A recent article published in Materials Handling World (MHW) Magazine explains why ex-military personnel are particularly well suited to a career in the logistics industry.
Nick Everard of recruitment company J1 Consulting, who specialise in the placement of Service leavers, says, “As a recruiter specialising in sourcing young officers who have completed a short service commission and are looking to move into junior/middle management, plus highly experienced warrant officers who have completed their 24 year engagement and come onto the job market at around age 40, I can personally testify that these candidates make excellent senior managers.” < /p>
In the article, Nick highlights to potential employers the wealth of transferrable experience held by logisticians, and explains why Service leavers are so well suited to working in the sector: "the logistics industry offers many day to day challenges, demanding the ability to assess and respond to changing situations quickly, which is one of the reasons why it is such an interesting industry to work in. Working in the military requires similar levels of drive, flexibility and vision, plus a marked ability to plan."
Nick identifies seven key qualities which make ex-military personnel particularly employable in the industry; these are: accountability, adaptability, teamwork, task focus, relationship building, integrity and cost-effectiveness. Those from a logistics background are likely to be able to demonstrate all seven qualities, and it may be worthwhile placing particular emphasis on these when applying for jobs and speaking with potential employers.< /p>
Click here to read the full article, which contains further information on each key quality.
With 18,000 personnel leaving the Services annually, Nick suggests that these provide a great source of under-utilised talent for the logistics industry, and stresses the importance for the sector in encouraging and attracting the very best employees. He also says that despite the economic downturn the industry is making a steady recovery, and has much to offer its staff in terms of challenges, incentives and rewards. < /p>
Are you looking to continue your career in logistics? Remember our job site RightJob offers hundreds of live vacancies across all sectors.