How is military time creditable for civilian jobs?

I'm curious about how time spent in the military translates to civilian job experience. Does it count towards experience requirements in certain industries? I'm particularly interested in understanding how it might benefit career prospects after service.

Good question! A stint in the military is indeed recognized as valuable experience across many civilian careers. It can count towards fulfilling job requirements or getting a higher starting position, primarily because the military equips individuals with several transferable skills. Here's how it works:

Skills: For one, the military cultivates a range of hard and soft skills. Leadership, teamwork, responsibility, discipline, adaptability, and the ability to perform under pressure can be direct takeaways from military service, regardless of the specialization. These are skills recognized and valued across virtually all civilian industries.

Specific Job Skills: If your military role parallels a civilian career, it's a more straightforward transition. For instance, a military medic has solid foundational experience for a health care career, or someone handling logistics might fit into a similar role in private sector operations.

Certifications & Licenses: Some military occupations offer industry-recognized certifications or licenses, such as in IT and engineering. These can provide a direct pathway into civilian roles in the same field.

Federal Jobs and Veteran's Preference: The federal government provides preference to veterans in hiring for many federal jobs and jobs directly associated with federal contracts. Military service is credited as experience for federal job applications.

On the flip side, one thing you should note is that translating military service to civilian job experience on a resume can be a bit challenging because of the difference in terminology. It might be beneficial to seek assistance with crafting a military-to-civilian resume that accurately reflects the skills and experiences you've gained in the military.

In conclusion, while military service does not translate 1-to-1 with civilian experience, it's credited as significant work experience. The transferability depends largely on your role in the military, the skills you acquired, and the sector you aim to move into. It's about effectively translating these experiences into language that civilian employers understand and appreciate.