Are you a military veteran looking to transition into the civilian job market? If so, you’re not alone. The transition can be challenging, and crafting a compelling resume is a crucial first step. This article aims to guide veterans in writing an effective military resume that highlights their skills, experience, and achievements.
A military resume is essential for veterans seeking employment outside of the military. Unlike a standard resume, a military resume is structured differently and emphasizes skills and accomplishments that translate to civilian job roles. A well-crafted resume can make a significant impact in getting an interview and ultimately landing a job.
Military resumes differ from civilian resumes in several ways. Military resumes use terminology and acronyms that may be unfamiliar to civilian hiring managers. They also include information about military-specific training, experience, and accomplishments. A civilian recruiter may not understand the significance of certain military achievements, so it’s crucial to translate the military experience into civilian language.
This article will provide examples and writing tips for crafting a successful military resume. The following sections will cover:
By the end of this article, readers should have a comprehensive understanding of how to create an effective military resume that will help them transition into a civilian career.
When it comes to writing a military resume, it’s important to understand the different sections and headings that are typically included. The format of a military resume is slightly different from a civilian resume, with more emphasis placed on skills and duties over work experience.
The main sections you should include in your military resume are:
Be sure to use a clear and easy-to-read font and keep your formatting consistent throughout the document.
One of the key challenges when writing a military resume is identifying the most relevant skills and duties to include. This is especially important if you’re transitioning from the military to a civilian career, as you’ll need to show how your military experience translates into relevant skills for the job you’re applying for.
To do this effectively, start by reviewing the job description and identifying the key skills and qualifications they’re looking for. Then, look for examples from your military experience that demonstrate those same skills and use them as bullet points under your relevant military experience section.
When describing your military duties, focus on the transferable skills you gained that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. For example, if you were in the infantry, you might highlight your leadership and teamwork skills, your ability to work under pressure, and your attention to detail.
Finally, it’s important to use keywords and action verbs throughout your military resume to help it stand out to potential employers. Keywords are the specific skills and qualifications listed in the job posting, while action verbs are strong, active words that show what you accomplished in your previous roles.
Some examples of effective action verbs for a military resume include:
By using these words and phrases, you can show employers that you have the skills and experience they’re looking for and help your military resume make it past the initial screening process.
When writing a military resume, it’s important to understand the different sections and headings, identify your most relevant skills and duties, and use keywords and action verbs throughout to make a strong impression on potential employers.
Creating a military resume that stands out can be challenging, but with the right guidance, it is achievable. As a copywriter and subject matter expert with years of experience, I’ve distilled some tips that will help veterans transition successfully into civilian life.
The first step in crafting a resume that stands out is tailoring it to the specific position. Job descriptions are the starting point. Use the language and keywords that appear in the job posting to demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and experience. Highlight your military work experience and other accomplishments that demonstrate your capabilities and qualifications for the job.
Remember that while your military experience is important, your resume should primarily focus on your transferable skills.
Many veterans underestimate the value of the skills they’ve developed during their military service. These skills include leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. Highlighting these transferable skills is crucial when transitioning into civilian work. Employers place a premium on these skills, regardless of the industry or position.
Make sure your resume reflects your transferable skills by providing examples of how you applied them in your military roles. Quantify results wherever possible. For instance, if you helped reduce downtime in a mission-critical communications system or achieved a 100% success rate during range training, be sure to mention it in your resume.
Including your military accomplishments and achievements is essential in making your resume stand out. These accomplishments can demonstrate your strength, leadership, and expertise. Certificates of training, decorations, awards, and other official recognitions should be included in your resume. Highlight any leadership roles you held, as well as any missions or operations you participated in.
When creating a military resume, it is essential to avoid using military jargon. Although military jargon may be familiar to you, it might not be intelligible to civilian hiring managers. Instead, use plain language that is easy to understand. Also, avoid acronyms or abbreviations if possible, or clearly explain what they mean.
Consider these tips when drafting your military resume, and tailor your resume to the specific position. Highlight your transferable skills, showcase your achievements, and avoid using military jargon. Doing so will help you get noticed by hiring managers and increase your chances of landing a civilian job.
When it comes to crafting a military resume, it’s important to highlight the unique experiences and skills that come with serving in a specific branch of the armed forces. Here are examples of military resumes tailored to the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, to help guide your own resume writing process.
Name: John Doe Rank: Staff Sergeant Years of Service: 8 years Occupational Specialty: Infantry
Summary: Highly motivated Infantry Staff Sergeant with eight years of experience in combat operations, tactical planning, and leadership. Decorated with the Army Commendation Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge. Proven ability to lead soldiers in high-stress situations and achieve mission objectives.
Key Skills:
Experience:
Name: Jane Smith Rank: Petty Officer First Class Years of Service: 10 years Occupational Specialty: Cryptologic Technician
Summary: Dedicated Cryptologic Technician Petty Officer First Class with 10 years of experience in signal intelligence analysis and data collection. Proven track record of supporting national security missions and delivering critical intel to senior leadership. Holds an active TS/SCI security clearance.
Key Skills:
Experience:
Name: Robert Johnson Rank: Technical Sergeant Years of Service: 12 years Occupational Specialty: Aircraft Maintenance
Summary: Highly skilled Aerospace Maintenance Technician with 12 years of experience in aircraft maintenance and repair. Demonstrated expertise in troubleshooting, inspecting, and maintaining various aircraft systems. Committed to upholding the highest standards of safety and professionalism. Proven ability to work efficiently in fast-paced and high-pressure environments.
Key Skills:
Aircraft Maintenance Troubleshooting Technical Inspections Team Collaboration Safety Compliance
Experience:
As a veteran transitioning to civilian life, it’s important to have a strong, relevant resume that will catch the attention of potential employers. Here’s a sample civilian transition resume to help guide you:
Highly motivated and disciplined military veteran with a successful track record of leadership and operational excellence. Transitioning from a distinguished career in the military to a civilian role. Strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a commitment to teamwork. Seeking a challenging position that allows for the application of transferable skills in a civilian setting.
Operations Manager
XYZ Military Base October 2012 – Present
Training and Development Officer
ABC Military Training Center January 2009 – September 2012
Community Outreach Volunteer
Local Veterans Organization January 2010 – Present
Professional Affiliations
Available upon request
As a military spouse, it can be tough to build and maintain a career due to the frequent relocations and unpredictability of military life. However, with the right resume and job search strategies, military spouses can successfully navigate the challenges and seize opportunities that come their way.
One of the biggest hurdles military spouses face is a lack of continuity in employment due to frequent moves. This results in gaps in the resume and difficulty in building a consistent career trajectory. Additionally, military spouses may find it challenging to explain their work history and educational qualifications to civilian employers, who may not understand the unique circumstances of military life.
However, military spouses also possess a wealth of transferable skills and experiences that can be leveraged to their advantage, such as adaptability, resilience, and cultural awareness. They may have experience in diverse industries, exposure to people from different backgrounds, and demonstrated ability to work effectively in high-stress environments. These qualities make them valuable assets in today’s globalized world.
A military spouse resume should highlight key skills and experiences that are relevant to the target job or industry. It should also address any gaps in employment and explain the rationale behind them. For example:
Dedicated and adaptable military spouse with a strong work ethic and excellent organizational skills. Experienced in managing various responsibilities while accommodating the demands of a military lifestyle. Proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments and work effectively within a team. Seeking a position that offers flexibility and allows for continued professional growth.
Administrative Assistant
ABC Company March 2018 – Present
Customer Service Representative
XYZ Corporation June 2015 – February 2018
Family Readiness Group Volunteer
ABC Military Base June 2017 – Present
Available upon request
Here are some insights and recommendations from veteran experts to help transitioning military personnel land their dream jobs.
Hiring veterans brings numerous benefits to organizations, such as their exceptional leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Vets are quick learners who can adapt to new environments and take on responsibilities with minimal supervision. They have a strong work ethic and can excel in high-stress situations. However, transitioning military personnel may face some challenges when entering the civilian job market. Some of these include translating their military experience into civilian terms, learning new communication styles, and adjusting to the differences in job expectations.
To overcome these challenges, veteran experts recommend seeking mentorship from other veterans, networking with industry professionals, and familiarizing yourself with the latest industry trends. It is also important to highlight your military experience on your resume and translate your skills and achievements into civilian terms. When applying for jobs, tailor your resume and cover letter to the job requirements and research the company culture to demonstrate your fit.
Here are some essential do’s and don’ts for military job seekers:
By following these tips and recommendations, military job seekers can create effective resumes that highlight their unique skills and experience, increase their chances of landing their dream job, and successfully transition to the civilian workforce.
When it comes to writing a military resume, there are certain “must-haves” that recruiters and hiring managers are looking for. Here are some essential components of a strong military resume:
But it’s not just about including the right information – there are also common mistakes that many job seekers make on their military resumes. Here are a few of the most common mistakes to avoid:
So how can you make sure your military resume is error-free and ready to impress potential employers? Here are a few proofreading and editing tips:
By following these military resume checklist items and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a strong, impressive resume that will help you stand out to potential employers.
A compelling cover letter can be the difference between your military resume being considered for a job or falling to the bottom of the pile. Here we will discuss the importance of a cover letter and provide tips for writing one that catches the attention of the hiring manager.
A cover letter is an opportunity to showcase your personality, highlight your strengths and experience, and provide specific examples of why you are the best candidate for the job. It’s a chance to explain any gaps in your military service or aspects of your experience that may not be easily understood from your resume alone.
A well-written cover letter can also demonstrate your communication skills and ability to convey important information in a concise and professional manner. It shows that you are taking the time and effort to tailor your application to the specific job and employer.
Remember, your cover letter should complement your resume, not repeat it. It’s an opportunity to add additional context and information to your application.
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. As a decorated [Rank/Branch] with [X] years of experience in the [Military Branch], I am confident that my [Skill/Experience] make me an ideal candidate for this role.
My experience leading [X] teams on high-pressure missions has honed my ability to quickly and effectively adapt to changing situations. For example, during my deployment to [Location], I led a team of [X] personnel in ensuring the successful completion of numerous [Mission Objective] despite the challenging terrain and hostile environment.
At [Current/Previous Employer], I utilized my [Skill/Experience] to [Accomplishment] which resulted in [Outcome/Impact]. I am confident that these skills will allow me to excel in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].
Thank you for your time and consideration of my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss further how my skills and experience can contribute to the success of [Company Name].
