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Military Resume: Examples and Writing Tips for 2024

Are you a military veteran looking to transition into the civilian job market? If so, you’re not alone. The transition can be challenging, and crafting a compelling resume is a crucial first step. This article aims to guide veterans in writing an effective military resume that highlights their skills, experience, and achievements.

Importance of a Military Resume

A military resume is essential for veterans seeking employment outside of the military. Unlike a standard resume, a military resume is structured differently and emphasizes skills and accomplishments that translate to civilian job roles. A well-crafted resume can make a significant impact in getting an interview and ultimately landing a job.

Differences Between Military and Civilian Resumes

Military resumes differ from civilian resumes in several ways. Military resumes use terminology and acronyms that may be unfamiliar to civilian hiring managers. They also include information about military-specific training, experience, and accomplishments. A civilian recruiter may not understand the significance of certain military achievements, so it’s crucial to translate the military experience into civilian language.

Overview of the Article Sections

This article will provide examples and writing tips for crafting a successful military resume. The following sections will cover:

• Formatting and structure of a military resume
• Translating military experience and achievements into civilian language
• Highlighting relevant skills and accomplishments
• Including relevant education and certifications
• Tips for tailoring the resume to specific job applications

By the end of this article, readers should have a comprehensive understanding of how to create an effective military resume that will help them transition into a civilian career.

Understanding the Military Resume Format

Military resume sections and heading.

When it comes to writing a military resume, it’s important to understand the different sections and headings that are typically included. The format of a military resume is slightly different from a civilian resume, with more emphasis placed on skills and duties over work experience.

The main sections you should include in your military resume are:

• Contact information
• Summary statement or objective
• Education and training
• Military experience
• Relevant skills and certifications
• Awards and honors
• Professional references

Be sure to use a clear and easy-to-read font and keep your formatting consistent throughout the document.

Identifying Relevant Military Skills and Duties

One of the key challenges when writing a military resume is identifying the most relevant skills and duties to include. This is especially important if you’re transitioning from the military to a civilian career, as you’ll need to show how your military experience translates into relevant skills for the job you’re applying for.

To do this effectively, start by reviewing the job description and identifying the key skills and qualifications they’re looking for. Then, look for examples from your military experience that demonstrate those same skills and use them as bullet points under your relevant military experience section.

When describing your military duties, focus on the transferable skills you gained that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. For example, if you were in the infantry, you might highlight your leadership and teamwork skills, your ability to work under pressure, and your attention to detail.

Importance of Using Keywords and Action Verbs

Finally, it’s important to use keywords and action verbs throughout your military resume to help it stand out to potential employers. Keywords are the specific skills and qualifications listed in the job posting, while action verbs are strong, active words that show what you accomplished in your previous roles.

Some examples of effective action verbs for a military resume include:

• Implemented

By using these words and phrases, you can show employers that you have the skills and experience they’re looking for and help your military resume make it past the initial screening process.

When writing a military resume, it’s important to understand the different sections and headings, identify your most relevant skills and duties, and use keywords and action verbs throughout to make a strong impression on potential employers.

Tips to Make Your Military Resume Stand Out

Creating a military resume that stands out can be challenging, but with the right guidance, it is achievable. As a copywriter and subject matter expert with years of experience, I’ve distilled some tips that will help veterans transition successfully into civilian life.

Tailoring a Resume to a Specific Position

The first step in crafting a resume that stands out is tailoring it to the specific position. Job descriptions are the starting point. Use the language and keywords that appear in the job posting to demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and experience. Highlight your military work experience and other accomplishments that demonstrate your capabilities and qualifications for the job.

Remember that while your military experience is important, your resume should primarily focus on your transferable skills.

Highlighting Transferable Skills

Many veterans underestimate the value of the skills they’ve developed during their military service. These skills include leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. Highlighting these transferable skills is crucial when transitioning into civilian work. Employers place a premium on these skills, regardless of the industry or position.

Make sure your resume reflects your transferable skills by providing examples of how you applied them in your military roles. Quantify results wherever possible. For instance, if you helped reduce downtime in a mission-critical communications system or achieved a 100% success rate during range training, be sure to mention it in your resume.

Including Accomplishments and Achievements

Including your military accomplishments and achievements is essential in making your resume stand out. These accomplishments can demonstrate your strength, leadership, and expertise. Certificates of training, decorations, awards, and other official recognitions should be included in your resume. Highlight any leadership roles you held, as well as any missions or operations you participated in.

Avoiding Military Jargon

When creating a military resume, it is essential to avoid using military jargon. Although military jargon may be familiar to you, it might not be intelligible to civilian hiring managers. Instead, use plain language that is easy to understand. Also, avoid acronyms or abbreviations if possible, or clearly explain what they mean.

Consider these tips when drafting your military resume, and tailor your resume to the specific position. Highlight your transferable skills, showcase your achievements, and avoid using military jargon. Doing so will help you get noticed by hiring managers and increase your chances of landing a civilian job.

Military Resume Examples for Different Branches

When it comes to crafting a military resume, it’s important to highlight the unique experiences and skills that come with serving in a specific branch of the armed forces. Here are examples of military resumes tailored to the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, to help guide your own resume writing process.

Army Resume Example

Name:  John Doe  Rank:  Staff Sergeant  Years of Service:  8 years  Occupational Specialty:  Infantry

Summary:  Highly motivated Infantry Staff Sergeant with eight years of experience in combat operations, tactical planning, and leadership. Decorated with the Army Commendation Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge. Proven ability to lead soldiers in high-stress situations and achieve mission objectives.

Key Skills:

• Tactical Planning
• Combat Operations
• Team Leadership
• Weapons Proficiency
• Risk Management

Experience:

• Led 12-soldier infantry team on multiple combat patrols and security operations in Afghanistan
• Supervised and trained platoon of 40 soldiers in marksmanship and combat skills
• Coordinated and executed training exercises with other military branches and foreign armies
• Conducted risk assessments and implemented safety protocols for training exercises and operations

Navy Resume Example

Name:  Jane Smith  Rank:  Petty Officer First Class  Years of Service:  10 years  Occupational Specialty:  Cryptologic Technician

Summary:  Dedicated Cryptologic Technician Petty Officer First Class with 10 years of experience in signal intelligence analysis and data collection. Proven track record of supporting national security missions and delivering critical intel to senior leadership. Holds an active TS/SCI security clearance.

• Signal Intelligence Analysis
• Communications Security
• Data Collection and Analysis
• Cryptography
• Security Clearance Management
• Analyzed and reported critical intelligence to senior leadership during three deployments in support of national security objectives
• Managed and secured classified information and communication systems
• Trained and mentored junior personnel in signal intelligence and security procedures
• Collaborated with interagency partners to share intel and coordinate operations

Air Force Resume Example

Name:  Robert Johnson  Rank:  Technical Sergeant  Years of Service:  12 years  Occupational Specialty:  Aircraft Maintenance

Summary: Highly skilled Aerospace Maintenance Technician with 12 years of experience in aircraft maintenance and repair. Demonstrated expertise in troubleshooting, inspecting, and maintaining various aircraft systems. Committed to upholding the highest standards of safety and professionalism. Proven ability to work efficiently in fast-paced and high-pressure environments.

Aircraft Maintenance Troubleshooting Technical Inspections Team Collaboration Safety Compliance

• Performed scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on F-16 fighter aircraft, ensuring operational readiness
• Conducted detailed inspections of aircraft components, identifying and resolving mechanical issues
• Collaborated with a team of technicians to troubleshoot complex electrical and avionics systems
• Assisted in aircraft launch and recovery operations, adhering to strict safety protocols
• Maintained accurate maintenance records and documentation in accordance with Air Force regulations

Civilian Transitions: Examples and Tips

Civilian transition resume example.

As a veteran transitioning to civilian life, it’s important to have a strong, relevant resume that will catch the attention of potential employers. Here’s a sample civilian transition resume to help guide you:

Civilian Transition

Highly motivated and disciplined military veteran with a successful track record of leadership and operational excellence. Transitioning from a distinguished career in the military to a civilian role. Strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a commitment to teamwork. Seeking a challenging position that allows for the application of transferable skills in a civilian setting.

Operations Manager

XYZ Military Base  October 2012 – Present

• Led a team of 50 personnel in planning, coordinating, and executing operational missions in high-pressure environments.
• Managed logistics and resources to ensure mission success and adherence to strict timelines.
• Developed and implemented standard operating procedures (SOPs) to optimize efficiency and enhance performance.
• Conducted risk assessments and implemented safety protocols to maintain a safe working environment.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve mission objectives and maintain effective communication channels.

Training and Development Officer

ABC Military Training Center  January 2009 – September 2012

• Designed and delivered comprehensive training programs for military personnel, focusing on leadership development, team building, and technical skills.
• Conducted needs assessments and identified training gaps to create tailored training solutions.
• Evaluated training effectiveness and made necessary adjustments to meet performance objectives.
• Provided mentoring and guidance to junior officers and enlisted personnel, fostering professional growth and development.
• Managed training resources, including facilities, equipment, and instructional materials.
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration  University of XYZ  Graduated: May 2008
• Leadership and team management
• Strategic planning and problem-solving
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Project management and organizational abilities
• Adaptable and resilient in fast-paced environments

Certifications

• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
• Six Sigma Green Belt Certification
• Hazardous Materials Handling Certification

Volunteer Experience

Community Outreach Volunteer

Local Veterans Organization  January 2010 – Present

• Engaged in community outreach programs to support and assist fellow veterans in their transition to civilian life.
• Provided mentorship and guidance to veterans seeking employment and educational opportunities.
• Organized and participated in fundraising events to support local veterans’ initiatives.

Professional Affiliations

• Member, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
• Member, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA)

Available upon request

Military Spouses: Resume Tips and Examples

As a military spouse, it can be tough to build and maintain a career due to the frequent relocations and unpredictability of military life. However, with the right resume and job search strategies, military spouses can successfully navigate the challenges and seize opportunities that come their way.

Challenges and Opportunities of Military Spouses

One of the biggest hurdles military spouses face is a lack of continuity in employment due to frequent moves. This results in gaps in the resume and difficulty in building a consistent career trajectory. Additionally, military spouses may find it challenging to explain their work history and educational qualifications to civilian employers, who may not understand the unique circumstances of military life.

However, military spouses also possess a wealth of transferable skills and experiences that can be leveraged to their advantage, such as adaptability, resilience, and cultural awareness. They may have experience in diverse industries, exposure to people from different backgrounds, and demonstrated ability to work effectively in high-stress environments. These qualities make them valuable assets in today’s globalized world.

Military Spouse Resume Example

A military spouse resume should highlight key skills and experiences that are relevant to the target job or industry. It should also address any gaps in employment and explain the rationale behind them. For example:

Sarah Thompson

Military Spouse

Dedicated and adaptable military spouse with a strong work ethic and excellent organizational skills. Experienced in managing various responsibilities while accommodating the demands of a military lifestyle. Proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments and work effectively within a team. Seeking a position that offers flexibility and allows for continued professional growth.

Administrative Assistant

ABC Company  March 2018 – Present

• Provide comprehensive administrative support to the executive team, including calendar management, meeting coordination, and travel arrangements.
• Prepare and edit correspondence, reports, and presentations using Microsoft Office Suite.
• Maintain confidential records and databases, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company policies.
• Act as a liaison between departments, facilitating communication and streamlining workflow.
• Assist in organizing company events and employee engagement initiatives.

Customer Service Representative

XYZ Corporation  June 2015 – February 2018

• Responded to customer inquiries and resolved issues promptly and professionally.
• Managed a high volume of incoming calls and emails, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction.
• Handled customer complaints and worked towards effective resolutions.
• Assisted in maintaining customer databases and updating customer records.
• Collaborated with team members to improve customer service processes and enhance the overall customer experience.
• Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration  University of XYZ  Graduated: May 2014
• Strong organizational and time management abilities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Customer service-oriented mindset
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Family Readiness Group Volunteer

ABC Military Base  June 2017 – Present

• Assisted in organizing and coordinating events to support military families during deployments and separations.
• Provided information and resources to military families, promoting a sense of community and support.
• Facilitated communication between military families and base personnel, addressing concerns and providing assistance when needed.
• Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)
• Customer Service Excellence Certification
• Member, Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP)
• Member, National Military Family Association (NMFA)

Writing Tips from Veteran Experts

Here are some insights and recommendations from veteran experts to help transitioning military personnel land their dream jobs.

Benefits and Challenges of Hiring Veterans

Hiring veterans brings numerous benefits to organizations, such as their exceptional leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Vets are quick learners who can adapt to new environments and take on responsibilities with minimal supervision. They have a strong work ethic and can excel in high-stress situations. However, transitioning military personnel may face some challenges when entering the civilian job market. Some of these include translating their military experience into civilian terms, learning new communication styles, and adjusting to the differences in job expectations.

Insights and Recommendations from Veteran Experts

To overcome these challenges, veteran experts recommend seeking mentorship from other veterans, networking with industry professionals, and familiarizing yourself with the latest industry trends. It is also important to highlight your military experience on your resume and translate your skills and achievements into civilian terms. When applying for jobs, tailor your resume and cover letter to the job requirements and research the company culture to demonstrate your fit.

Do’s and Don’ts for Military Job Seekers

Here are some essential do’s and don’ts for military job seekers:

• Highlight your unique military experience and skills on your resume
• Translate military jargon into civilian language
• Emphasize specific achievements and accomplishments
• Show your flexibility and ability to adapt to new environments
• Customize your resume and cover letter to each job application
• Network with professionals in your desired field

Don’t:

• Use military jargon or acronyms that civilian employers may not understand
• Overemphasize rank or positions held in the military
• Assume that civilian employers understand what the military does or how it operates
• Rush the job application process and fail to research the company culture
• Ignore the importance of networking and building professional relationships

By following these tips and recommendations, military job seekers can create effective resumes that highlight their unique skills and experience, increase their chances of landing their dream job, and successfully transition to the civilian workforce.

Military Resume Checklist and Common Mistakes

When it comes to writing a military resume, there are certain “must-haves” that recruiters and hiring managers are looking for. Here are some essential components of a strong military resume:

• Clear and concise summary statement:  Your summary statement should clearly state your experience and skills, and make it clear that you are a strong candidate for the job.
• Quantifiable achievements:  Use specific numbers and figures to demonstrate your accomplishments and impact in your military career.
• Relevant skills and experience:  If you’re applying for a civilian job, make sure to focus on the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position.
• Education and training:  Highlight any relevant degrees or certifications you’ve earned, as well as any training or professional development courses you’ve completed.

But it’s not just about including the right information – there are also common mistakes that many job seekers make on their military resumes. Here are a few of the most common mistakes to avoid:

• Focusing too much on military jargon:  While it’s important to highlight your military experience, it’s also important to make sure that a civilian employer will be able to understand what you did and how it translates to the job you’re applying for.
• Including irrelevant information:  While it’s great to be well-rounded, including information that isn’t relevant to the job you’re applying for can actually hurt your chances of getting hired.
• Not tailoring your resume to the job:  Every job is different, and your resume should reflect that. Make sure to customize your resume for each job you apply for.
• Formatting and spelling errors:  Even the best content can be overshadowed by poor formatting and spelling mistakes. Make sure to proofread your resume carefully, or have someone else look it over for you.

So how can you make sure your military resume is error-free and ready to impress potential employers? Here are a few proofreading and editing tips:

• Read it out loud:  This can help you catch mistakes that you might miss when reading silently.
• Use a spellchecker:  While spellcheckers can’t catch everything, they can help identify some common errors.
• Get a second opinion:  Having someone else look over your resume can help you identify mistakes you may have missed.
• Take a break:  Once you’ve finished writing your resume, give yourself some time (ideally a day or two) before coming back to it with fresh eyes. This can help you catch mistakes you may have overlooked before.

By following these military resume checklist items and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a strong, impressive resume that will help you stand out to potential employers.

Cover Letters for Military Resumes

A compelling cover letter can be the difference between your military resume being considered for a job or falling to the bottom of the pile. Here we will discuss the importance of a cover letter and provide tips for writing one that catches the attention of the hiring manager.

Importance of a Cover Letter

A cover letter is an opportunity to showcase your personality, highlight your strengths and experience, and provide specific examples of why you are the best candidate for the job. It’s a chance to explain any gaps in your military service or aspects of your experience that may not be easily understood from your resume alone.

A well-written cover letter can also demonstrate your communication skills and ability to convey important information in a concise and professional manner. It shows that you are taking the time and effort to tailor your application to the specific job and employer.

Tips for Writing a Compelling Cover Letter

• Address the letter to a specific person whenever possible
• Open with a strong and attention-grabbing statement or question
• Tailor the letter to the specific job and employer, highlighting how your skills and experience align with their needs
• Use specific examples to illustrate your skills and experience
• Keep it concise and professional, ideally one page or less
• Close with a strong call to action, requesting an interview or further discussions

Remember, your cover letter should complement your resume, not repeat it. It’s an opportunity to add additional context and information to your application.

Cover Letter Example

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. As a decorated [Rank/Branch] with [X] years of experience in the [Military Branch], I am confident that my [Skill/Experience] make me an ideal candidate for this role.

My experience leading [X] teams on high-pressure missions has honed my ability to quickly and effectively adapt to changing situations. For example, during my deployment to [Location], I led a team of [X] personnel in ensuring the successful completion of numerous [Mission Objective] despite the challenging terrain and hostile environment.

At [Current/Previous Employer], I utilized my [Skill/Experience] to [Accomplishment] which resulted in [Outcome/Impact]. I am confident that these skills will allow me to excel in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].

Thank you for your time and consideration of my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss further how my skills and experience can contribute to the success of [Company Name].

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The US military provides life and work experience training far superior to most casual jobs. However, returning to civilian life after a successful military career can be daunting and overwhelming for many Veterans. Whether you've served in the Marine Corps, Air Force, Navy, Army, or Coast Guard, retaining a high-paying civilian job will require a well-written and engaging Military resume.

Let's begin by breaking down a common myth – writing a resume with military experience is NO different than any other resume. You're not required to comply with any DOD writing standards, do not have to disclose your specific Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), or only need to include your previous military work history.

In fact, the main concern for former US service members typically breaks down to learning how to list military service on a resume. This is where reviewing some previous military resume examples or using military resume templates will significantly help US service members enter the civilian workforce. This is what we intend on accomplishing in the information below.

This article will provide the ultimate guide to drafting a military skills resume. We'll provide you with a few military resume examples (one from an enlisted Navy veteran) and one from an Army officer. We will explain how to include military service on resume example documents, how to write a military resume in general and some creative ways of adding military service resume keywords.

Let's get started on creating your civilian resume post military job career.

Military Resume Example

As you begin transferring to civilian life, it's a great idea to start focusing on industries that will permit you to showcase the skills and abilities you learned during your enlistment. This should be the first item on your post-military career path.

After you've compiled a list of three or four possible employment segments, you can start to flesh out your first resume. Then you can use that base resume as a template to create industry-specific resumes if you choose. We'll explain this strategy in the content below.

The two military resume samples posted below are diverse examples of how to format your resume for specific jobs. The first example is a US Navy Petty Officer 2nd class – a fire controlman (FC) specializing in the CWIS fire control system. The second is one of our US Army resume examples from an officer who worked with the Army Corps of Engineers.

Let's review both and highlight how our team of professional resume writers tackled their resume writing project.

Navy Fire Controlman Resume Sample

The first resume is for PO2 Jackson Stewart, who recently completed his enlistment contract in the United States Navy. As an FC, he was trained to maintain, repair, and operate advanced weapons systems, such as the Mark-15 Close-In Weapons System or CIWS (commonly known as the R2-D2). Like all other resumes, his begins with an easy-to-review personal contact information section that includes his legal name, phone number, email, and mailing address.

As you continue with the resume, you'll notice his resume summary, which is directly under his contact information. This section is a general overview of his qualifications and desire to join a specific job – or explore opportunities in an industry. In this case, the primary skill he learned during his Naval career was as an electrician.

In fact, you'll notice in the first sentence that he has earned his certified electrician apprentice in The State of California and is hoping to join the team at Sparky's Electrical Service in the same capacity. He has selected the electrical trade, as his MOS taught him the basics and advanced electrical diagnostics and repairs. This gives him the core skills and training to become a certified tradesman electrician.

Further in Jackson's resume, you'll notice that he has created a Summary of Qualifications section. Here he has listed some essential qualifications that will make him a great member of Sparky's team. Some of these include his security clearance (mainly added to showcase his trust and reliability), his ability to respond to emergency situations such as being first aid and CPR certified, electrical training, and his current certification in the State of California.

You will notice his work history section as you continue with the resume. Here he has notated some of the specific job duties and critical areas of responsibility (without disclosing OPSEC details). He continues to list his education, including graduating from C-School (which provided him the practical training to earn his apprenticeship.

Finally, he has provided a few references, including his commanding officer during his last deployment on the USS Roosevelt. The resume concludes with several skills related to the electrical industry.

US Army Officer Resume Sample

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Our second resume sample is for Major Peter Jacobs, who recently retired from the US Army after 15 years of service to his country. His specialty is mechanical engineering, having graduated with a master's degree in Mechanical Engineering before enlisting in the US Army. His resume follows a similar pattern and format as our Naval candidate above. However, there are a few subtle differences to notice.

Major Jacobs has expertise in mechanical engineering and served as an officer for 15 years, so he has chosen to seek an operational management position for a company that manufactures automotive aftermarket components in San Diego.

Like PO2 Stewart, he has written a customized resume summary for the company he hoped to join. However, he showcases some of his key accomplishments as a leader vs. general skills and experience. This continues into his Summary of Qualifications and Work Experience sections.

One takeaway from these two sample military resumes is that you should always create a resume for specific employment opportunities. While we strongly recommend writing a resume summary for each job application, it's more important to write resumes targeted to specific industries.

Let's briefly provide a bit of a curveball with Major Jacob's resume. With his leadership experience, he could have written his resume for different management positions in multiple industries where his engineering education and training would be applicable.

The same statement applies to PO2 Stewart's resume. He also was trained in mechanical repairs, so he could have focused his resume on jobs requiring specific skills and traits – such as repairing mechanical equipment.

The critical point we're trying to articulate here is that you'll find better success in gaining an interview when you write resumes for specific industries vs. a general overview of your experience. Plus, you can write a detailed resume that fits nicely on one page.

How to Write a Military Resume in 2024: Full Guide to Successful Military Service Resumes

When transitioning from military service to civilian employment, you must showcase the skills, abilities, and qualities you possess in every resume you draft. One significant advantage of military personnel over standard civilians is the work/life skills you learn during enlistment.

This begins in basic training, where you learn discipline, how to follow procedures, organization, the importance of teamwork, and paying attention to details. You'll also develop a solid work ethic, learn how to problem solve, and maintain a clean and safe work environment.

These are considered hard and soft skills – or the abilities you possess that make you a great worker. They are also keywords or action verbs searched by automated applicant tracking systems often used with hiring agencies or online job search engines.

However, inserting the right buzz terms alone will not dazzle a hiring manager or job recruiter. Setting the right tone from the outset, building a case of your qualifications, and supporting your application with evidence throughout the resume is a great way to stand ahead of the competition.

Every military resume should be concise, well-organized, and easy to follow. Although specific industries and employment segments might request different information to be included on your resume, most should include the following sections.

• Personal Contact Information
• Professional Summary
• Summary of Qualifications
• Work History
• Certifications (if applicable)

One way to organize this project is to create a master resume – or a working document that permits you to write down every detail in all sections, fine-tune the content, and make appropriate edits. Plus, you can optimize the content for grammatical errors by using an online editing program called Grammarly.

So – if you're ready to learn how to create each section of your military or National Guard resume, let's get started with the specifics.

Section #1 – List Your Contact Information

It's critical to demonstrate outstanding attention to detail for any former military member. This will start when you document your up-to-date contact information at the beginning of your resume. You should include your complete legal name, email address, mailing address, and mobile phone for every post-military resume. There is no need to publish your social media pages like Facebook or LinkedIn on your contact information.

Ensure your phone is linked to your email so you can respond promptly when a recruiter or potential employer directly contacts you. Having your mobile number is crucial because many recruiters send SMS text messages to candidates to keep them up to date on the status of their applications.

*Specific Military Resume Tip: Here is something specifically applicable for future job candidates preparing to end their military service as they draft resumes. Hopefully, you've established where to move after your service contract ends. Also, make sure to update your cover letter as well.

If this information is up in the air (mainly with your physical address) - select a family member or close friend who will permit you to use their address - until you are settled. Once you have a permanent address, make sure to change your resume to update that information.

How to Format this Section

When you employ a resume template, the resume format is handled for you. Suppose you want to create a military resume by hand. In that case, we recommend including all contact information at the top of your document. This will help HR professionals contact you if your resume attracts their attention.

Section #2 – Professional Summary 

The professional summary or resume overview is the section that allows you to pitch your expertise and qualifications to a future employer. This four- to five-sentence paragraph introduces you to the hiring managers or recruiting agency.

You'll want to include the relevant skills and attributes that candidates in the employment industry or career you seek possess. This is where specific examples of different industries will provide us with practical samples of how to format this section.

Electrician Resume Summary 

Let's carefully examine PO2 Stewart's professional summary. He introduces his Naval experience, current electrician apprentice certification, and desire to join a specific company. This type of personal attention to detail is a great way to separate yourself from other potential candidates.

As you continue with his summary, you'll notice that he mentions his core comprehension of circuitry, electrical panels, and electrical testing and diagnostics equipment. He further introduces his interpersonal skills - or those that make him a trustworthy employee, team member and dedicated to safety. A lot of these requirements will be posted on a job description. So, if you’re going to write a customized resume, read the job posting carefully.

Operations Manager Resume Summary

Maj. Jacobs resume summary follows a similar structure. Open with a personalized desire to join the team and support the candidacy by explaining your qualifications. However, the main difference between this sample resume summary and PO2 Stewart's is Maj. Jacobs showcases key leadership accomplishments.

When looking for a leadership or management position fresh out of the military, you need to articulate that you have the experience and interpersonal leadership skills that will permit you to hit the ground running. This has been accomplished by both candidates.

Always keep your professional summary short, sweet, and to the point. It should be simple to read paragraph, about 150 to 200 words, with a professional – yet conversational tone. Consider the professional summary as your elevator pitch. Read it aloud before you paste it into a resume template.

Section #3 – Summary of Qualifications

Your ability to articulate why you're qualified for this position on the resume can help your resume stand out ahead of others. The summary of qualifications section is a bullet-point pile of evidence that helps start building your case as the best candidate for any job you seek.

You can see in Maj. Jacob's sample resume showed that he has 15 years of leadership experience, specifically with the US Army Corps of Engineers in mechanical engineering. His summary of qualifications showcases some of his specific qualifications as a leader in this industry.

This is the key to fleshing out this section of your resume. Pick the top 5 to 6 specific qualifications you possess that will put you ahead of other candidates.

You'll see that the best military resume samples include a bullet-point-driven section near the top that emphasizes their skills - or a summary of qualifications. This is a well-structured area with the essentials required. Simply list your experience in bullet points here. It makes it simple to read and allows you to take advantage of some of the above mentioned terms.

One bonus tip is to review the job posting to find out what qualifications they are seeking in a candidate. This will guide you on which qualifications you should consider listing on your resume.

Section #4 – Employment History

It's entirely possible that you don't have much relevant job experience in the field you want to pursue after your military career. However, this isn't always the case. That said, the employment history portion of your resume must demonstrate your abilities and talents that will be displayed at a company that chooses to hire you.

If you have previous experience, make sure to list your job responsibilities that are relevant to the application. For example, they must document those achievements if they are searching for a manager with experience in the automotive sector, working with engineers, and creating solutions that improve efficiency.

Using previous job experience where you've displayed leadership qualities is highly recommended. This is what Maj. Jacobs has done this in the sample section above. He focuses on introducing some of the key leadership tasks that a US Army officer is tasked to complete with every post of command. However, since he is applying to an automotive manufacturing company, he also showcases some of his expertise in mechanical engineering.

The most crucial aspect of your employment history is what you have recently or presently done. Each related entry should be listed in reverse chronological sequence. Always include your employer's name, the dates you worked for them, and significant areas of responsibility or accomplishments to help support your case for being a fantastic employee.

Section #5 – Education

Most job candidates with military experience apply for civilian positions after completing their contracts. It's also common for recently retired military to attend college to gain an education and take advantage of GI bill benefits. The education section permits candidates to list their highest completed education. However, if the position you're seeking is looking for candidates currently enrolled in college, it would be encouraged to list that education.

You'll notice that Maj. Jacobs has listed his mechanical engineering degree and his graduation from Officer Candidate School. This is to add to his leadership experience, as that is one of the biggest reasons for OCS in the first place.

The education section should be written in a chronological format - with your current or most-recent education listed first. You are not required to add any specialty courses, GPA, or other details – unless the job posting asks for this data.

Section #6 – References

References are individuals who can speak to your work ethic, expertise, and leadership abilities. For military members, they are typically former commanding officers, NCOs, or other peers that served with you.

With civilian job resumes, it's always best to select two professional references – or one professional reference and a personal reference. This is what PO2 Stewart has listed on his resume. You'll notice that his first reference is his former CO. The second reference is a personal reference, a business owner who is also a family friend and is involved in the commercial construction industry.

How to Format This Section

Best practices for references on Navy or Army military resumes are to include the individual name and their place of employment. You don't want to document their contact information on a resume for privacy reasons. Simply write "available on request" so the HR firm or hiring agency can contact them directly.

Section #7 - Skills

When it comes to a position that requires extensive education, including your talents on your CV is more of a formality than a must-have inclusion. However, since it's good practice to include it with your engineering resume, why not take advantage of automated applicant tracking system software?

When you review the sample resume posted above, you'll notice that Maj. Jacobs has listed six relevant skills in his job search. These include process management, AutoCad expertise, Problem Solving, Organization, OSHA Compliance, and Attention to Detail. He mainly focuses on his leadership skills or engineering-specific talents.

We recommend that you list your talents in a bullet point format. Using a resume builder or template is an excellent method to arrange and customize your skills section. The skills can be displayed in one of two locations: at the bottom of your CV, in one of the side columns, or towards the end of your resume.

Related Resume Templates

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. When you're in the process of writing your military experience resume, it's always a good idea to gather some practical tips by reviewing other resume samples. We've created multiple professionally written resumes that we invite you to review before starting your own resume.

Final Points on Crafting Effective Army Military Resumes

Any resume intends to provide a blueprint or road map that guides a hiring manager through your story. As a military member, your primary task is to build an argument with your resume – from start to finish – as to why you're the best candidate for this competitive job.

Always remember – a final resume should always be written and customized for the specific job you're applying to. For this reason, we recommend using a master resume to edit and personalize your content.

Here are some specific tips.

• Make sure the resume has a smooth flow – from start to finish. Each section should lead to the next.
• Always write your resume on a plain white background with black font.
• Edit the document SEVERAL TIMES – through Grammarly or another good online editing tool and through visual inspection.
• Ensure it's well-spaced, organized, and professional.
• Finally, read it aloud a few times before you're ready to paste the content into a military resume template.

By following these tips above, you can write a military resume that is clean, organized, and attention-grabbing. Make sure to take your time, sprinkle those action verbs throughout your resume (for software optimization), and feel free to have a few peers (specifically a commanding officer or NCO) review the content before you finish.

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The best resume writing services for military-to-civilian employment

By Ryan Tronier

Posted on Sep 15, 2022 6:29 AM EDT

4 minute read

Best Online Service

Find My Profession

Best for it.

Best for Federal Jobs

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

The top resume writing services for military to civilian transitioning can help members of the armed forces translate their uniformed background into private sector work experience. Many veterans can find it tricky to express their vast operational and leadership know-how to meet the needs of today’s employer. For example, resumes that state your “MOS was 11B” may mean very little to a hiring manager. But when you convert military abbreviations and jargon to show your “role in the infantry was to manage the safety of equipment appraised at over $1.5 million,” then managers have a much clearer understanding of the value you bring. 

Employers are keen to find professionals with your teamwork and critical thinking skills. And, you don’t have to transition from your military careers into the private sector alone. There are resume consultants who are eager to assist you. So if you’re ready to make the leap from chopper to cubicle, the first step is gathering hiring materials like cover letters, thank you emails, resumes, and in today’s job market — a compelling LinkedIn profile. Keep reading to discover resume writing services for military members and veterans seeking employment with civilian companies.

• Best Online Service: Find My Profession
• Best for IT: TopResume
• Best for Writing CVs: Career Confidence Resume Services
• Best for Executives: Great Resumes Fast
• Best for Federal Jobs: TopStack

TopStack Resume

Best for writing cvs, career confidence resume services, best for executives, great resumes fast, things to consider before choosing a resume writing service for military, resume writing for military service members and veterans.

Resume services can take the stress out of writing a military-to-civilian resume, but service members and veterans do have other options, many of which are free. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides an online employment toolkit with career counseling, job search guidance, and resume writing advice.

Veterans can also receive resume support through the Veterans Employment Center, as well as free online-based services through VetNet . In addition, many U.S. military bases and installations offer civilian transition instruction. You may also find resources with charitable organizations, such as HireOurHeroes , that specialize in mentoring service members as they begin their journey in the civilian workforce.

How resume writing services work

Resume-writing services create tailor-made hiring documents that are specific to the job seeker. You’ll generally work one-on-one with an expert who will use your employment history as the basis for a resume that will appeal to both human resources managers and job applicant tracking systems. Communication between you and your resume writer often takes place by phone or via email, but occasionally you’ll upload your details through the company’s website.

The cost of a resume writer varies depending on the level of service you require. However, you can typically expect to pay at least $150 for some of the more basic offerings, and upwards of $3,000 for an executive resume or a helping hand with your job search.

Evaluating resume writing services for military personnel

When choosing a resume maker for your military-to-civilian transition, look for companies that highlight the qualifications and backgrounds of their writers. Vendors that do not employ certified writers may be cheaper, but you’re potentially purchasing an inferior product. Similarly, you’ll benefit from direct correspondence with your writer, which can take place through phone calls, video meetings, or even email. It’s this type of one-on-one collaboration that will truly yield an effective resume. Also, prioritize companies that offer some form of guarantee. If a service doesn’t stand behind its product, then that’s generally a red flag that you’re working with an inexperienced team.

FAQs about resume writing services for military

Q: is it worth paying for a resume service.

A: Yes, it’s generally worth it to pay for a resume service, especially for military members who are inexperienced with the private sector. An expert can translate your military background into civilian work experience and provide a polished, ATS-optimized resume. 

Q: What are employers looking for in a resume?

A: Employers want to see resumes that show alignment between an applicant’s experience and a hiring manager’s expectations for a role with their company. Resumes should be scannable, honest, and formatted to display your qualifications in a coherent employment history.

Q: What are most resumes missing?

A: Many military-to-civilian resumes are missing relatable work experience that is expressed using modern vocabulary. It’s important to translate military abbreviations, acronyms, and jargon into qualifications and skill sets that recruiters can easily understand. 

Q: What words should not be used in a resume?

A: Military service members and veterans who are transitioning into the civilian workforce should avoid using words on their resumes such as medal, platoon, mission, and subordinates, to name a few. Instead, substitute those jargon words with terms like award, team, task, and employees.

Final thoughts

Resume-writing services for military members and veterans can relieve much of the stress from a job hunt in the civilian workforce. Many services will provide you with all of the hiring materials you need to successfully find a steady, well-paying job. Yet, those who do not want to pay for a commercial service may find support through the VA employment center or with non-profit organizations. Review your options beforehand to ensure you’re making an informed decision.

Methodology

To choose the best resume writing services for this list, the team at Task & Purpose looked at a large number of companies. We focused on cost, plan features and options, ease of use, customer service reviews, and past customer ratings as the most important factors in our ratings. Learn more about our methodology in the Task & Purpose review guide . 

Military to Civilian Resume Example for Veterans [Updated 2024]

Transitioning from a military lifestyle to that of a civilian is far from easy.

According to a Pew Research Center study, 95% of veterans seek employment after serving in the military.

26% of veteran respondents, however, found shifting from the military to the civilian lifestyle to be somewhat difficult.

Coincidentally, one of the biggest struggles for veterans is creating a compelling military to civilian resume that’s going to help them get a job that’s well-paid and enjoyable.

To help solve that problem, though, we wrote this guide. Read on to learn everything you need to know to create a compelling veteran resume, including:

• Military to Civilian Resume Example
• How to Write a Military Veteran Resume (8 Simple Steps)
• Free Military to Civilian Resume Template
• Essential (Free) Job-Search Resources for Veterans

In case you’re looking to brush up on the resume basics, watch the video below.

If you’re ready to get started, though, let’s start by reviewing a well-written military to civilian resume example.

Military to Civilian Resume Example (for Veterans)

Compelling, right? Here’s what the above military to civilian resume example does right: 

• Follows a functional resume format. The functional resume format focuses more on your skills and strengths rather than work experience. It helps convey how your military experience is going to help you perform well in the civilian role you’re applying for.
• Lists the contact information the right way. It includes the applicant’s full name, email, location, phone number, and even a LinkedIn URL while skipping out on a photo.
• Captures the hiring manager’s attention with a resume summary. The summary on top of the military to civilian resume example offers a brief snapshot of the candidate’s career, instantly showing the recruiter their value.
• Focuses on transferable skills instead of work experience. Instead of mentioning military buzzwords that civilians wouldn’t understand in the first place, the resume example instead focuses on how the candidate's experiences helped them develop valuable skills.
• Mentions achievements when possible. Achievements help convince the recruiter that they’re not just any candidate - you’re an overachiever who plays to win.
• Uses bullet points to make the resume easier to skim. The recruiter doesn’t have all day - they have hundreds of other resumes to review just for a single role. Making the resume easy to skim makes it more likely to be read.
• Includes educational history (in brief). The military to civilian resume example describes the candidate’s educational background, which includes taking a leadership course and basic training.
• Makes use of the optional sections. The achievements and interests sections help shed light on the candidate’s personality outside of work, as well.

Now, let’s talk about how YOU can make your resume as impressive as the example above.

How to Write a Military Veteran Resume (8 Easy Steps)

In this section, we’re going to walk you through the 8 steps to creating a powerful military veteran resume, starting with:

#1. Pick a Functional Resume Format

These are the 3 most popular resume formats out there:

• Reverse-chronological . This format focuses on your work history over education or skills.
• Functional . It focuses less on your work background and more on your skills and how they make you a qualified candidate.
• Combination . This format is a mix of the other two formats. It puts equal emphasis on skills and experiences. 

As a military veteran, you’re better off with a functional format .

As you can see above, the resume example focuses more on key strengths instead of just listing out work experiences.

This improves your odds of landing a civilian job for one important reason: 

Most recruiters aren’t really familiar with military lingo.

Your experiences in the military might be super compelling, but chances are, most recruiters won’t understand how these experiences make you a good candidate for the role.

By framing your experiences around your skills, on the other hand, your resume becomes more understandable for a civilian.

Once you’ve decided on the format, you also need to sort out your resume style, layout, font, and more. Here’s what this includes:

• Don’t go over one page . Your resume should be concise and to the point. More often than not, if you’re going over one page, you’re probably including information that isn’t relevant for the role.
• Pick the right font and font size . In terms of size, go for 11-12 pt for body text. For the font, pick something like Ubuntu, Times New Roman, etc. That way your resume will look professional AND stand out at the same time. 
• Use the military-to-civilian resume template . Want to skip the hassle of formatting a resume? Hit the link and pick from one of our free templates! Our templates are easy to use AND look much more compelling than the conventional black-and-white ones.

#2. Include Contact Information

Now that we’ve got the formatting hassle out of the way, let’s talk about resume content.

The first thing in your veteran resume is the contact information section.

Here, you need to include:

• Descriptive title. This should include your title in the military, as well as the title you’re applying for. Something like “Security Officer Seeking a Role as Customer Support Specialist.”
• Phone number.
• Professional email address. Think, [name][lastname]@gmail.com
• Location. City and state are good enough, you don’t need to include an address.
• (Optional) LinkedIn URL. If you have an up-to-date LinkedIn profile, you can include a URL in the contact information section.

And finally, make sure NOT to include a photo in your military to civilian resume. In the US, employers prefer that you don’t include a picture to avoid unconscious bias during the hiring process.

Here’s what your resume contact information section should look like at the end:

Security & Customer Service Professional

[email protected]

416-821-9879

Seattle, US

linkedin.com/in/john.doe

#3. Capture the Hiring Manager’s Attention with a Military Veteran Resume Summary

When reading your resume for the first time, the recruiter will spend roughly 7 seconds skimming it to make sure that you’re qualified for the role.

If the resume catches their attention, they’ll give it a more in-depth look.

If it doesn’t, they’ll simply move on to the next one.

This is where a compelling resume summary can come in handy.

A resume summary is a 2-4 sentence “summary” of your past work experience. It helps the recruiter understand your skill-set and whether you’re relevant for the role in a single glance.

Here’s what a convincing military to civilian resume summary looks like:

Dedicated professional with over 9 years of outstanding performance and results in the U.S. Military. Earned three promotions and excelled as a leader. Seeking to apply the skills I gained in the military as a Customer Support Specialist at Company X.

When writing your resume summary, make sure to include the following information:

• Your title in the military and the role you’re applying for.
• Years of experience.
• Top achievements and experiences.

#4. Summarize Your Experiences with a Key Strengths Section

This one’s arguably the most important part of your military to civilian resume.

At the end of the day, the main deciding factor in whether you get invited for an interview or not is if your resume manages to convince the recruiter that you’re capable of doing the job…

And that’s where the key strengths section comes in handy.

To create yours, start by listing out your top strengths as section headers. Then, underneath each header, list your achievements and responsibilities that prove you actually have the relevant skill.

Here’s what this looks like on a resume:

Customer Service

• Promoted within a short period by demonstrating an over-achieving dedication that maximized results for the entire team. 
• Proved internal customer service by relating to all personnel in a professional manner that facilitated the development of a diversified group. 
• Enhanced soldiers’ individual and professional growth, developing them into independent decision-makers.
• Accounted for the safety of equipment valued at over $1.3 million. 
• Secure the personal safety, training, and performance of fifteen U.S. Army soldiers.

Operations and Administration

• Organized schedules for over 45 soldiers. 
• Implemented new routes, resulting in savings in gas time and reduced work time. 
• Prevented over 10 cancellations and negotiated over 20 contract renewals with the local government.

Applying for a Military or Private Security Role? Do This

Now, in case you’re applying for a role that’s somewhat related to your experience in the military (e.g. in private security), then you can simply create a conventional Work Experience section instead of Key Strengths .

If that’s your case, here’s how you should format the section:

• Create a section header called “ Work Experience .”
• Start by listing your most recent role and go backward in time from there.
• For each entry, include your title, company name, dates employed, and 3-5 top achievements.
• For older positions, you can include fewer achievements and responsibilities.

Now, if you want your work experiences to stand out from the rest of the candidates, we recommend you to include achievements over responsibilities.

• Achieved a 99.5% average delivery rate on all assignments, resulting in no losses of materials or assets.
• Conducted deliveries of materials and assets.

The first example shows just how the candidate stands out from other applicants. The 2nd, on the other hand, does not.

#5. Mention Your Education (the Right Way)

On to the next section!

The next step to creating a convincing military to civilian resume is mentioning your educational background .

This is where you mention your higher educational degrees, as well as training (e.g. boot camps) and any personal development courses you’ve taken.

First things first, here’s how you’d go about the formatting part:

• Create a header called “Education”
• Add your latest degree right on top. Then, include older degrees underneath.
• If you have a B.A. or an M.A., you can skip your high school degree altogether.
• You can skip mentioning a GPA. These days, no one cares about your grades.

Here’s how the end result would look like:

B.A. in Communications Boston University 08/2016 - 05/2020

Now, if you don’t have the relevant experience needed for the role you’re applying for, you can use your education section to show off your knowledge or skills.

You can do this by including:

• Any honors you might have earned.
• Exact courses you’ve attended.
• Any other way you’ve excelled during your education.

#6. Include In-Demand Skills (For the Industry You’re Applying for)

Another must-have of a military to civilian resume is the skills section.

This is where you list out all of your hard and soft skills and (optionally) grade them by knowledge level.

The key here, though, is not to simply list out random skills like:

• Critical Thinking
• Microsoft Word

Rather, you want to include the skills relevant to the role . 

E.g. applying for a role in accounting? You should probably mention payroll tax accounting, cost reduction strategies, budgeting and forecasting , and so on.

You wouldn’t want to mention your Adobe Illustrator skills, for example (even if you’re an expert at it).

So, how can you know which skills are essential to your resume, and which ones aren’t?

The best way to understand this is to read the job ad you’re applying for. More often than not, they include an exact list of skills required for the role, and all you have to do is mention them in your resume (as long as you possess the said skills, of course).

#7. Take Advantage of the Optional Resume Sections

If you still have some space on your military veteran resume, you can take advantage of some optional resume sections.

While these sections won’t land you the job on their own, they can definitely help you stand out from other applicants seeking the same role.

Some optional sections you can include are:

• Projects. Any type of personal project you’ve worked on. This can be a local business you started, a side-gig, freelance work, and so on.
• Certifications. Any type of certification you might possess. If you don’t have the experience for the role you’re applying for, certifications can help show the recruiter that what you do have is the right skill-set.
• Volunteering Experience. If you’ve volunteered in the past, you should definitely include it in your resume. Employers love candidates who love to help others (even if there’s no monetary incentive for it).
• Hobbies & Interests. Including hobbies or interests in your resume helps the recruiter see more of your personal side. While your hobbies won’t land you the job, they might help you build rapport with the interviewer.

#8. Make Sure Your Military to Civilian Cover Letter is as Impressive as Your Resume.

At this point, your military veteran resume should be quite compelling…

But you’re not done just yet!

To have both a complete and compelling job application, you need to pair your resume with a cover letter that’s just as good.

Here are our top tips on how to write a quality cover letter :

• Start the cover letter by addressing the hiring manager directly. Sure, you could go with the default “Dear Sir or Madam,” but mentioning the hiring manager’s name shows that you’ve done your research and really care about working at the company.
• In your introduction, mention the most important parts of your background. E.g. years of experience, key achievements, top skills, and why you’re applying for the job in question.
• In the body section of your cover letter, expand on whatever you mentioned in the introduction. This is where you can also explain how the experiences mentioned in your resume make you a good candidate for the role.
• Conclude the cover letter with a call to action . E.g. “Looking forward to hearing more from you!” or “I’d love to discuss how I can help Company X as a Support Specialist over a call or an interview.”

Want to learn more? Check out our step-by-step guide on how to write a cover letter .

Essential Job-Search Resources for Veterans

There are a lot of free job-search resources for veterans on the internet - everything from dedicated job boards to free tools, programs, and more.

Here’s a comprehensive list of some of the very best resources:

Veteran Job-Search Resources

• Job board that helps you find federal organizations that prioritize hiring veterans over other candidates.
• Lots of quality resources to help you transition into civilian life.
• If you’re not sure what kind of career you want to focus on, you can use this website to discover different occupations and learn what they’re about.
• Website for finding veteran job fairs in your area.
• Free career consulting and job search help for veterans.
• American Corporate Partners matches you with a free, year-long mentor to help you build your career.
• For group discussions for veterans on resumes and gaining employment after service. (Veterans only/ screened and weeded out by questions and profile)
• For discussing Skill Bridge opportunities and military transitions. Skill bridge is a military program for giving veterans an opportunity to learn and work at civilian companies for 6 months before leaving the military.
• LinkedIn offers its Premium program to veterans for free for a year. You can use the platform to learn new skills, kick-start your career, as well as find and apply for jobs.
• A website dedicated to helping veterans transition into a civilian lifestyle. You can use it to find jobs, discover career events, attend job fairs, and more.
• Job board for US federal jobs. While it’s not specifically made for veterans, the US government prioritizes hiring veterans over other candidates.
• Job board for veteran-friendly roles and companies.
• Job board for roles in the private security industry.
• Another veteran-only job board.

Key Takeaways

And that’s all you need to know to create a strong military veteran resume!

Before you go, though, let’s do a quick recap of the key learning points we just covered:

• For a military to civilian resume, use a functional resume format to show off your skills instead of work history.
• Use a “Key Strengths” section to explain how your military experience distills into valuable skills for a civilian role.
• Don’t include every skill under the sun on your resume. Instead, pick the ones relevant for the role you’re applying for.
• Take advantage of the optional resume sections to show the recruiter that you’re an individual and not just a resume.
• Finally, make sure that your cover letter is just as impressive as your resume by following the tips we mentioned above.

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• 5 Best Military Resume Writing Services (2024)
• Federal Resume Guide
• Military Resume Help

Last Updated on 04/10/2024

When you starting a transition from a military career to a civilian one, it may seem that you have limited options, but it doesn’t have to be so hard. Global companies are looking for candidates who are loyal, hardworking, resilient, adaptable, they are looking for you.

As a veteran, you might struggle to describe your work experience in a way that private-sector recruiters understand. Military.com reported that skills translation was the number one thing holding veterans back from new employment. The military acronyms and terminology that you’ve become familiar with often fail to connect with civilians.

Fortunately, a military to civilian resume service could allow you to overcome this difficulty. Browse this list of military transition resume writing services to begin comparing top service providers.

Make your first life-changing steps with the help of professionals.

Table of Contents

• 1 Military to Civilian Resume Writing Services
• 2.1 Which Payment Methods are Supported by Military Resume Writing Services?
• 3.1 Establish Direct Contact
• 3.2 Search for Feedback
• 3.3 Certification
• 3.4 Prepare to Work With a Military Resume Writer
• 3.5 Resume Writing for Veterans
• 4.1 Can I Find Military Resume Writers Near Me?

Military to Civilian Resume Writing Services

The companies presented in a chart were selected due to several positive feedbacks from satisfied customers and good professional reputation, including guarantees, several free military resume revisions, a low rejection rate, on-time orders delivery, and excellent value for many.

Check out our military resume writing service reviews for the next companies:

• Find My Profession
• Professional Resume Services
• Great Resumes Fast

Below, we will evaluate each of the resume writing services focusing on some of their key features.

• Turnaround: 3-5 business days 
• ATS compliance: Yes 
• Revisions: Unlimited, 1 week 
• Cost: $695-$1095
• Turnaround: 7-14 days
• ATS compliance: Yes
• Revisions: 2 rounds
• Cost: $795-$1595
• Executive Resume Package may vary from $2695 to $4295
• Turnaround: 4-7 business days
• Revisions: 2 rounds, 1 week
• Cost: $995-$2999
• Cost: $279-$479

Cost of Resume Military Service

Prices for professional resume writing services for military veterans start at about $130. For officers seeking executive-level jobs, resume prices climb as high as $3000. A professionally written resume represents an investment. The cost, however, is a good value when it leads to years of ongoing employment.

You can expect to pay a premium when you need a resume fast. This could be appropriate if an open position is about to close applications. Otherwise, it’s usually best not to rush things unnecessarily. A resume requires attention to detail, and you want one that sells your skills effectively.

The Military Skills Translator at Military.com lets you enter your branch of service and job title. It takes your MOS/AFC Rating and delivers pertinent job results.

Which Payment Methods are Supported by Military Resume Writing Services?

The major part of military resume writing services accepts MasterCard, Maestro card, Visa, American Express, Amex, Discover, and Wire Transfer.

How to Evaluate Military Resume Writers

Establish direct contact.

Choose a writer specializing in military transitions. Give preference to a former military officer with the Master Military Resume Writer credential who knows how to translate military jargon into language that is attractive for the private sector. Make sure your resume professional is sophisticated in writing ATS-friendly resumes as well.

Search for Feedback

Military resume writers reviews will reveal clues about the writer’s suitability for your goals. Look for feedback like “The writer understood my skills” or “The resume I got landed me a job.”

During initial communications with potential writers, ask specific questions. You want to determine if a person has a good grasp of military terminology and job descriptions.

Good questions for vetting a military resume writer are:

• Which branches of military service are you most familiar with?
• Did you serve in the military?
• How many resumes have you written for veterans?
• What are your writing credentials?
• Can you provide any references from satisfied customers?

Certification

Another credential that could help you identify the best professionals is a certification from the National Resume Writers Association. Credentials like these indicate that a writer is serious about resume writing and it’s not just a side hustle.

The best choice for you might not necessarily be the best choice for everyone. A writer who excels at military skill translation for Marines might struggle with someone transitioning from the Navy.

The civilian industry where you’re seeking work should influence your choice. Not all military resumes writers specialize in the same things. Look for someone who understands what recruiters in your desired field want to see in a job candidate.

Certified resume writers often develop specialties, such as engineering or finance. They’ve learned what job recruiters in certain industries are looking for. Most importantly, the best military to civilian resume writers know what words to use to capture the attention of hiring managers.

Before accepting a resume from a writing service, ask someone you trust to look at the draft. An outside opinion could help you know if you should ask for a revision.

Prepare to Work With a Military Resume Writer

Even when you outsource resume writing, you still need to fill questionnaires or provide your work history. An exception is Great Resumes Fast , which doesn’t ask its clients to complete any worksheets but offers 60-90 minutes conversation to discuss the work experience. But as for the rest military resume writing services , be ready to provide the next data:

• Last 10 years of NCOER/OERs/EPRs
• Fully updated ERB or ORB
• ATRRS, VMET Document
• Training certificates and licenses
• Academic level and degree (i.e., BA, BS, MBA, etc.), including GPA
• Security clearance status
• Your contact information ( address, phone number, and email address).

Request a Verification of Military Experience and Training from the Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program. This record provides a summary of your skills.

Resume Writing for Veterans

If you are transitioning from a military position to the civilian workforce, writing a resume and cover letter can be challenging. Fortunately, help is available from professionals who specialize in resume services for veterans and providing assistance that goes beyond veteran resume help.

The Veteran’s Administration is an excellent resource for veterans and their spouses. It provides training and resources to help you find employment after your military career is complete. The Veterans Employment Center connects veterans to local career fairs, places to find internships, and access to personalized career counseling.

Ready to Build Your Own Business?

If you are a veteran who is thinking about starting your own business, the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Veteran’s Business Development (OVBD) helps veterans and their family members begin the journey to business ownership. Veteran-owned businesses can receive assistance by connecting you with supply chains, special funding, and access to capital. You can access these resources through special centers across the nation. This is an excellent way to get what you need to get your business up and running at a low cost. The SBA also provides federal resume writing for veterans and contractors who need to learn to navigate the system and present their company as the most qualified for the position.

How to Choose Military Resume Writing Service?​

We hope, now you have a clear idea of how to determine professional military resume writer. Let’s see what to take into consideration while choosing the best military to civilian resume writing service.

• Website design and content: guarantees, turnaround time, working process and contact information.
• Testimonials: make sure the person is real, just browse name and surname, occupation in Google or on LinkedIn.
• Direct contact with a writer is a must. Even if you’ve got a first-class writer, make a double check if you’re both looking at the same direction of your career transition.
• Resume review is an essential part of the process. Make sure, you’ll have the possibility to revise the document for further improvement.
• The lack of direct contact with a writer, unskillful communication during a chat with your writer. Writer’s reluctance to get into details of your military transition.
• No guarantees: on-time delivery guarantee, revisions guarantee, quality guarantee. Usually, military resume writing services provide 100% satisfaction guarantee or 60-day interview guarantee.
• Fictional information or overstatement of your skills, years of experience and achievements, which can be easily revealed during a job interview.

Can I Find Military Resume Writers Near Me?

If you’re in an area with a large military presence, like Fort Bragg or Fort Hood, local employment agencies could offer resume writing assistance. Do an internet search for resume writers for military transition along with the town where you live. The search could return results for resume writing services for veterans .

You might not even have to look off base. The majority of U.S. military installations have a transition assistance office. A convenient source of resume help might be closer than you think.

Finding someone locally might feel more comfortable. You’ll have the chance to meet the writer in person. If you’re not pleased with the services available locally, don’t dismiss using an online company. Thousands of people employ these services with good results.

The nonprofit organization Hire Our Heroes could also connect you with transition resources. Veterans founded this nonprofit for the sole purpose of helping veterans transition to civilian employment. The group sponsors group training and networking events throughout the country. Volunteers at Hire Our Heroes can mentor you and aid in your job search.

• Best Federal Resume Writing Service Reviews

As a person with military experience of more than 20 years, I will say only one thing. In the world there is a clear regulation for everything, including a resume. Especially for a military man this is his face. Writing a resume is like sending to a hot spot. The slightest mistake can cost you everything. I do not believe in magical resume builders, free resume services for veterans as well as a tooth fairy. There is a quest, its qualified execution and proper reward – this is how it works in the real world.

Hi Tom, Totally agree with you! Thank you so much for your feedback! We’ll improve our list of the best military writing services soon. Let’s keep in touch)

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5 Military Resume Examples Made for Success in 2024

Best for senior and mid-level candidates

There’s plenty of room in our elegant resume template to add your professional experience while impressing recruiters with a sleek design.

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Like this template? Customize this resume and make it your own with the help of our Al-powered suggestions, accent colors, and modern fonts.

Military Resume

• Military Resumes by Experience
• Military Resumes by Role
• Write Your Military Resume

 Your multifaceted role in the military could cover anything from groundwork or combat to manufacturing or communications. With unmatched expertise, you anticipate challenges and avert conflicts proactively, making decisions under pressure with ease.

The skills you amass during your service—leadership, adaptability, and teamwork—are invaluable. Now the question is: how do you describe your courage and discipline when writing an effective cover letter or one-page resume ?

Not to worry—we’re here to help. With our military resume examples , you can transform your raw experience into a captivating application that will get you the attention and the interviews you deserve.

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• Therefore, you should mention in your military resume your contribution to decreased equipment downtimes to underline your input to team support.

Military Veteran  Resume

• To make such an achievement count in your military veteran resume, highlight how much you helped reduce equipment downtime to sustain uninterrupted workflows.

Retired Military Resume

• Speaking of your experience, list your missions and other roles in reverse chronological order, with your most recent positions and more impactful achievements taking precedence. Finish off this outline with side columns highlighting your military coursework, skills, and certifications.

Military Police  Resume

• For instance, “Assisted in slashing response times” could be better put as “Instituted advanced emergency protocols using NEC NeoFace, slashing response times by 44%.”

Military to Civilian Resume

• It underscores your ability to communicate effectively and ensure that all objectives are met within set timelines; attributes that make you an easy pick for joining the civilian workforce.

Related resume examples

• Officer Manager
• Operations Manager
• Office Administrator

Create a Military Resume That Fits Your Dream Job

Your military personnel resume should focus on showcasing skills vital to defense and strategic operations. Precision is paramount, so avoid vague terms like “team player.” If your role is technical, zero in on hard skills instead. 

Some of the things you could discuss include your proficiency in various weaponry, tactical strategies, and specialized equipment operation. You can also consider highlighting soft skills like leadership, communication, and crisis management. 

Ensure your skills resonate with the job’s requirements, whether it’s combat tactics or logistical coordination. Highlight the elevated level of discipline and stress management skills your service in the military has helped you develop, be it for another role within the military or a civilian job.

Looking for guidance?

15 best military skills

• Tactical Strategy
• Weapon Proficiency
• Logistical Coordination
• Military Comms 
• Cybersecurity
• Foreign Languages
• Crisis Management 
• Radio Operations
• Risk Assessment
• Joint Tactical Terminal
• Blue Force Tracker

Your military work experience bullet points

Between orchestrating strategic missions and leading successful teams, your military service showcases exceptional achievements. Rather than rehashing routine tasks, spotlight your impactful contributions. 

Your role directly influences the stability and security of operations, safeguarding national interests, and minimizing potential risks. While the nature of your experiences varies, harness this section to highlight your proudest moments, whether enhancing emergency response efficiency or mitigating adverse consequences. 

Make sure to back up your claims with quantifiable metrics to zero in on the magnitude of your successes. These could be anything from your budget optimization to the number of personnel you’ve trained—it all depends on your specific role and achievements. 

• Demonstrate your leadership and strategic skills with mission success rates.
• Showcase your ability to make quick decisions under pressure with metrics on your average response times.
• Highlight your commitment to operational readiness by presenting the percentage decrease in equipment downtimes after implementing maintenance protocols.
• Show off your adaptability by mentioning the varying shifts you’ve worked, deployments you’ve been sent on, and languages you’ve learned.

See what we mean?

• Created a comprehensive training program for recruits, resulting in a 78% reduction in onboarding time
• Conducted an employee satisfaction survey, resulting in an 88% satisfaction rate with internal communication efforts
• Maintained an 91% incident resolution rate by handling a variety of security issues and ensuring the safety of personnel and facilities
• Implemented a new internal communication system, which resulted in a 28% reduction in information gaps among employees

9 active verbs to start your military work experience bullet points

• Coordinated
• Implemented

3 Tips for Writing a Military Resume Without Much Experience

• Emphasize the significance of every role you’ve undertaken, regardless of your experience level. You can include relevant skills and accomplishments from your military service, training, and related roles. For instance, if you’re transitioning to a civilian logistics position, highlight your experience coordinating complex missions and managing supplies.
• Use your military projects to showcase your skills and flexibility. Mention specific initiatives or tasks you’ve executed during your service that align with the new position or civilian job you’re applying to. For example, discuss leading a team to establish a forward operating base, demonstrating your leadership and strategic planning abilities.
• Utilize internships, relevant coursework, or hobbies to spotlight transferable skills. Highlight leadership, teamwork, adaptability, and technical proficiencies that align with the role. For example, when applying for a communications role, discuss your experience with working in large teams and communicating under stress.

3 Tips for Writing an Experienced Military Resume

• If you have specialized military skills like leadership, logistics, or intelligence analysis, show them off. Next, tailor your accomplishments and metrics to align with the specific role you’re pursuing, highlighting your expertise and achievements in those areas.
• Adding relevant metrics really makes your achievements stand out more. Highlight your mission success rates, operational efficiency improvements, and leadership impact. This is good if you’re transitioning away from the military; for instance, in a logistics role, you can discuss how you optimized supply chain processes, reducing turnaround time by 39%.
• Include relevant military certifications that demonstrate your expertise and training. Whether it’s command certifications, technical training, or specialized courses, these credentials highlight your readiness for the civilian role or a promotion up the military ranks. 

While optional, a tailored career objective or summary can be valuable, especially if you’re switching to a whole new career. Emphasize your military experience and skills that align with the job, such as leadership, logistical coordination, or crisis management.

Make sure to use relevant keywords from the job description . Highlight your military accomplishments, skills, and specialized training that match the job requirements. ATS looks for keyword matches, so use terminology from both your military background and the civilian role you’re applying to.

Emphasize mission success rates, response times, equipment maintenance improvements, and any other quantifiable achievements. These metrics demonstrate your effectiveness in critical situations and your ability to impact operations positively.

5 Rules of Writing Military Resumes

Thousands of veterans leave the military and transition back home to the civilian world to look for work. One of the key documents you will need is a resume. Your military resume is the key to unlocking the door of your next career after military service.

This document is the determining factor in a hiring manager’s decision to request an interview with you. Since the resume provides a brief overview of your professional experience and achievements, you want it to be nothing other than first-class.  

There are 5 rules of writing military resumes that every veteran must know when creating a top-notch resume:

• Military Resumes Are Different
• Use Military Performance Evaluation Information
• Translate Military Experience
• Make It No More Than Two Pages
• Keep Updating It

After reading this article filled with informative advice, you’ll be on your way to writing an outstanding resume in no time. Before we begin, let’s discuss how military resumes are different. 

1. Military Resumes Are Different

Before you write your military to civilian resume or invest in a professional resume writing service , it’s important for you to understand that military resumes are different.

Because the military speaks its own language, the success of landing an interview with a civilian employer lies in translating your military skills to civilian terms.

Common mistakes we see in our free resume review include the following:

• Formatting issues

Simply including your job specialty in your service, a list of tactical trainings, courses, medals, ribbons, awards, and every one of your accomplishments, will not be easily understood by a corporate recruiter or anyone in human resources that does not have any relation to the military.

Depending on your job title in the military, writing and formatting documents wasn’t a part of your day to day duties. Sometimes, you need some assistance in the execution department. No worries, we’ve got you covered.

To help you get started, review your military performance evaluations for important information to craft your resume.

2. Use Military Performance Evaluation Information

Begin your resume writing process by using your military performance evaluation information .

While your performance evaluations are great tools to start with, the evaluations are not structured in a way that allows you to copy and paste the information and apply it to your resume.

Copying and pasting the information does not help tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for. These evaluations were written to speak to a specific audience – the military audience.

If you’re attempting to showcase your achievements with merely a list of military terms and phrases, hiring managers will not be able to relate.

Your performance evaluation is the link to building a military to civilian resume, it’s not the resume. Remember, translating your military experience is a must.

3. Translate Military Experience

When you’re a veteran transitioning back into the civilian sector , translating your military experience to civilian terms is the most important steps in building your resume.

Each branch of the military speaks its own language and dialect. For example, the unique jargon an Airman may use in the Air Force is confusing for an Army Soldier. 

Now, let’s apply this same concept to the civilian side.

If you speak French, you wouldn’t write your resume in French. How many hiring managers would be able to understand it? Could the company hire a translator or have someone look up the translation on Google? Yes. When you consider the time and/or money spent on this one task, you can easily see that this is not the best-case scenario.

Your job as the applicant is to make the hiring process easy for your potential hiring authority, the organization, as well as yourself.

Therefore, you should not write your resume in Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, or Coast Guard language.

Additionally, you should avoid using common military buzzwords and phrases such as:

• Squared away
• Friendly fire

Keep in mind, translating the experience is not the same as rewording your past experience. Start by thinking about:

• Your chosen career path
• The sector you’re seeking to work in
• Your experiences outside of the military

Then, you can move forward with the translation process. To begin translating your experience, use the Empire Resume 3-step approach:

• Reacquaint yourself with skills such as soft and technical skills
• Compile your list of skills and achievements
• Compare your skills to your prospective career job descriptions

With all the experience that you’ve translated, you may begin to wonder how long your resume should be. “I have a ton of experience,” you say. Other veterans say, “I’ve achieved so much.”

While you’ve demonstrated superb performance in the military, you must be able to decide between what is important for your resume, and what’s not important. This way, you can work to keep your resume under two pages.

4. Make It No More Than Two Pages

I always tell transitioning service members and veterans that their resume should be a maximum of two pages. Over the past decade, resumes have dwindled down from the lengthy 3 to 5 pages to simply no more than two pages.

LinkedIn conducted a study a few years back showing that a hiring manager spends 6 seconds looking at a resume.

Ladders, another highly credible job information source, suggests that your resume has 6 seconds to make an impression on a recruiter .

I’ve substantiated this timeframe many times with several managers and they’ve informed me that they never spend more than 10 seconds reviewing a resume.

For this reason, your resume should be clear, concise, and direct, without fluff. Believe it or not, the necessary, relevant information you need to show you’re the best candidate can fit on two pages.

If you were the recruiter, would you have time to thumb through or scroll through 5 pages of experience especially considering you receive hundreds of resumes for the position? Most likely you wouldn’t. Never forget that you only have 6 seconds to stand out and be seen.

Everyone’s resume will be different as there are several factors that will affect the length of your resume:

• The industry you’re applying to work in
• Your years of experience
• Your unique achievements
• The number of positions held
• Relevancy of information

If you are discouraged because your resume is one page and you’d like to reach the two-page mark, you can highlight other areas.

For example, some veterans have a long history of professional experience, but their education is not as lengthy.

You can expand on other parts of your resume such as certifications and achievements to stand out among the competition. But you must remember that some information is best suited for creating a veteran LinkedIn profile instead of your resume.

Whatever information that does not make it to your resume, include it within your LinkedIn profile. Doing so can provide further insight into who you are and other interests you have.

After creating the resume with the rules mentioned above, the final rule that remains is keeping your resume updated.

5. Keep Updating It

Creating your resume is a huge relief off your shoulders. But the real work of updating the resume never ends.

Your resume is a living, breathing document that will follow you throughout your professional life and it requires you take action to maintain it.

Maintaining your resume is important because job security does not exist, and change is a necessary constant in life.

The average person changes jobs an average of 12 times throughout his or her career. You may not see it now, but you will have job changes throughout your career.

You may work for different companies, or one day you’ll wake up and decide to start a veteran-owned business.

Since leaving the Air Force, I’ve helped thousands of veterans land the private or public sector job they deserve by writing military resumes and even federal resumes.

Keeping your resume updated is a way of honoring yourself and being prepared for the opportunities coming your way.

Allow Empire Resume to Be Your Second Set of Eyes

Once you’ve completed your resume, allow a certified professional resume writer at Empire Resume review your resume for accuracy.

We can serve as your second set of eyes and offer a second opinion before you even use the resume to apply for a position with your dream company.

With our free resume review , we will provide you with an honest assessment of your current resume and show you what can be done to enhance your job search. We give you the information you need before spending a dime.

Remember, your new job is on the other side of the door. Some people never make it to the other side simply because of their resume. Don’t let the one opportunity you wanted to pass you by. You need an awesome resume to unlock the door.

Empire Resume is here to help you through the resume rejections because, unfortunately, they happen. Don’t worry, because it’s a part of learning. With our team by your side, you can pick yourself up after a resume rejection, bounce back and try again.

Dr. Phillip Gold is President/CEO of Empire Resume and has vast experience writing resumes for service-members transitioning from the military into civilian roles. He served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force responsible for leading nuclear missile security. Phillip is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and holds a BA in Communications from The Ohio State University, an MS in Instructional Technology, an MBA in Finance, and a PhD in Finance.

Related Articles:

Writing a Federal Resume

How to Get a Job on a Military Base

How to Find the Best Resume Writer After Transitioning

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Your ambition to serve the country is attainable

[ Click here to directly go to the complete military resume sample ]

With an industry-relevant military resume.

Have you optimized your resume just yet?

If you haven't, don't panic. This blog has got you covered.

This blog holds the promise of elevating your military resume to the realms of industry perfection.

The 10+ military resume examples & military resume samples that we have embedded in this blog are designed to help you curate a resume that gets you shortlisted.

All you have to do is follow the guidelines in this blog and your perfect industry-relevant military resume is good to go.

Here’s a summary of our Military Resume Blog:

• Use the month & year format to illustrate relevant dates in your army resume (enrolment & graduation dates, D.O.J, and D.O.L dates, etc).
• Keep your email ID strictly professional. Avoid using childish email IDs as it attracts unwanted attention.
• Don't use paragraphs to compose your military to civilian resume. Instead, use one-liner points to communicate your roles & responsibilities and begin each point with an action verb (Led, Directed, Consolidated, Optimized, etc).

That's not all.

In this blog, we have also gone the extra mile to help you illustrate your military experience on resume with perfection.

The military to civilian resume examples that comes with this blog will also give you a better idea of what each section of your resume should look like once you have inculcated the rules of resume writing to frame your resume.

By the end of this blog, you will be able to write a job-winning resume while simultaneously learning:

• How to optimize each section of your military to civilian resume.
• How to add military experience to a resume.
• Whether to add military resume summary or military resume objective.
• What your US army address for resume should look like and which details to include and not include.

. . . All so you can get the job that you want!

With this blog, you will transform into impeccable military resume writers and you will be able to write professional-looking military resumes in no time.

Optimize your shortlist chances by perfecting your military to civilian resume by making the most of the 10+ military resume examples that we have mentioned in this blog.

On the contrary, if you're looking for a quick solution to your problems, use Hiration's Online Resume Builder .

The military resume template that comes with it is designed for ATS compatibility. It also has pre-filled sections which will help you craft an impeccable resume in no time.

Moving on, here’s a list of all that you will learn in this blog:

What is a Military Resume & why do you need it?

A military resume or army resume is a resume for army professionals and aspiring citizens who want to join the US army.

It consists of important details regarding your educational and professional life.

To get shortlisted for the military job of your dreams, you need to optimize your resume by making it ATS-compatible.

So let's get started! There's a lot of learning left to do!

In the meanwhile, get your existing military to civilian resume professionally reviewed by Hiration’s Resume Review Service.

With us, your existing military to civilian resume will be reviewed based on the following parameters:

• Resume Length
• Resume Keywords
• Core Section
• Resume Name
• Bullet points
• Contact Information
• ATS Compatibility

Does this seem exciting? If it does, keep an eye out on the bottom left corner of this page to get an in-depth review of your military to civilian resume within minutes!

Military Sample Resume

[ Back to Table of Content ]

Before we begin, here's a sample military resume showcasing the ideal army resume. We have made this using Hiration's Online Resume Builder .

• Administered disciplinary actions in the team to cut incidents by 30% in a time span of 3 months
• Rendered daily surveillance & security for headquarters and oversaw safety inspections & security checks
• Negotiated with vendors to acquire food supplies & inventory for the army headquarter at a 15% subsidized rate
• Oversaw the upkeep of army equipment and researched market trends to assess the need to procure new weapons
• Coordinated with first-class sergeants to achieve 100% team goals before the stipulated deadline
• Trained 5 new sergeants on individual and collective security tasks to bolster overall team performance
• Mentored a team of 30 operations & security sergeants on the correct usage of latest equipment & weapons
• Received " Most Diligent Staff Sergeant Award " twice in Jun '18 and Jun '17
• Communicated with the management and supervised accountability of 30+ trainees
• Directed surveillance & security for headquarters and provided external security for internment corrections
• Promoted from a position of Security Specialist to Security Forces Staff Sergeant in just 2 years due to 5 star performance
• Among the top 2 % of the class
• CPR/First Aid Certification | ECC | Jun '13
• Weapon Certification
• M240b Machine Gun
• M780 Shotgun
• Received National Defense Service Medal | Jun '18
• Secured National War on Terrorism Service Medal | Jun '17
• Won Joint Meritorious Award | Jun '16

How to write a Military Resume

Most people tend to write their military resumes just to re-write them all over again. Following the right approach to resume writing helps you write your army resume while optimizing the time it takes you to curate it.

Mentioned below are the 3 stages of resume writing that you should follow:

• Stage 1: Master Military Resume
• Stage 2: First Draft of Military Resume
• Stage 2: Final Draft of Military Resume

Master Military Resume

The first stage of resume writing involves making the master resume.

In this stage, your only job is to compile information. Doing this has the added benefit of helping you write your military to civilian resume in the present and future timeline.

Having a library of information with you, the need to explicitly look for information gets eliminated. Thus, writing your resume in the present and making any updates to it in the future becomes an easy process.

First Draft of Military Resume

In the second stage of drafting your military resume, compose the following sections:

• Personal Information
• Profile Title
• Professional Experience
• Certifications (if any)
• Awards & Recognition (if any)
• Additional Information (if any)

Final Draft of Military Resume

In the final stage, compose the sections we have mentioned below:

Summary/Objective : In this section, you have to impactfully summarize your military experience on resume. Composing your resume summary/objective towards the end helps you identify the best highlights of your career, thereby helping you make a well-informed summary/objective for your resume.

Key Skills : Right before composing your military resume summary/objective, draft the key skills section. Composing this section second-to-last helps you write an impeccable military resume skills section.

Military Resume Sections

The key to a perfect ATS-compliant army resume lies in information presentation. How you present important information in your resume matters.

This is why resume sections are important. It helps you organize information and present it impactfully.

Attached below are the must-have sections of your resume:

• Summary/Objective

You can also put your information under the sections that we have mentioned below:

For a better understanding of resume sections, read Hiration's 2022 Guide to sections in a resume .

Additionally, you can use Hiration’s Online Resume Builder to stand a better chance of getting shortlisted for the job of your dreams.

It comes with a huge library of pre-filled military resume templates that you can personalize to suit your professional needs and work history.

Read on and look out for the military veteran resume examples that we have attached in this guide to learn what each section should ideally look like.

Military Resume: Professional Experience

The hallmark of a great veteran resume is perfect readability and relevant information. You can meet these criteria by following the below-mentioned points to communicate your roles & responsibilities:

• Frame points
• Use the STAR format
• Use Bucketing & Bolding

Framing Points

It is a common consensus that you should not use paragraphs to compose the details of your work experience. Instead, one-liner points have been commonly suggested by resume experts globally to present your work-centric information in your military to civilian resume.

Using one-liner points radically enhances the readability of your resume too.

Don't believe us?

Take a look at the military veteran resume examples given below to decide if one-liner points are a better alternative to using paragraphs.

Military Resume Example 1

"As part of my roles & responsibilities as a security forces staff agent, I was responsible for researching logistics operations, engineering and technical evaluations for defense projects. I also advised senior agents on important aspects like safety, disposal, and decontamination procedures. Part of my daily responsibilities included constantly cooperating with sergeants to achieve the team goals of the security forces within the assigned deadline. Additionally, I have also played a key role in coaching a team of approximately 29 operations & security sergeants on how weapons & latest equipment should be used".

Military Resume Example 2

• Collaborated with first-class sergeants to achieve 100% team goals before the stipulated deadline
• Advised senior agents on safety, disposal, and decontamination procedures involving chemical weapons
• Researched the logistics operations, engineering, and technical evaluations for defense projects

Framing Points: Analysis

The above-listed military resume examples present us with the following observations:

• Example 1 uses a long paragraph and Example 2 uses crisp one-liner points to communicate the same information.
• Example 1 (which uses paragraphs) is hard to read & comprehend. Thus, it fails to satisfy the bare-minimum requirement of great readability that is needed in any ideal military to civilian resume.
• On the contrary, Example 2 (which uses one-liner bulleted points) has aced the readability test due to its reader-friendly nature. Moreover, it uses action verbs to begin each point which gives your resume a confident tone of professionalism.
• Using one-liner points is an easier alternative to using paragraphs. It is thus highly recommended.

STAR Format

Now that you know how to enhance the readability of your work experience, let us now optimize it using the STAR format.

STAR stands for the following:

Situation : The situation/backdrop/context of your contributions Task : The actual task that was assigned to you Action : The strategy you used to execute the assigned task Result : The result/outcome of your action in the form of an achievement figure

STAR format encourages the use of numbers to quantify your achievement under each one-liner point. Thus, it enhances the effectiveness and relevance of your roles & responsibilities.

Our recommendation: Use the STAR format to optimize each one-liner point.

Bucketing & Bolding

By now, you have a highly reader-friendly and effective resume. But what's the point if it still goes unnoticed?

Nothing. Your hard work goes to ground zero.

This is why bucketing & bolding is important.

Observe the military to civilian resume examples given below to understand the merit behind our argument:

• Received "Most Diligent Staff Sergeant Award" in Apr '17
• Managed safety inspections & security checks to ensure daily surveillance & security in headquarters
• Facilitated the upkeep of army equipment and researched market trends to assess the need to procure new weapons
• Negotiated with vendors to acquire food supplies & inventory for the army headquarter at a 25% subsidized rate
• Enforced disciplinary actions to cut incidents by 50% within 6 months
• Trained 10+ sergeants on individual and collective security tasks to bolster overall team performance

Surveillance & Inventory Management

Discipline Enforcement & Training

Key Achievements

• Received " Most Diligent Staff Sergeant Award " in Apr '17

Bucketing & Bolding : Analysis

• Example 1 uses simple one-liner points and Example 2 uses bucketing & bolding to organize each point.
• By grouping similar points under unique subheadings (bucketing) and marking the important elements in each point in bold (bolding), Example 2 succeeds at enhancing the visibility of your work experience. It diverts the recruiter's attention to an applicant's key responsibilities & achievements in one go.
• Thus, you should use bucketing & bolding alongside one-liner points to illustrate your military experience on resume.

Military Resume Sample for Professional Experience

Learn how to add military experience to a resume with Hiration's Blog on how to compose the work experience in your resume . It is a detailed explanation of this section and contains the best tips to perfect it.

In the meanwhile, look out for our military to civilian resume examples to get a better grip of resumes and what they should ideally look like.

Here's a military experience on resume example illustrating a perfectly composed professional experience section:

Military Resume: Key Skills

Are your skills good enough to land you a job as an army personnel in the US army?

If it is, put them down in the 'key skills' section of your resume.

If it isn't, get skilled.

As a rule of thumb, your key skills section should be crisp and to the point as doing this helps a recruiter quickly identify your functional skills & proficiency.

Do not use phrases like 'experienced in' or 'expertise in' to endorse your resume skills. Instead, summarize your skills into 1-3 words of action. Eg: 'Surveillance & Security', 'Weapons Training', 'Discipline Enforcement', etc.

Read Hiration's 2022 Guide on what skills to put on a resume to get a better understanding of how to efficiently curate this section.

Here's a sample military resume showcasing the perfect key skills section:

Military Resume Summary or Military Resume Objective?

Should you write a military resume summary? Or should you write a military resume objective?

Read on to find out:

• Write a military resume summary if you have over 3 years of work experience.
• Write a military resume objective if you have no work experience or less than 3 years of active work experience.

Now that you have identified which one to write, follow the guidelines we have outlined below:

• Write your summary/objective at the end: Doing this saves you both times and effort as you wouldn't need to revisit these sections all over again.
• Pick the best highlights of your career from the work experience section of your army resume and talk about your unique strengths & skills that make you fit for the military job you are after.
• Keep the length of your resume/summary limited to a 3-5 line paragraph.

For a better understanding of both resume summaries and resume objectives, refer to Hiration's Resume Summary Guide and Hiration's 2022 Guide to Resume Objectives .

Attached below is a sample military resume illustrating the ideal summary for your veteran resume:

This is a snapshot of a veteran resume that we have compiled with the pre-designed & pre-arranged military resume template on Hiration's Online Resume Builder .

Military Resume: Header

Next up, we will discuss the resume header.

Here are some steps you should follow to perfect your army resume header:

• Position it at the topmost part of your resume.
• Write it in the largest font size of 16-20 points .
• Give a single space between your first name and last name.
• If you have a middle name, initialize it. Eg: "Mary L. Baxter".

For a better understanding of this section, read Hiration’s 2022 Guide To Writing The Perfect Resume Header to learn the art of curating the perfect header for your army resume.

Here's a military experience on resume example illustrating the ideal resume header:

This is a snapshot of an army resume that we have composed using Hiration’s Online Resume Builder . The ideal resume header should ideally look like this.

Make use of our military to civilian resume builder now!

Military Resume: Personal Information

The personal information section of your military to civilian resume is a compendium of important contact-centric details such as:

• Updated mobile number
• Professional email ID

Current Location

Hiration Protip : Don't flood this section with extremely personal details such as your passport details, date of birth, sexual preference, religious beliefs etc. (unless explicitly asked to do so) as it may lead to unbiased hiring and you don't want to be on the receiving end of THAT.

Updated Mobile Number

Most recruitment-centric activities such as an interview or a shortlist announcement happen over the phone. A minor typo can keep you from a potential shortlist. Thus, the details of your mobile number must be presented accurately.

Here are some few tips that you should follow to document your contact details:

• Use your country’s ISD code as a prefix before your phone number.
• Put a plus sign (+) before the ISD code.
• Eg: +1 37648 21511.

Professional E-mail Address

Your email ID is the official communication channel between you and the recruiter and is thus extremely important.

Make sure that it is professionally presented. Do not use fancy email IDs as it would look extremely unprofessional (and you don't want that).

A simple way to go about composing your email ID is by using your name followed by your domain name. Example: '[email protected].

In the language of writing resumes, location is indicative of an applicant's city & state of residence.

Here are some points that you should remember to compose your location correctly in your military to civilian resume:

• Follow the city/state code format to showcase location in your army resume.
• DO NOT INCLUDE your house number, street number, and your locality name as part of your location.
• For job applications in the country of your residence, use the city/state code format . Example: If you live in Albany, New York; your location should be written as 'Albany, NY'
• For job applications in other countries, use the city/country code format to showcase your location. Example: If you live in Newark, New Jersey; your location should be written as 'Newark, US'.

Military Resume Sample for Personal Information

For a better understanding of this section, read Hiration's 2022 Guide to composing your contact information .

Our military to civilian resume examples visually communicates what each section of your resume should ideally look like.

The sample military resume we have mentioned below showcases the ideal personal information for your military to civilian resume:

This is a snapshot of a veteran resume that we have built using Hiration’s Online Resume Builder .

Use our Online Resume Builder to explore the pre-designed & pre-filled military resume template that comes with our military resume builder.

Read on to learn about the rest of the resume sections for your veteran resume from the 10+ military to civilian resume examples that are attached in this blog.

Military Resume: Profile Title

Another important section of your veteran resume is the profile title. It communicates the following career-specific information about you:

• Your current designation.
• Your functional industry.
• Your level of seniority in your line of work.

Use the second-largest font size ranging 14-16 points to compose your profile title. This enhances the visibility of your profile title which helps a recruiter identify the above-mentioned information about you in one glance.

Here's a military experience on resume example showcasing the perfect profile title for your veteran resume:

In the meanwhile, give your army resume the touch of professionalism. Use our AI-powered Resume Review Service today.

Military Resume: Education

Textbook knowledge is just as important as practical knowledge, especially if there is a minimum educational criteria for a given job position. As such, you should always include your educational details in your veteran resume.

Making an 'education' section with the following mentioned details is a must:

• Name of the school/university you have attended.
• Name of the courses you have pursued.
• The location of your school/university.
• Enrolment and graduation dates in month & year format .

Refer to Hiration's 2022 Guide on how to list education on your resume to read an exhaustive guide on how to correctly curate the education section.

Here's a resume sample showcasing the ideal education section for your resume.

This is a snapshot of a veteran resume that we have made with Hiration's Online Resume Builder .

Our military to civilian resume builder has an optimized military resume template that you can easily modify to suit your professional needs & requirements.

Military Resume: Certifications

As an aspiring army man, being certified in weapon certifications such as the following will give you an advantage over other applicants:

If you have done these certifications (and more), don't shy away from putting them in your military to civilian resume.

Once you do, make sure that you give the following details regarding your certifications in your veteran resume:

• Certification course name.
• Name of the institute of affiliation.
• Location of the institute of affiliation.
• Enrolment and completion date of the course in month & year format .

Arrange these points in the below format:

{Name of Certification} | {Affiliating Institution} | {Location} | {Date} (month & year format)

For a better understanding of this section, refer to Hiration's Guide to listing certifications on a resume .

Here's a military resume sample showcasing the ideal certification section for your resume:

This is a snapshot of a veteran resume that we have composed using Hiration's Online Resume Builder .

The military resume builder is embedded with an ATS-optimized and pre-filled military resume template which shows you what each section of your resume, and the content in these sections should ideally look like in your resume.

Military Resume: Awards & Recognition

Are you an awardee of the National Defense Service Medal?

Or have you been recognized for a job well done?

If the answer is yes, make a separate "Awards & Recognition" section in your army resume and put this information here.

Here's an example of what the perfect sample military resume should look like:

In the meanwhile, write a stellar resume to boost your chances of a shortlist with Hiration's Online Resume Builder :

Military Resume: Additional Information

Perhaps you speak multiple languages?

If you do, putting this information in your veteran resume is a great idea.

When you work for the US army, you can always be deployed to other countries, and if you are sent away for service abroad, knowing the local language would prove to be a big asset in your hands.

Bottom line is, being multilingual is a plus point. So make sure that you mention this skill in your resume but only if you think it will help advance your job application.

Here's a military resume sample showcasing what your additional information would ideally look like in your army resume (must you choose to include this section):

In the meanwhile, boost your chances at getting shortlisted with Hiration's Online Resume Builder .

Resume Review & Free Military Resume Templates

Get your military resume professionally reviewed by our resume experts at Hiration for a constructive analysis of your military resume.

Evaluate how well your veteran resume is performing based on the below-mentioned parameters:

• Compliance with industry norms
• Content Relevance
• Recruiter Friendliness
• Design Compatibility
• Conversion Scope
• ATS Compliance
• Global Compatibility
• Performance Assessment
• Resume Formatting (font, margins, the order of sections, etc.)

Here's the kicker:

You will get 2 resume templates for free!!

Online Resume Builder for Military Resume

Hiration's Online Resume Builder is designed to help you write an ATS-compatible veteran resume.

Alongside this, you will also get these resources with our Resume Builder :

• Option to save unlimited resumes
• 25+ resume designs
• Full rich-text editor
• Unlimited PDF downloads
• 100+ resume templates
• 1-click design change
• A sharable link
• Live resume editor

Key Takeaways

• Follow the 3 stages of resume-writing to optimize the time you take to curate your resume.
• Stick to a one-page veteran resume if you have less than 10 years of relevant work experience. If you don't, write a two-page resume. Make sure that you adhere to the two-page limit.
• As a rule of thumb, always use your name as your resume header and position it at the top-most part of your military resume.
• Your resume header should be composed in the largest font size of 16-20 points and your profile title should be composed in the second-largest font size of 14-16 points . Doing this enhances the visibility of these components in your resume.
• Knowing what to put in your resume is not enough. Knowing how to organize them is important too. So make sure that you compile your information under the relevant sections that we have mapped out in this guide.
• The professional experience is an integral component of your veteran resume. Make sure that you do justice to this section by communicating your roles & responsibilities using crisp one-liner points.
• Use action verbs to begin each one-liner point. Doing this gives your resume a tone of assertiveness and professionalism.
• Quantify your achievements wherever possible. Doing this helps you endorse the feasibility & utility of your skills.

With this, you have reached the end of this blog.

For a better understanding of each section, go back and evaluate the military to civilian resume examples that we have endorsed at the end of each section in this blog.

Go to Hiration resume builder and create a professional resume for yourself. Additionally, reach out to us at [email protected] and you can get 24/7 professional assistance with all your job & career-related queries.

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The Next Career Move for Veterans

Retiring or transitioning from the military is both an exciting and scary time. An easy and natural transition would be for a Veteran to go to work for the federal government . However, you will need a military Veteran resume to apply. CareerProPlus has an expert team that knows how to craft resumes for military Veterans. Receive a free consultation about a military Veteran to federal resume, and a federal career match after submitting your resume and/or most recent performance evaluations – email them to us !

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Our team of award-winning Master Federal Resume Writers and Master Military Resume Writers bring almost four decades of expertise and the perfect blend of skills to build your interviewing-winning military-to-federal resume. Transitioning from the military into a federal government job is a great career move for many Veterans.

Military to Federal Is a Natural Transition

It is not unusual for a military member or Veteran to be hired as a civilian for the same job or similar position once held while on Active Duty. Many of the skills and duties involved in military positions are directly transferable to civilian government jobs with DHS, FEMA, DOD, VA, TSA, DLA, FBI, CIA, and many other agencies and organizations. Many federal agencies also value the training and certifications gained in the military, not to mention those who possess and hold an active security clearance.

Experience can substitute for college degrees in many mid- and senior-level government positions. Private-sector jobs often require a minimum four-year degree for mid- to senior-level positions, but the federal government recognizes that military experience can often provide invaluable real-world experience. A military member or Veteran without a degree can often enter the government workforce at a higher level than in the private sector. With the federal government, you are less likely to start at the bottom and “work your way up.”

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Military Veteran candidates are often eligible for special preference over non-Veterans when applying for a government job. In some cases, even the spouses of Veterans who were separated under honorable conditions can receive Veterans’ Preference. New federal hiring initiatives have been established by President Obama in 2011 to ensure Veterans have preference in landing federal jobs.

Find a Federal Job

We recommend that you visit www.USAJobs.gov and search for a specific occupation that best suits your experience, skills, and education.

Read the entire federal vacancy announcement to determine all the specialized experience requirements that you might need to work into a Military Veteran to federal resume.

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Our professional Career Advisors are standing by and will match you with the perfect WG, GS, or SES position based on your military skills, education, and experience. We do this evaluation FREE for our vets. We’ll provide you with the series, grade, and guidance you need to strategically apply for targeted federal positions.

Gather your military performance evaluations, training, awards, and citations, along with the federal vacancy announcement for the job you want, and email them to us , and receive a FREE Quote for Veteran resume assistance and Federal Career Match (General Series and Grade).

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There is not one particular military-to-federal resume that will apply to all federal jobs. However, our professional resume builders will develop your federal resume for up to two general series and grades and provide you direction on how to tweak your resume for other similar positions.  Call us today to receive a Quick Quote, and prepare to begin your transition faster, more strategically, and very successfully.

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5 resume tips for troops getting out of the military

By Miguel Ortiz

Posted on Jul 2, 2024 1:35 AM PDT

4 minute read

As you are transitioning out of the military and into the civilian workforce, you are probably starting to create your resume. If not, it may come as a surprise when you get to the end of the application and have to upload one. For those who have never written a resume or haven’t written one in a while, here are some do’s and don’ts.

Here are 5 resume tips for troops getting out of the military

1. don’t put your address.

If you have not written your resume in a while or are following a template, you may be inclined to list your entire address. Resist the urge to do so. Prospective employers do not need your entire address, nor is that something included on resumes anymore. Besides, many jobs these days are remote. If you want to show that you will be in the local area after you leave the service, you can include City, State. For example, if you are ETSing from Fort Liberty and are looking to move to Dallas, you could put “Dallas, TX” on the top part of your resume. Still, you don’t have to include a City, State on your resume; it is not a requirement.

2. Don’t use a resume template

Speaking of templates, don’t use them. It is easy to search Microsoft Word, Apple Pages or Google Docs to find all sorts of resume templates. While you want to make resume writing easier, this is not in your best interest. Using a template does not mean your resume will be read in an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). You may be familiar with this term if you have taken your TAP classes. ATS is a computer software program that sorts and ranks applicants by comparing the job posting to submitted resumes. Resume templates are not usually formatted in ways that are easy for an ATS to read. Most of the time, they also do not maximize space and are more difficult for employers to scan and identify key pieces of information. If you want to ensure your resume will get read correctly and sorted appropriately in the ATS, hand-type your resume. Use an eye-friendly font like Arial, Calibri or Verdana and black text only. Stay away from color and “cute” blocks of content and icons.

3. Do create a “Summary of Qualifications”

Do you have a section at the top of your resume that tells the employer why you are qualified for the job and/or industry? If not, you need to create a summary of qualifications. This is a section under your name block that speaks to the why: why you are qualified and why you are the perfect person for the job. This section may be labeled with headings such as: “Summary of Qualifications,” “Executive Summary,” or “Professional Summary.” This can be written as a paragraph, bulleted list, or a mixture of the two. Depending on importance, you may create a credentials or skills section within this piece.

4. Do consider your email address

Do not put a .mil email address on your resume. That aside, what civilian email provider do you use? Did you know that it could date you (looking at the Hotmail, AOL, MSN, Yahoo, and iCloud users)? Consider using a modern email provider like Gmail or Outlook. Looking at the email address, be aware of any numbers used. Two-digit numbers may appear to show the year you were born and/or your age when you created the account. Prospective employers do not need to know you were born in 1980 if your email is [email protected].

5. Target your resume

Remember the Applicant Tracking System, the ATS? This is what you need to do to get to the top of the sorting list: target your resume to the job posting using the language and skillsets outlined in it. If you’re going to a job fair, target the resume to what you want to do and the industry you are looking to get into. Use terminology that is industry-friendly and that you may have found while going through job postings. An employer does not want to see your entire work history and everything you’ve done, but what you have done that’s relevant to what you are applying for. Your resume should be two pages maximum.

If you find yourself wanting to know more about resumes and how to write them, there are several resources out there for transitioning military, military spouses, and veterans including Department of Labor TAP , Off-Base Transitioning Training resume workshops for veterans , resume workshops for military spouses . RecruitMilitary also offers Monday Resume Webinars .

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From Military to Civilian: Resume Translation

You've served your country proudly, and now it's time to move on professionally. More than anything, you want your transition from boots to suits to be a smooth one. You want to land a good job that pays well. The only thing standing in your way? Your so-called resume.

Explaining to would-be employers what you did in the military in a way that makes sense to them can be difficult. Skills, experiences and accomplishments often get lost in translation or in the lack thereof. This is where the Military Skills Translator comes in, and you must decide what needs to be translated and what doesn't.

Related : Search for Veteran Jobs

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 a lot of people who work in the industry 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 battle tank crewmember (19K-armor crewman) 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," Lapple said.

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 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 workload planning. I also use the word "team" instead of platoon or squad," Lapple said.

"I am also physically counting and adding up the dollar value of items that I was in charge of in the military and noting the number of people or employees I supervised.

"Right now, school is my priority. In my case, I feel like my resume has to show not only practical experience but a degree as well," he said.

Staying in the Same Career Field

"I have a resume, but it's horrible. I want to make it better in order to be competitive," said Gary Heinstrom, a U.S. Army specialist who currently serves as a medic with the 554th Military Police Company based in Germany.

Heinstrom is knee deep in the process of transitioning out of the military. He is considering staying in his career field, but he wouldn't rule out getting his foot in the door to federal employment in any field, either.

"I just started the process of getting out, and there is so much information coming at me at one time. It's overwhelming, but it seems necessary at the same time," Heinstrom said.

If Heinstrom indeed tries to stay in the medical field, he may find that the level of translation needed for his resume differs from those needed by Lapple.

In some military career fields, such as those in the medical field, there may not be as strong a need to translate some of the skills, abilities and experiences for the civilian counterpart. In or out of uniform, patient care, recordkeeping and specific medical procedures and protocol are universally understood within the career field.

"Instead of saying that I was a medic, I am writing that I was a health-care specialist. I am also a certified emergency medical technician (EMT), and that is the same in or out of the military," Heinstrom said.

Heinstrom said he is also making it a point to quantify his accomplishments and avoid the use of personal pronouns.

For More Assistance

Translating the military words on your resume into civilian ones can be challenging. You don't have to do it alone, though.

Visit your transition assistance office or the family services and support center's employment readiness program. On either doorstep, you'll find expert, one-on-one counseling assistance or available classes, free of charge.

For your own research, the following websites offer excellent military-to-civilian translation tools:

• Military to Civilian Skills Translator
• O*Net Military Crosswalk
• FREE Resume Assessment Service

You can also get ideas on how to translate your military experiences effectively by looking at the civilian job descriptions or vacancy announcements for the jobs that interest you.

Here are some word-for-word common translation examples:

• Commander = director or senior manager
• Executive officer = deputy director
• Field grade officer = executive or manager
• Company grade officer = operations manager or section manager
• Warrant officer = technical specialist or department manager
• Senior NCOs = first-line supervisor
• Infantry = security force
• First sergeant = personnel manager
• Squad leader = team leader or team chief
• Supply sergeant = supply manager or logistics manager
• Operations NCO = operations supervisor

General Terms

• AI = additionally skilled in
• Combat = hazardous conditions
• Company = company, department or section
• Medal = award
• Military personnel office = human resources
• Mission = task, function, objective
• Military occupation specialty, classification = career specialty
• Squad, platoon = team or section
• Reconnaissance = data collection and analysis
• Regulations = policy or guidelines
• Security clearance = security clearance
• Service members = employees
• Subordinates = employees
• TAD/TDY = business trip

Related Articles:

• Writing Military-to-Civilian Resumes: Make Your Resume Interviewable
• Sample Resume for a Military-to-Civilian Transition
• Translating Your Military Resume for a Corporate Audience
• 20 Tips to Make Your Resume Stand Out

For the latest  veteran jobs postings around the country, visit the  Military.com Job Search section .

The Next Step: Find the Right Veteran Job

Ready to polish your resume, and connect with employers looking to hire veterans? Military.com can help.  Sign up for a free Military.com membership to have job postings, career fair listings, guides and advice, and more delivered directly to your inbox.

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