I am due to take my option point in 6 months and am considering a career change. I believe I have many of the right skill sets, but need to translate military experience into something marketable in the real world.Experience in change management, concepts and doctrine, project management and stategic and operational planning.Request any advice on translating my CV, appropriate/specialist agencies etcThanks in advance

PhilI took the same route you are taking less than a year ago, successfully. The good news is that the market for consultants is currently buoyant, the bad news is that the entry hurdle is still extremely high and most consultancies don't understand people with a military background. I think the first questions are to focus on what specifically you see yourself doing and where you want to do it; defence consulting based in Europe, FMCG in SE?? Hopefully this should accurately match your skill set and experience, or you will struggle to get interviews. Then get some information on the MC market, and recruiters, to gain a feel for where and how to apply. Also consider timescales, time available for interviews, and expect to be asked some pretty direct questions about your qualifications, experience, motivation and achievements.If you like send me an email address and I will help if I can.

Paul - I left 6 years ago and sucessfully made the transition; so it's possible. Many of the skills you will naturally take for granted are seriously lacking in the commercial world. What worked well for me was to write down all the things I had done and responsibilities I'd had, with associated (brief) resume of the complexities involved and the outcomes and benefits achieved. It became the bedrock for my 'achievements focussed' CV that, while modified with age, retains the same shape and form 6 years on. I really wouldn't waste money on supposed CV tanslation experts. You'll need to be able to translate your experience during interviews. Doing it personally for your CV is darn good practice. Send an e-mail address and I'd be happy to see if I can help. PS which Service?

I too am shortly leaving the Military but whilst I consider myself more than capable am keen to avoid the Project Manager route as I actually find the detail of delivery fundamentally boring. I am far happier and I believe add more value during the initial problem definition and solving stages. I am therefore looking for positions at the more strategic end of consulting. Can anyone therefore recommend the firms in that market that value the unique experiences if not formal academics of a military career and how to best sell these in order to get past the HR gatekeepers?

SteveL and NG. Thanks for the advice and offers to assist. Guidance on CV structure, length, ex-mil friendly consultancies etc welcome to pjbartlett@blueyonder.co.uk.Junior service, SH driver.Regards