Moving from Military to a Federal Job: Tips Needed

Thinking about transitioning from a military position to a federal job. How can I best translate my military skills for a federal resume? Are there specific agencies that tend to prefer former military personnel?

When transitioning from military to a federal job, it's crucial to translate your military experience and skills into terms that a civilian employer can understand. Many of your experiences like leadership, project management or operational planning will be highly applicable.

Remember that military jargon and acronyms can be confusing for a civilian audience so use the most clear and understandable language. Translate military ranks into civilian equivalent terms to provide hiring managers with a better understanding of your leadership experience. For example, if you were an NCO or non-commissioned officer, this could translate to mid-level management.

Federal resumes often require more intricate detail than your average civilian resume. It should include specifics such as hours worked per week, supervisor's contact information, and the knowledge, and abilities you gained from each role you list. So, ensure your resume is comprehensive and focuses on relevant skills.

Regarding agencies, the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Veterans Affairs are among the agencies that hire a high percentage of veterans. However, veterans work in all branches of federal service, so consider your interests and skills before making a decision.

Lastly, utilize resources that are made available to former military personnel, such as the Veterans' Preference policy, which provides an edge in federal hiring. Another useful resource is the FedsHireVets website, which has a ton of valuable info and tools for veterans considering transitioning to federal service.

Transferring military skills into a civilian career can be challenging, but there's a lot of help available. Good luck on your career transition!