How to Include Military Service on Resume
Many veterans struggle to translate their military experience into a format that is easily understood by civilian employers. However, including military service on a resume can be a great way to showcase valuable skills and experiences that are relevant to the civilian job market. In this article, we will provide guidance on how to include military service on a resume and highlight some of the key benefits that military veterans can bring to an organization.
Why Include Military Service on a Resume?
Including military service on a resume can provide several benefits, including:
- Demonstrated discipline and work ethic: Military service requires a high level of discipline and dedication, which can be appealing to employers.
- Transferable skills: Many military skills, such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving, are directly applicable to civilian jobs.
- Unique experiences and training: Military service can provide unique experiences and training that are not typically found in civilian careers.
- Enhanced credibility: Military service can be seen as a badge of honor, and including it on a resume can enhance a candidate’s credibility.
How to Include Military Service on a Resume
Including military service on a resume is a straightforward process. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Use a separate section: Consider creating a separate section on your resume dedicated to military service. This can include your military rank, dates of service, and relevant skills and experiences.
- Use keywords: Use keywords related to your military service, such as "leadership," "communications," and "problem-solving," to help your resume pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and catch the eye of hiring managers.
- Highlight achievements: Instead of just listing your military duties, highlight specific achievements and accomplishments during your service.
- Include relevant certifications and training: If you received specialized training or certifications during your military service, be sure to include them on your resume.
What to Include in the Military Service Section
The military service section of your resume should include the following information:
- Military rank: Include your military rank and any relevant designations (e.g. "Senior Airman," "Staff Sergeant").
- Dates of service: Include the dates of your military service, including start and end dates.
- Branch of service: Include the branch of service you served in (e.g. Army, Navy, Air Force, etc.).
- MOS/AFSC/Rating: Include your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC), or Navy Rating, as relevant.
- Relevant skills and experiences: Include any relevant skills and experiences you gained during your military service, such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving.
Example Military Service Section
Here is an example of what the military service section of a resume might look like:
Military Service
- Rank: Senior Airman
- Dates of Service: 2010-2015
- Branch of Service: United States Air Force
- MOS: 1T3X1 – Communications, Navigation, and Controls Technician
- Relevant Skills and Experiences: Leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills gained during service as a Communications, Navigation, and Controls Technician. Successfully led a team of 10 airmen in the maintenance of complex communication systems.
Tips for Highlighting Military Service on a Resume
Here are some additional tips for highlighting military service on a resume:
- Use action verbs: Use action verbs such as "managed," "supervised," and "coordinated" to describe your military experiences.
- Highlight soft skills: In addition to highlighting technical skills, be sure to highlight any soft skills you gained during your military service, such as teamwork, adaptability, and time management.
- Include relevant courses and training: If you received specialized training or education during your military service, be sure to include it on your resume.
- Get creative with language: Don’t be afraid to get creative with the language you use to describe your military experiences. For example, instead of saying "performed routine maintenance tasks," you could say "utilized technical expertise to troubleshoot and maintain complex equipment."
Using Military Service to Stand Out
Including military service on a resume can be a great way to stand out from other candidates. Here are some additional tips to help you make the most of your military service:
- Emphasize transferable skills: Emphasize the transferable skills you gained during your military service, such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving.
- Highlight unique experiences: Highlight any unique experiences or training you received during your military service, such as training in a foreign language or working with specialized equipment.
- Showcase awards and decorations: If you received any awards or decorations during your military service, be sure to include them on your resume.
- Get creative with certifications: If you received specialized certifications or training during your military service, be sure to include them on your resume.
Conclusion
Including military service on a resume can be a great way to showcase valuable skills and experiences that are relevant to the civilian job market. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can effectively highlight your military service and stand out from other candidates. Remember to use a separate section, highlight achievements, include relevant certifications and training, and get creative with language to make the most of your military service. With these tips, you can successfully transition from military to civilian life and achieve your career goals.