Translating Military Experience to a Civilian Resume

For those with military backgrounds, how do you convert your job experience into a civilian resume? I'm thinking long-term and want to ensure my future transition is smooth. Any tips to highlight skills effectively?

Transitioning from a military to a civilian role can be a complex task, especially in developing an effective resume that translates your military skills and experience into civilian terms. A key principle to adopt while reworking your resume is to familiarize yourself with civilian language.

One method to accomplish this is by studying relevant job postings. Highlight the skills and qualifications that match your own and focus on those in your resume. For example, if you served as a Logistics Specialist in the military, this could translate to roles such as Operations Manager, Supply Chain Analyst, or Distribution Manager in the civilian sector.

Improving your narrative is equally important. Military lingo can be quizzing to non-military people. Therefore, it's crucial to represent every aspect of your military experience in widely understandable terms. Describing leadership or team-building skills you've gained from your military service can be a valuable addition since these are highly sought after in the civilian world.

Together with skills, achievements matter too. When listing your accomplishments, be sure to translate them into quantifiable metrics that employers can understand. For instance, if you were responsible for managing a unit budget, provide specific numbers to indicate the budget size or any cost savings you were able to achieve.

Also, don't forget to mention any certifications or qualifications you earned during your military service. If they are related to the job you're applying for, that's a plus. If they are not, they still present you as a determined individual keen on self-development.

Lastly, remember to tailor your resume for every new job application. The needs and demands of each job are unique, so a one-size-fits-all resume might not secure an interview. Highlight the skills that are most pertinent to the job you are applying for.

Transitioning to civilian employment is a big step, but with careful planning and tailored communication, your military experience can be an asset to potential employers.