Forces: Ex-Army
David P - WO2
“Remember that if your CV gets you an interview, go to that interview knowing that you are the right person for the job...that’s why you are being interviewed.”
Background
Ex-WO2 David Phillips left the Army in September 2011, having completed 22 years service with the RAC. During his military career, David gained managerial skills and experience, along with technical knowledge of Communications & Information Systems (CIS); he also obtained managerial certificates as part of the Command, Leadership & Management (CLM) programme, and a CTLLS qualification.
Resettlement
David’s resettlement was structured around the fact that he and his wife had planned for some time to emigrate to New Zealand, and he therefore aimed to transfer his military experience into a similar civilian career. David’s wife was the main visa applicant, due to the fact that her vocation met with New Zealand’s Skills in Demand list, and so David at first focussed on the move and planned to take some time out before starting work again.
Prior to emigrating, David attended a Career Transition Workshop (CTW) at RRC Tidworth, of which he says, “The main thing that I took away from the CTW was the notion that if you have been selected for an interview, you can assume that you are the right person for the job! You just need to ‘stand out’ during the interview. This gave me confidence when I actually did get selected for my interview in New Zealand.”
David also explored the training courses offered by the CTP, and used his GRT to complete a NEBOSH General Certificate at the Resettlement Training Centre (RTC) in Aldershot, with the aim of boosting his CV further.
Outcome
Whilst still in the UK, David submitted a number of job applications via
www.seek.co.nz “just to test the water”. He was therefore pleasantly surprised to find out that he had been shortlisted for an interview after just a few days in New Zealand. David went on to attend the interview and was subsequently offered the role of Communications Supervisor for Veolia Transport Auckland, which operates the Auckland Passenger Rail Network.
The role involves supervising a team of Customer Communications Officers, and the management of all communications with both internal staff and the public. The role will also lead to the introduction of new processes and procedures, due to Veolia’s expanding train network and new technologies.
David says that his 22 years worth of supervisory and managerial experience were the main factor in helping him secure the job. He also says that “HM Forces are highly regarded around the world, and the fact that I was a Warrant Officer within HM Forces really helped me gain respect.” He admits that it has taken some time to adjust to the Kiwi “pace of life” and a very different working environment to that of his military role, but says that “it was relatively easy to slip into middle management so quickly”.
David advises other Service leavers to “start planning at least three years before you are due out (especially if you plan to emigrate)”. He also says “Remember that if your CV gets you an interview, go to that interview knowing that you are the right person for the job...that’s why you are being interviewed.”
More success stories