From Colonel to Head of Nuclear Security
Jonathan's Story
Ex-Colonel Jonathan Price served for 21 years in the Infantry, with his most recent role at AD Warfare Development.
During his service, Jonathan completed a Master of Defence Administration (MDA), and also cites ‘genuine crisis management experience - both UK (Home Office / Police / Special Forces) & overseas’ and ‘experience of operating in complex geopolitical situations and theatres’ as some of the most valuable experience he gained.
As part of his resettlement with the CTP, Jonathan attended Senior Officers Career Transition and Interview Techniques workshops in London, and describes both as ‘excellent’.
Jonathan now works as Head of Nuclear Security for EDF, and found the role advertised via the Officers’ Association’s ‘Pick of the Week’ job board. He then attended two interviews and a full day of psychometric testing, and adds, ‘critically, I was already in a permanent job at HSBC (Global Risk) and thus under no pressure to take a job unless it was absolutely right for me.’
Jonathan subsequently discovered that he had come up against over 300 applicants to secure the role, and stresses the importance of thorough interview preparation in order to stand out: ‘For interviews, research, research and research some more – you must demonstrate the very thorough nature of your preparation. Having just interviewed and recruited a new direct report from the military myself I was staggered by how many were not properly prepared – an instant turn off!’ He adds, ‘never appear desperate and too keen – it’s all about fit at interview: get them to like you.’