Including military service on your resume is a powerful way to showcase your discipline, leadership, and a wide array of skills gained during your time in the armed forces.
Many veterans and transitioning service members face the challenge of translating their military experience into civilian terms, but with the right approach, your background can become one of your greatest strengths.
Whether you served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard, your military experience can set you apart from other candidates in the civilian job market.
The key lies in effectively communicating your achievements, leadership qualities, and transferable skills without overwhelming the employer with military jargon.
How to Structure Military Experience on Your Resume
First and foremost, choose the most suitable resume format for your situation. The three most common formats are chronological, functional, and combination resumes.
A chronological resume emphasizes work history in reverse order, making it ideal for veterans with consistent service and progression. A functional resume, on the other hand, focuses more on skills and qualifications rather than specific job titles or dates.
This format can be advantageous for those who may have gaps in employment or whose military roles do not directly correlate with civilian positions.
Lastly, a combination resume merges the strengths of both formats, highlighting key skills while also presenting a clear work history.
Once you have selected the format, it is essential to structure your military experience in a way that highlights your accomplishments. Start with your job title, branch of service, and the dates of your service.
Highlighting Transferable Skills
Transferable skills are those abilities and experiences gained during your military service that are relevant to civilian jobs. Leadership, project management, crisis response, and technical proficiency are just a few examples of skills that employers highly value.
To effectively highlight these skills, consider the requirements of the job you are applying for and align your experience accordingly.
Working with a professional resume writing service, such as ResumeWritingLab, can significantly enhance your chances of success in the job market.
They have the expertise to craft a resume that not only highlights your strengths but also aligns with the demands of the civilian job market.
By focusing on the specific skills and achievements that matter most to employers, these services ensure your resume stands out from the competition.
They know how to structure your resume to maximize impact while also making sure it passes through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Translating Military Experience to Civilian Terms
Avoid military jargon and acronyms that might confuse employers. Instead, describe your roles using language that is universally understood.
For example, if you held the position of a Platoon Sergeant, you might rephrase it as Team Supervisor or Operations Manager. If your role involved coordinating training exercises, you could describe it as Training Coordinator or Program Manager.
The goal is to ensure that anyone, regardless of their familiarity with the military, can grasp the significance of their achievements.
The Importance of It
Employers highly value candidates with a military background because it often demonstrates unparalleled discipline, resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure. Moreover, military veterans typically possess essential skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, and effective communication.
One of the most critical aspects of adding military experience to your resume is ensuring that it is both relevant and clearly understood by hiring managers who may not be familiar with military terminology.
This means using civilian-friendly language while still preserving the core message of your achievements and expertise. By framing your military background in a way that aligns with the job you are applying for, you maximize your chances of making a strong impression.
Crafting a Civilian-Friendly Job Description
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To ensure your military experience resonates with civilian employers, tailor each job description to focus on your accomplishments rather than simply listing your duties.
Avoid making your resume sound too technical or overly formal, as this can alienate readers who are unfamiliar with military roles. Instead, use clear, concise, and straightforward language to convey your achievements.
For example, instead of saying:
Try:
This revised description highlights leadership and organizational skills, making it more relatable to civilian roles.
Detailing Accomplishments and Achievements
Quantifying your achievements is a crucial step in making your resume more impactful. Instead of vaguely stating that you “led a team,” explain how you led a unit of 30 personnel to achieve a 20% increase in operational readiness. Employers appreciate seeing concrete results, as it gives them a clearer picture of your capabilities.
Moreover, donโt hesitate to include awards and recognitions that demonstrate your dedication and excellence. Honors such as the Army Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, or other similar accolades signal to potential employers that you went above and beyond in your service.
Additional Resources for Veterans and Transitioning Service Members
We honor the sacrifices made by military families on this #MiliarySpouseDay. @USDOL is here to support our veterans and their families through the Veteransโ Employment and Training Service @VETS_DOL. Learn more: https://t.co/5ZVS4o9OY2
โ U.S. Department of Labor (@USDOL) May 12, 2023
The U.S. Department of Laborโs Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) offers extensive resources and guidance for veterans seeking employment. You can find valuable tools and support on their official website: U.S. Department of Labor – VETS.
Final Thoughts
Including military experience on your resume is not only appropriate but often advantageous when done correctly. By focusing on achievements, translating military terms into civilian-friendly language, and emphasizing transferable skills, you create a resume that stands out and resonates with employers.
Taking the extra step to seek professional help from trusted services can ensure that your resume accurately reflects your qualifications and leaves a lasting impression on potential employers.
The transition from military to civilian life may be challenging, but with a well-crafted resume and the right approach, you can confidently showcase your experience and secure the opportunities you deserve.
