I'm working on job applications and wondering if and how I should mention my military experience. What’s the best way to include military service in a job application, and what benefits might it provide in different industries?
While not every industry or employer will have an explicit understanding of military ranks and responsibilities, the skills and experiences gained during your service can be broadly applicable and beneficial to the civilian workforce. Here's how you can approach this:
1. Resume: Highlight key roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments during your service under a separate section titled "Military Experience." Use civilian terms whenever possible to ensure clarity. If you were a leader, include the number of personnel you oversaw and any significant accomplishments of your team. Employers generally value leadership, teamwork, and integrity, all traits often associated with military service.
2. Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to make your military service real for readers who may not be familiar with the military. Draw out the competencies you developed in the service that are relevant to the job you are applying for, such as critical thinking abilities, punctuality, adaptability or decision-making skills. You can also speak to experiences you had that are relevant to the role.
3. Interviews: Here, you can tell stories about experiences during your service that highlight the qualities that employers are looking for. Remember to structure your stories systematically - describe the situation, the task you were faced with, the action you took, and the result of your actions.
As for potential benefits, many businesses value veterans for their discipline, leadership skills, ethics, commitment to teamwork, and ability to perform under pressure. Some industries, such as defense, transportation, and information technology, have a particularly high regard for military experience given the direct applicability of certain skills and qualifications. Other industries such as healthcare, construction, and finance also often value veterans' skills highly. Furthermore, certain companies may have active veteran hiring initiatives, providing you with a competitive advantage.
Remember to research each company/industry and tailor your approach accordingly. Good luck with your job hunt!
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