Veteran Resume Writing: How to Translate Military Experience into a Civilian Career
- High & Resume | Editorial Team
- Nov 6, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 5, 2024
Transitioning from military service to a civilian job can be challenging, especially when it comes to translating your military experience into a resume that appeals to civilian employers. However, with the right approach, your skills, leadership, and adaptability can be showcased in a way that demonstrates your value to companies across various industries.
Here’s how to write an effective veteran resume that can help you land your next role.
Tips for Veteran Resume Writing
1. Create a Strong Resume Summary
Just as in a civilian resume, a veteran resume summary is key to setting the tone for your application. This section should briefly describe your military background and how your skills can benefit the company you're applying to. Focus on your leadership abilities, achievements, and key skills.
Example of a veteran resume summary:
"Veteran military leader with over 10 years of experience in logistics, project management, and team development. Proven track record of improving operational efficiency and leading diverse teams under high-pressure conditions. Skilled in problem-solving, strategy implementation, and data analysis. Seeking to leverage military experience in a project management role within a dynamic civilian organization."
This summary highlights the candidate's leadership, skills, and experience in a way that resonates with civilian employers.
2. Translate Military Jargon into Civilian Terms
Military service often involves specialized terminology that might be difficult for civilian employers to understand. When writing your veteran resume, avoid using too much military-specific jargon or acronyms that may confuse hiring managers.
For example, instead of listing "combat operations coordinator," you could say "project manager responsible for overseeing operations in high-pressure environments." Similarly, "supply chain manager in the Army" can be translated to "logistics and inventory management professional."
By translating military terminology, you make it easier for recruiters to see how your skills apply to the job at hand.
3. Showcase Leadership and Teamwork Skills
One of the most valuable things you can bring to a civilian job is your leadership and teamwork experience. Military service emphasizes the ability to lead under pressure and work with a diverse team, skills that are in high demand in the civilian job market.
Here’s an example of how to structure a leadership-focused entry in your experience section:
Operations Manager
U.S. Army | July 2015 – June 2020
Led a team of 50 soldiers in achieving operational excellence during deployment, consistently exceeding mission goals.
Managed logistics and supply chain for 200+ personnel, ensuring timely delivery of critical materials under tight deadlines.
Spearheaded training initiatives that reduced operational errors by 30%, improving overall efficiency.
These bullet points show how the veteran’s military leadership directly correlates to skills employers are looking for in the civilian workforce.
4. Highlight Transferable Skills
Transferable skills are those that can be used in both military and civilian contexts. These include leadership, communication, problem-solving, project management, and technical expertise. These skills are often highly valued by employers, so be sure to emphasize them in your veteran resume.
For instance, if you have experience with IT management in the military, you can highlight skills such as "network management," "systems administration," or "cybersecurity." If you worked in logistics, skills like "supply chain management," "inventory control," and "logistics coordination" are highly transferable.
Make sure to also quantify achievements whenever possible. For example, "Coordinated the delivery of $10 million worth of equipment and supplies to remote locations on schedule" adds context and impact to your experience.
5. Focus on Certifications and Education
While military experience is valuable, certifications and education can also play a key role in making you a strong candidate. Many veterans have pursued additional certifications during or after their service that directly translate to civilian roles, such as project management, logistics, or information technology.
If you’ve completed any civilian certifications, such as:
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
CompTIA Security+
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
These certifications demonstrate that you are not only qualified but also committed to continuous learning and professional development.
Additionally, include any relevant education, whether it’s a military training program, community college degree, or online certification.
6. Tailor Your Resume for Each Job Application
Just like any other resume, your veteran resume should be tailored to the specific job you are applying for. This means modifying your experience, skills, and summary to match the key responsibilities listed in the job description. By using keywords from the job posting, you can help your resume pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that some companies use to screen resumes.
7. Include a Skills Section with Civilian-Relevant Keywords
Your skills section should highlight key competencies that align with the job you’re applying for. Whether it's logistics management, team leadership, IT systems, or data analysis, list your skills in a concise, easy-to-read format.
Example skills for a veteran resume might include:
Project Management
Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Team Leadership and Training
Data Analysis and Reporting
Operations Management
Conflict Resolution and Negotiation
8. Proofread and Ensure Clarity
Finally, as with any resume, proofreading is essential. Clarity is particularly important in a veteran resume, as you need to ensure your military experience is understood by those who may not be familiar with military terminology. Have a civilian or career advisor review your resume to ensure it reads clearly and effectively communicates your experience.
At High & Resume, we’re committed to providing you with a resume that helps you stand out from the crowd. Whether you need a professional resume, a fully optimized resume, a cover letter, or LinkedIn Profile Optimization, we offer various services to meet your needs.
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