Transitioning into the civilian world can be a daunting process, especially when it comes to crafting a military resume. With military-specific terminologies and experiences unique to the service, the process of resume building can seem like a puzzle. However, with appropriate tips and tools, you can effectively translate your military experience into a comprehensible civilian resume. This blog post delves into military resume tips aimed at guiding both new and seasoned military aspirants in the job search market.
Identify Your Career Goals
Before putting pen to paper, think critically about your career goals. Understand the type of job you aspire to and what you want in the civilian workplace. List your transferable skills and identify key areas of experience relevant to your targeted job. This will help you tailor your resume to meet the objectives of the position you are interested in.
Decipher Military into Civilian Terms
As a military service member, you are likely to have an array of unique skills and experiences. However, the challenge often lies in translating these skills into civilian language. Use resources like the Military to Civilian Occupation Translator to help you decipher military skillsets into civilian terms. Instead of using military jargon, try using keywords found in the job description. By doing this, you are maximizing your chances to pass computerized Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) often used by employers to screen resumes.
Quantify Achievements
In the military, you are no stranger to numbers and metrics - why not use this to your advantage? Potential employers appreciate details highlighting your accomplishments. For instance, instead of stating that you 'managed military supplies', you might say that you 'supervised inventory worth over USD 2 million'. Using precise data and metrics like this will impress employers and help them visualize your role and impact.
Include Soft and Hard Skills
Draw attention to the skills that set you apart from other candidates. These could include both hard skills (like project management, security and intelligence analysis) and soft skills (like team-building, communication, adaptability). Remember to emphasize leadership abilities and any training you undertook or conducted - these are unique aspects valued in every industry.
Highlight Security Clearances and certifications
If you obtained security clearances during your service, be sure to include them in your resume. This is a huge selling point, especially for defense contractors and federal agencies. Additionally, if you have received any certifications during your service, list them to showcase your commitment to professional development.
Format Appropriately
Employers spend a fraction of a second scanning a resume before deciding to read further. With this in mind, ensure your resume is easy to read and navigate. Be concise, limit your resume to two pages, and use bullet points for easy scanning. Additionally, maintain a reverse-chronological order of your work history.
Proofread and Review Your Resume
After you are satisfied with your drafted resume, take time to review it for any grammatical or spelling errors. A second pair of eyes can also prove helpful in catching mistakes you might not see.
Expert Services
Enlist the help of professional resume writers who specialize in military transitions. These experts understand military skills and can help translate your experience into civilian terms.
Remember, your military experience carries weight and will be appreciated by your civilian employer. Your impeccable work ethic, discipline, leadership skills, and ability to thrive in challenging situations set you apart from civilian candidates.
The aim here is to consider the recruiter’s perspective while crafting a compelling resume that not only captures your military experience but also translates it to fit civilian job requirements. With these military resume tips, we hope to ease the transition process and open the doors to new career opportunities in the civilian world.
Remember, the key is to never sell yourself short. You have made immense sacrifices and gained invaluable experience through your military service. Now, it's time to harness these assets and use these military resume tips to embark on the next phase of your professional journey.
