How to Add Military Experience on a Resume
As a veteran, transitioning from military service to civilian life can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to showcasing your skills and experience on a resume. While military experience may not be directly applicable to every job, it is essential to highlight the valuable skills and training you gained during your service. In this article, we will provide you with tips on how to add military experience on a resume, making it more attractive to potential employers.
Why is it Important to Highlight Military Experience?
Highlighting military experience on a resume is crucial for several reasons:
- Transferable skills: Military training and experience develop essential skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, which are valuable in many civilian careers.
- Relevant training: Many military training programs, such as technical and vocational training, are directly applicable to civilian jobs.
- Leadership and management: Military experience demonstrates leadership and management skills, which are highly valued by employers.
- Dedication and discipline: Military service requires dedication, discipline, and a strong work ethic, which are essential qualities for success in any career.
How to Add Military Experience on a Resume
When adding military experience on a resume, follow these steps:
- Use a functional or combination resume format: These formats are more effective for highlighting transferable skills and experience, rather than a traditional chronological format.
- Use keywords: Use keywords related to your military experience and the job you’re applying for to help your resume pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and catch the eye of hiring managers.
- Highlight achievements: Instead of just listing job responsibilities, focus on the achievements and results you accomplished during your military service.
- Emphasize transferable skills: Highlight the skills you gained during your military service that are transferable to civilian careers, such as leadership, teamwork, and communication.
- Include relevant certifications and training: Include any relevant certifications, training, or licenses you obtained during your military service.
How to Format Military Experience on a Resume
Here’s a suggested format for formatting military experience on a resume:
| Rank | Job Title | Dates of Service | Summary of Experience | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sergeant | Infantry Team Leader | 2010-2014 | Led a team of 12 soldiers in combat operations, resulting in a 30% reduction in casualties. | Improved team morale and cohesion through effective communication and leadership Developed and implemented a training program that increased team readiness by 25% |
How to Translate Military Jobs to Civilian Jobs
Here’s a guide to translating military jobs to civilian jobs:
- Use a job search website: Websites like the Military.com Job Search and the Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) provide resources and tools to help you translate your military experience to civilian jobs.
- Consult with a career counselor: Career counselors at the Veterans Affairs (VA) or the Military.com Career Center can help you identify your transferable skills and create a personalized job search plan.
- Research civilian job descriptions: Research civilian job descriptions and requirements to understand the skills and qualifications needed for the job you’re interested in.
Tips for Including Military Experience on a Resume
Here are some additional tips for including military experience on a resume:
- Use a separate section for military experience: Create a separate section for your military experience to make it easy for hiring managers to find.
- Include relevant job titles and descriptions: Include relevant job titles and descriptions to help hiring managers understand your experience and skills.
- Highlight soft skills: Highlight soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, which are valuable in many civilian careers.
- Include relevant awards and decorations: Include relevant awards and decorations to demonstrate your achievements and dedication.
Conclusion
Adding military experience on a resume can be a challenging task, but with the right strategies and techniques, you can effectively highlight your skills and experience to potential employers. By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this article, you can create a resume that showcases your military experience and increases your chances of landing a job in your desired field. Remember to emphasize transferable skills, highlight achievements, and include relevant certifications and training to make your military experience shine on your resume.
