When applying for civilian positions, how do you fill out the employment history section on applications if your last jobs were in the military? Should you use specific titles and terms, or simplify things for civilian understanding?
When translating your military experience to civilian applications, it's vital to remember that your potential employer may not be familiar with military terminology. The key is to ensure that recruiters can understand and value your military experiences and abilities. Here's a general approach you could use:
1. Role Titles: While you may want to maintain your actual military title for thoroughness, it's smart to include a readily understood, civilian-equivalent title. This strategy will help ensure that hiring managers who are unfamiliar with military ranking structures appreciate your level of responsibility. For example, if you were a "Logistics Chief" in the Army, you might write "Logistics Chief (Equivalent role: Supply Chain Manager)".
2. Brief Description: Outline your roles and responsibilities in simple language, focusing on transferrable skills. For instance, you can translate "tracked and managed robust tracking and inventory systems" to "maintained accurate inventory records and used data analysis to optimize stock levels".
3. Achievements: Wherever possible, use demonstrable achievements to highlight your competencies, especially regarding leadership, problem-solving, or project management. For instance, if you led a team that improved a system's performance, highlight this in numbers or percentages if possible.
4. Jargon and Acronyms: Avoid military jargon, abbreviations, or acronyms, which can be confusing to civilian readers. It's better to spell out and simplify these elements for ease of understanding.
5. Training and Certifications: Your military experience likely came with a significant amount of training and possibly even certifications. Be sure to include these in your application, translating them into civilian equivalents where practical.
Remember, this is your chance to showcase your unique skills and experiences gained during your military service. Tailoring your military experience to language that a civilian hiring manager can comprehend will make it easier for them to see the value and relevance you bring to their company.
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