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Military to Civilian Resume Example for Veterans [Updated 2024]

Transitioning from a military lifestyle to that of a civilian is far from easy.

According to a Pew Research Center study, 95% of veterans seek employment after serving in the military.

26% of veteran respondents, however, found shifting from the military to the civilian lifestyle to be somewhat difficult.

Coincidentally, one of the biggest struggles for veterans is creating a compelling military to civilian resume that’s going to help them get a job that’s well-paid and enjoyable.

To help solve that problem, though, we wrote this guide. Read on to learn everything you need to know to create a compelling veteran resume, including:

• Military to Civilian Resume Example
• How to Write a Military Veteran Resume (8 Simple Steps)
• Free Military to Civilian Resume Template
• Essential (Free) Job-Search Resources for Veterans

In case you’re looking to brush up on the resume basics, watch the video below.

If you’re ready to get started, though, let’s start by reviewing a well-written military to civilian resume example.

Military to Civilian Resume Example (for Veterans)

Compelling, right? Here’s what the above military to civilian resume example does right: 

• Follows a functional resume format. The functional resume format focuses more on your skills and strengths rather than work experience. It helps convey how your military experience is going to help you perform well in the civilian role you’re applying for.
• Lists the contact information the right way. It includes the applicant’s full name, email, location, phone number, and even a LinkedIn URL while skipping out on a photo.
• Captures the hiring manager’s attention with a resume summary. The summary on top of the military to civilian resume example offers a brief snapshot of the candidate’s career, instantly showing the recruiter their value.
• Focuses on transferable skills instead of work experience. Instead of mentioning military buzzwords that civilians wouldn’t understand in the first place, the resume example instead focuses on how the candidate's experiences helped them develop valuable skills.
• Mentions achievements when possible. Achievements help convince the recruiter that they’re not just any candidate - you’re an overachiever who plays to win.
• Uses bullet points to make the resume easier to skim. The recruiter doesn’t have all day - they have hundreds of other resumes to review just for a single role. Making the resume easy to skim makes it more likely to be read.
• Includes educational history (in brief). The military to civilian resume example describes the candidate’s educational background, which includes taking a leadership course and basic training.
• Makes use of the optional sections. The achievements and interests sections help shed light on the candidate’s personality outside of work, as well.

Now, let’s talk about how YOU can make your resume as impressive as the example above.

How to Write a Military Veteran Resume (8 Easy Steps)

In this section, we’re going to walk you through the 8 steps to creating a powerful military veteran resume, starting with:

#1. Pick a Functional Resume Format

These are the 3 most popular resume formats out there:

• Reverse-chronological . This format focuses on your work history over education or skills.
• Functional . It focuses less on your work background and more on your skills and how they make you a qualified candidate.
• Combination . This format is a mix of the other two formats. It puts equal emphasis on skills and experiences. 

As a military veteran, you’re better off with a functional format .

As you can see above, the resume example focuses more on key strengths instead of just listing out work experiences.

This improves your odds of landing a civilian job for one important reason: 

Most recruiters aren’t really familiar with military lingo.

Your experiences in the military might be super compelling, but chances are, most recruiters won’t understand how these experiences make you a good candidate for the role.

By framing your experiences around your skills, on the other hand, your resume becomes more understandable for a civilian.

Once you’ve decided on the format, you also need to sort out your resume style, layout, font, and more. Here’s what this includes:

• Don’t go over one page . Your resume should be concise and to the point. More often than not, if you’re going over one page, you’re probably including information that isn’t relevant for the role.
• Pick the right font and font size . In terms of size, go for 11-12 pt for body text. For the font, pick something like Ubuntu, Times New Roman, etc. That way your resume will look professional AND stand out at the same time. 
• Use the military-to-civilian resume template . Want to skip the hassle of formatting a resume? Hit the link and pick from one of our free templates! Our templates are easy to use AND look much more compelling than the conventional black-and-white ones.

#2. Include Contact Information

Now that we’ve got the formatting hassle out of the way, let’s talk about resume content.

The first thing in your veteran resume is the contact information section.

Here, you need to include:

• Descriptive title. This should include your title in the military, as well as the title you’re applying for. Something like “Security Officer Seeking a Role as Customer Support Specialist.”
• Phone number.
• Professional email address. Think, [name][lastname]@gmail.com
• Location. City and state are good enough, you don’t need to include an address.
• (Optional) LinkedIn URL. If you have an up-to-date LinkedIn profile, you can include a URL in the contact information section.

And finally, make sure NOT to include a photo in your military to civilian resume. In the US, employers prefer that you don’t include a picture to avoid unconscious bias during the hiring process.

Here’s what your resume contact information section should look like at the end:

Security & Customer Service Professional

[email protected]

416-821-9879

Seattle, US

linkedin.com/in/john.doe

#3. Capture the Hiring Manager’s Attention with a Military Veteran Resume Summary

When reading your resume for the first time, the recruiter will spend roughly 7 seconds skimming it to make sure that you’re qualified for the role.

If the resume catches their attention, they’ll give it a more in-depth look.

If it doesn’t, they’ll simply move on to the next one.

This is where a compelling resume summary can come in handy.

A resume summary is a 2-4 sentence “summary” of your past work experience. It helps the recruiter understand your skill-set and whether you’re relevant for the role in a single glance.

Here’s what a convincing military to civilian resume summary looks like:

Dedicated professional with over 9 years of outstanding performance and results in the U.S. Military. Earned three promotions and excelled as a leader. Seeking to apply the skills I gained in the military as a Customer Support Specialist at Company X.

When writing your resume summary, make sure to include the following information:

• Your title in the military and the role you’re applying for.
• Years of experience.
• Top achievements and experiences.

#4. Summarize Your Experiences with a Key Strengths Section

This one’s arguably the most important part of your military to civilian resume.

At the end of the day, the main deciding factor in whether you get invited for an interview or not is if your resume manages to convince the recruiter that you’re capable of doing the job…

And that’s where the key strengths section comes in handy.

To create yours, start by listing out your top strengths as section headers. Then, underneath each header, list your achievements and responsibilities that prove you actually have the relevant skill.

Here’s what this looks like on a resume:

Customer Service

• Promoted within a short period by demonstrating an over-achieving dedication that maximized results for the entire team. 
• Proved internal customer service by relating to all personnel in a professional manner that facilitated the development of a diversified group. 
• Enhanced soldiers’ individual and professional growth, developing them into independent decision-makers.
• Accounted for the safety of equipment valued at over $1.3 million. 
• Secure the personal safety, training, and performance of fifteen U.S. Army soldiers.

Operations and Administration

• Organized schedules for over 45 soldiers. 
• Implemented new routes, resulting in savings in gas time and reduced work time. 
• Prevented over 10 cancellations and negotiated over 20 contract renewals with the local government.

Applying for a Military or Private Security Role? Do This

Now, in case you’re applying for a role that’s somewhat related to your experience in the military (e.g. in private security), then you can simply create a conventional Work Experience section instead of Key Strengths .

If that’s your case, here’s how you should format the section:

• Create a section header called “ Work Experience .”
• Start by listing your most recent role and go backward in time from there.
• For each entry, include your title, company name, dates employed, and 3-5 top achievements.
• For older positions, you can include fewer achievements and responsibilities.

Now, if you want your work experiences to stand out from the rest of the candidates, we recommend you to include achievements over responsibilities.

• Achieved a 99.5% average delivery rate on all assignments, resulting in no losses of materials or assets.
• Conducted deliveries of materials and assets.

The first example shows just how the candidate stands out from other applicants. The 2nd, on the other hand, does not.

#5. Mention Your Education (the Right Way)

On to the next section!

The next step to creating a convincing military to civilian resume is mentioning your educational background .

This is where you mention your higher educational degrees, as well as training (e.g. boot camps) and any personal development courses you’ve taken.

First things first, here’s how you’d go about the formatting part:

• Create a header called “Education”
• Add your latest degree right on top. Then, include older degrees underneath.
• If you have a B.A. or an M.A., you can skip your high school degree altogether.
• You can skip mentioning a GPA. These days, no one cares about your grades.

Here’s how the end result would look like:

B.A. in Communications Boston University 08/2016 - 05/2020

Now, if you don’t have the relevant experience needed for the role you’re applying for, you can use your education section to show off your knowledge or skills.

You can do this by including:

• Any honors you might have earned.
• Exact courses you’ve attended.
• Any other way you’ve excelled during your education.

#6. Include In-Demand Skills (For the Industry You’re Applying for)

Another must-have of a military to civilian resume is the skills section.

This is where you list out all of your hard and soft skills and (optionally) grade them by knowledge level.

The key here, though, is not to simply list out random skills like:

• Critical Thinking
• Microsoft Word

Rather, you want to include the skills relevant to the role . 

E.g. applying for a role in accounting? You should probably mention payroll tax accounting, cost reduction strategies, budgeting and forecasting , and so on.

You wouldn’t want to mention your Adobe Illustrator skills, for example (even if you’re an expert at it).

So, how can you know which skills are essential to your resume, and which ones aren’t?

The best way to understand this is to read the job ad you’re applying for. More often than not, they include an exact list of skills required for the role, and all you have to do is mention them in your resume (as long as you possess the said skills, of course).

#7. Take Advantage of the Optional Resume Sections

If you still have some space on your military veteran resume, you can take advantage of some optional resume sections.

While these sections won’t land you the job on their own, they can definitely help you stand out from other applicants seeking the same role.

Some optional sections you can include are:

• Projects. Any type of personal project you’ve worked on. This can be a local business you started, a side-gig, freelance work, and so on.
• Certifications. Any type of certification you might possess. If you don’t have the experience for the role you’re applying for, certifications can help show the recruiter that what you do have is the right skill-set.
• Volunteering Experience. If you’ve volunteered in the past, you should definitely include it in your resume. Employers love candidates who love to help others (even if there’s no monetary incentive for it).
• Hobbies & Interests. Including hobbies or interests in your resume helps the recruiter see more of your personal side. While your hobbies won’t land you the job, they might help you build rapport with the interviewer.

#8. Make Sure Your Military to Civilian Cover Letter is as Impressive as Your Resume.

At this point, your military veteran resume should be quite compelling…

But you’re not done just yet!

To have both a complete and compelling job application, you need to pair your resume with a cover letter that’s just as good.

Here are our top tips on how to write a quality cover letter :

• Start the cover letter by addressing the hiring manager directly. Sure, you could go with the default “Dear Sir or Madam,” but mentioning the hiring manager’s name shows that you’ve done your research and really care about working at the company.
• In your introduction, mention the most important parts of your background. E.g. years of experience, key achievements, top skills, and why you’re applying for the job in question.
• In the body section of your cover letter, expand on whatever you mentioned in the introduction. This is where you can also explain how the experiences mentioned in your resume make you a good candidate for the role.
• Conclude the cover letter with a call to action . E.g. “Looking forward to hearing more from you!” or “I’d love to discuss how I can help Company X as a Support Specialist over a call or an interview.”

Want to learn more? Check out our step-by-step guide on how to write a cover letter .

Essential Job-Search Resources for Veterans

There are a lot of free job-search resources for veterans on the internet - everything from dedicated job boards to free tools, programs, and more.

Here’s a comprehensive list of some of the very best resources:

Veteran Job-Search Resources

• Job board that helps you find federal organizations that prioritize hiring veterans over other candidates.
• Lots of quality resources to help you transition into civilian life.
• If you’re not sure what kind of career you want to focus on, you can use this website to discover different occupations and learn what they’re about.
• Website for finding veteran job fairs in your area.
• Free career consulting and job search help for veterans.
• American Corporate Partners matches you with a free, year-long mentor to help you build your career.
• For group discussions for veterans on resumes and gaining employment after service. (Veterans only/ screened and weeded out by questions and profile)
• For discussing Skill Bridge opportunities and military transitions. Skill bridge is a military program for giving veterans an opportunity to learn and work at civilian companies for 6 months before leaving the military.
• LinkedIn offers its Premium program to veterans for free for a year. You can use the platform to learn new skills, kick-start your career, as well as find and apply for jobs.
• A website dedicated to helping veterans transition into a civilian lifestyle. You can use it to find jobs, discover career events, attend job fairs, and more.
• Job board for US federal jobs. While it’s not specifically made for veterans, the US government prioritizes hiring veterans over other candidates.
• Job board for veteran-friendly roles and companies.
• Job board for roles in the private security industry.
• Another veteran-only job board.

Key Takeaways

And that’s all you need to know to create a strong military veteran resume!

Before you go, though, let’s do a quick recap of the key learning points we just covered:

• For a military to civilian resume, use a functional resume format to show off your skills instead of work history.
• Use a “Key Strengths” section to explain how your military experience distills into valuable skills for a civilian role.
• Don’t include every skill under the sun on your resume. Instead, pick the ones relevant for the role you’re applying for.
• Take advantage of the optional resume sections to show the recruiter that you’re an individual and not just a resume.
• Finally, make sure that your cover letter is just as impressive as your resume by following the tips we mentioned above.

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Effective Resume Writing for Veterans: Tips and Templates

Transitioning from military to civilian life brings its own set of challenges, not least of which is entering the civilian job market. For many veterans, one of the first steps in this journey is crafting a resume that speaks to their unique skills and experiences. At Veterans Guardian , we understand the importance of this process and are committed to providing veterans with the resources and support they need to succeed. In this blog post, we’ll share actionable tips and templates for veteran resume writing, focusing on how to translate military experience into civilian terms, highlight relevant skills, and make a strong impression on potential employers.

Understanding the Transition: Military to Civilian Resume

The Challenge of Translation

One of the biggest hurdles veterans face is articulating their military experience in a way that resonates with civilian employers. It’s crucial to demilitarize job titles, duties, and accomplishments to make them understandable and relevant to the civilian job market.

Tips for Writing an Effective Veteran Resume

Highlighting Your Skills

Veterans suffering from chronic pain may be eligible for disability benefits through the VA. Veterans Guardian can assist in navigating the VA benefits system to ensure veterans receive the support and compensation they are entitled to.

Identify Transferable Skills: Start by listing the skills you’ve acquired during your service, such as leadership, project management, teamwork, and technical skills. These are highly valued in the civilian workforce.

•  Use Action Words: Employ action verbs to describe your responsibilities and achievements. Words like “led,” “coordinated,” “managed,” and “implemented” showcase your initiative and impact.
• Focus on Achievements, Not Just Duties: Highlight your accomplishments rather than just listing your duties. Quantify your achievements with numbers and facts when possible, such as “Led a team of 10 in completing a project 3 weeks ahead of schedule.”

Translating Military Jargon

• Demilitarize Your Experience: Translate military ranks, positions, and jargon into civilian terms. For example, instead of “Platoon Leader,” you might say “Team Leader responsible for 40 personnel.”
• Use a Skills Translator: Tools like the O*NET OnLine Military Crosswalk can help translate military occupations to civilian jobs that require similar skills.

Tailoring Your Resume

• Customize for the Job: Tailor your resume for each job application. Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job description.
•  Include a Professional Summary: Start with a brief summary that outlines your background, key skills, and what you’re looking for in a job. This is your elevator pitch to potential employers.

Formatting and Structure

•  Keep It Professional: Use a clean, professional format. Stick to standard fonts and avoid excessive graphics or colors.
•  Use Bullet Points: Make your resume easy to read by organizing information in bullet points rather than paragraphs.
•  Limit to Two Pages: Keep your resume concise. Aim for one page, but use two pages if necessary to include all relevant information.

Templates and Resources

Linked below are a handful of sites and resources that can help get you started with transitioning your military resume to a civilian resume.

• VA Educational and Career Counseling
•   Military-to-Civilian Resume Examples and Templates for 2024
•   Hiring Our Heroes Resume Engine
•   How to Write a Civilian Resume

Writing a resume as a veteran entering the civilian job market can feel daunting, but it’s an opportunity to showcase the unique skills and experiences you bring to the table. By focusing on transferable skills, demilitarizing your experience, and tailoring your resume to each job, you can create a compelling document that opens doors to new career opportunities.

What If I need Help?

Filing a claim with the VA can be stressful and confusing. Veterans Guardian VA Claim Consulting can support you in filing a VA claim. Our team will guide you through the paperwork and prepare you for a meeting with the VA’s representatives, so there aren’t any surprises when the time comes. Fill out this form for a free consultation.

Get tips to avoid decisions that may decrease your Social Security benefits at our free webinar Sept. 19.

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For Veterans, How to Write a Résumé

Tips on how to translate your military skills into a civilian career.

For veterans looking for a  civilian job  can feel like traveling to a foreign country. That’s how different the language, culture and hierarchy can be when transitioning from the military to the private sector. But just as finding a good translator and researching the customs of your desired destination are stepping-stones to a great vacation, such moves can also be the foundation for  writing a résumé that helps launch a new career .

With your résumé as a passport, you’ll be ready to take on new roles and responsibilities as you pursue your goals. Here are some tips on how to write a résumé that highlights the skills you developed during military service — along with additional advice that can help veterans with their search for jobs.

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1. Demilitarize the language.  List your title and rank in your résumé, of course, but provide some basic information about what that position means without resorting to jargon. Assume recruiters aren’t veterans, so avoid military terms and acronyms they won’t understand. Identify the job titles private sector firms use to cover the duties you performed in the military. Luckily, there are numerous sources of “translation” services to help.

2. Focus on skills . Describe the skills gained from your role in the military, not just the assigned responsibilities. For example, a member of the infantry who patrolled a base and engaged in combat must demonstrate how that experience is relevant to a nonmilitary environment. “Don’t say you patrolled. Say you created a safe working environment for 300 people,” said Terry Howell, senior director of strategic alliances at Military.com, a website loaded with information about how veterans can find jobs. “Don’t say you shot at people. Talk about working under pressure and constantly assessing situations,” said Howell, who served in the Coast Guard for 20 years.

3. Brag a little.  Boast about your individual accomplishments. Bragging isn’t encouraged in the team-focused military. And while civilian companies definitely value individuals who work productively with others, employers are considering whether they should hire you. Emphasize your specific contributions to the team’s success.

4. Keep it short.  Limit your résumé to two pages or less. Many civilians don’t understand how the military operates (and may even have negative stereotypes about veterans). But your résumé is not the place to provide a detailed explanation of military practices and procedures. Stick to your experience, check the document for spelling and grammar, and tailor each résumé to the specific position you are seeking.

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5. Use all your options.  Your status as a veteran gives you access to special help with the job-hunt . Every branch of the military provides its members with transition training. The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Labor Department also offer tools to ease the road to a civilian career, as do many private employers. Some ex-military members don’t consider themselves veterans if they didn’t see combat so they harbor misgivings about taking advantage of these services, according to Brian Kropp, HR practice leader at Gartner, who works on strategies to recruit veterans. He encourages veterans to use every program at their disposal. Identifying firms that are actively recruiting veterans and reaching out directly to those in charge of these efforts is a great way to find a job, even though the idea might make some veterans uncomfortable, he noted. “For veterans that can be like breaking the chain of command,” he said. Military.com lists companies that want to hire veterans. Other sources are Veteran Jobs Mission and Hire Heroes USA .

6. Find a mentor.  Look for another former member of the military who already has made the switch to the career that interests you. That person can help guide you through the process and discuss successful strategies for making the change.

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 7. Speak freely.  Be aware that communications in the civilian world are more relaxed than they are in the military, said Carol Pugh, a professor at Grantham University who served in the army for seven years. About half the students at the school are ex-military, and she runs a program to teach corporations about the benefits of hiring veterans. She said that during interviews, veterans should feel free to ask questions and highlight their achievements.

8. Plan ahead.  Don’t wait until your discharge to think about your next move. Explore the many educational opportunities the military offers its members. Consider taking classes, especially if you want to pursue a career that requires a different skill set than the one developed in your military role. Volunteering for organizations that are related to your next career goal is another way to prepare for the transition.

Editor’s note: This article, originally published Nov. 2, 2017, has been updated with the latest job resources available from AARP.

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How To Write A Great Resume

We want you to have a smooth transition from your military to civilian career. One of the first and vital steps in this career transition is in creating your resume.

And this is why we’re here – to give you the information you need to write a great resume and to support you as your veteran’s employment services expert. Because we communicate with corporate clients on a daily basis, we know what employers are looking for in candidate resumes.

We’ve put together our top resume writing tips that will help you convert your military experience, education, and skills to a civilian career.

Before we get into specifics, want to remind you of one key point about every single resume: you absolutely cannot have spelling or grammatical errors or have a disorganized and poorly formatted resume. It doesn’t matter how talented you are, if the hiring manager or human resources specialist struggles to read and understand your resume, it quickly goes to the bottom of the pile.

Follow our advice to create a great resume that stands out, gets you noticed, and hired.

Research The Civilian Job Requirements

It’s important that you do more than read the job description and title – you have to really understand what the employer is looking for. This means, reading between the lines and paying attention to mandatory skills and education, nice-to-have skills, and bonus criteria that can give you an edge.

• Pay attention to the language used in the job description. Is it very formal or more relaxed and friendly? This can tell you a lot about the company, the people you’ll be working with, and the type of person the company is looking for.
• Look for keywords and repeated emphasis on skills, education, etc. Does the job description use words like leadership, management, people person, responsive, time management, etc.? These are clue words that can tell you more about what the job is likely to entail.
• Is there an emphasis in the job description on education, experience, or both? This is important especially when you’re converting your military experience to civilian. Make sure you have a list of all of your military training, education, courses, workshops, etc., these can be useful when a job description puts a big emphasis on education.

Know Your Career Goals

Your resume is your marketing material, so you need to use it to clearly identify your career goals. It’s useful to include a top introductory section similar to this:

Career Goal: To use my 10 years of technical and design skills to create tangible advancements in end-user software. I’m keen to work in a team environment on software that can improve the lives of people and help them meet their own personal goals in health, fitness, and wellness.

This example career goal statement clearly communicates a few vital pieces of information: years of experience, core skill set, soft skills, and an alignment with company goals.

It’s important to remember that your career goal should be tailored to the job you’re applying for. Highlight your education, how your skills match those in the job description, and include keywords from the job description such as teamwork, health, wellness, software, etc.

Do not write a vague career goal that you use on every single resume.

Use Plain Language

Remember that most people are not up-to-date with the latest military language including job titles, job descriptions, and jargon. Your resume has to be easy-to-read and understand, so if it is cluttered with unfamiliar language, the human resources specialist will quickly ignore your resume.

We understand that it can be hard to explain your military experience and career to someone who has no military experience. It might sound simplistic but think about how you would explain your military job description to a 10-year old – you would use terms and language that communicate how you spend your day but leave out the nitty gritty details and confusing language.

There are some useful online tools that you can use to help translate your military skills to civilian requirements:

• Military Skills Translator
• Military Crosswalk Search

Remember Your Soft Skills

Don’t overlook your soft skills when creating your resume. This includes skills that you likely took for granted as just being part of the job:

• Communication
• Attention-to-detail

When reading the job description look for these keywords and make sure you emphasize these same words when creating the work experience section of your resume.

Highlight Your Military Accomplishments and Background

Your military background and accomplishments are extremely valuable. Don’t gloss over your military accomplishments and career. Many employers want to give jobs to veterans so it’s key that you showcase your military background.

However, remember to keep the language free of military jargon and descriptions that only make sense to those with military experience. Your military experience is an attribute so be clear about what you did, what you learned, and what you want to do with this experience.

Customize Your Resume For The Civilian Job

Yes, this does take more time, but it’s important that you customize your resume for the job you’re applying for. Even when applying for jobs in the same industry, each job will have slightly different job requirements.

It’s your responsibility to clearly explain how you meet the job requirements and why you’ll be an asset to the company. Remember the importance of looking for keywords and in clearly translating your military experience to civilian.

Make it easy for the employer to understand how and why you can help them solve their problems. This means you need to be clear, concise, and obvious. Tell the employer what you’ve done but don’t include every single job you’ve ever had – include only the relevant experience, skills, and education.

Key Resume Sections

Your resume needs to be easy to quickly scan – giving the person exactly what they want and expect. Make sure your resume includes these key sections:

• Contact Information : double-check your email address and phone number. You’d be surprised at how many people misspell their email address or make an error in their phone number.
• Career Goal : clearly state your career goal and include some key qualities such as years of experience, skills, and how you mesh with the company goals.
• Education : include relevant post-secondary education such as college degrees, post-secondary course work, military training, workshops, etc.
• Work Experience : customize this to the job you’re applying for. Emphasize the work experience that is relevant to the job. Include the job title, job description, and your key duties. This is your chance to highlight important soft skills.
• Volunteer/Professional Development/Organization Memberships : tailor this section so you can for example, highlight your membership in a professional organization or showcase your community volunteer work.

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Military Resume: Examples and Writing Tips for 2024

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.

Importance of a Military Resume

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.

Differences Between Military and Civilian Resumes

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.

Overview of the Article Sections

This article will provide examples and writing tips for crafting a successful military resume. The following sections will cover:

• Formatting and structure of a military resume
• Translating military experience and achievements into civilian language
• Highlighting relevant skills and accomplishments
• Including relevant education and certifications
• Tips for tailoring the resume to specific job applications

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.

Understanding the Military Resume Format

Military resume sections and heading.

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:

• Contact information
• Summary statement or objective
• Education and training
• Military experience
• Relevant skills and certifications
• Awards and honors
• Professional references

Be sure to use a clear and easy-to-read font and keep your formatting consistent throughout the document.

Identifying Relevant Military Skills and Duties

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.

Importance of Using Keywords and Action Verbs

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:

• Implemented

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.

Tips to Make Your Military Resume Stand Out

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.

Tailoring a Resume to a Specific Position

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.

Highlighting 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 Accomplishments and Achievements

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.

Avoiding Military Jargon

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.

Military Resume Examples for Different Branches

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.

Army Resume Example

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:

• Tactical Planning
• Combat Operations
• Team Leadership
• Weapons Proficiency
• Risk Management

Experience:

• Led 12-soldier infantry team on multiple combat patrols and security operations in Afghanistan
• Supervised and trained platoon of 40 soldiers in marksmanship and combat skills
• Coordinated and executed training exercises with other military branches and foreign armies
• Conducted risk assessments and implemented safety protocols for training exercises and operations

Navy Resume Example

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.

• Signal Intelligence Analysis
• Communications Security
• Data Collection and Analysis
• Cryptography
• Security Clearance Management
• Analyzed and reported critical intelligence to senior leadership during three deployments in support of national security objectives
• Managed and secured classified information and communication systems
• Trained and mentored junior personnel in signal intelligence and security procedures
• Collaborated with interagency partners to share intel and coordinate operations

Air Force Resume Example

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.

Aircraft Maintenance Troubleshooting Technical Inspections Team Collaboration Safety Compliance

• Performed scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on F-16 fighter aircraft, ensuring operational readiness
• Conducted detailed inspections of aircraft components, identifying and resolving mechanical issues
• Collaborated with a team of technicians to troubleshoot complex electrical and avionics systems
• Assisted in aircraft launch and recovery operations, adhering to strict safety protocols
• Maintained accurate maintenance records and documentation in accordance with Air Force regulations

Civilian Transitions: Examples and Tips

Civilian transition resume example.

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:

Civilian Transition

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

• Led a team of 50 personnel in planning, coordinating, and executing operational missions in high-pressure environments.
• Managed logistics and resources to ensure mission success and adherence to strict timelines.
• Developed and implemented standard operating procedures (SOPs) to optimize efficiency and enhance performance.
• Conducted risk assessments and implemented safety protocols to maintain a safe working environment.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve mission objectives and maintain effective communication channels.

Training and Development Officer

ABC Military Training Center  January 2009 – September 2012

• Designed and delivered comprehensive training programs for military personnel, focusing on leadership development, team building, and technical skills.
• Conducted needs assessments and identified training gaps to create tailored training solutions.
• Evaluated training effectiveness and made necessary adjustments to meet performance objectives.
• Provided mentoring and guidance to junior officers and enlisted personnel, fostering professional growth and development.
• Managed training resources, including facilities, equipment, and instructional materials.
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration  University of XYZ  Graduated: May 2008
• Leadership and team management
• Strategic planning and problem-solving
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Project management and organizational abilities
• Adaptable and resilient in fast-paced environments

Certifications

• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
• Six Sigma Green Belt Certification
• Hazardous Materials Handling Certification

Volunteer Experience

Community Outreach Volunteer

Local Veterans Organization  January 2010 – Present

• Engaged in community outreach programs to support and assist fellow veterans in their transition to civilian life.
• Provided mentorship and guidance to veterans seeking employment and educational opportunities.
• Organized and participated in fundraising events to support local veterans’ initiatives.

Professional Affiliations

• Member, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
• Member, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA)

Available upon request

Military Spouses: Resume Tips and Examples

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.

Challenges and Opportunities of Military Spouses

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.

Military Spouse Resume Example

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:

Sarah Thompson

Military Spouse

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

• Provide comprehensive administrative support to the executive team, including calendar management, meeting coordination, and travel arrangements.
• Prepare and edit correspondence, reports, and presentations using Microsoft Office Suite.
• Maintain confidential records and databases, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company policies.
• Act as a liaison between departments, facilitating communication and streamlining workflow.
• Assist in organizing company events and employee engagement initiatives.

Customer Service Representative

XYZ Corporation  June 2015 – February 2018

• Responded to customer inquiries and resolved issues promptly and professionally.
• Managed a high volume of incoming calls and emails, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction.
• Handled customer complaints and worked towards effective resolutions.
• Assisted in maintaining customer databases and updating customer records.
• Collaborated with team members to improve customer service processes and enhance the overall customer experience.
• Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration  University of XYZ  Graduated: May 2014
• Strong organizational and time management abilities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Customer service-oriented mindset
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Family Readiness Group Volunteer

ABC Military Base  June 2017 – Present

• Assisted in organizing and coordinating events to support military families during deployments and separations.
• Provided information and resources to military families, promoting a sense of community and support.
• Facilitated communication between military families and base personnel, addressing concerns and providing assistance when needed.
• Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)
• Customer Service Excellence Certification
• Member, Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP)
• Member, National Military Family Association (NMFA)

Writing Tips from Veteran Experts

Here are some insights and recommendations from veteran experts to help transitioning military personnel land their dream jobs.

Benefits and Challenges of Hiring Veterans

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.

Insights and Recommendations from Veteran Experts

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.

Do’s and Don’ts for Military Job Seekers

Here are some essential do’s and don’ts for military job seekers:

• Highlight your unique military experience and skills on your resume
• Translate military jargon into civilian language
• Emphasize specific achievements and accomplishments
• Show your flexibility and ability to adapt to new environments
• Customize your resume and cover letter to each job application
• Network with professionals in your desired field

Don’t:

• Use military jargon or acronyms that civilian employers may not understand
• Overemphasize rank or positions held in the military
• Assume that civilian employers understand what the military does or how it operates
• Rush the job application process and fail to research the company culture
• Ignore the importance of networking and building professional relationships

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.

Military Resume Checklist and Common Mistakes

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:

• Clear and concise summary statement:  Your summary statement should clearly state your experience and skills, and make it clear that you are a strong candidate for the job.
• Quantifiable achievements:  Use specific numbers and figures to demonstrate your accomplishments and impact in your military career.
• Relevant skills and experience:  If you’re applying for a civilian job, make sure to focus on the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position.
• Education and training:  Highlight any relevant degrees or certifications you’ve earned, as well as any training or professional development courses you’ve completed.

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:

• Focusing too much on military jargon:  While it’s important to highlight your military experience, it’s also important to make sure that a civilian employer will be able to understand what you did and how it translates to the job you’re applying for.
• Including irrelevant information:  While it’s great to be well-rounded, including information that isn’t relevant to the job you’re applying for can actually hurt your chances of getting hired.
• Not tailoring your resume to the job:  Every job is different, and your resume should reflect that. Make sure to customize your resume for each job you apply for.
• Formatting and spelling errors:  Even the best content can be overshadowed by poor formatting and spelling mistakes. Make sure to proofread your resume carefully, or have someone else look it over for you.

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:

• Read it out loud:  This can help you catch mistakes that you might miss when reading silently.
• Use a spellchecker:  While spellcheckers can’t catch everything, they can help identify some common errors.
• Get a second opinion:  Having someone else look over your resume can help you identify mistakes you may have missed.
• Take a break:  Once you’ve finished writing your resume, give yourself some time (ideally a day or two) before coming back to it with fresh eyes. This can help you catch mistakes you may have overlooked before.

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.

Cover Letters for Military Resumes

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.

Importance of a Cover Letter

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.

Tips for Writing a Compelling Cover Letter

• Address the letter to a specific person whenever possible
• Open with a strong and attention-grabbing statement or question
• Tailor the letter to the specific job and employer, highlighting how your skills and experience align with their needs
• Use specific examples to illustrate your skills and experience
• Keep it concise and professional, ideally one page or less
• Close with a strong call to action, requesting an interview or further discussions

Remember, your cover letter should complement your resume, not repeat it. It’s an opportunity to add additional context and information to your application.

Cover Letter Example

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].

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Written by: Robert Shaw

Home » Veterans » Veteran Jobs After Military Service » Veteran Resume Writing Services & Tips

Your chance to make a good first impression in a crowd – without handing out $100 bills – is even more difficult when your first contact is a job resume fighting for consideration in a pile on an employer’s desk.

A military career can be a leg up in that regard, not only because it distinguishes you from the great majority of job seekers, but because military careers nurture and sharpen skills coveted by the civilian world.

That’s not a recent development. Military experiences paying dividends in the civilian afterlife has been the trend for a good long while and for plenty of good reasons.

The unemployment rate for veterans is dropping again after fluctuating during the pandemic – a time when getting your footing in the job market was the equivalent of steadying yourself on stormy seas.

That unemployment rate for veterans is lower (4.2%) compared to non-veterans (4.6%) and is clearly headed in the direction of the 3.1% veteran unemployment of 2019.

That’s good news for anyone making the transition from military life (assuming you need the job and you’re not sitting on a $60 million trust fund. If you are, call me.)

No matter the ample opportunities to apply skills such as leadership, team building and perseverance in the civilian world, the best jobs won’t just fall in your lap.

It’s important for veterans to know the many resources available and how to craft a resume that can help the transition into a competitive workforce.

Building a Competitive Military Veteran Resume

Your skills might well be translatable in a variety of fields. In fact, it’s hard to imagine a field where military experience wouldn’t be a good fit. But if the language used on a resume to introduce those skills is in dire need of a military-to-English dictionary, you’ve likely wasted a terrific opportunity.

Beware military jargon. Speaking in acronyms might be how you’ve communicated for the past number of years. And as Shakespeare said, brevity is the soul of wit, but if you’re not applying for a job with a military contractor or the Department of Defense, you need to leave the acronyms behind.

Most terminology in the military simply does not translate. Know your audience. Use more approachable language on a resume. The time might come for you to use that terminology you became so comfortable with, but that time is not when you’re writing a resume.

Keep in mind that you have one chance, and a brief one at that, to make a winning first impression. Research suggests job recruiters will usually decide on a candidate’s qualifications quickly, sometimes within 10 seconds.

So while you’ll find many effective veteran resume building services somewhere online, be careful not to simply slap and paste your experience into a resume template. Make the most of your chance to stand out – again, paying close attention to the language you use.

You can find military-to-civilian thesaurus help online. An example: instead of referring to oneself as a “hand receipt holder,” it’s significantly more relatable to call yourself a “logistics manager” or “supply manager.”

Platoon commander is no doubt a complex and challenging position. That complexity and challenge might well be understood better if you “provided the required training and support to lead a 60-person team in projects from start to finish.” Otherwise known as “missions.”

Converting Military Experience to Civilian Resumes

Getting the acronyms out of your resume when applying for veteran jobs is a good first step, but you also need to understand the common strategies used to translate military experience into an attractive civilian resume.

There are differences in style as well as resume format and vocabulary. If there is one bit of broad advice that covers the successful translation of your military experience to a civilian job application it’s that you need to know your audience.

Style: Hiring managers aren’t so much assessing you on the basis of individual tasks undertaken and accomplished. They’re viewing you as a complete candidate and are especially interested in seeing how your skills have evolved given the challenges you faced along the way.

Format: Military resumes often list the most relevant jobs and skills first. That can be impressive. But a civilian hiring manager will want to trace your career evolution – most recent job first, down to your (often humbling) entry level position.

Resume writing experts recommend you list your work experience in the 10-15 years prior. Resume writing coaches caution that condensing your military record accordingly – especially if you’ve had almost that many military roles – can be a challenge but is nevertheless important.

A chronology can help hiring managers see how your skills (and no doubt high recommendations along the way) led to your rise up the ladder.

Vocabulary : Your goal is to make your military experience understandable and relatable to someone who probably has all the respect in the world for your career but doesn’t have the background to decipher jargon.

Acronyms may be unavoidable in some cases since they often are part of the job title listed. In those cases, it’s better to spell out the acronyms and explain any definition or topics that aren’t common knowledge to the civilian sector. Try using a military skills translator to help you figure out what employers are asking for and match their phrasing.

Again, your goal is for the person doing the hiring to see you as a candidate capable of smoothly transitioning into a new workplace. That challenge is many faceted, whether the candidate is a veteran or has no military experience whatsoever. In either case, it starts with how you communicate.

Types of Veteran Resumes

The concept of “knowing your audience” covers everything from the kind of jokes you might tell at a church fundraiser to how you’d tailor a resume based on the job you’re seeking.

How you translate your military experience in a resume seeking a corporate job will be different in ways both minor and significant to how you’d translate that same experience in a resume seeking a federal job.

The same applies to the kind of job within those respective fields; for instance, a management versus non-management position.

Military to corporate job resume : Those skills you developed in a disciplined, accountable military career might be just what the corporate world wants and needs.

Your job is to show how “leadership,” “perseverance” and “team building” – skills that might well seem matter-of-fact in a military career – translate in a corporate setting. Those are real strengths you’ve solidified over the years. Don’t let that get overlooked by failing to make their importance understandable to a hiring manager.

Military to federal job resume: Federal jobs are a natural landing spot for military veterans seeking civilian jobs. There are more than 350 job types filled by civilians at the federal level.

Some government employment opportunities may even offer preferred status to veterans over non-veterans. But since it is a natural landing spot, it’s also ultra-competitive. Crafting a resume that stresses the skills, talents and strengths that set you apart is crucial.

Military to government contractor resume: This is also a popular next chapter for veterans. You might even have worked at the same – or quite similar – job that a government contractor is trying to fill.

Government contract work can offer a much less stressful transition. Assuming you demonstrate your particular set of skills in a way human resources departments find relatable and understandable, you might be able to use some of that military jargon we warned against. But use it carefully.

Management role resumes: “Leadership” can be such a static term. Don’t let it be that.

These types of resumes need to emphasize a veteran’s experience in leadership positions. Use examples of team building. Tell how you motivated your team (not your platoon) despite different personalities and backgrounds to reach successful results (not missions).

Executive role resumes: These resumes build on the management role resumes already discussed. They need to highlight experience in

leadership, business knowledge, organization, and teamwork.

Make sure to highlight applicable experience in these areas. If you do this successfully and use the proper language, those skills could be seen as more of a fit than a projection.

Along with knowing your audience, know yourself. Take a hard look at what kind of job you want and what kind of job best fits your skills. Then pick the most appropriate resume type and be sure to highlight your relevant skills in a way that both military and non-military members will understand.

Job Programs and Veteran Resume Help

Transitioning to the civilian workforce after a military career is exciting but  certainly not without its stresses. Fortunately, there are programs available to help support veterans in making the transition.

Resume writing is only one tool at the disposal of veterans needing support and direction. That support and direction also come in the form of financial assistance, and job placement and other aspects of transitioning from a military career.

Resume Engine : Helps translate your military record into a strong resume that civilian employers can understand. Your completed resume is viewable by thousands of employers using the site to look for qualified job candidates.

My Career Spark : Resume builder for military spouses. It’s an effective job search and prep tool that helps candidates set goals and track their progress.

LinkedIn Benefits: Offers a free premium account for one year and access to LinkedIn Learning’s library of classes for professional development. Benefits job seekers as well as employers who are looking for the most qualified veteran candidates.

CASY : Free job placement assistance through job boards and job prep services to veterans, military, and military spouses. Offers a direct introduction to certain employers on behalf of qualified candidates.

Hire Heroes USA :  The website says it all: “When heroes get hired, companies prosper and America grows stronger.” Offers free job search assistance with career coaching, resume writing, mock interviewing, mentoring, job sourcing and career events for active-duty service members, military spouses and veterans.

Indeed:   Offers several avenues of support, including a job search boot camp and resume review that includes a curated 10-minute video with personalized recommendations.

VA for Vets : Provides employment readiness assistance and outreach for

VA Federal Employment opportunities. Provides guidance in the hiring, support and management of veteran and military service member employees.

The transition to the civilian workforce can be overwhelming but available resources like resume writing services, interview preparation and job placement can help simplify the process and put you in position to let your skills and talents speak for themselves.

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