How to Translate Military MOS to Civilian Job Skills?

I'm looking to transition from the military to the civilian workforce and need advice on translating my MOS into relevant skills for job applications. What are the best strategies or resources to effectively showcase my military experience?

In transitioning from military to civilian work, there are indeed strategies and resources to effectively translate your military experience and skills:

Firstly, documenting specific examples: You must have gathered a range of experiences and skills during your military service. Make a comprehensive list of all your responsible roles and tasks, however routine they might appear to you. Each military role, such as teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and stress management, translates well to civilian positions.

Secondly, identifying transferable skills: After listing your roles and tasks, identify and categorize them into transferable skills. These should ideally be soft and hard skills that are relevant to civilian jobs. For example, if you worked on communications in the military, you could emphasize your abilities in problem-solving, technical literacy, or even customer service.

Thirdly, craft your resume: Starting with a strong objective statement followed by a skills section can be effective. In the skills section, list both hard and soft skills you acquired in the military. If you led a team, use terms such as "team leadership" or "project coordination." Use bullet points in the experience section to outline specific tasks and achievements - just ensure they're easy for civilian hiring managers to understand.

Furthermore, enlist help from resources like veterans' career services: Many organizations specialize in helping veterans make the transition to civilian work. They can help you understand how your military experience can be marketed to potential employers and they also offer assistance in creating resumes and preparing for interviews.

Lastly, practice translating your experience: Practice explaining your military experiences in a way that highlights transferable skills. "Led a team of 10 in high pressure situations" could translate to demonstrating strong leadership skills or the ability to stay calm under pressure.

Remember, the goal is to create a comprehensive, clear, and compelling narrative of how your military skills translate into a civilian workforce's needs and expectations. Good luck with your transition!