Amazon Author – Expert CV and Interview Advice…

I’m now an Amazon Author. Grab Expert CV and Interview Advice for peanuts!

CV Writer, Copywriter and Interview Coach

I’m most well-known as a CV Writer for the UK military (armed forces and veterans), and as a Freelance Copywriter. I also write for civilian ‘high-flyers’ in the professions – engineers, architects, health care professionals and others.

Commercial Background

Since leaving the Army I’ve practiced as an Accountant, Management Consultant and HR Professional ‘in a previous life’! I’m currently the Managing Director of Armed Forces CVs and Top Pro CVs, UK enterprises that specialise in CV Writing Services, Career Guidance and Interview Preparation.

I became a Fellow of the Institute of Recruitment Professionals (FIRP), part of the Recruiting and Employment Confederation (REC), in 2010.

I do love to write!

I’ve only relatively recently become an Amazon author after years of procrastination. I published my first Kindle book (which you can see below) in 2016. I have been gifting the original version of this book to my clients for years, and sold it to non-clients for well over £25. You can get the updated and improved version for Kindle for under £3 on Amazon.

In the initial promotion it actually hit the No 1 spot, of which I am very proud indeed. Here’s a screenshot:

I then published my CV (Résumé) Writing guide a couple of months later…

The book holds absolutely nothing back, and could be subtitled “Confessions of a Professional CV Writer”. I’ve distilled a lifetime of expertise into this deceptively small treatise. You can take any CV (military or civilian) and improve it dramatically using this book, or even write a killer CV from scratch using the advice and suggestions it contains. Enjoy.

More good things to come…

Later this year, I intend to publish my “Cover Letter Success” book. It’s true to say that a well-written cover letter more than doubles the effectiveness of a good CV – it’s a crucial tool to getting the CV opened and read. Indeed, if you think about it, a fantastic CV is useless if the prospective employer doesn’t read it….

This is one book I have been itching to write for a very long time. The “humble” cover letter really is the “ying” to the CV’s “yang” – they’re 2 prongs of a very successful “section attack” on your job search if used correctly.

Watch this space…..

Hi - thanks for visiting! Just a few lines to introduce myself - I write your CV personally, as I have for over 750 ex-military people before you.

I'm an ex-infantry WO1, and served with 1PWO and 1QLR for over 20 years' Regular service. I then did 2 years with the TA (Reserves - 150 Regt RLC) after leaving.

I've helped literally hundreds of servicemen and women just like you move into their first civilian jobs, plus I've successfully transitioned myself.

I'm presently consulting and copywriting for a number of companies, including an Ofqual-regulated Awarding Body. I have also been the General Manager of one of the largest Pet Products companies in Europe, which employs over 250 people, and previously operated as Director of Finance for a prominent manufacturing group.

On behalf of the various Boards I've recruited dozens of staff at all levels, from the boardroom to the sales team, accounts department, operations, transport, and logistics. Plus I've been writing CVs for over 25 years. So I know what it takes, from both sides of the interview table - I still do it every day....

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 testimonial from an Ex-Army 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."

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."

Let's not forget the Air Force! 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!"

This brief but strong testimonial was received 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!"

Here's a recommendation from an infantry soldier who was unemployed after completing 22 years colour service. I wrote his CV in March, but he kindly recently 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, 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.

On a personal note, I have thought about applying to the local factory, working on a construction line. This is due to a lack of confidence in my own ability, that I am sure every soldier goes through at a time like this. After reading your draft it has made me realise I can achieve a lot more with my experience.

So I would just like to thank you for a well needed confidence boost or as we both know it as (a kick up the arse).
Many thanks once again."

Here's a good plug from Duncan, an Army Corporal HR Specialist (AGC-SPS) who at the time of ordering his Armed Forces CV was in the process of leaving. He got the first job he applied for:

“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.”

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!"

How about this testimonial that has just come in from a Royal Marines WO2 who has been "out" for a few years. He's 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.”

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 another 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."

This testimonial is from another RAF officer, a Navigator Instructor, who sent me this email after I produced his Cover Letter (which got him the interview):

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

And another from from one of a growing cohort of British Army Warrant Officers:

"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 a great plug from 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."

How about this from another former Infantry WO2, who has been in the civilian Close Protection (CP) market for a few years, and at the time of writing was providing Asset Recovery Services and Close Protection in Hungary:

"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.

Stephen has opened my eyes to the highly important subject of how to translate my Military & civilian experiences, skills and abilities from Military speak into civilian language, his ex military background previous experience & style immediately put me at ease and very quickly gave me confidence and a feeling of trust.

I was therefore willing to impart private and confidential information to him in the form of my current CV.

Stephen very quickly got to work having received all the information he required to get going in less than one week my new very informative and professionally presented CV along with the very important covering letter was ready for me to present to a new recruiter whom I had been in contact with previously.

Throughout the whole process Stephen maintained first class communications and provided advice when it was sought.

This is one service I would have no hesitation in recommending to others, in fact I have already informed a number of ex military friends & colleagues about Stephen and his company. I am sure they will make contact with him very soon.

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 went on to get the first position he applied for. We later wrote him a CV for an Estate Manager's job in France. He got that too.....

Recent Posts

Expert Military CV Writing Tips, Day 7…

Expert CV Writing Advice for the Military. Tip 6…

Expert Advice for a Military Transition CV