The Critical Importance of Military Resume Writing for Civilian Job Success

Boots in Business job seeking customers understand the need for translating their military skills to civilian speak. This is not always easy to do. Take the time to write an excellent resume to get you the job you always wanted.

Introduction

Transitioning from the structured world of the military to the competitive civilian job market can be daunting. A crucial step in this process is crafting a resume that effectively translates your military experience into terms civilian employers understand. This blog will delve into the intricacies of military resume writing, providing actionable tips to help veterans create compelling documents that land them interviews.

Understanding the Civilian Resume

Before we dive into translating military experience, it's essential to grasp the fundamental structure and expectations of a civilian resume. Unlike military resumes, which often focus on chronological order and job duties, civilian resumes emphasize accomplishments, skills, and keywords.

• Resume Format: The most common formats are chronological, functional, and combination. Chronological highlights work experience, functional focuses on skills, and combination blends both.
• Resume Sections: Typically include a header, summary or objective, skills, experience, education, and certifications.
• Keyword Optimization: Incorporate keywords from the job description to increase your chances of passing through applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Translating Military Experience

The key to a successful military-to-civilian resume lies in effectively translating military roles and responsibilities into civilian-friendly terms.

• Identify transferable skills: Many military roles involve skills directly applicable to civilian jobs. For instance, leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, and time management are universally valued.
• Use action verbs: Begin bullet points with strong action verbs to highlight achievements. Instead of "responsible for," use "managed," "led," or "achieved."
• Quantify accomplishments: Whenever possible, use numbers to quantify your achievements. For example, "Increased team efficiency by 20% through process improvement."
• Leverage military keywords: While avoiding excessive military jargon, use military-specific terms when relevant and explain their civilian equivalents.

Crafting a Compelling Summary or Objective

The summary or objective is your resume's first impression. It should concisely highlight your key qualifications and career goals.

• Tailor to the job: Customize your summary or objective for each job application to demonstrate your alignment with the position.
• Focus on value: Emphasize how your skills and experience can benefit the employer.
• Keep it concise: Aim for 3-4 sentences.

Building a Strong Skills Section

Your skills section is a prime opportunity to showcase your abilities.

• Include technical skills: List software proficiency, certifications, and any specialized skills relevant to the job.
• Highlight soft skills: Emphasize leadership, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.
• Use keywords: Incorporate keywords from the job description to improve ATS visibility.

Showcasing Military Experience

Your military experience is a valuable asset. Present it effectively to maximize its impact.

• Use clear job titles: Convert military job titles into civilian equivalents or provide brief explanations.
• Focus on accomplishments: Highlight achievements, projects, and challenges overcome.
• Use bullet points: Organize information in clear and concise bullet points.
• Tailor to the job: Emphasize experiences relevant to the target position.

Leveraging Certifications and Education

Additional certifications and education can strengthen your resume.

• Highlight relevant certifications: List certifications that enhance your qualifications.
• Include education details: Specify degrees, institutions, and graduation dates.
• Consider continuing education: Highlight any ongoing learning or professional development.

Designing Your Resume

A well-designed resume is visually appealing and easy to read.

• Choose a clean format: Use a clear and professional layout.
• Use consistent formatting: Maintain consistent fonts, headings, and spacing.
• Optimize for readability: Use ample white space and clear font sizes.
• Proofread carefully: Errors can create a negative impression.

Conclusion

Transitioning from the military to the civilian workforce requires a strategic approach to resume writing. By understanding the civilian resume format, effectively translating military experience, and creating a visually appealing document, veterans can significantly increase their chances of securing desired job opportunities. Remember, your resume is your first impression, so invest time and effort in crafting a compelling document that showcases your unique qualifications.