Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be a challenging process, and one of the crucial steps is creating a resume that effectively showcases your skills and experiences. A well-crafted resume can open doors to new career opportunities and help you stand out among other candidates.
In this guide, we will provide you with valuable insights and tips on how to create a compelling resume for military veterans.
Where to Start: Understanding the Purpose of Your Resume
Before diving into the nitty-gritty details of resume writing, it’s important to understand the purpose of your resume. Your resume serves as a marketing tool that highlights your qualifications, experiences, and skills to potential employers. It should effectively communicate your value and demonstrate how your military background translates to the civilian workforce.
When crafting your resume, keep in mind that it should be tailored to the specific job you are applying for. Each job may require different skills and experiences, so it’s crucial to customize your resume accordingly.
Should You Use a Chronological or Functional Resume Format?
When it comes to choosing a resume format, there are two primary options: chronological and functional.
A chronological resume format lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. This format is ideal if you have a consistent work history and want to highlight your career progression.
On the other hand, a functional resume format focuses more on your skills and abilities rather than your work history. This format is beneficial if you are transitioning into a new industry or if your military experience is more relevant than your previous civilian jobs.
- Chronological Resume Format. This format is best suited for veterans with a consistent work history and a clear career progression. It allows you to showcase your experience and accomplishments in a structured manner.
- Functional Resume Format. If your military experience is more relevant than your civilian jobs or if you are transitioning into a new industry, a functional resume format can effectively highlight your skills and abilities.
Why Does Your Military Experience Matter?
Your military experience is a valuable asset that can set you apart from other candidates. It demonstrates qualities such as leadership, discipline, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. However, it’s essential to translate your military experience into civilian terms to make it easily understandable for potential employers.
When describing your military experience on your resume, focus on the skills and accomplishments that are most relevant to the job you are applying for. Use civilian terminology and avoid military jargon to ensure clarity and understanding.
What to Include in Your Military Veteran Resume
When crafting your military veteran resume, there are several key sections you should include:
- Contact Information. Include your name, phone number, email address, and professional social media profiles (such as LinkedIn).
- Objective or Summary Statement. This section provides a brief overview of your career goals and the value you can bring to the employer.
- Skills. Highlight the skills you have acquired during your military service that are relevant to the job you are applying for.
- Work Experience. Describe your military experience in a way that emphasizes your accomplishments and demonstrates your transferable skills.
- Education and Training. Include any relevant degrees, certifications, or training you have received.
- Awards and Honors. If you have received any awards or honors during your military service, showcase them in this section.
- References. Include references from your military service or civilian jobs, if applicable.
Who Can Help You with Your Military Veteran Resume?
Creating a resume that effectively showcases your military experience and aligns with civilian job requirements can be a complex task. Fortunately, there are resources available to assist you in this process.
Consider reaching out to organizations that specialize in assisting military veterans with resume writing and job placement. These organizations can provide valuable guidance and resources to help you create a compelling resume.
Which Skills Should You Highlight?
When crafting your military veteran resume, it’s essential to highlight the skills that are most relevant to the job you are applying for. While every job may require different skills, several transferable skills are highly valued in the civilian workforce:
- Leadership. Showcase your ability to lead and manage teams effectively.
- Problem-Solving. Highlight your skills in identifying and resolving complex problems.
- Adaptability. Demonstrate your ability to adapt to changing situations and handle high-pressure environments.
- Communication. Emphasize your strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Teamwork. Showcase your ability to work collaboratively with others towards a common goal.
- Attention to Detail. Highlight your meticulousness and accuracy in completing tasks.
- Technical Skills. If you have acquired any technical skills during your military service, include them in your resume.
When Should You Include Military Experience on Your Resume?
Deciding when to include your military experience on your resume depends on several factors, such as the relevance of your military experience to the job you are applying for and the length of your military service.
If your military experience is directly related to the job you are applying for, it’s generally recommended to include it in the work experience section of your resume. However, if you have a long military career and your recent civilian experience is more relevant, you may choose to include your military experience in a separate section titled “Military Experience.”
How to Tailor Your Resume for Specific Jobs
Customizing your resume for each specific job you apply for is crucial to increase your chances of landing an interview. Here are some tips on how to tailor your resume:
- Review the Job Description. Analyze the job description and identify the key skills and qualifications the employer is seeking.
- Match Your Skills. Highlight the skills and experiences in your resume that align with the requirements of the job.
- Use Keywords. Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description to optimize your resume for applicant tracking systems (ATS).
- Showcase Accomplishments. Highlight specific achievements and accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to succeed in the role.
- Customize Your Objective Statement. Tailor your objective statement to align with the specific job you are applying for.
Do’s and Don’ts of Military Veteran Resume Writing
When creating your military veteran resume, here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:
- Do tailor your resume for each specific job.
- Do highlight your transferable skills and accomplishments.
- Do use civilian terminology and avoid military jargon.
- Don’t include irrelevant information.
- Don’t use a generic template; customize your resume to stand out.
- Don’t exceed two pages in length.
Example Military Veteran Resume
To provide you with a better understanding of how to structure and format your military veteran resume, here is an example:
John Smith
(123) 456-7890 | [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnsmith
Objective: Dedicated and disciplined military veteran seeking a challenging position in logistics management. Strong leadership and problem-solving skills with a proven ability to optimize operations and drive efficiency.
Skills:
- Supply Chain Management
- Inventory Control
- Team Leadership
- Process Optimization
- Problem-Solving
- Attention to Detail
- Communication
Work Experience:
Logistics Manager, United States Army, 2010-2020
- Managed a team of 20 personnel and oversaw all aspects of supply chain operations, including inventory control, transportation, and procurement.
- Developed and implemented strategies to optimize logistics processes, resulting in a 20% increase in efficiency and cost savings.
- Led the successful execution of multiple high-profile logistics operations, including overseas deployments and humanitarian missions.
- Ensured compliance with regulations and maintained accurate inventory records.
Education and Training:
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, XYZ University
Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
Awards and Honors:
- Army Achievement Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Meritorious Service Medal
References: Available upon request
Conclusion
Creating a resume as a military veteran requires careful thought and consideration. By highlighting your transferable skills, tailoring your resume for each job, and effectively communicating your value to potential employers, you can increase your chances of securing a rewarding civilian career. Remember to showcase your leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork skills, and don’t forget to proofread your resume for any errors. With these tips and a well-crafted resume, you’ll be on your way to achieving your career goals.
