How to Include Military Experience on Resume
Including military experience on a resume can be a challenging task, especially for those who are transitioning from military to civilian life. However, highlighting your military experience can be a great way to showcase your skills, training, and achievements to potential employers. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to include military experience on your resume.
Why Include Military Experience on Resume?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about why including military experience on your resume is important. Military experience can be a valuable asset to potential employers, as it demonstrates:
- Transferable skills: Military training and experience can translate to civilian jobs, such as leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Discipline and work ethic: Military personnel are known for their discipline and strong work ethic, which can be attractive to employers.
- Adaptability and flexibility: Military personnel are often required to adapt to new situations and environments, which can be an asset in a rapidly changing work environment.
- Leadership and management skills: Military personnel often hold leadership and management positions, which can be valuable in a civilian career.
How to Include Military Experience on Resume
Here are some tips on how to include military experience on your resume:
1. Use a Functional Resume Format
A functional resume format is ideal for highlighting your military experience, as it emphasizes your skills and achievements rather than your job titles. A functional resume typically includes:
- Summary statement: A brief summary of your military experience and skills.
- Skills section: A list of your relevant skills, including technical, language, and soft skills.
- Work experience section: A detailed description of your military experience, including job titles, dates of service, and achievements.
2. Use Keywords and Phrases
When writing your resume, 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.
3. Highlight Achievements and Accomplishments
Instead of just listing your job responsibilities, focus on the achievements and accomplishments you made during your military service. Use specific numbers and statistics to demonstrate the impact you made.
4. Emphasize Transferable Skills
Highlight the transferable skills you gained during your military service, such as:
- Leadership and management: Highlight your experience leading teams and managing projects.
- Communication and teamwork: Emphasize your ability to work effectively with others and communicate clearly.
- Problem-solving and adaptability: Highlight your ability to think critically and adapt to new situations.
5. Include Relevant Certifications and Training
If you received any certifications or training during your military service, be sure to include them on your resume. This can include:
- Technical certifications: Highlight any technical certifications you received, such as IT or engineering certifications.
- Language training: If you received language training, include it on your resume.
- Leadership and management training: Highlight any leadership and management training you received.
6. Quantify Your Experience
When describing your military experience, use specific numbers and statistics to quantify your achievements. For example:
- Managed a team of 10 personnel: Instead of just saying "managed a team," use a specific number to demonstrate the scope of your responsibility.
- Increased productivity by 25%: Use a specific number to demonstrate the impact you made.
7. Include a Professional Summary
A professional summary is a brief overview of your military experience and skills. It should be included at the top of your resume and should highlight your:
- Key skills: Highlight your most relevant skills and qualifications.
- Achievements: Emphasize your most significant achievements and accomplishments.
- Career goals: State your career goals and how your military experience aligns with them.
Example of a Military Experience Section
Here is an example of a military experience section:
Military Experience
United States Army, Sergeant
- Dates of Service: 2010-2015
- Job Title: Infantry Squad Leader
- Summary: Led a team of 10 personnel in a variety of combat and non-combat missions. Developed and implemented effective communication and teamwork strategies to achieve mission objectives.
- Achievements:
- Increased team productivity by 25% through effective leadership and communication.
- Successfully completed multiple combat missions, resulting in zero casualties and minimal damage.
- Developed and implemented a training program for new recruits, resulting in a 90% pass rate on the Army’s Basic Training course.
Conclusion
Including military experience on your resume can be a great way to showcase your skills, training, and achievements to potential employers. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can effectively highlight your military experience and increase your chances of getting hired. Remember to use a functional resume format, highlight transferable skills, and quantify your experience to make your military experience stand out.
