I've gained a lot of skills through my military-related experiences, and I'm not sure how to best showcase them when applying for jobs online. Any advice on translating military skills into something employers will understand?
Translating your military experience into a language that potential employers can understand is less about the specific job you've held in the service, and more about the qualities and competencies you developed while in the military.
Firstly, identify the skills you developed. There's a wide range of transferable skills and qualities that military personnel develop, often at a very high level compared to their civilian counterparts. These could be soft skills such as leadership, decision-making, teamwork, discipline, adaptability, and problem-solving. Or they could be hard skills related to the technical aspects of your military roles, such as logistics management, network administration, or maintenance expertise.
Once identified, translate these skills into civilian language. For example, if you were a squad leader, it could be translated to "led a team of 10 members in fast-paced, challenging situations." If you were responsible for equipment, translate this into "managed inventory and handled equipment maintenance tasks ensuring 100% accountability." Remember, the goal is to make sure a civilian employer will understand the skills you bring to the table. You may also find resources or online tools helpful that assist with translating military skills to civilian language.
On your resume and in your online application, prioritize showing demonstrated success with these skills over explaining your role in military jargon. Include metrics where possible to show the results of your actions, and be detailed in explaining your personal involvement. For example, instead of saying "participated in missions that increased efficiency," specify the efficiency increase percentage and your role - "Implemented logistical changes that resulted in a 20% increase in mission efficiency."
Lastly, tailor your skills to the specific job requirements. Look at each job description carefully, identify key keywords and skills they're looking for, and incorporate them into your resume and cover letter to highlight how your military experiences align with the job.
It's all about communication and showing that your military experience has equipped you with valuable and sought-after skills that can be advantageous to the job you're applying for. Remember to present your experiences in a way that conveys the value you can add to the organization.
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