How should I list my military veteran status on a job resume?

I'm a high school junior thinking about joining the military. If I become a veteran, how do I market that experience effectively on a resume? What skills should I highlight to appeal to civilian employers?

When it comes to incorporating your military experience into your resume, you'll want to emphasize both the soft and hard skills you acquired. These can be beneficial not just for the tasks you will need to perform in your job, but also for your overall professional development.

Include your military service in your work experience section, just as you would any other job. For instance, you might write: "U.S. Navy, Petty Officer (2010 – 2015)". The goals you accomplished and the roles you performed during your service should be defined in terms of achievements and responsibilities.

When it comes to skills, remember to translate any military jargon into civilian terms to make it easier for potential employers to understand. For instance, instead of saying "led recon missions", you could say "led strategic planning and execution for team objectives".

A few valuable soft skills you might have acquired during your service include leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, and ability to work under pressure. Hard skills could includes aspects like project management, technology or equipment operation, or relevant certifications or trainings.

Veterans often bring a high degree of discipline, integrity, and dedication to their civilian jobs, which are traits valued by many employers. Make sure to leverage these strong attributes in your job applications and interviews.