’ve got you covered. The team here at Ex-Military Careers work closely with specialised recruiters from our sister brands (Trust in SODA, Broadgate), to help place veterans in meaningful new roles after they leave the military. 

No matter what stage of the transition process you’re at, we can help you out. You’re not alone in the job search, even when it feels like it. Reach out to the team here to find out more about our inclusive, community-led recruitment process.