Lean In with Pride: Recognising the Value of Military Experience in the Civilian Workforce

Understanding the value of military experience in the civilian workforce is an important conversation, particularly from an executive search and recruitment perspective.

I recently had the opportunity to join the panel at the End of Year Veterans SA Event, held at the Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes, to discuss the opportunities and considerations involved in transitioning from military service into civilian employment.

The discussion centred on three questions that are particularly relevant to employers and recruiters:

• When reviewing a veteran's CV, what language and transferable experience should we be looking for beyond traditional civilian job titles?
• What qualities and capabilities should employers recognise in veterans entering the civilian workforce?
• And what do we place too much emphasis on in civilian recruitment that may matter less than we think?

From an executive search perspective, these questions highlight an important point: great talent does not always present itself in familiar ways.

Military experience can develop exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, operational management, decision-making under pressure and the ability to lead people through complexity and change. However, these capabilities are not always immediately apparent when experience is described through military terminology or career structures.

As recruiters and employers, we have a responsibility to look beyond conventional CVs, challenge our assumptions about what a suitable candidate looks like and focus on the underlying capability, experience and potential an individual brings.

Veterans should not have to diminish or disguise their military experience to be considered for civilian opportunities. Instead, we need to become better at recognising how that experience translates into meaningful value for organisations.

Equally, there is an important message for veterans themselves: Lean In with Pride. Recognise the value of your military experience, own the leadership and capabilities you have developed, and have the confidence to bring those strengths into your next chapter. Your service is an important part of your professional story, and it should be something you carry forward with pride.

It was a pleasure to contribute to such an important discussion alongside my fellow panellists. Thank you to Christine Molitor for facilitating the conversation, Lara Barnett and Veterans SA for the invitation, and everyone who contributed to an engaging and worthwhile evening.

Building stronger pathways between military service and civilian employment requires a shift in perspective from both candidates and employers. Employers need to recognise the value of military experience, while veterans should feel empowered to embrace and articulate the strengths they bring.

Let's continue challenging perceptions, creating opportunities and encouraging veterans to Lean In with Pride.

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