From Combat Boots To Business Suits

Demystifying The Hiring Manager

What do hiring managers really think when they read a veteran's CV?
In this episode of From Combat Boots to Business Suits, Jane Burns sits down with Tracy Thomson, a recruitment expert who has spent nearly two decades hiring ex-military candidates and helping veterans navigate the civilian job market.
Recorded in the stunning Castle Room at Standard Life House, this conversation provides an invaluable insider's perspective on the recruitment process, from submitting that first application through to negotiating a job offer with confidence.
Drawing on years of experience working with service leavers and employers, Tracy shares practical advice on how veterans can stand out in a competitive job market and avoid common mistakes that can hinder a successful transition.
In this episode, you'll learn:
What hiring managers look for in veteran applications
How to translate military experience into civilian language
Common CV and application mistakes service leavers make
How to prepare for civilian interviews
What employers value most in ex-military candidates
Tips for negotiating salary and benefits with confidence
Whether you're preparing to leave the Armed Forces, actively job hunting, or looking to progress your civilian career, this episode offers practical guidance from someone who has successfully recruited veterans for nearly 20 years.
Keywords: hiring veterans, military transition, service leavers, veteran employment, civilian careers, CV advice, interview preparation, salary negotiation, recruitment, Armed Forces careers, military skills, ex-military recruitment, veteran job search.
 
 

So You've Signed Off... Now What?

Not sure where to start your civilian job search?
Beginning the transition from military service to civilian employment can feel overwhelming. With so many options, conflicting advice and unfamiliar processes, knowing where to start is often the biggest challenge.
In this episode of From Combat Boots to Business Suits, Jane Burns sits down with George Mackey, who takes listeners right back to resettlement basics and shares his practical framework for launching a successful job search.
Drawing on his own transition experience and lessons learned along the way, George introduces his O.N.W.A.R.D.S. approach—a simple seven-step guide designed to help service leavers build confidence, focus their efforts and move forward with purpose.
In this episode, you'll learn:
How to start your civilian job search with confidence
The key steps every service leaver should take during resettlement
Common mistakes that can slow down your transition
How to identify career opportunities that suit your skills
Why planning and preparation are critical to success
George's practical O.N.W.A.R.D.S. framework for moving forward
Whether you're months from leaving the Armed Forces or have recently begun your transition journey, this episode provides practical advice to help you take the next step towards meaningful civilian employment.
Keywords: service leavers, military transition, resettlement, civilian job search, veteran employment, careers after the military, Armed Forces careers, military skills, career planning, veteran careers, employment support, life after service.
 
 

Welcome to Season One

Welcome to From Combat Boots to Business Suits, the podcast helping service leavers and veterans navigate life after the military.
In this introductory episode, host Jane Burns provides a preview of what's to come in the first season of the Officers' Association Scotland podcast.
From career transition and civilian employment to personal development and finding purpose beyond military service, this series features conversations with veterans, employers and industry experts who share practical advice, lived experience and lessons learned from their own transition journeys.
Throughout the season, listeners can expect:
Career advice for service leavers
Veteran employment success stories
Insights from recruiters and hiring managers
Resettlement guidance and practical tips
Industry-specific career pathways
Lessons from veterans who have successfully transitioned
Whether you're preparing to leave the Armed Forces, recently entered civilian life, or supporting veterans on their transition journey, From Combat Boots to Business Suits is designed to help you build a successful and fulfilling future beyond service.
Keywords: military transition, service leavers, veteran employment, life after the military, Armed Forces careers, civilian careers, resettlement, veteran success stories, military skills, careers after service, Scottish veterans.
 
 
 
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