How to Write a Military Resume: A Step-by-Step Guide
As a military veteran, transitioning to the civilian workforce can be a daunting task. One of the most critical steps in this process is creating a strong military resume that showcases your skills, experience, and achievements. A well-crafted military resume can make all the difference in helping you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of landing an interview. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to write a military resume that effectively translates your military experience into a civilian-friendly format.
Understanding the Importance of a Military Resume
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of writing a military resume, it’s essential to understand its importance. A military resume is not just a simple conversion of your military record into a civilian format. It’s a strategic document that highlights your unique skills, experience, and achievements in a way that resonates with civilian employers. A well-written military resume can help you:
- Stand out from civilian job applicants
- Demonstrate your transferable skills to civilian employers
- Highlight your achievements and contributions to the military
- Increase your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers
Step 1: Identify Your Target Audience
Before you start writing your military resume, it’s crucial to identify your target audience. Who are you applying to? What industry or job function are you targeting? Understanding your target audience will help you tailor your resume to their specific needs and requirements. Consider the following questions:
- What industry or job function are you targeting?
- What are the key skills and qualifications required for the job?
- What are the common job titles and keywords used in the industry?
Step 2: Tailor Your Resume to the Job
Once you’ve identified your target audience, it’s time to tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for. Use keywords and phrases from the job description to highlight your relevant skills and experience. This will help your resume pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and catch the attention of hiring managers.
Step 3: Write a Compelling Summary
The summary section of your military resume is your chance to tell your story and showcase your unique strengths and achievements. A good summary should be no more than 2-3 sentences long and should highlight your most significant accomplishments and qualifications. Consider the following tips:
- Use keywords and phrases from the job description
- Highlight your most significant achievements and qualifications
- Keep it concise and to the point
Step 4: Highlight Your Military Experience
The military experience section is where you’ll highlight your relevant skills and experience. Use the following format to highlight your military experience:
| Rank | Job Title | Dates of Service | Unit | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Captain | Operations Officer | 2010-2015 | 1st Infantry Division | Afghanistan, Iraq |
- Use your rank and job title to identify your position
- Highlight your dates of service to demonstrate your length of experience
- Include your unit and locations to demonstrate your breadth of experience
Step 5: Emphasize Your Transferable Skills
As a military veteran, you’ve developed a unique set of skills that are highly transferable to the civilian workforce. Emphasize your transferable skills by highlighting your ability to:
- Lead and manage teams
- Analyze complex problems and develop solutions
- Communicate effectively with diverse groups
- Work under pressure and meet deadlines
Step 6: Include Relevant Education and Training
If you’ve completed any relevant education or training, make sure to include it in your military resume. Highlight any relevant certifications, licenses, or degrees that demonstrate your expertise in a particular field.
Step 7: Proofread and Edit
Finally, it’s essential to proofread and edit your military resume carefully. A single typo or grammatical error can make a negative impression on hiring managers. Consider the following tips:
- Use a spell-checker and grammar-checker to identify any errors
- Have a friend or mentor review your resume for feedback
- Make sure your resume is concise and easy to read
Conclusion
Writing a military resume is a critical step in your transition to the civilian workforce. By following these steps, you can create a strong military resume that showcases your skills, experience, and achievements in a way that resonates with civilian employers. Remember to tailor your resume to your target audience, highlight your transferable skills, and emphasize your achievements. With a well-crafted military resume, you’ll be well on your way to landing an interview and starting your new career.
