How to List Military Experience on Resume
When it comes to listing military experience on a resume, many veterans and military personnel struggle to effectively showcase their skills and achievements. However, with the right approach, military experience can be a valuable asset on a resume, demonstrating discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills that are highly sought after by employers.
Why is Military Experience Important on a Resume?
Military experience is valuable on a resume for several reasons:
- Transferable Skills: Military training and experience develop skills that are transferable to civilian jobs, such as leadership, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.
- Unique Qualifications: Military experience provides unique qualifications, such as certifications, training, and expertise that are not easily replicable in civilian life.
- Employer Perception: Employers often view military experience as a positive indicator of responsibility, discipline, and adaptability.
How to List Military Experience on a Resume
To effectively list military experience on a resume, follow these steps:
1. Use a Separate Section
Create a separate section on your resume dedicated to military experience. This section should be titled "Military Experience" or "Service Record."
2. Use a Standardized Format
Use a standardized format to list your military experience, including:
- Rank: List your military rank, including any promotions or awards.
- Branch: Identify the branch of the military you served in (e.g., Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard).
- Dates of Service: List the dates of your military service, including the start and end dates.
- Job Title: Describe your military job title or position.
- Duties and Responsibilities: Briefly describe your duties and responsibilities in the military.
Example:
Military Experience
- Rank: Sergeant
- Branch: United States Army
- Dates of Service: 2010-2015
- Job Title: Infantryman
- Duties and Responsibilities: Conducted patrols, maintained situational awareness, and provided security for convoys in a combat zone.
3. Highlight Achievements and Awards
Highlight any notable achievements, awards, or decorations you received during your military service. This can include:
- Awards and Decorations: List any awards or decorations you received, such as the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, or Army Commendation Medal.
- Achievements: Describe any notable achievements or accomplishments during your military service, such as leading a team to complete a difficult mission or receiving a commendation for bravery.
Example:
Military Experience
- Rank: Sergeant
- Branch: United States Army
- Dates of Service: 2010-2015
- Job Title: Infantryman
- Duties and Responsibilities: Conducted patrols, maintained situational awareness, and provided security for convoys in a combat zone.
- Awards and Decorations: Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal
- Achievements: Led a team to complete a difficult mission, resulting in the successful capture of a high-value target.
4. Emphasize Transferable Skills
Emphasize the transferable skills you developed during your military service, such as:
- Leadership: Highlight any leadership roles or responsibilities you held during your military service.
- Communication: Describe any experience with communication, such as radio operations or public speaking.
- Problem-Solving: Highlight any experience with problem-solving, such as crisis management or troubleshooting.
Example:
Military Experience
- Rank: Sergeant
- Branch: United States Army
- Dates of Service: 2010-2015
- Job Title: Infantryman
- Duties and Responsibilities: Conducted patrols, maintained situational awareness, and provided security for convoys in a combat zone.
- Transferable Skills:
- Leadership: Led a team of 10 soldiers on a mission to secure a strategic location.
- Communication: Operated a radio and maintained communication with higher headquarters.
- Problem-Solving: Developed and implemented a plan to overcome a logistical challenge, resulting in the successful completion of a mission.
5. Use Keywords and Phrases
Use keywords and phrases from the job description to describe your military experience. This will help your resume pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and catch the eye of hiring managers.
Example:
Military Experience
- Rank: Sergeant
- Branch: United States Army
- Dates of Service: 2010-2015
- Job Title: Infantryman
- Duties and Responsibilities: Conducted patrols, maintained situational awareness, and provided security for convoys in a combat zone.
- Keywords and Phrases: Team leader, situational awareness, security operations, logistics management, crisis management.
Conclusion
Listing military experience on a resume requires attention to detail and a strategic approach. By following these steps, you can effectively showcase your military experience and highlight the valuable skills and qualifications you developed during your service. Remember to use a standardized format, highlight achievements and awards, emphasize transferable skills, and use keywords and phrases from the job description. With these tips, you can increase your chances of landing an interview and starting a successful civilian career.
