From Field Ops to Facilities Ops: Saluting Our Forces on Armed Forces Day

In the spirit of camaraderie and shared strength, we’ve sat down with one of our own team legends, Alex Crossley—who’s traded his military boots for wingtips in the world of facilities management (FM) recruitment. Here’s the lowdown on what skills transfer from one to the other and why recruitment is the go-to career after service. Let’s roll out!

1. What transferable skills have you taken from Armed Forces into Recruitment?

– Resiliency: The processes and setbacks that go into recruitment are not too dissimilar to those of when you’re going through training and the various courses the military have to offer. I find a lot of people who I’ve spoken to about recruitment say they quit because it was hard. Those comments echo to those who quit the military during basic training.

– Organisation: This is key in any job but even more so within the two roles I’ve had. If you don’t have a grasp of your processes, you will lose candidates, potentially lose the trust of your clients = loss of billings!

2. What was your biggest challenge transferring from Armed Forces to a job in Recruitment?

– Getting used to civilian life again! When I first left the forces, it felt like a step back as I’d gotten a lot of good courses under my belt from my time in, many of which I wouldn’t have to use in civvy street. But the challenges are the most rewarding part as I thrive off a challenge.

3. Why is  a Facilities Management Career great for somebody leaving the Armed Forces?

– A lot of FM work is in teams, and both serving and ex-military personnel thrive under these sorts of conditions. It takes more than 1 person to get a job done in most cases! I would also suggest the fact that a good portion of ex-military personnel can perform under immense pressure and this is vital within an FM environment, especially if there’s a crisis which needs attending to. Adding to this, veterans also carry a certain sense of reliability and professionalism that is well-respected across the board.

4. One piece of advice for a veteran looking for a job in the “civilian world”

– I couldn’t possibly nail it to one! But if I had to, it would be to market yourself. Get yourself onto LinkedIn and start completing your profile. In an age of social media, people are more likely to look at your LinkedIn profile than your CV nowadays so square your profile away, ensuring any relevant qualifications are visible. Connect with relevant people in your chosen field and anyone who has worked alongside you during your time in the military who are now on civvy street. One last bit of advice I would give is don’t be afraid to ask questions!

Armed Forces Day is not just a time to thank those who have served, but also a moment to recognise the vast potential of our veterans as they transition back to civilian life. Alex Crossley’s journey is a beacon for all servicemen and women, illuminating the path from the disciplined life of the military to successful careers in the civilian world.

Let his story inspire you to take the skills, determination, and professionalism honed in the armed forces and turn them into your tools for victory in any field you choose.

To all our veterans, thank you for your service, and remember, your new mission starts now. Let us help you with it. Visit Catch 22 now and discover where your skills can lead you in the vast world of facilities management. Over and out!