Resumes for Transitioning Military Personnel

The military is notorious for its use of jargon and does not always clearly describe the skills involved in various military jobs. Military personnel transitioning to civilian employment must be able to describe the skills they possess to civilian employers in ordinary language. Many skills gained in military service are transferable to civilian jobs and the job seeker must make a case for this. For example, leadership skills learned in military service might be very desirable to a civilian employer.

Most military-transition resumes are written in a Combination format and start with a Qualifications Summary. This section in particular is your chance to highlight the transferable skills and vocational training that you acquired in the service. Medals or honors can also be mentioned.

If you are seeking private sector employment, use your specific job title, location, and date; rank and division can be omitted. Military personnel often assume a high degree of job responsibility - for expensive equipment, large budgets, or for supervising a large number of personnel. These responsibilities should be brought out in your job descriptions as should any commendations from supervisors.

You should list your Service Branch and enlistment period in the Education section. Any specialized training courses you received should also be listed in this section.

Veterans often receive preferential consideration for civil service positions. If you are seeking such employment, the contact section of your resume should provide your Veteran's Preference points.

Employers appreciate the extensive discipline and training a military career can instill. These skills and training, however, require proper translation in order to be marketable in the civilian job market.