All military transitional CV's are written personally by Stephen Thompson, who is a former British Army WO1 (Warrant Officer First Class).

He served with the Prince of Wales's Own Regiment of Yorkshire (now the First Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, 1YORKS), and The Queen's Lancashire Regiment (now the First Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, 1 LANCS). Don't mention 'The War of The Roses' for goodness' sake! After completing Regular Service he then served in the TA with the Royal Logistic Corps.

Steve has over 16 years' experience of writing Interview-Winning CV's, and is a Fellow of the Institute of Recruitment Professionals (FIRP).

This is what ex-servicemen and women just like you have had to say about us and The Armed Forces CV.

We lead with a recent testimonial (September 2012) from an infantry soldier who was unemployed after completing 22 years colour service. I wrote his CV in March, but he kindly just sent in this note:

"Hi [name available] here. I had a cv done by you. Just to give you an update since getting my military to civvi cv. From putting it in the system I have had three interviews, 2 with security firms here in scotland and one with [company name hidden] Airlines in Qatar, the latter still in interview stage. Am currently working security with [company name hidden] Oil Company as a security officer and I believe none of this would have been possible if not for my outstanding cv so just want to say thanks and keep up the good work".

I was personally quite chuffed to receive that, as he had been pretty hacked off and depressed when he approached me.

Here's another from March 2012, of which we're particularly proud, from Liam, an ex-infantry Corporal who has also been looking for work since leaving last year:

"Firstly let me thank you for the first draft of my CV, which I must say is nothing short of incredible. I am more than happy for this to be my final draft, unless you can think of anything else to add.

Many thanks once again".

A Gurkha WO2 on the point of departure, has just sent me this excellent feedback:

"Hi Steve - thank you so much. I have absolutely no regret on approaching you for my CV, regardless of whether or not I will get the job. I was completely unsure about how to build my CV, and I personally think that this is the case with most of the service leavers. You have produced my CV in such a way that I had never thought it would read like this, even though I have got these skills and qualifications.

Once again, thank you so much and I will definitely recommend your service to my colleagues whenever possible.

Take care."

An RAF Aircrew Checking Officer (ACO) about to make the transition to management consultancy, had this to say at the beginning of the month:

"My only hesitancy before using the service was that it was so inexpensive. Other companies charge 2 to 3 times more and I was concerned about quality based on the "you get what you pay for" adage.

[Having now used it] I think the service is excellent and definitely worthwhile. I have, and will continue to recommend it to friends and colleagues. Thanks!"

Here's a good plug from Duncan, an Army Corporal HR Specialist (AGC-SPS) in the process of leaving. This was the first we received in 2012, but the CV was actually written in November 2011:

“Stephen is an experienced expert in what he does, he translated my Military experience into a civilian CV. I was short-listed at my first application.

Thanks for the prompt delivery and continuous advice. Top class service. I highly recommend Stephen, excellent value for money.”

And here's another from November 2011 (the CV was written in September) from a SNCO Intelligence Specialist:

"After nearly 25 years in the Military, I have attended various resettlement courses; one of which claimed to help Personnel compile a CV. Word to the wise....They DO NOT! They provide you with a piece of A4 paper with some questionable sub-titles then ask YOU what you want to write.

Stephen provided me with the confidence, excellent service and knowledge that I needed to help me make the daunting step into civilian life. This is a genuine testimony and if you are due to leave the Forces in the future I would urge you to use this Service. He understands "Forces speak" and translates in an articulate manner in a way that Civilian employers will understand. I have been offered work as a contractor in the private sector with one interview lasting less than ten minutes!

Straight down the line with no bluff or flannel; Stephen has walked the walk and understands this is a no brainer for Ex Forces."

How about this testimonial which has just come in from a Royal Marines WO2 who has been "out" for a few years, now working in Maritime Security (MarSec):

“Stephen provided me with a first rate service to update and enhance my CV. He provides a bespoke service and his in-depth knowledge of Armed Forces personnel results in an excellent CV, professionally tailored for the civilian market. Highly recommended.”

Here's another from a Weapons System Expert, a Lieutenant Commander about to leave the Royal Navy:

"Many thanks for your excellent service. Now convinced and very content with your product and output!"

A senior Royal Air Force officer, now firmly established in a lucrative civilian position, thanks to the Armed Forces CV, very kindly gave us this feedback during the process:

"I have reviewed your first draft and have tinkered a little, but in essence you have captured and rewritten everything extremely well. It even sounds like me!"

A female Staff Sergeant from the Special Investigation Branch of the Royal Military Police had this to say:

"Had tried to do my CV via the Career Transition Workshop but hadn't been getting past the first filter. It was suggested to use the Armed Forces CV advertised in Soldier Mag.

This is the first site I had used, as it was aimed at the Services. I cannot fault the service I have received, and the CV is very different to my attempt. It definitely does 'smack you in the face' and make you want to read on."

Here's one from an Infantry Sergeant who has just left the Army to take up a position as a Close Protection Chauffeur:

"My CV was developed to a very high standard which got me an Interview and I'm now moving on to the next stage. Overall an excellent service, and highly recommended."

Paul M, Liverpool

Here's a super comment from a young lady (SSgt, Intelligence Corps) about to move on:

"I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for the professional and high quality service you have provided for me. Who knows what I would have ended up with had I tried writing it myself?!

For soldiers leaving the Army it can be a very daunting process so having access to someone who can make the transition a little smoother is invaluable. I will definitely recommend your service to friends and colleagues. Your prices are in line with other companies on the market although all the extras you provide are a real incentive."

Here's one from another RAF officer, a navigator instructor, who sent me this email after I produced his Cover Letter in August 2012:

Steve - Excellent as ever. Thankyou. I am very pleased to continue refering your website and services to friends and colleagues."

And another from June 2011, this time from a Warrant Officer:

"Much more than I anticipated, just speaking to Steve gave me the extra confidence to go for the job. As for my CV; excellent. I would recommend any serviceperson to use this service, we do not realise what skill sets we have until they are put into civilian commercial language."

Vic H, Infantry Warrant Officer.

Here's one from the month before (May 2011), a Royal Navy WO2 just about to leave:

"I am totally satisfied with the service that Steve of Top Pros Cvs (Armed Forces CVs) provided me with while I was resettling from the Royal Navy after almost 26 years service. He took the time to call me personally to discuss my requirements and to clarify the finer details of my military career.

Soon after our conversation, he provided me with a first class generic CV which put into 'civilian language' all the skills that I had developed during my naval career. As a result, I was offered a number of interviews and have successfully received a firm job offer.

I would wholeheartedly recommend Top Pro CVs to any member of the Armed Forces who is struggling to put their military experience into language that prospective employers will understand."

"In a nut shell my previous CV was not getting me anywhere fast. I was introduced to Stephen via The List UK, the Services business network.

Total value for money a first class service, with the added advantage of being able to make follow up enquiries to seek advice from Stephen in the future, as your career or circumstances may change."

Jock C, ex-Royal Anglian Regt.

*After Note* We have since rewritten Jock's CV for a position as an Estate Manager in France. He got that job too!

Glowing praise indeed, of which we are very proud . . . . . . and this from an Ex-Corporal, The Parachute Regiment, currently on an FCO Contract providing Close Protection in Kabul, Afghanistan:

"I would highly recommend Armed Forces CVs. The service was quick,and highly efficient. Despite being out of the country there was regular communication by emails through the whole process. I was sent a draft for which I asked for a few alterations to be made, and these were done straight away.

As I was away the completed CV was then sent through email in several different formats, and the whole excellent package was there waiting for me when I returned home.

I used the CV to approach several companies and was offered interviews straight away. This is a highly professional service and would highly recommend it to anyone."

Another Ex-Infantry Warrant Officer now working in Logistics/Supply Chain Management made this comment on Linked In in April 2011:

"Stephen is an expert in his field of providing top class Professional resumes. He provided me with a fantastic CV that gained me employment after 22 years Colour service in the British Army.

First Class service, highly recommended."