How to Put Military Service on Resume
When transitioning from military to civilian life, many veterans struggle to effectively showcase their valuable skills and experiences on their resume. Military service can be a significant part of one’s career, and it’s essential to highlight it in a way that showcases its relevance to the civilian job market. In this article, we’ll provide guidance on how to put military service on a resume, highlighting the most important points to include and how to present them.
Why Highlight Military Service on a Resume?
Before we dive into the how-to, it’s essential to understand why highlighting military service on a resume is crucial. Military service provides a unique set of skills that are highly valuable in the civilian job market. These skills include:
• Leadership and management
• Communication and teamwork
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
By highlighting military service on a resume, you can demonstrate these skills to potential employers and increase your chances of getting hired.
How to Put Military Service on a Resume
Here are the steps to follow when putting military service on a resume:
Contents
Military Service Section
Create a separate section on your resume dedicated to your military service. This section should include the following information:
- Branch and Rank: Include the branch of the military you served in (e.g., Army, Navy, Air Force, etc.) and your rank at the time of discharge.
- Dates of Service: List the dates you served in the military, including the start and end dates.
- Job Title and Description: Provide a brief description of your military job title and the duties you performed. This can include any relevant job skills or responsibilities.
Example:
Military Service
- Branch: United States Army
- Rank: Sergeant
- Dates of Service: January 2010 – December 2015
- Job Title and Description: Infantry Squad Leader, responsible for leading a team of 12 soldiers in combat operations. Demonstrated strong leadership and communication skills, with a focus on teamwork and adaptability.
Relevant Skills and Experience
In addition to the military service section, be sure to highlight relevant skills and experience gained during your military service throughout your resume. This can include:
- Technical Skills: Highlight any technical skills you acquired during your military service, such as proficiency in certain software or equipment.
- Leadership Experience: Emphasize any leadership experience you gained during your military service, including any promotions or awards you received.
- Transferable Skills: Highlight any transferable skills you gained during your military service, such as communication, problem-solving, or time management.
Example:
- Technical Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Leadership Experience: Led a team of 12 soldiers in combat operations, resulting in a 25% increase in team efficiency.
- Transferable Skills: Demonstrated strong communication and problem-solving skills, with a focus on teamwork and adaptability.
Certifications and Awards
If you received any certifications or awards during your military service, be sure to include them on your resume. This can include:
- Certifications: Any certifications you received during your military service, such as a welding certification or a language proficiency certification.
- Awards: Any awards or decorations you received during your military service, such as the Purple Heart or the Bronze Star.
Example:
- Certifications: Certified in First Aid and CPR.
- Awards: Recipient of the Army Commendation Medal for outstanding service.
Action Verbs
When describing your military service and experience, use action verbs to highlight your achievements. Some examples of action verbs include:
- Led
- Managed
- Coordinated
- Developed
- Improved
Example:
- Led a team of 12 soldiers in combat operations, resulting in a 25% increase in team efficiency.
- Managed a budget of $100,000, resulting in a 15% reduction in costs.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some additional tips and tricks to keep in mind when putting military service on a resume:
- Use keywords: Use keywords related to your military service and experience to help your resume pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS).
- Tailor your resume: Tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for, highlighting the skills and experience most relevant to the position.
- Keep it concise: Keep your military service section concise and to the point, focusing on the most important information.
- Get feedback: Get feedback from a career counselor or a mentor to ensure your resume is effective and highlights your military service in the best possible way.
Conclusion
Highlighting military service on a resume can be a powerful way to demonstrate your skills and experience to potential employers. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can effectively showcase your military service and increase your chances of getting hired. Remember to focus on the most important information, use action verbs to highlight your achievements, and tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for. With these tips and tricks, you can create a strong and effective military service section on your resume.
