How do you put military experience on a job application?

For those considering a civilian career after serving in the military, how do you effectively highlight your military experience on job applications? Any tips on translating military roles into civilian terms would be appreciated!

When it comes to translating military experience to a civilian job application, it's crucial to consider the transferable skills that you've obtained during your military service.

One way to include military experience is to treat it like any other job role on your application. Include the same elements, such as the role's title, the time period you held the position, and the responsibilities you had. If you can, draw parallels between these roles and the civilian job you are applying for.

Remember that civilian employers may be less familiar with military jargon or military-specific roles, so it's beneficial to translate military terminologies into phrases that civilian employers understand. For example, instead of writing "Platoon Sergeant," you might say "Team Leader." Instead of "end of tour award," consider "recognition for outstanding performance and dedication."

Your military experience also likely provided you with a host of valuable transferable skills. Some of these might include leadership, discipline, adaptability, collaboration, resilience, strategic planning, and conflict resolution, among others. Pinpoint the skills that are most relevant to the job you're applying for, and highlight these in your application.

Here's an example:

If you served as a Squad Leader, you might frame it this way:

Title: Team Leader

Dates: xxxx to xxxx

Key Responsibilities:

- Led a team of 10 individuals in high-pressure situations.

- Implemented strategic planning in complex scenarios.

- Conducted team training and skill development.

Ultimately, the key to effectively communicating your military experience is to highlight the relevant skills and experiences that would be valuable in a civilian job role. Always remember to translate your experiences into relatable terms and examples for civilian employers.