The Hunters Club
Real Stories from Real People

I just wanted to thank you, and I thought it would be useful to give you and the FTG team a testimonial as your job fair in Cheltenham last September was critical in me securing a suitable role coming out the Navy. 

I put my chit in over a year ago, and I leave the naval service on 13th April, but I start a new role as an Associate Sales Manager at Rheinmetall next week. 

 The role that I’m going into was never advertised and came about because I met the head of HR at your Cheltenham event with job spec for a senior sales roles they were advertising, but had already filled it turned out. She told me their head of sales would be at DSEI the next day and I doorstepped him at the event. That lead to a formal interview process and I was fortunate that they were thinking about another sales position and I put myself in front of them at the right time. 

The role at Rheinmetall is exactly what I was looking for both in terms of the job and salary. But it was the only job offer I ever got from my job search and I would have stayed in the Navy if I hadn’t got this role. I think it goes to show that resettlement is a very challenging process, and your military service in no way will lead to a job unless you force it through – and even then you need a bit of luck and timing. I think my experience demonstrates that applying for jobs en mass is an uphill struggle as I never got any traction from the applications I made. I hope you keep spreading the word, and imparting on people still serving that leaving the military is a serious business and it’s very easy to get it wrong. 

All the best and thank you, 

I just want to say a huge thank you to you and the team at FTG for all of the help, advice, encouragement, education, networking and events that you have provided me and fellow service leavers.

After having completed a 1-2-1 CV workshop with you, attending interviews at your live event in Cheltenham in January, and completing free training in Agile and Scum provided by you and the FTG network, I have now secured a permanent role with RT Consulting!

I could spend the rest of this email listing the shortcomings of the current resettlement arrangement, but as I know you are well aware, I shall leave it there. Let me just end by saying again from the bottom of my heart thank you, and if there is ever anything I can do to repay the favour, I hope you will let me know.

Through FTG, I’ve learned to stay humble and resilient during my job search, adopting a true hunter mindset and never giving up. I’ve gained confidence and motivation, much of which came from your online job fairs and career events.

Your team is doing an outstanding job supporting veterans, especially through Michael’s “Hot Seat” sessions. Michael’s guidance greatly improved my interview skills, helping me reach the required standard. I highly recommend him to any veteran, while it might not be perfect on the first attempt, I still remember our one-to-one session and have applied his advice in many subsequent interviews.

I’m delighted to share that I’ve secured an overseas role with an exceptional salary package. After 15 months of searching for a stable job, my family and I are thrilled with this new chapter.

Thank you once again for your support and dedication to veterans like me.

Being a service leaver I decided to ask for help from the FTG for my CVs, I was then offered both the Hunter Club coffee meeting and the LinkedIn Masterclass, the FTG are very understanding of the position we are in as service leavers and what we are going through. 

Thank you to you and all the FTG team for everything you do for Service Leavers, Veterans ans Blue Lighters. While you may not always receive thanks or recognition, I am sure that each and every one of us are eternally grateful for the opportunities, advice and guidance FTG facilitate and provide.

You enthusiasm, drive and determination are infectious and inspiring. FTG motivates me to be that Hunter, to be more focused, achieve clarity and to do my very best to leave well and flourish.

See you in Cheltenham and hopefully a chat and coffee.

After having a really positive experience at the Manchester live event on the 1st of April 2025, conversations and interviews continued well into May. One group I actually didn’t manage to speak with at the event messaged after aligning on the FTG app, this led to multiple conversations, potential opportunities and interviews where I have just been offered and accepted a role. It’s going to be a really interesting journey ahead which I’m really looking forward to.  The experience and support from the FTG and partners has been fantastic, everyone has been so supportive, understanding and really want to help.

Thanks again for the platform and opportunities you are providing, it probably wouldn’t have happened without.

I thought I would give you an update on my situation. Using the CV that we worked on I applied for six roles, being invited for interview for all six. I’m happy to say that I have accepted an offer from Babcock. The CV obviously works.

Thank you and keep up the great work that you do for us Service Leavers.

Just wanted to give you an update and add some more good news to your weekend. I have just been offered a job and have officially signed my contract with a really good company. Just wanted to thank you and Mandy for all your support. This job came about using your guidance with CV techniques and your advise on networking both has been such valuable assets to me throughout my job search.

I was so worried about transitioning, and after so many rejections I was scared that I wont be able to find a job much less do the job but using the hunter mentality I was able to overcome my imposter syndrome and continue to push through. In the end it was all worth it and I am so excited about this new chapter in my life and I know that your support was key to my success.

Your guidance and support is a valuable asset to veterans transitioning into the civilian world. Keep up the good work.

I just wanted to share some fantastic news and say a huge thank you. Through the FTG career fairs and support, I’ve secured a role as Principal Consultant with Company X Consulting.

I’m absolutely delighted , especially to receive such great news just before Christmas. I’m incredibly excited to get started and genuinely looking forward to this next chapter in my career. Having this confirmed now also means I can fully focus on the remainder of my resettlement and concentrate on completing courses and qualifications that will directly support me in this role.

Thank you so much to you and the team for the outstanding support. The guidance and opportunities FTG provide really do make a huge difference, and I’m extremely grateful. 

Thank you for your continued support and dedication.

After taking the time and effort to really think about what I want to do and be a bit more selective in my approach, I started to get interview invites as you well know.

Well……you never guess what!! McLaren just offered me the job as Senior Compliance Co-ordinator. I can only imagine how many people applied but they picked me! ME!

I am over the moon and can have a nice chilled Christmas, knowing that in the new year I rejoin the land of employment.

Thanks so so much for your support and belief.

I am over joyed.

Just wanted to say to huge thank you for your help in making my CV appeal to organisations with absolutely no knowledge of the Military or what we offer. All it took was a couple of emails and a one hour zoom call. Submitted 8 job applications, resulting in 6 interviews and an unbelievable offer with a NFP charity, all in 4 weeks! Your expert help with my CV secured the interviews that I was struggling to achieve. Of course, you were spot on with your comments, don’t aim low, sell yourself short, or try to limit the CV to one/two pages. Just a few golden nuggets of advice I quickly learned from. After 37 years in the Army, Civvy street doesn’t look as daunting now.

Thanks again mate. I am hugely impressed with the brilliant service you provide and hope other service leavers take the opportunity to utilise your extensive experience, an area where we normally struggle.

Just to let you know I had some good news today, I’ve been offered and accepted a temporary contract with a local authority in the Northeast, as a Fire Safety Advisor until March 2026 – Although only a temporary position, this will provide me the opportunity to gain sought after experience in this particular field.

I’m most grateful for the ongoing support provided by ‘Team FTG’! The interview session provided by Michael Glassock & Paul Brenton was invaluable (The final ‘R’ on the STAR, the icing on the cake), not forgetting the CV support provided by your good self and the hard work the wider team are conducting behind the scenes – very much appreciated John.

I maintained that ‘Hunter mentality’ which is deep rooted within the FTG ethos, and my resilience finally paid off.

I would like to thank you for all your support over the last three weeks since my redundancy, the inclusion of assistance and guidance for long-transitioned veterans is amazing and should be shouted about, most organisations only focus on those entering the end of their service or the recently demobbed. 

Attending the live transition event as a delegate helped me to open up about my experience and engage confidently with employers regarding my planned next steps. The CV workshop helped refine an aged and underwhelming CV that I had been constantly tweaking since around 2007, it now packs a notable punch.

I started some consultancy work on the 28^th November with a training provider who over adult skills and employability training, apprenticeships and bespoke commercial solutions. Yesterday (a mere 4 days in) they offered me the opportunity to turn the role permanent in January. As a result I will be taking the position of Director of Quality and Performance and I cannot wait for 2026 to start.

If there is anything I can do as a thank you then please let me know. I will of course be speaking to my new employer regarding becoming a partner and developing an ELCAS offer, I have already sent a detailed proposal to them outlining the benefits.

After what seemed like the longest hour of my life, the interview ended, and……..

They’ve offered me a contract! To top my day off even more, I’ve been called to  interview for a second company after also sending them my CV on a whim.

I just wanted to say that, if it wasn’t for your help in getting my CV up to scratch and that interview paperwork you sent me, then I wouldn’t have been offered this job or even got my foot in the door with their recruiter in the first place.

I just wanted to take the opportunity to thankyou for all your time and help with my CV and for allowing me to attend the workshops. I went for my first interview back end of summer and got my first offer. They key for me was to remember that I am good and I can do it, something I have never thought of before prior to speaking to you. I honestly cannot thankyou enough and what you do is invaluable. I am out the Army in 6 weeks when I start my new role and very excited about my next chapter.

I just wanted to let you know I have accepted a job offer to start in the new year!

My stats were 5 Job Applications with 5 CVs Sent; 5 Interviews, 3 Job Offers. Not a bad strike rate and I have no doubt the FTG fundamentals helped to shape my transition period and subsequent success.

I just wanted to drop you a quick note to share some good news and to say a massive thank you.

Since our one-to-one session, I revamped my CV with your guidance and applied for four jobs. I’ve had three interview invitations, attended two, and I’m delighted to say I’ve been offered a new role, which I’ll be starting in September.

Your advice and input really made a difference, and I’m so grateful for the time you took to help me.

Thanks again,

Well Paul you have certainly stirred some passion in me from our chat. 

I’ve linked in with Alicia and my cv has been sent out to all the partners, one has bounced back and asked me to set up a profile on their website, which has now been done.

I’ve booked on to the critical incident training and will get that boshed off, 

I’ve reached out to Tommy jones too

This is all on top of being on a work related training course with firearms all day. 

Your energy certainly rubs off which is a great asset in your field of expertise

 I hope the browny training goes well buddy,

All the very best and see you in Manchester 

I just wanted to say thank you. 

I wasn’t looking for a job until September really; I wanted a little break after moving Germany- UK earlier this month. Anyway, I saw a job advertised for Sales Administrator at the Telford International Center, and applied on the off chance last Monday evening. They rang me the next morning to schedule an interview, which I did on Friday and this morning received the job offer! 

With the help I received from you on my CV, I truly believe this got me the interview, and in turn the role. 

First job application, first interview and job secured, all within a week! I start at the end of the month and it’s perfect as it works around my children’s school hours. 

If you’re looking to hold an event at the Telford International Centre, you know who to speak with at the Sales Team! 😉 

Thanks again for EVERYTHING you do!! 

Firstly I hope you’re well mate, the purpose of this email is to thank you and the team at FTG personally for your support over the past few months.

I have just accepted a job offer starting in March 26 with Options Greathire event company as an Operational Manager, which gives me time to now enjoy the rest of my service career and resettlement prior to exiting the RAF in 4 months time, whilst it’s not an FTG partner. I’d like to thank you for your help with my CV, LinkedIn profile and the taking the hot seat sessions which have all given me the confidence on being a service leaver. Also the guidance you’ve given on negotiating salary and aiming myself in at the right level and not going in lower. Attending the online job fairs and in person job fairs have 100% put me in the position I’m now in.

The work the team at FTG and yourself are putting in for service leavers and those already out of service is nothing short of exceptional. And I will recommend yourselves to every service leaver or those already out that I come across. Keep up the good work mate, and hopefully are paths cross in the future. Thank you again to you and the entire FTG team.

Good afternoon, just wanted to send you this e mail.

Many thanks for the assistance thus far, in only 2 weeks, your help with my CV, got me an interview with DHL. I have attended the interview  and have been offered the role. I am so thankful for your advice and help.

You and your team are super helpful and give great guidance and feedback.

Just wanted to share a small good news story with you.

On Tuesday I attended a CV workshop run by the Barclays Military & Veterans Outreach Team. Matt, who was running the workshop went over exactly how Barclays like to see a CV. Following the workshop I took the CV you have been helping me create and used it as my master, edited it very slightly and created a new Barclays specific version (whilst retaining the master CV to use whenever I need it). I didn’t change much, shortened a few things, some formatting changes, added an “other interests” paragraph as that is something Barclays like people to have and I sent it to Matt to get his thoughts on it.

The feedback I received from Matt was excellent. He said it was rare he sees a CV in such a good place and that it usually takes a few rounds of back and forth with someone to get a CV half as good as the one I sent him. He was impressed with the strong metrics used in the key achievements and career history, said my qualifications showed a strong subject matter expertise and that the career history was concise, punchy and flowed well.

I would not have been able to send Matt such a strong CV without your help and the time you have taken in shaping the original CV I sent you a few weeks ago. It has really been a confidence boost knowing that I can send a CV to someone at a company I could potentially seek employment with and have them tell me my CV would have done really well if they were looking at it from a hiring perspective. I also found it incredibly easy editing the CV you helped me create to shape it to be company/employer specific.

Thanks again for all your help and I really enjoyed the LinkedIn Masterclass and Interview Hot Seat this morning with Michael.

I stumbled across John and FTG on LinkedIn around 6 months ago. I followed him and FTG and immediately found that he has a wealth of experience in helping people to transition from the military, some of which, directly resulting from his own transition journey.

Just wanted to share my good news that I have a job as a project manager with Kier Water.

Thank you to you and your team for the help during a difficult time transitioning. Your help has been invaluable and is greatly appreciated.

Please continue doing what your doing and if I can help in any way in the future please let me know.

Thanks again.

I wanted to write to let you know I have accepted a role and start in my new job next week.  Whilst my new role is not with a FTG partner, I wanted to thank you for your support over the last 18 months, starting with taking the time to discuss writing my CV.  You allowed me to step forward on the right foot, and I have had some really positive feedback on my CV since.

I think the service you provide to Service Leavers is truly impressive. I have completed courses with FTG partners and received amazing support throughout. The online Job Fairs have provided me with a great insight into the variety of roles out there, allowing me to identify where I wanted to land, and probably more importantly, where I did not!

I have spoken with a number of the FTG partners who have been really supportive, and the only reason I didn’t take employment with any of them was more about the scarcity of roles in certain areas at certain levels.  Sometimes it felt like I was looking for a unicorn!  However, these discussions enabled me to grow my confidence to network more effectively, resulting in multiple job offers arriving all at once.

So, thank you for all the support you and your team have provided to me, and that you continue to provide to the wider transitioning cohort. It is truly appreciated and I will ensure to recommend the FTG to those I know entering transition in the future.

Thank you for all the help during my transition out of the Army, after your guidance I sent my CV out twice. The first company called back almost straight away but unfortunately the start date didn’t work with my exit date. The second time was after I attended the FTG careers fair under Concorde at Manchester airport, I had an amazing conversation with one of the employers, sent them my CV, attended the interview and signed the contract. I’m really excited for the new role and you really did take the stress out of leaving the forces.

I wanted to share some exciting news—I’ve accepted an offer as a Senior Consultant with CXC.

I first connected with them after attending one of your online Career Events, and going through their interview process has been a great experience.

The FTG have played a huge role in supporting my transition this year, through:

• CV writing
• LinkedIn Masterclass
• Interview hot seat
• Plus the live and online events

Thanks to all of this, I can now enjoy my Termination Leave with the reassurance that my immediate future is secure following my last day in the Army.

I’m truly grateful for everything you and the FTG team have done—and continue to do—for Service Leavers.

I just wanted to send a quick note to say how incredibly excited I am to have accepted a role as a Project Manager at BAE Systems.

I’m truly grateful to you and the entire FTG team for the incredible support over the past year. Your guidance and live interview shows have made a real difference in my transition, and I genuinely believe the work you do is life changing for service leavers.

Please keep up the fantastic work, you’re making a powerful impact and helping people like me find new purpose and opportunity.

Just to let you know that I have now secured a PM role with AtkinsRealis. I only applied for one role, interviewed the following week and received a job offer a few days later.

I received some very positive feedback on my CV. For me, the biggest takeaway from the 1-1 session was highlighting and quantifying my achievements. Understanding this made a massive difference. Your methodology in developing CV’s clearly works.

I now have a good amount of time to reset, take a holiday and spend time with the family before I start my new role in a few months.

Thank you for what you have done for me and what you continue to do for the rest of the Armed Forces community during their resettlement journey.

The time and guidance FTG provide is commendable and are a value to the service leaver community and only open doors of opportunity. From job fairs, free training, CV advice and even financial guidance FTG are a force multiplier I recommend to any service leaver wanting to adopt that hunter mindset, slow is smooth but smooth is fast.

Your guidance and certainly 1 on 1 CV session were invaluable, I was able to apply personally and with FTG assistance for various roles within Project Management and L&D domains. I made it to a total of 5 interviews (4 separate ones with CXC) and I can safely say with your input and mentorship I felt confident and comfortable in each one, ultimately branding myself to the right company for me and securing a new role.

I just wanted to give you an update, following your CV tweaks.  I secured 10 interviews with various companies, those interviews then led to 9 job offers.

The hardest bit is choosing which career to follow and to be honest I’ve still not fully decided. 

Some are well paid, some are convenient, some will give a good work life balance. I can’t thank you and the FTG enough for the CV work and the job fairs where most of these interviews were secured.  Keep up the great work, you are a real asset to service leavers.

Just to let you know, I’ve been offered a very good salary, it’s a substantial pay rise from what I was earning as a Cpl. I remembered your advice about asking for what you feel you’re worth.

So I just want to thank you again and when I have friends leaving the forces and they message asking for some advice, I’ll be sure to send them your way aswell.