RESUME BUILDING TIPS FOR

VETERANS

Veterans often have a hard time transitioning into civilian life. Translating a military resume into a resume designed for the private sector is no easy task. In this guide, we’re going to show you how to get hired as a veteran re-entering civilian life.

Img Credit : strongeratthebrokenplaces.com

Focus on the SpecificWhat a lot of veterans do is they attempt to create the perfect resume. They’ll send this resume to any job they feel it’s appropriate for. This isn’t how it works. In fact, it’s difficult to garner any success through this method.

The fact is every job is looking for a slightly different employee. They come with a specific set of requirements. Increase your chances of success by tailoring your application for each role, even if it’s only a slight tweak here and there.

Military JargonTo speak about your skill set, you need to explain it in a way that even a layperson can understand. Veteran hiring rates are so low because employers often don’t understand what applicants are trying to say. Even the most basic acronym in your head can seem like a different language to a civilian.

Eliminate all military jargon. If you need help, find a civilian friend to read over your application.

Numbers and LettersNow we’re going to focus on the composition of your CV. Numbers and letters are what bind your achievements together in a presentable form.

In terms of numbers, it’s vital that you write them in numerical form. For example, if you were responsible for a squad of fourteen soldiers in the field, you would write it as ‘14’. Numerals stick out to HR professionals, who ultimately just want the facts.Running your resume through a proofreading program isn’t enough. It needs a pair of human eyes. Consider contacting a family member or friend who is good at writing. They will be able to pick out errors from a distance.

Remember, a single grammatical error can destroy your chances of scoring a job. This is something you can’t get wrong.

Promote Your Background (in most cases)Some guides will say you have to downplay your military background. This is not the case. Your military background is an asset to getting hired. Flaunt your background. You’ll show employers you have:

A good attitude. The ability to work in both small and large

groups. The knack to get the job done. Leadership qualities.

But there are some areas of the military you shouldn’t go into. Combat experience is admirable, but the horrors of war still make a lot of employers cringe. They don’t want to hear about the battlefield. Leave that part out because it’s not relevant to civilian life.

Apply Your Military Experiences to the Real WorldYour military experience is important, as we discussed, but you have to apply it to a civilian role. We’re going to show you two examples of military experience applied in the right way and the wrong way.

First, here’s the wrong way“Supported the military’s essential communications and created an IT system that enabled the military to become more effective at intercepting enemy communications.”

That has nothing to do with a job in civilian life. The achievement is fantastic, but there’s nothing here that an employer can relate to.

Now, here’s the right way to do it.“Developed a reputation as an innovative IT practitioner in the military. Helped craft an IT system that increased efficiency by 24%. Led a small team of six with an emphasis on team building and effective training programs.”

The second example is entirely demilitarised and concentrates on IT systems alone. It also demonstrates you can lead a team and achieve real results. This is what an employer wants to see.

How to Write a Professional Linked-In SummaryLinked-In is the ultimate social media network for professionals. The professional summary is the first impression therefore, it’s the most important. Here are four key elements you as a veteran need in a professional Linked-In summary:

Tell your story. You have just 2000 characters. Don’t tell them you can do something. Show them.

Use the first person. This is supposed to be YOUR profile. Aim for your audience. Which industry are you most trying to

reach? Fill in your contact details at the bottom. Encourage your target

audience to contact you.

An On-Going Process Every job is different and every employer

wants something just for them. Developing a civilian resume is a continuing process. Make sure you check and update your application regularly to enhance your chances of getting

that interview.