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Military To Civilian Resume

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Veteran Resume Tips – Military to Civilian Resumes

You have served your country, and now you deserve a rewarding career. Start writing your military veteran resume with CareerProPlus. Our team has three decades of experience writing personalized resumes for military service personnel.

We wont hand you a veteran resume sample and send you on your way. Well take the time to analyze your information and explain what you need to include to qualify for the jobs you want. Each veteran resume we develop is customized. Well also review what jobs youre eligible for and how to format your resumes correctly even for online applications and built to be in compliance with artificial intelligence systems.

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Machinist Mate Sample Resume

For specialized positions like the Navy Machinists Mate, the resume will look very similar to the Military Technician resume. You will want to draw attention to your areas of expertise within your military role. This will help to focus on the skills that you have obtained while in service. Be sure to also list out any certifications or additional education related to your field.

Include These Essential Components:

  • Contact information: In the heading, include your name, address, phone number and email address.
  • Objective or job target: In one or two lines, say what kind of job youre looking or applying for, and what makes you uniquely qualified.
  • Summary of qualifications: This is a bulleted section just below the objective in the visual center of the resume.
  • Include five or six lines highlighting the skills that qualify you for the job.
  • This will include your experience, certifications and related training.
  • Title this section Highlights of Qualifications,Summary of Skills or Summary of Experience.
  • Employment history: Will vary depending on the type of resume.
  • Education and training: List colleges, schools or military training schools you attended. You can list the name of the school and the location, but not necessarily the dates.
  • Special skills: Include foreign languages, computer skills or any other relevant skills that will set you apart.
  • Read Also: How To Write A Resume To Get Hired

    The Layout Of The Military Resume

    The layout and writing style of your military to civilian resume is the first thing the hiring manager notices, so you should choose a layout that is easy to scan through. Most recruiters spend less than ten seconds on a resume, and if your layout is hard to understand, they will probably not read your resume.

    The best resume format for your military to civilian resume is the functional resume. This format focuses on your skills and is sometimes referred to as the skills-based resume. It is perfect if you are changing careers and dont have relevant experience in the position you are applying for. If your military experience is not applicable to most civilian jobs, this format allows you to talk about transferable skills useful in the civilian position.

    Translate Military Job Titles

    Military To Civilian Resume Writing

    You want the titles and positions specified on your resume to be clear. That does not mean to lie about the titles. Just phrase it in a way that can be universally understood.

    Instead of saying:

    Nourishment consultant and provider at a center for education.

    Youd expect someone to say School Cook.

    Even if you can understand the words, it is faster and easier to just present it to the recipient in the most understandable way possible.

    Below is a table of military job title examples, and what you should say on your resume instead:

    Military Job Titles Translator

    Technical Manager or Specialist

    See the difference that can be made simply because of your selection of words?

    Be sure to use the same word throughout your cover letter and resume for the same military term so as to not confuse things.

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    Get Help If You Need It

    Seek out assistance, concluded St. Pierre. arent expert resume writers and thats okay. Seek out subject matter experts and mentors. Like the Wounded Warrior Project Warriors to Work program, there are many, many VSOs out there that help.

    There are also people online willing to help. Create a and follow or reach out to veteran career coaches and advocates like Michael Quinn, Leslie Coffey, Daniel Savage, Maggie Cutler, Tom Cal, Jacqueline Contreras, and others for tips, resources, and mentorship during your transition.

    Ready for More?

    Work Experience In The Military Resume

    The work experience section gives your potential employer an idea of what you can do based on your previous work history. Most hiring managers spend a little more time in this section to see what potential value you will bring to the company.

    This section depends on the position you want to apply for. If you gained experience relevant to the job you are applying for in your years of military service, you could mention it in your military resume. If that is not the case, you should try and showcase the skills you gained and how they will be helpful in the new position.

    An effective military resume should be easy to read and understand. If you are not sure about adding your work experience under this section, a military resume sample can be helpful. As we said earlier, civilian positions are different from military positions, so take your time and read through job descriptions to understand exactly what the recruiter needs.

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    From Infantry To Logistics Management

    Military Experience: An infantryman with 23 years in the Army who operated tanks and weapons and dug ditches is having a hard time identifying skills or direct experience to bring to the civilian workforce.

    Experience to Market to Civilian Employers: Trained and evaluated 40 personnel supporting 2,000+ troops in 4 countries, with an inventory list of 1,500 line items and assets valued at $65M.

    Functional Areas of Expertise or Core Competencies: Personnel management, logistics and operations. Strategic planning and tactical application.

    Possible Employment Opportunities: Based on his experience, this Command Sergeant Major could market his skills as a logistics expert and apply for management positions.

    Education On Military To Civilian Resumeexample

    Military to Civilian Resume Review | 26 Year Air Force Veteran!

    Lets say the job calls for skills in law enforcement, emergency response, and efficiency.

    Want to try a different look? Theres 18 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here.

    Heres a recap. To write a military to civilian resume:

    • Use the military resume template in this guide. It uses military experience on a resume the right way.
    • Translate military skills to your civilian resume. Kill the acronyms and show how you used skills listed in the job offer.
    • Write a military resume objective that gets noticed. In it, put your 23 best assets.
    • Pack your experience and education with accomplishments. Show youve basically done the job theyre hiring for.

    Got questions on how to write a great resume for military jobs? Not sure how to show military experience on a resume? Leave a comment. We are happy to reply.

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    Keep Your Objective Statement Short

    Recruiters are only going to scan your resume. They wont read it word-for-word. Therefore, keep your objective statement short. Make sure all of your strong selling points are summarized in no more than 5 sentences.

    Now, lets put it all together:

    Veteran with 12 years of military service with knowledge of the best cybersecurity software including Wireshark, Malwarebytes, Solarwinds, and IBM QRadar plus credentials as a Certified Ethical Hacker . My primary directive in the US Army was to anticipate, overcome, and prevent cyber-attacks on our network. During my stint, we encountered an average of 10,000 attacks per day. I believe my knowledge and experience fighting off cyber-criminals on a global scale will most benefit your company and your clients. Typical of those who served in the military, my core soft skills are dedication, commitment, and integrity.

    Skills/Strengths

    In this section, you provide a summary of the skills that you acquired through formal training in the military. The best way to present your skills is to group them into categories:

    For example:

    • Review and manage the budget for cybersecurity.
    • Review and manage the budget for personnel development.

    To substantiate the summary of skills that youve listed, request for a copy of the Verification of Military Experience and Training from the US Department of Defense and attach it on your resume.

    • Dedicated to completing tasks
    • Name of High School
    • Inclusive years

    Work Experience

    Examples Of Professional Experiences For Military Resume Beginner/junior

    Heres an example

      Responsible for coordinating the training schedules of 10 team members and filing essential administrative paperwork.

      In charge of preparing and dispatching over 20 registered and certified mail every day.

      Responsible for all ammunition processes, including issuing receipts and storage of inventory.

      Assisted the Commander in charge with creating and implementing operational policies by advising on the needs and morale of enlisted personnel.

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    Create A Skills Summary Or Qualifications And Highlights Section

    In this section, promote your qualifications and unique talents. Focus on how you can add value to the organization. Use bullet points and indicate quantitative and qualitative data don’t just say “automation” or “operations.” Instead, describe your complete experience.

    Examples:

    • “In total, have tracked, maintained, repaired and been accountable for $5.8 million worth of government aviation property.”
    • “Have guided, trained and assisted over 300 U.S. Naval officers in the execution of various aircraft maintenance duties and flight schedules.”

    How To Properly List Your Education In A Military Resume

    Resume for army retired person February 2021

    It would be best if you listed your education correctly to ensure the recruiting manager sees it. The best way to list your education is by starting with the name of your school, location, degree earned, and the years spent in school. If you list your high school diploma, you can add your grade if it was exceptional and will help your resume stand out.

    Example of the Education Section of a Military Resume.

    Here is an example

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    This Sample Resume For A Marine Seeking A Position In Law Enforcement Shows How You Can Translate Your Military Skills For A Civilian Job

    Making the transition to the civilian workforce certainly comes with its own unique sets of challenges, not the least of which is learning how to write your resume. Which skills are important? How do you take your military experience and translate it for a civilian hiring manager? Will your accomplishments in uniform be as impressive to someone outside of the military?

    It’s a lot to think about, no doubt. For guidance, view the sample resume for military-to-civilian transition below, and download the military-to-civilian transition resume template in Word.

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the following are some examples of types of occupations for enlisted personnel. If you have military training in these areas, there are civilian jobs ready and waiting for you:

    US Marine Corps Current Assignment: Camp Pendleton / Previous Deployment: Iraq

    Military Police Officer, 12/06 to Present

    Awarded MP position at the culmination of 12-week basic training and an additional 12 weeks of intensive, specialized MP training. Currently serve as a Military Police officer protecting lives and property, patrolling military base and preserving law and order at Camp Pendleton USMC Base.

    Recognition & Awards:

    Education & Credentials

    Sometown State University Sometown, CAA in Criminal Justice Candidate GPA: 3.7

    Certifications & Clearances:

    Training Highlights:

    Does Being A Veteran Look Good On A Resume

    Yes, because the first word that comes to the mind of people who hear military veteran is discipline.

    A recruiter who comes across a candidate with military experience will feel respect and honor because you served the country.

    It was because of your selfless sacrifice that civilians such as the recruiter are able to sleep soundly and go to work the following day.

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    Choose Your Career Path

    You can start planning ahead long before you retire from active military duty.

    Communicating with recruiters and companies will get your foot in the door, which will give you a headstart on others.

    You can use the time prior to retirement to determine exactly what and where fits you best.

    You should tailor your resume to each individual job posting, but if you choose a specific career path, fewer modifications will be needed to be made to this first draft.

    It initially seems a bit counterintuitive to think that ruling out some options increases your chances of securing a job, but it does. It helps you focus your energy in the direction you should go, instead of spreading yourself thin.

    If you need some assistance, CareerOneStop provides a Veterans Job Matcher where you can enter your MOS code and see civilian jobs that are similar to your military occupation. The results show salary information, education requirements, career outlook, and a link to find jobs.

    Highlight Your Soft Skills

    Real Resume Review | Transitioning from Military to Civilian Career

    While you were in the military, you may have developed and honed your like communication, leadership, management skills and attention to detail. List these skills in your summary of qualifications section and incorporate them throughout the accomplishments in your work experience section to showcase yourself as a well-rounded candidate.

    Read Also: How To Write A Functional Resume

    To Translate Or Not To Translate

    That is the question to answer before you start drafting your resume. Will you be sending it to someone within the defense industry? Or will you be targeting employers outside of it?

    If the answer is yes to the former, then you may not need to spend a great deal of time translating your job titles, descriptions, awards and training into English.

    Those within the defense industry usually understand what you are communicating, but not always. Keep in mind that there are a lot of people who work in the industry who have never worn a uniform and may not fully understand what you’ve accomplished.

    If you are targeting a job outside of the defense world, then you most certainly need to translate your skills, experiences and accomplishments into the English Language.

    It can be challenging, but not impossible.

    From A Tank To A Cubicle

    “You have to be patient because there is no such thing as a perfect resume,” said Philip Lapple, a former M1 Main Battletank Crewmember in the U.S. Army.

    Lapple wants to switch career gears completely and get a job in business. To reach that goal, he is currently attending the University of Maryland, University College and working on a degree in Management Studies.

    “I really don’t think I will get a good job until I finish my degree but I’m trying,” said Lapple.

    In the meantime, he is working on creating a basic master resume that he can tailor to individual job opportunities as they arise.

    “On my resume, I try to show that I am a well-rounded package of education and expertise,” said Lapple adding that it continues to be a work in progress.

    “You’re not going to get it right the first time or the second time you write it,” said Lapple who finds himself revising his resume each time someone else critiques it for him.

    Lapple understands that he needs to translate specific words in order to make his resume work. Rather than say he was a tank crewmember, he says that he was a heavy equipment operator.

    To highlight his skills without over emphasizing equipment operation, he puts strong emphasis on leadership.

    “My latest version shows words like mentoring, efficiency, and work load planning. I also use the word “team” instead of platoon or squad,” said Lapple.

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    How To Write A Military

    Lori Norris has been educating and supporting military service members to see their career options and market their military skills during their military transition since 2005. Lori considers herself bilingual she speaks military and civilian language. She is the host of the Lessons Learned for Vets Podcast, the owner of Next for Vets education services and Get Results Career Services company.

    Related: Job Cast: How to Write a Resume After Military Experience

    Indeed hosted this Job Cast to walk through how to build a civilian resume on Indeed as a military service member or spouse.

    As a person with military experience, you have a unique but broad skill set that can translate to a variety of corporate jobs. If you are transitioning to a civilian job or are looking for a new one, you may need to explain your military experience in a way that more universally demonstrates your leadership, aptitudes and work ethic. In this article, we discuss tips for translating military language to corporate language in a military-to-civilian resume and provide you a template and example to help you write your own.

    You can also fill out our to receive personalized feedback from a professional resume writer.

    Get Your Vmet Documentation

    Canadian Military To Civilian Resume Examples

    Before you even type your name at the top of a new resume, get a copy of your Verification of Military Experience and Training document. This information, provided from the Department of Defense, is available to all service members and veterans online through milConnect.

    To get your VMET documentation:

  • Log in to milConnect.
  • Your VMET file does two important things:

    First, it gathers all reported demographic, training and experience records in one place.

    Second, it describes your service occupations in civilian terms. So its like getting a head start on building your new resume.

    Within your VMET info, youll need to look for experience relevant to your career goals. Transfer that relevant information to your resume, job applications and other search materials, then edit as needed to fit the qualifications of the opportunities youll be looking for.

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