How do You put military experience on a resume?

How to Put Military Experience on a Resume: A Comprehensive Guide

Transitioning from a military career to a civilian career can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to translating military experience onto a resume. Many job seekers struggle to effectively communicate their skills and achievements to potential employers. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to put military experience on a resume and make it stand out.

Why is it Important to Include Military Experience on a Resume?

Including military experience on a resume can be a game-changer for several reasons:

• Unique Skills: Military personnel develop a range of skills that are highly transferable to civilian careers, such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and communication.
• Employer Recognition: Many employers recognize the value of military experience and are more likely to consider candidates with military backgrounds.
• Differentiation: Military experience sets you apart from other candidates, making your resume more memorable and increasing your chances of getting noticed.

How to Put Military Experience on a Resume

When including military experience on a resume, it’s essential to follow these best practices:

Formatting and Organization

• Reverse Chronological Order: List your military experience in reverse chronological order, with the most recent experience first.
• Use a Functional Format: Use a functional format to highlight your achievements and skills rather than your job titles.
• Use Keywords: Use keywords related to your military job and the job you’re applying for to help your resume pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Describing Military Experience

When describing your military experience, focus on the following:

• Job Title and Rank: Include your job title and rank to provide context and hierarchy.
• Dates of Service: Include the dates of your military service to provide a clear timeline.
• Achievements and Skills: Highlight your achievements, skills, and qualifications gained during your military service. Use bullet points to break up large blocks of text.
• Relevant Training and Certifications: Include any relevant training or certifications you received during your military service.

Examples of Military Experience on a Resume

Here are a few examples of how to put military experience on a resume:

Example 1: Military Officer

• Job Title: Lieutenant, Infantry Officer
• Dates of Service: 2015-2020
• Achievements and Skills:

  • Led a team of 20 personnel in a combat zone
  • Developed and executed operational plans to achieve strategic objectives
  • Completed advanced training in leadership, tactics, and communication

• Relevant Training and Certifications: Leadership Development Course, Advanced Individual Training (AIT)

Example 2: Enlisted Personnel

• Job Title: Sergeant, Engineer
• Dates of Service: 2010-2015
• Achievements and Skills:

  • Supervised a team of 8 personnel in the maintenance and repair of heavy equipment
  • Conducted training sessions on safety procedures and equipment operation
  • Completed Basic Engineer Course and Advanced Individual Training (AIT)

• Relevant Training and Certifications: Basic Engineer Course, Advanced Individual Training (AIT)

Converting Military Job Descriptions to Civilian Language

When converting military job descriptions to civilian language, focus on the following:

• Use Civilian Job Titles: Use civilian job titles to describe your military job, such as "Operations Manager" instead of "Operations Officer".
• Emphasize Transferable Skills: Emphasize the transferable skills you gained during your military service, such as leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving.
• Use Action Verbs: Use action verbs such as "managed", "developed", and "implemented" to describe your achievements.

Tips for Writing a Military-Friendly Resume

Here are a few tips for writing a military-friendly resume:

• Use a Professional Summary: Use a professional summary to highlight your military experience and achievements.
• Use Keywords: Use keywords related to your military job and the job you’re applying for to help your resume pass through ATS.
• Include Relevant Certifications: Include relevant certifications and training you received during your military service.
• Highlight Soft Skills: Highlight your soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, to demonstrate your value as a candidate.

Conclusion

Including military experience on a resume can be a game-changer for job seekers transitioning from a military career to a civilian career. By following the best practices outlined in this article, you can effectively communicate your skills and achievements to potential employers and increase your chances of getting noticed. Remember to focus on the transferable skills you gained during your military service, use a functional format, and include relevant certifications and training. With these tips and strategies, you can create a military-friendly resume that stands out from the competition.