Military to Civilian Resume Writing:

Transitioning from military service to a civilian career is a significant step that requires careful planning and preparation. One of the most critical components of this process is creating a compelling resume that effectively translates your military experience into civilian terms. This Boots in Business Blog Post will help you navigate the nuances of resume writing, ensuring you present your skills and achievements in a way that resonates with civilian employers.

Understanding the Differences

The first step in crafting a civilian resume is understanding the fundamental differences between military and civilian resumes. Military resumes often include specific jargon, acronyms, and a focus on rank and responsibilities. In contrast, civilian resumes emphasize skills, accomplishments, and how your experience aligns with the job you are applying for.

Key Points to Consider:

1. Translate Military Jargon: Use civilian-friendly language to describe your roles and responsibilities.
2. Focus on Transferable Skills: Highlight skills that are relevant to civilian jobs, such as leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving.
3. Quantify Achievements: Use numbers and metrics to demonstrate your accomplishments.

Structure Your Resume

A well-structured resume is crucial for making a strong impression. Here’s a breakdown of the key sections to include in your civilian resume:

1. Contact Information

Include your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile. Ensure your email address is professional.

2. Summary Statement

A brief summary statement at the top of your resume should highlight your key qualifications and career goals. This is your opportunity to make a strong first impression.

Example:

Seasoned military professional with over 10 years of experience in logistics and operations management. Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and implementing strategic initiatives to improve efficiency. Seeking to leverage leadership and project management skills in a civilian role within the logistics industry.

3. Skills

List your relevant skills in a dedicated section. Focus on both hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (interpersonal abilities).

Example:

• Project Management
• Team Leadership
• Strategic Planning
• Risk Assessment
• Conflict Resolution

4. Professional Experience

This section should detail your work history, starting with your most recent position. For each role, include your job title, the name of the organization, the dates of employment, and a brief description of your responsibilities and achievements.

Example:

Logistics Manager | United States Army January 2015 – Present

• Led a team of 20+ personnel in the planning and execution of logistical operations.
• Managed the distribution of supplies and equipment, ensuring timely delivery to multiple locations.
• Implemented process improvements that reduced operational costs by 15%.

Operations Coordinator | United States Navy June 2010 – December 2014

• Coordinated daily operations for a unit of 50+ personnel, overseeing training, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Developed and executed training programs that enhanced team readiness and efficiency.
• Successfully managed multiple high-priority projects simultaneously.

5. Education

Include your educational background, listing your degrees, institutions, and graduation dates. If you have relevant certifications, include them in this section as well.

Example:

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration | University of Maryland | 2009
• Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)

Translate Your Experience

One of the biggest challenges in transitioning from a military to a civilian career is translating your experience into terms that civilian employers understand. Here are some tips to help you with this process:

Use Civilian Equivalents

Instead of using military-specific job titles and terms, find civilian equivalents. For example:

• Military Term: Platoon Sergeant
• Civilian Equivalent: Team Leader or Supervisor

Highlight Transferable Skills

Focus on skills that are valuable in civilian roles, such as leadership, communication, problem-solving, and project management. These skills are highly transferable and sought after by employers.

Quantify Your Achievements

Use numbers and metrics to showcase your accomplishments. This helps employers understand the impact of your work.

Example:

• Military Description: Led a platoon in multiple training exercises and operations.
• Civilian Translation: Supervised and trained a team of 30 personnel, successfully executing over 50 complex projects and operations.

Tailor Your Resume

Each job you apply for will have unique requirements. Tailor your resume for each application by emphasizing the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific job. This demonstrates that you have taken the time to understand the role and how your background aligns with the company’s needs.

Resources and Tools

Here are some valuable resources to assist you in crafting your civilian resume:

• Military.com Resume Builder: This tool helps you create a professional resume by providing templates and examples.
• Hire Heroes USA: Offers free resume writing services and career coaching for veterans and military spouses.
• VA Transition Assistance Program (TAP): Provides resources and support for transitioning service members, including resume writing workshops.
• LinkedIn for Veterans: LinkedIn offers free premium membership for veterans and service members, providing access to valuable networking and job search tools.

Conclusion

Transitioning from military service to a civilian career is a journey that requires careful planning and preparation. Crafting a compelling resume that effectively translates your military experience into civilian terms is a crucial step in this process. By understanding the differences between military and civilian resumes, structuring your resume effectively, translating your experience, and leveraging available resources, you can position yourself for success in the civilian job market.

Remember, your military service has equipped you with valuable skills and experiences that are highly sought after by civilian employers. With the right resume, you can showcase your strengths and secure the civilian career you deserve.

For more tips and resources, visit www.bootsinbusiness.com and start your journey to a successful civilian career today!