When you're applying for your first job, it can be difficult to know what to put on your CV. If you haven't had much work experience yet, you might worry that you don't have enough to impress an employer.
The good news is that many employers are looking for more than just previous jobs. They're looking for people with the right attitude, willingness to learn, and evidence that they can commit to something. That's where being a cadet can really help.
Our parent company, Ammo & Company, is proud to hold the prestigious Gold Award from the Employer Recognition Scheme, part of the Armed Forces Covenant. As a business, we actively support recruitment from the armed forces community, including veterans, reservists, cadets, and adult volunteers.
Over the years, we've spoken to countless employers who recognise the value cadets can bring to the workplace. So, if you're building your first CV, here are a few reasons why your cadet experience deserves a place on it.
You've Proven You Can Learn New Skills
Let's be honest, most jobs won't require you to navigate using a map and compass, complete a fieldcraft exercise, or strip and assemble a rifle. However, employers aren't just interested in the skills themselves.
What they do care about is your ability to learn.
Every badge, qualification, course, and assessment you've completed as a cadet shows that you can take on new information, practise, improve, and achieve a goal. That's exactly the sort of mindset employers want to see.
Research consistently shows that employers value skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and self-management. These are all qualities that cadets develop regularly through training, camps, competitions, and qualifications.
CV Tip: Include Your Best Achievements
When listing qualifications or badges, focus on the ones that show responsibility, leadership, or specialist skills.
For example:
- First Aid Qualification
- Duke of Edinburgh's Award
- Master Cadet
- Leadership Courses
You don't need to list every badge you've ever earned. Pick the achievements that best demonstrate your skills and commitment.
You've Developed Strong Communication Skills
Being able to communicate well is one of the most valuable workplace skills you can have.
It's easy to chat with friends about things you already have in common, but cadets often find themselves working with people from different backgrounds, age groups, and experiences. Whether you're helping younger cadets, working as part of a team on camp, or speaking to instructors and adult volunteers, you're constantly developing your communication skills.
Many first jobs involve talking to customers, colleagues, or managers about things you've never dealt with before. Employers love people who are willing to ask questions, get involved, and step outside their comfort zone.
CV Tip: Use Real Examples
Rather than simply saying you have good communication skills, explain how you've used them.
Instead of writing:
"Excellent communication skills"
Try something like:
"Worked with cadets of different ages during training exercises and annual camps, supporting team activities and group tasks."
Specific examples help employers understand what you've actually done and the skills you've developed.
You've Demonstrated Commitment
One of the biggest things employers look for is reliability.
Showing up consistently matters. Businesses rely on people who turn up when expected, work hard, and contribute to the team. While talent is important, commitment is often what sets people apart.
Think about everything you've dedicated time to as a cadet. Weekly parade nights, weekend exercises, annual camps, competitions, training weekends, and courses all require effort and commitment.
You could have stayed at home. Instead, you chose to get involved, learn something new, and challenge yourself.
That's exactly the kind of commitment employers like to see.
Did You Know?
The average cadet can spend hundreds of hours each year taking part in parade nights, camps, training weekends, community events, and qualifications. That's a level of commitment many employers immediately recognise and value.
When writing your CV, don't be afraid to mention how long you've been a cadet, any leadership positions you've held, or significant activities you've taken part in.
Leadership Experience Counts
Many cadets gain leadership experience much earlier than they realise.
Helping younger cadets, leading small groups, mentoring new recruits, or taking responsibility during activities all demonstrate leadership qualities.
You don't need to have been a senior cadet or held a formal appointment to include examples of leadership. Employers understand that leadership comes in many forms, and showing initiative can often be just as valuable as managing people.
CV Tip: Leadership Doesn't Have to Mean Being in Charge
Many cadets underestimate their experience because they haven't held a senior rank.
Leadership can include:
- Helping younger cadets during training
- Supporting new recruits
- Taking responsibility for equipment or tasks
- Leading part of an activity or exercise
These are all examples worth mentioning on a CV.
In fact, many employers would rather hire someone who can demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and reliability than someone with lots of qualifications but little practical experience.
Don't Forget Your Duke of Edinburgh's Award
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award remains one of the most recognised achievements for young people in the UK.
Employers know the time, effort, and dedication required to complete the award. The volunteering, physical, skills, and expedition sections all help demonstrate qualities that employers value highly.
If you've completed any level of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, make sure it features on your CV.
Former Cadets Go On to Great Things
Cadets develop skills that can support them in a huge range of careers. Former cadets can be found working across the Armed Forces, emergency services, engineering, healthcare, aviation, teaching, business, and many other industries.
While not everyone chooses a military career, the confidence, discipline, teamwork, and resilience gained through cadet activities can benefit you wherever your future takes you.
Quick CV Checklist for Cadets
Before sending your CV, ask yourself:
✔ Have I mentioned my cadet experience?
✔ Have I included any qualifications or awards?
✔ Have I given examples of teamwork or leadership?
✔ Have I highlighted my commitment and reliability?
✔ Have I checked my spelling and grammar?
A few small improvements can make a big difference when applying for your first job.
Don't Underestimate What You've Achieved
If you're applying for your first job, don't underestimate how valuable your cadet experience can be.
The skills you've developed, the qualifications you've earned, and the commitment you've shown are all things employers look for when reviewing applications.
Whether it's your Duke of Edinburgh's Award, annual camps, leadership experience, qualifications, or simply the dedication required to attend every week, these experiences tell employers a lot about who you are.
So don't hide them away at the bottom of your CV. They might be more relevant than you think.
