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How to List Military Experience on a Resume

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What is military experience?

How to list military experience on your resume, examples for listing military experience on your resume.

Transitioning into a civilian career may take some time for former military personnel. It is best to choose a specific career path before you begin updating your resume for your job search. Each military job has different experiences and it is important to identify the military experience that is applicable to jobs you are interested in. In this article, you can learn what military experience is, how to list military experience on your resume and review some examples that show how you can list your military experience on your resume.

Military experience consists of any relevant job experience obtained while enlisted in a branch of military service. This may include any skills, achievements, duties, discipline or other experiences an individual has gained during active service in the military. 

Here are a few steps you may follow to list military experience on your resume:

1. First, create a separate section called ‘Military experience’

It is important to list your military work experience separately from your other work experience. The goal is to create a resume that is easy for employers to read and understand. Under the main section title, you can then choose to organize your work experience with sub-sections under your job title, listed in reverse chronological order. Your most recent position in the military should be listed first and your oldest position should be at the bottom. 

If you do not have other work experience, then you may simply include your military experience under a ‘Relevant experience’ section. 

2. Second, use simple and easy-to-understand language

Your military experience should be listed in a way that is easy for recruiters to comprehend. Military terminology and codes that are used to describe a job title or experience should be avoided in your resume since many civilian recruiters and employers likely won’t understand what they mean. You may use your military job title instead of your military occupational specialty. For example, instead of listing your job position as a commissioned officer, you can list it as a supervisor. There are many websites you can search for that will offer a civilian translation of your military job title if you are unable to figure out the correct translation. 

3. Third, list experience with bullet points

The best way to list your military experience is by using bullet points and by keeping each line short while maintaining an accurate description of the duties you performed. When you list your experience, it is also important to extract keywords from job descriptions. For example, if the job you are applying for wants to hire someone who has experience with bookkeeping or budgeting, then you should add those exact keywords to your relevant experience if they are applicable.

It is also important to avoid using detailed experiences from active combat or deployment in your resume. You will need to consider how to word your experience with combat operations in a way that is relevant to the jobs you are interested in applying for. For example, you may include missions you assisted with if it includes relevant leadership skills or conflict resolution. 

4. Fourth, focus on leadership experience

Leadership experience is valuable in a wide range of jobs and occupations. The best way to convey leadership experience is to include action words in civilian terms. For example, you can state that you ‘provided strategic advice to meet team operational goals resulting in standards being met.’ Listing leadership experience this way will make hiring managers aware that your leadership experience can extend beyond military exercises and battle plans. 

5. Fifth, highlight your accomplishments

It is important to highlight small and large accomplishments in your resume. This may include things such as successfully decreasing the number of unexpected repairs on a submarine, aircraft or another mechanical system in the military; or achievements, honors and awards that you received during active duty. It’s important to spotlight your accomplishments to emphasize your strengths and expertise. Employers will likely notice and be impressed with your dedication. This will give them a more accurate idea of your work ethic and your ability to produce results. 

Here are some examples of how you can list military experience on your resume:

MILITARY EXPERIENCE

Distributions Supervisor – U.S. Marine Corps                                                                           

2009 – 2012

• Developed an effective routing and transportation system with five team members to safely transport $30 million dollars worth of supplies 
• Monitored all transportation operations, ensuring quality control and all distribution methods met regulatory requirements
• Managed routing, dispatching, shipping and tracking of equipment to certify safe and effective delivery
• Trained new personnel on all operations and distributions systems

Information Technology Specialist Supervisor – U.S. Army                                                    

2007 – 2009

• Supervised a team of 15 Information Technology Specialists 
• Developed complex computer programming 
• Analyzed computer systems to identify issues and initiated resolutions
• Performed security checks and routine maintenance on computer systems

HONORS & ACHIEVEMENTS

• High honors achievement medal, Information Security Systems, Fort Carson (2008)

Operations Officer – U.S. Navy                                                                                  

2015 – 2019    

• Set short-term and long-term objectives for strategic maneuvers to achieve cross-departmental goals
• Conducted meetings to communicate operational expectations and goals
• Evaluated information and advised teams based on careful analysis of operational information 

When including military experience on your resume, it may be helpful to think about the wording you use to describe your experience in a way that makes sense to civilian recruiters. You should demonstrate your experience, accomplishments and skills in a way that translates your hard-work and your ability to adapt to civilian employment.

• How to Put Military Experience on a Resume
• Federal Resume Guide
• Military Resume Help

Last Updated on 02/12/2024

Military service immerses people in a separate world with its terminology, codes, job titles, and acronyms. When it’s time for you to enter the civilian job world, your resume with military experience might confuse job recruiters. They often have trouble connecting military job descriptions with job requirements.

Table of Contents

• 1 How to Add Military Experience to a Resume
• 2.1 Where Do You Put Military Experience on a Resume?
• 3.1 How to Translate Military Experience to Resume
• 3.2 Highlight Your Security Clearance
• 3.3 Get Feedback
• 4.1 Translate Enlisted Military Titles
• 4.2 Attract Recruiters with Your Military Experience Summary 
• 4.3 Military Resume Summary Example: 
• 4.4 Military Expirience Resume Summary Example: 
• 4.5 Adjust Acronyms and Military Terms
• 4.6 Job Description Keywords
• 4.7 Enforce Your Military Experience on Resume with Cover Letter and Objective

How to Add Military Experience to a Resume

To fix the problem, you’ll strip away the military language and write the resume for a general audience. The effort will be worthwhile because then you can make a resume with military experience that gets you interviews.

Don’t describe yourself this way:

• MOS 12B Combat Engineer charged with establishing secure routes for HMMWV movements.

A better approach for a civilian audience would be:

• Civil Engineering Technician in charge of building roads for use by heavy vehicles.

The second strategy for successfully adding military experience to your resume involves how you present the information. Surely you’ve been asking yourself should I put military service on my resume?

You’ll naturally feel inclined to place the military at the center of your writing. But for better results, frame your work experience descriptions around the job opening. Introduce your skills in the context of the job that you’re applying for and then mention that they came from military service.

Military Experience on Resume Examples

The following Do and Don’t resume sample excerpts illustrate how to put military experience on resume.

Don’t: 

• Marine Corps Captain responsible for commanding 62 Marines during combat operations by assessing tactical data and managing daily operations.
• Guided 62 subordinates through daily operations in the role of U.S. Marine Corps Captain while achieving management’s priorities and goals.
• CW2 Officer oversaw decontamination and disposal of hazardous materials and weapons in overseas theater.
• Determined the safest methods for processing hazardous materials encountered by personnel during field operations in the role of Chief Warrant Officer in the U.S. Army.
• O-2 U.S. Army Officer managed company during urban environment operations to locate and neutralize insurgents.
• Worked as executive officer managing 1,000-person company for 3 years to complete 59 complex missions that required coordination of information from multiple agencies while serving as First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
• Air National Guard pilot completed demanding flight schedules that resulted in 20 missions in Afghanistan over the course of 6 weeks.
• Experienced pilot rated among the top 1% of peers after flying 20 missions to transport 30 tons of equipment and 120 passengers while serving in the Air National Guard.

This is an extended description of how to include military service on a resume, example: 

• S-1 Advisor coordinated 15 joint missions between Iraqi and U.S. military personnel while managing command communications.
• Professional entrusted with personnel management duties including payroll, vacations, and communications who served as the lead coordinator with Iraqi allies while deployed as the battalion commander’s chief personnel officer with U.S. Army consulting group.

Where Do You Put Military Experience on a Resume?

You could describe your service under the heading military experience. This is appropriate if you have other work experience that you want to mention. If all of your work history comes from military service, then you can simply label the section Work History or Work Experience.

Within your Military Experience or Work History section, you can choose the:

Chronological Approach – List your jobs and describe your skills and duties. Explain to them how they will fit the employer’s goals. If you’re wondering how to list military experience on a resume, it’s acceptable to use bullet points under each job.

Skills-Based Approach – Break out the information into subsections that draw attention to your abilities. Leadership Skills or Technical Skills are typical examples. Use the requirements in the job description to help you select your strongest skills for the position.

One more option where to put your military service on resume is to add section headings like Special Training or Awards and Honors.

Doubt how to add your military experience for a job? Check out Military Transition Resume Writing Services .

How to Write Military Experience on Resume

Quantify the results of your work as much as possible. Include percentages, numbers, or other quantifiable results as you explain your accomplishments.

Don’t assume job recruiters will know things like how many people form a platoon or flight crew. Cite any awards or commendations that you received. This shows employers that you excelled in your work. You need to be precise on how to list military service on resume. If you want to mention decorations and awards, explain the details that led superiors to recognize you.

Good Military Service on Resume Example:

Supervised 6 mechanics on a crew that maintained 50 armored vehicles and reduced rate of mechanical failures in the field by 11% over 2 years.

Look over the job description and find keywords that the employer used to describe the duties and requirements. Make it your top priority to communicate your skills that match the keywords. Regardless of your resume format, your text should contain the keywords used by the employer.

How to Translate Military Experience to Resume

Use online resources to find job positions and descriptions that fit your military experience. The MOS Code to Civilian Occupation Translator and Military.com’s Skills Translator take your military job and show you applicable jobs. Study these job postings and find the terms that employers used to describe the skills that they want. You’ll also get good ideas for friendly names for your military job titles. Think of this process as reverse engineering. You find jobs in private sector  for your military experience and then harvest civilian terminology from them for your resume.

Highlight Your Security Clearance

Always mention your security clearance prominently. Security clearance communicates your trustworthiness and ability to pass a background check.

• Don’t lean on military codes like TS/SCI.
• Do state exactly that you had a security clearance that authorized your access to sensitive information.

Get Feedback

Have someone without military experience read your resume. The feedback will help you fix areas that remain difficult to understand. Read more articles on how to write a resume with military service. Study the wording on these and adapt it to your circumstances without copying the text.

Writing your military career to resume takes more effort than transferring text from the VMET to a resume builder. You need to strip military jargon and acronyms from your work military experience.

Terms like SQDN, PCS, and UAV will likely mean nothing. Because writing a resume and translating military jargon for an audience are both challenging tasks, it’s best to break them up.

To begin, set aside worries about military terms and write a master military resume. Use the military terms that you’re familiar with on this first draft.

For the First Draft, focus on:

• Placing your strongest skills and accomplishments at the forefront
• Crafting a concise objective statement about your career goals
• Choosing verbs that convey action, responsibility, and success
• Including keywords that match up with the types of jobs that you want

For the Second Draft: 

If possible, ask a nonmilitary person to read your first resume draft. The person could provide insights into which parts are the hardest to understand.

Look at that first draft yourself. Try to imagine that you have to explain it someone who knows nothing about military operations.

Circle or highlight your military titles, acronyms, equipment names, and duties to adjust the content of the resume.

Most of these will need to be adjusted or rephrased to communicate the military experience to resume effectively.

Translate Enlisted Military Titles

Enlisted service members have rank designations of E1 through E9. To make these labels meaningful for a state job recruiter, select generic terms like a team member or foreman.

Lower ranks E1 through E3 would translate into entry-level positions like technician or operator. The middle tiers of E4 to E6 would match with titles like an assistant manager or section leader. The top tiers of E7 to E9 correspond with roles like department manager or supervisor.

• Warrant Officer
• First Sergeant Manager
• Platoon Sergeant
• Personnel Specialist
• Senior Personnel and Program Manager
• Senior Technician, Technical Advisor, Chief
• Group Supervisor, Senior Advisor, Group
• First Line Supervisor, Training Instructor
• Administrative Clerk

It’s fine to mention your rank, but you should expand on the description to clarify its meaning for others.

Commissioned officers and warrant officers have similar designations with the letters O and W. Include terms that represent the greater responsibilities of these positions like a general manager or district director.

Attract Recruiters with Your Military Experience Summary 

Let’s consider a resume summary for a job by the following military experience on resume example. 

Rick Walker is a retired Quality Control Officer with 18 years of successful military aviation experience. Now he holds a position of a Operations Manager in one of the leading aviation company. 

When it comes to showoff an impressive military history, Rick can choose the first option. But what are his chances of getting a job? Will HRs’ understand encrypted information with acronyms and abbreviations? Let’s get deeper into the subject.

Military Resume Summary Example: 

Quality Control Officer Proven leader with extensive experience for providing National Guard and aviation units with proper implementation of Army aircraft and airworthiness. Responsible for maintaining and repairing both UH-60 and UH-1 aircraft. Lead financial planning, prepared options, and recommendations on aircraft combat systems. Conducted training and mentoring battalion level maintenance management techniques to aviation maintenance officers.

But what if Rick will translate his responsibilities into civilian-friendly terms? 

Military Expirience Resume Summary Example: 

Operations Manager Dedicated supervisor with 18 years of experience in coordinating program activities for maintenance and repair work, useful in quality control checks. Responsible for the safe condition of over $32 million in aircraft and equipment. Reduced aircraft maintenance up to 34% due to implementation of cost-effective programs. Developed and implemented training programs; evaluated instruction and performance outcomes for employees.

As you can see several phrases, abbreviations and words substituted by general terms as aircraft and equipment instead of UH-60 and UH-1 aircraft, employees instead of soldiers. 

Besides resume summary include exact numbers, which make it more competitive and attractive for recruiters. 

Adjust Acronyms and Military Terms

Writing out the full names represented by acronyms could improve comprehension in most cases. Replace words like soldiers or airmen with personnel. In all places, make an effort to put your jargon into simple terms using words familiar to most people.

• Suspense Date
• Conflict, emergency situations, crisis
• Function, tasks, obligations, priorities
• Confidential
• Personnel, individuals, staff

You also need to interpret military jobs to state jobs for resume. It’s helpful to include facts and figures, such as how many people you supervised or how many pieces of equipment that you maintained.

After editing your first draft, your second draft will have shifted the resume from military to civilian terms. This process of altering military resumes for jobs prepares you to tailor the content for specific job applications.

Have a doubt on how to translate military skills? Choose the Best Military Resume Writing Service .

Job Description Keywords

The words used by an employer to describe an open position are vitally important. You need to incorporate these keywords into the top half of your resume.

Among Fortune 500 companies, 98% of them use software to scan resumes before forwarding them to actual recruiters. Analyze the terms in the job description and select those that fit with your skills. Change some of the terms on your resume if necessary to create keyword matches.

Just select your service (for example Air Force) and enter your MOS code (for example 11A4 – Airlift Pilot). Search for equivalent job titles and read a job description to match your experience. 

Pick up a few keywords from the job description, and include into your ex-military resume. 

Enforce Your Military Experience on Resume with Cover Letter and Objective

Your resume should include a brief statement about your job objective after your contact information. As succinctly as possible, explain how you wish to apply your valuable military training to the job. Explain how your military experience on resume will promote the employer’s goals in the military to resume objective.

Your letter offers a place where you can expand upon your objective and how it meets an employer’s purpose. Draw upon the military experience that you liked the most during your military career. Did you feel like you were thriving when collaborating with others? Did you contribute the most when operating heavy machinery?

Use these positive experiences to communicate your enthusiasm for a chance at employment.

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Military to Civilian Resume Example for Veterans [Updated 2024]

Transitioning from a military lifestyle to that of a civilian is far from easy.

According to a Pew Research Center study, 95% of veterans seek employment after serving in the military.

26% of veteran respondents, however, found shifting from the military to the civilian lifestyle to be somewhat difficult.

Coincidentally, one of the biggest struggles for veterans is creating a compelling military to civilian resume that’s going to help them get a job that’s well-paid and enjoyable.

To help solve that problem, though, we wrote this guide. Read on to learn everything you need to know to create a compelling veteran resume, including:

• Military to Civilian Resume Example
• How to Write a Military Veteran Resume (8 Simple Steps)
• Free Military to Civilian Resume Template
• Essential (Free) Job-Search Resources for Veterans

In case you’re looking to brush up on the resume basics, watch the video below.

If you’re ready to get started, though, let’s start by reviewing a well-written military to civilian resume example.

Military to Civilian Resume Example (for Veterans)

Compelling, right? Here’s what the above military to civilian resume example does right: 

• Follows a functional resume format. The functional resume format focuses more on your skills and strengths rather than work experience. It helps convey how your military experience is going to help you perform well in the civilian role you’re applying for.
• Lists the contact information the right way. It includes the applicant’s full name, email, location, phone number, and even a LinkedIn URL while skipping out on a photo.
• Captures the hiring manager’s attention with a resume summary. The summary on top of the military to civilian resume example offers a brief snapshot of the candidate’s career, instantly showing the recruiter their value.
• Focuses on transferable skills instead of work experience. Instead of mentioning military buzzwords that civilians wouldn’t understand in the first place, the resume example instead focuses on how the candidate's experiences helped them develop valuable skills.
• Mentions achievements when possible. Achievements help convince the recruiter that they’re not just any candidate - you’re an overachiever who plays to win.
• Uses bullet points to make the resume easier to skim. The recruiter doesn’t have all day - they have hundreds of other resumes to review just for a single role. Making the resume easy to skim makes it more likely to be read.
• Includes educational history (in brief). The military to civilian resume example describes the candidate’s educational background, which includes taking a leadership course and basic training.
• Makes use of the optional sections. The achievements and interests sections help shed light on the candidate’s personality outside of work, as well.

Now, let’s talk about how YOU can make your resume as impressive as the example above.

How to Write a Military Veteran Resume (8 Easy Steps)

In this section, we’re going to walk you through the 8 steps to creating a powerful military veteran resume, starting with:

#1. Pick a Functional Resume Format

These are the 3 most popular resume formats out there:

• Reverse-chronological . This format focuses on your work history over education or skills.
• Functional . It focuses less on your work background and more on your skills and how they make you a qualified candidate.
• Combination . This format is a mix of the other two formats. It puts equal emphasis on skills and experiences. 

As a military veteran, you’re better off with a functional format .

As you can see above, the resume example focuses more on key strengths instead of just listing out work experiences.

This improves your odds of landing a civilian job for one important reason: 

Most recruiters aren’t really familiar with military lingo.

Your experiences in the military might be super compelling, but chances are, most recruiters won’t understand how these experiences make you a good candidate for the role.

By framing your experiences around your skills, on the other hand, your resume becomes more understandable for a civilian.

Once you’ve decided on the format, you also need to sort out your resume style, layout, font, and more. Here’s what this includes:

• Don’t go over one page . Your resume should be concise and to the point. More often than not, if you’re going over one page, you’re probably including information that isn’t relevant for the role.
• Pick the right font and font size . In terms of size, go for 11-12 pt for body text. For the font, pick something like Ubuntu, Times New Roman, etc. That way your resume will look professional AND stand out at the same time. 
• Use the military-to-civilian resume template . Want to skip the hassle of formatting a resume? Hit the link and pick from one of our free templates! Our templates are easy to use AND look much more compelling than the conventional black-and-white ones.

#2. Include Contact Information

Now that we’ve got the formatting hassle out of the way, let’s talk about resume content.

The first thing in your veteran resume is the contact information section.

Here, you need to include:

• Descriptive title. This should include your title in the military, as well as the title you’re applying for. Something like “Security Officer Seeking a Role as Customer Support Specialist.”
• Phone number.
• Professional email address. Think, [name][lastname]@gmail.com
• Location. City and state are good enough, you don’t need to include an address.
• (Optional) LinkedIn URL. If you have an up-to-date LinkedIn profile, you can include a URL in the contact information section.

And finally, make sure NOT to include a photo in your military to civilian resume. In the US, employers prefer that you don’t include a picture to avoid unconscious bias during the hiring process.

Here’s what your resume contact information section should look like at the end:

Security & Customer Service Professional

[email protected]

416-821-9879

Seattle, US

linkedin.com/in/john.doe

#3. Capture the Hiring Manager’s Attention with a Military Veteran Resume Summary

When reading your resume for the first time, the recruiter will spend roughly 7 seconds skimming it to make sure that you’re qualified for the role.

If the resume catches their attention, they’ll give it a more in-depth look.

If it doesn’t, they’ll simply move on to the next one.

This is where a compelling resume summary can come in handy.

A resume summary is a 2-4 sentence “summary” of your past work experience. It helps the recruiter understand your skill-set and whether you’re relevant for the role in a single glance.

Here’s what a convincing military to civilian resume summary looks like:

Dedicated professional with over 9 years of outstanding performance and results in the U.S. Military. Earned three promotions and excelled as a leader. Seeking to apply the skills I gained in the military as a Customer Support Specialist at Company X.

When writing your resume summary, make sure to include the following information:

• Your title in the military and the role you’re applying for.
• Years of experience.
• Top achievements and experiences.

#4. Summarize Your Experiences with a Key Strengths Section

This one’s arguably the most important part of your military to civilian resume.

At the end of the day, the main deciding factor in whether you get invited for an interview or not is if your resume manages to convince the recruiter that you’re capable of doing the job…

And that’s where the key strengths section comes in handy.

To create yours, start by listing out your top strengths as section headers. Then, underneath each header, list your achievements and responsibilities that prove you actually have the relevant skill.

Here’s what this looks like on a resume:

Customer Service

• Promoted within a short period by demonstrating an over-achieving dedication that maximized results for the entire team. 
• Proved internal customer service by relating to all personnel in a professional manner that facilitated the development of a diversified group. 
• Enhanced soldiers’ individual and professional growth, developing them into independent decision-makers.
• Accounted for the safety of equipment valued at over $1.3 million. 
• Secure the personal safety, training, and performance of fifteen U.S. Army soldiers.

Operations and Administration

• Organized schedules for over 45 soldiers. 
• Implemented new routes, resulting in savings in gas time and reduced work time. 
• Prevented over 10 cancellations and negotiated over 20 contract renewals with the local government.

Applying for a Military or Private Security Role? Do This

Now, in case you’re applying for a role that’s somewhat related to your experience in the military (e.g. in private security), then you can simply create a conventional Work Experience section instead of Key Strengths .

If that’s your case, here’s how you should format the section:

• Create a section header called “ Work Experience .”
• Start by listing your most recent role and go backward in time from there.
• For each entry, include your title, company name, dates employed, and 3-5 top achievements.
• For older positions, you can include fewer achievements and responsibilities.

Now, if you want your work experiences to stand out from the rest of the candidates, we recommend you to include achievements over responsibilities.

• Achieved a 99.5% average delivery rate on all assignments, resulting in no losses of materials or assets.
• Conducted deliveries of materials and assets.

The first example shows just how the candidate stands out from other applicants. The 2nd, on the other hand, does not.

#5. Mention Your Education (the Right Way)

On to the next section!

The next step to creating a convincing military to civilian resume is mentioning your educational background .

This is where you mention your higher educational degrees, as well as training (e.g. boot camps) and any personal development courses you’ve taken.

First things first, here’s how you’d go about the formatting part:

• Create a header called “Education”
• Add your latest degree right on top. Then, include older degrees underneath.
• If you have a B.A. or an M.A., you can skip your high school degree altogether.
• You can skip mentioning a GPA. These days, no one cares about your grades.

Here’s how the end result would look like:

B.A. in Communications Boston University 08/2016 - 05/2020

Now, if you don’t have the relevant experience needed for the role you’re applying for, you can use your education section to show off your knowledge or skills.

You can do this by including:

• Any honors you might have earned.
• Exact courses you’ve attended.
• Any other way you’ve excelled during your education.

#6. Include In-Demand Skills (For the Industry You’re Applying for)

Another must-have of a military to civilian resume is the skills section.

This is where you list out all of your hard and soft skills and (optionally) grade them by knowledge level.

The key here, though, is not to simply list out random skills like:

• Critical Thinking
• Microsoft Word

Rather, you want to include the skills relevant to the role . 

E.g. applying for a role in accounting? You should probably mention payroll tax accounting, cost reduction strategies, budgeting and forecasting , and so on.

You wouldn’t want to mention your Adobe Illustrator skills, for example (even if you’re an expert at it).

So, how can you know which skills are essential to your resume, and which ones aren’t?

The best way to understand this is to read the job ad you’re applying for. More often than not, they include an exact list of skills required for the role, and all you have to do is mention them in your resume (as long as you possess the said skills, of course).

#7. Take Advantage of the Optional Resume Sections

If you still have some space on your military veteran resume, you can take advantage of some optional resume sections.

While these sections won’t land you the job on their own, they can definitely help you stand out from other applicants seeking the same role.

Some optional sections you can include are:

• Projects. Any type of personal project you’ve worked on. This can be a local business you started, a side-gig, freelance work, and so on.
• Certifications. Any type of certification you might possess. If you don’t have the experience for the role you’re applying for, certifications can help show the recruiter that what you do have is the right skill-set.
• Volunteering Experience. If you’ve volunteered in the past, you should definitely include it in your resume. Employers love candidates who love to help others (even if there’s no monetary incentive for it).
• Hobbies & Interests. Including hobbies or interests in your resume helps the recruiter see more of your personal side. While your hobbies won’t land you the job, they might help you build rapport with the interviewer.

#8. Make Sure Your Military to Civilian Cover Letter is as Impressive as Your Resume.

At this point, your military veteran resume should be quite compelling…

But you’re not done just yet!

To have both a complete and compelling job application, you need to pair your resume with a cover letter that’s just as good.

Here are our top tips on how to write a quality cover letter :

• Start the cover letter by addressing the hiring manager directly. Sure, you could go with the default “Dear Sir or Madam,” but mentioning the hiring manager’s name shows that you’ve done your research and really care about working at the company.
• In your introduction, mention the most important parts of your background. E.g. years of experience, key achievements, top skills, and why you’re applying for the job in question.
• In the body section of your cover letter, expand on whatever you mentioned in the introduction. This is where you can also explain how the experiences mentioned in your resume make you a good candidate for the role.
• Conclude the cover letter with a call to action . E.g. “Looking forward to hearing more from you!” or “I’d love to discuss how I can help Company X as a Support Specialist over a call or an interview.”

Want to learn more? Check out our step-by-step guide on how to write a cover letter .

Essential Job-Search Resources for Veterans

There are a lot of free job-search resources for veterans on the internet - everything from dedicated job boards to free tools, programs, and more.

Here’s a comprehensive list of some of the very best resources:

Veteran Job-Search Resources

• Job board that helps you find federal organizations that prioritize hiring veterans over other candidates.
• Lots of quality resources to help you transition into civilian life.
• If you’re not sure what kind of career you want to focus on, you can use this website to discover different occupations and learn what they’re about.
• Website for finding veteran job fairs in your area.
• Free career consulting and job search help for veterans.
• American Corporate Partners matches you with a free, year-long mentor to help you build your career.
• For group discussions for veterans on resumes and gaining employment after service. (Veterans only/ screened and weeded out by questions and profile)
• For discussing Skill Bridge opportunities and military transitions. Skill bridge is a military program for giving veterans an opportunity to learn and work at civilian companies for 6 months before leaving the military.
• LinkedIn offers its Premium program to veterans for free for a year. You can use the platform to learn new skills, kick-start your career, as well as find and apply for jobs.
• A website dedicated to helping veterans transition into a civilian lifestyle. You can use it to find jobs, discover career events, attend job fairs, and more.
• Job board for US federal jobs. While it’s not specifically made for veterans, the US government prioritizes hiring veterans over other candidates.
• Job board for veteran-friendly roles and companies.
• Job board for roles in the private security industry.
• Another veteran-only job board.

Key Takeaways

And that’s all you need to know to create a strong military veteran resume!

Before you go, though, let’s do a quick recap of the key learning points we just covered:

• For a military to civilian resume, use a functional resume format to show off your skills instead of work history.
• Use a “Key Strengths” section to explain how your military experience distills into valuable skills for a civilian role.
• Don’t include every skill under the sun on your resume. Instead, pick the ones relevant for the role you’re applying for.
• Take advantage of the optional resume sections to show the recruiter that you’re an individual and not just a resume.
• Finally, make sure that your cover letter is just as impressive as your resume by following the tips we mentioned above.

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Veterans, Take Note: Here's How to Translate Your Military Experience to a Civilian Resume

As a member of the United States military, you’ve cultivated valuable skills and have a lot to offer the civilian workforce. But how do you get that message across when applying for jobs? According to Colleen Deere, the executive director of American Corporate Partners —a New York City-based nonprofit that offers career counseling to veterans as they transition to the civilian workforce—the key is knowing how to transform your military experience into a resume that hiring managers and recruiters will understand.

“You only have about 30 seconds to impress the person reading your resume,” Deere says. “They aren’t going to do the work of researching your military jobs to figure out what they mean, so make sure to put the prep work in up front.”

Remember, it’s not a question of whether you have valuable transferable experience (you do!), but rather whether you’re able to explain that experience in a way that will make sense to a civilian hiring manager. Here’s how to do just that.

Focus on the Right Things

When considering how your military experience translates, “we always advise veterans to describe their accomplishments rather than simply outlining their previous job descriptions,” Deere says.

To start, make a list of everything you accomplished during your time with the military. For example, did you earn a promotion? Help execute a new initiative? Assist with training? Then, highlight the achievements that feel most relevant to the particular job you’re applying for. Being selective will also help you avoid making a mistake that Deere often sees: cramming too much onto the page. “One of the most common challenges for veterans to overcome is their desire to list every single duty assignment, which very few hiring managers will take the time to read,” she cautions.

Spotlight Your Transferable Skills

Skills like leadership, teamwork, training, communication, problem solving, and adaptability will all serve you well in a civilian workplace and should be highlighted on your resume. But determining what aspects of your military experience will show off those skills is admittedly more of an art than a science—and it’ll depend greatly on what type of job you’re pursuing. The best indicator of transferable skills can usually be found by browsing job descriptions.

Just bear in mind that you may need to zoom out a bit to find a skills match. For example, if you’re interested in customer service positions and most of your military experience was in the infantry, it might be challenging to find areas of overlap. But, if you take a step back, you’ll note that both require patience, following instructions, interacting with teammates, communication, and problem solving. A bullet point on a resume might say, “Collaborated daily with a diverse team of 25 people to resolve or complete 60 complex initiatives with a 98% success rate.”

Translate Terms Into Civilian Language

Some positions, such as those in combat, can be harder to quantify. In those cases, it’s important to put the job into terms that any lay person could understand. For example, if you were responsible for property and equipment, you might say, “proactively maintained and repaired six vital IOT-enabled pieces of equipment, ensuring operational efficiency for 300+ team members.” Or if you worked under stressful conditions, you could say “cultivated strong attention to detail under stressful conditions, successfully completing 23 initiatives while juggling multiple competing priorities.”

If you can translate your actual job titles into civilian terms, it’s worth including both on your resume. “This can work well in some cases, like Team Lead instead of Squad Leader, or Operations Manager instead of Operations NCO,” says Deere. Here’s what it might look like:

Squad Leader (Team Lead) | United States Air Force | May 2013 - July 2019

(You’re in luck if you had a position like Army medic or Navy HR officer because both the titles and responsibilities are straightforward.)

Lastly, don’t forget that the military has a language all its own and most civilians won’t understand the acronyms and jargon. So, do your best to simplify or translate whenever possible. A tank might be an “operational vehicle” or a piece of “equipment,” a mission might be better described as an “initiative” or “project,” and reconnaissance might be “data collection” or “research.”

Pick the Right Format

The most common (and recruiter-approved) resume format is the single-page chronological layout, which displays experience in descending order starting with your current or most recent job. It also generally includes a brief summary of your experience, a list of your technical skills and education or training, and your interests or volunteer work. You’ll find a fantastic guide (with an example) here .

If you’re looking to make a more substantial career pivot, a functional resume might be a better option, since these layouts allow you to more prominently feature your most relevant skills and experience separate from your work history. A functional resume does have some drawbacks, however—namely that recruiters typically prefer a chronological format. (Because functional resumes are more often favored by candidates with less conventional work histories, some recruiters may unfairly screen out applicants who use them, assuming that they don’t have the right skills for the job.) You can read up on functional resumes (and see an example) here .

Need something in the middle? Try a combination resume . This format combines the traditional appeal of a chronological layout with the flexibility of a functional version, and can be a “best of both worlds” option if you have a mix of directly transferable skills and less conventional experience.

Know the Basics

Here are a few tried-and-true fundamentals you’ll want to incorporate into your resume.

1. Write a Summary

Summaries are a great way to help a prospective employer understand where you’re coming from and what you’re hoping to do next. “It’s like an elevator pitch. If you have only 30 seconds to explain who you are, what would you say? What makes you stand out and what do you bring to the table?” Deere says. It doesn’t need to be long—just two or three lines—but it can make a big difference. Use this simple formula as you write your own:

[Relevant traits] + [former job title] eager to leverage [transferable skills/areas of expertise] to [outcome] within a [target job title] role in the [target industry] space.

Here’s what that might look like:

Adaptable, team-oriented former Army operations specialist eager to leverage strong communication skills, resilience under pressure, and enthusiasm for technology to generate viable sales leads and drive new business within a BDR role in the SaaS space.

2. Keep it to a Single Page

Recruiters often receive hundreds of resumes every day, so they simply don’t have time to read every single line. That’s why it’s important to keep your resume short, sweet, and relevant. So, if something doesn’t pertain to the job you’re applying for, leave it out. Sticking to more recent experience (within the last 10 years) is another great way to keep the length down.

3. Create Clearly Defined Sections

Recruiters love resumes that are visually scannable, and individual sections—summary, experience, education, etc.—will make your resume much more appealing. Use caps or a bold font or underline the title of each subsection to make it easier to read.

4. Write Well-Crafted Bullet Points

Bullet points are the most effective way to clearly and concisely explain your experience. They consist of a few key ingredients: a compelling verb (directed, resolved, led), a brief description of the job duty, specific metrics (team of 35, month-long, six-part), and the result (if applicable)—all contained within one to two lines of text.

For example:

Installed and maintained 100+ communication devices across six locations, connecting more than 400 team members and ensuring operational efficiency.

5. Read up on Keywords

Most resumes pass through an applicant tracking system (ATS) that scans each application before it reaches an actual recruiter. If your resume doesn’t have enough of the right keywords, it might get automatically screened out. Sites like JobScan can help you determine which keywords to include, depending on the posting.

6. Include Relevant Technical Skills

As you browse job postings, make a note of the technical skills each requires. You’ll often see Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Google Drive (Gmail, Docs, Sheets), Mac/PC, and even social media platforms like Twitter or Instagram. If you have strong experience with any of the technologies mentioned in a given description, be sure to list it on your resume.

7. List Awards, Education, and Training

Resumes are meant to showcase your abilities and accomplishments, so there’s no need to be modest here. Awards and education always translate well.

Reach Out to Your Resources

Transitioning from a military career to a civilian job can feel understandably overwhelming, but you don’t have to do this alone. “Talk to other veterans who have successfully made the transition and ask to look at their resumes,” Deere suggests.

Your civilian friends and family members are also great resources. Deere recommends talking to them (or better yet, showing them your resume if you have a rough draft ready to go!) about what you did in the military and noting down what they struggle to understand about your duties. That should be a good indicator of where a recruiter or hiring manager might be confused, and will help you to identify the areas of your resume that need to be tweaked. And don’t be shy about coming back to your support network with a new or revised version. It’ll likely take you a few tries to get it just right.

You can also partner with a career advisor or resume writer for additional support. They’ll know what hiring managers are looking for and can help you bridge the gap between military terminology and civilian workplace lingo.

Military-To-Civilian Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

• Resume Examples
• How To Write a Military-to-Civilian Resume
• Resume Text Examples

How To Write a Military-To-Civilian Resume

Transitioning from a military career to a new industry as a civilian can be challenging for many veterans. Reframing your military accomplishments to align with jobs on the open market is often difficult. You’ll want to create an accomplishment-driven resume that leverages your leadership experience and technical skills to propel your job search forward during this career transition.

Rather than overwhelming the reader with complex military terminology, you’ll want to present your achievements in a way that hiring managers can easily understand. Throughout our military resume builder guide, we’ll provide expert tips to help you translate your military experience into a strong, professional resume.

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

1. Create a profile by summarizing your military-to-civilian qualifications

Your professional profile should open with your title, years of experience, and three to four specializations to align with the position you’re applying for. This is especially important for military-to-civilian resumes, as you must show hiring managers you have key qualifications the organization is looking for in place of industry experience.

Example 1 - Military Resume Professional Profile

A Network Security Analyst with over eight years of experience identifying threats and identifying innovative solutions. A proven track record of mitigating cybersecurity threats and providing technical support to military personnel and civilians.

Example 2 - Military Resume Professional Profile

A Supply Chain Coordinator with 10+ years of military experience, specializing in logistics, fleet management, and procurement. A strong history of overseeing multi-million-dollar supply chains to support military operations.

2. Add a compelling section featuring your military-to-civilian experience

To grab the hiring manager’s attention, you want to create compelling bullet points that showcase your strongest and most relevant accomplishments. It’s important to remember that most readers will be unfamiliar with military terminology, so you’ll need to translate your experience into language that the hiring manager can understand.

You should also quantify your career achievements using hard numbers and metrics. For instance, if you provide logistical support for a military supply chain, you should include a monetary figure to establish a sense of scope. It’s also important to keep your audience in mind when deciding what information to include. For example, mentioning that you were supporting a $38M supply chain may grab the interest of a medium-sized or large organization but could be intimidating if you’re applying to a smaller company.

Example 1 - Military Resume Professional Experience Section

Professional experience.

Cyber Security Officer, Fort Gordon, Augusta, GA October 2017 – Present

• Triage phones, password resets, and VPN and internet connectivity, identify cyber security threats, and oversee access management to ensure data integrity
• Configure, install, and maintain edge routers, firewalls, laptops, and LAN switches
• Manage a team of 25 civilian and military employees and coordinate the delivery of tactical and technical support to subordinates and superior officers

Example 2 - Military Resume Professional Experience Section

Senior Logistics Officer, Fort Bragg, Fayetteville, NC September 2016 – October 2017

• Coordinated logistics for multi-million-dollar supply chains supporting domestic and international operations for the Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard
• Oversaw the procurement, transport, and distribution of supplies to troops for military operations, including food, medical supplies, ammunition, and fuel
• Led a team of 10+ army personnel to manage inventory and logistics, assigned responsibilities, evaluated performance, and ensured adherence to army standards

3. Add military-to-civilian education and certifications

Acquiring industry certifications can be a powerful asset during your career change. Many of your skill sets and accomplishments from your time in the military are readily translatable to civilian jobs, but obtaining additional certifications goes a step further in bridging the gap. For instance, even if you have extensive experience in security from your military career, you may want to consider pursuing a cybersecurity or network security certification. This strategy can help bolster your odds of landing the interview.

Certifications

• [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Coursera, 2017
• CCNA Security, Cisco, 2016
• CompTIA Security+, CompTIA, 2015
• [Degree Name]
• [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] [Dates Enrolled]
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Computer Science
• WIDENER UNIVERSITY, Chester, PA September 2019 – May 2023

4. Include a list of skills and proficiencies related to military-to-civilian experience

It’s important to feature a variety of skills and keywords that match the job description as you craft your military resume. One of the most prominent challenges veterans face during the job search is showing hiring managers that their army experience is translatable to their target industry. Incorporating a strong mix of keywords throughout your resume will ensure compliance with applicant tracking systems (ATS) and show prospective employers that you’re a qualified candidate.

5. Additional military resume builder tips

Before writing your military resume, you’ll want to take some time to identify your target industry. This part is one of the more challenging aspects of the career change process. As you review your military experience and accomplishments, think about how these might translate to a civilian career. Are your skill sets more of a technical nature? Are you better suited for an operations management role? Analyzing job postings before crafting your resume will help you to identify the relevant aspects of your experience and translate them into effective bullet points for the hiring manager. Read our Veteran’s Resume and Job Hunting Guide for more military resume-builder tips.

How to Pick the Best Military-to-Civilian Resume Template

When selecting your military-to-civilian resume template, choose a straightforward and well-organized format. A limited amount of color is acceptable, but it’s better to avoid flashy graphics that may distract the reader. The top-down approach is also recommended in most instances since arranging your sections in a manner that splits the page may make reading difficult. Remember, hiring managers are focused on learning more about your qualifications and professional achievements, so you’ll want your template to support that objective rather than draw attention elsewhere.

Military-to-Civilian Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

Hideo Araki (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio 123 Abrahms Blvd, West Hartford, CT 12345

A Security Guard with five years of military experience in the United States National Guard, specializing in conflict resolution and crisis management. A proven track record of managing security for high-risk personnel.

Security Guard, United States National Guard, West Hartford, CT October 2019 – Present

• Manage security operations for VIPs and special military events, prepare accident and incident reports, and identify potential security threats to high-risk personnel
• Lead a tactical unit of five military police officers for surveillance operations, provide training, assign responsibilities, and ensure compliance with military security protocols
• Provide support for civil and criminal investigations

Security Guard, Connecticut Army National Guard, Groton, CT September 2017 – October 2019

• Monitored designated parameters to identify any security threats, created weekly security reports, and verified security clearances for access control
• Operated and managed complex security systems with multiple CCTV cameras and monitoring equipment, which included performing routine maintenance
• Security Operations
• Crisis Response
• Threat Mitigation
• Access Management
• Team Leadership

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Criminology University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT September 2010 – June 2014

Raymond Ortiz (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio 123 Abbington Lane, Athens, GA 12345

Cyber Security Officer, United States Army, Fort Gordon, GA October 2017 – Present

Information Technology Specialist, United States Army, Fort Gordon, GA September 2015 – October 2017

• Installed, operated, and maintained computer systems and local area networks
• Troubleshot computer systems and hardware to support military operations, which included debugging and testing new software
• Provided technical support to military personnel for a wide range of IT-related issues
• System Administration
• Information Technology
• LAN and WAN
• Network Administration
• Cyber Security

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Computer Science University of Georgia , Athens, GA September 2011 – June 2015

Jasmine Brown (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio 123 Aberdeen Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 12345

Senior Logistics Officer, United States Army, Fort Bragg, NC September 2016 – Present

• Coordinate logistics for multi-million-dollar supply chains supporting domestic and international operations for the Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard
• Oversee the procurement, transport, and distribution of supplies to troops for military operations, including food, medical supplies, ammunition, and fuel
• Lead a team of 10+ army personnel to manage inventory and logistics, assign responsibilities, evaluate performance, and ensure adherence to army standards

Logistics Officer, United States Army, Fort Bragg, NC September 2013 – September 2016

• Created inventory reports, analyzed supply chain operations, and provided support to commanding officers to deliver supplies for domestic military operations
• Identified opportunities to improve delivery times and reduce fuel consumption by optimizing route planning and resource management processes
• Supply Chain Management
• Cross-functional Leadership
• Procurement
• Inventory Management
• APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), 2017
• APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM), 2015

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Supply Chain Management University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC September 2011 – June 2015

Frequently Asked Questions: Military-to-Civilian Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for military resumes -.

It’s easy to find yourself running short on action verbs as you build your military resume. In many instances, you can use only a limited number of verbs to convey your professional achievements accurately. Differentiating your usage of action verbs can enhance the reading experience of your document. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of verbs you can use to keep your content fresh and compelling:

How do you align your military resume with a job description? -

Although many challenges are associated with transitioning from a military career to civilian employment, your experience as a veteran also has several unique advantages. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the average employment rate of all veterans was 2.8 in 2022, which was lower than the 3.6 rate for non-veterans.

To effectively market your military experience for civilian jobs, you’ll need to align your resume with the job description carefully. As you craft your bullet points, you want to focus on reframing your military achievements to show why you’re uniquely qualified. This means limiting your usage of complex military terminology and instead highlighting aspects of your army experience that are explicitly relevant to the job you’re pursuing.

What is the best military resume format? -

You’ll often want to use a reverse chronological format for military resumes. This format will feature your most relevant experience at the top of your resume. However, if you feel that your military achievements are readily translatable to the industry you’re pursuing, you may consider placing your education, skills, and certifications towards the top. For instance, if you completed a computer science degree but weren’t employed as an IT officer, it may be beneficial to place relevant technical skills and certifications higher up on the document.

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Providing a cover letter can bolster the strength of your application during the military-to-civilian transition. The cover letter offers another opportunity to showcase how your military experience is relevant to your target industry. When building your cover letter, you should mention something about the organization’s reputation or work culture in the middle paragraphs of the document. This strategy will show hiring managers that you’ve researched before applying, which reflects positively on you as a candidate. For more insights, read our military-to-civilian cover letter guide .

Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

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Build a Resume to Enhance Your Career

• A Veteran’s Resume and Job-Hunting Guide Learn More
• Military-to-Civilian Cover Letter Guide Learn More
• How to Build a Resume Learn More
• How to Organize Your Job Search Learn More

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• How to Write a Resume Learn More
• How to Write a Cover Letter Learn More
• Thank You Note Examples Learn More
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How To Include Military Experience on a Resume

Transitioning from the military to civilian life isn’t always easy — especially when you’re looking for a job. This guide, written by an ex-veteran hiring manager, tells you everything you need to know.

2 years ago   •   6 min read

Transitioning from the military to civilian life isn’t always easy — especially when you’re looking for a job. In this guide, we’ll cover some of the best tips for including military experience on your resume, including how to translate military experience into recruiter-friendly achievements and real military resume examples.

Translating your military experience: A step-by-step guide

Here’s how to land a job by including military experience on your resume:

• Use a standard resume format. You can download one of our ready-made resume templates to get started quickly.
• Translate your military branch and job title to a civilian-friendly version (scroll down for our handy translation guide).
• Consolidate related experience under a single job heading instead of listing each posting separately.
• Stick to the highlights. Only list skills and accomplishments that are relevant to the job you’re applying for — no matter how impressive your other accomplishments may be.
• Include your military training and education — but skip the military honors and awards.
• Add a resume summary to highlight your military service and explain how your background is relevant.
• Ask a non-military friend or contact to read your resume and make sure they understand it. Alternatively, use a free resume scanner to quickly skim your resume for any military jargon you may have missed.

Here's an infographic that summarizes a few key details — we'll dive into each item in the rest of the article.

Military resume do's and don'ts

When including military service on a resume, it’s more important to be understood than to be completely accurate. This might mean leaving out details that might confuse someone who isn’t familiar with the military, or using approximate civilian-friendly terms to describe your experience.

Listing military contact details

DO: List basic contact details for your military branch ( U.S. Army , Navy, Air Force, Marines, etc.). A general address and phone number is perfectly fine. You can search the National Personnel Records Center to find the relevant contact details for your base.

DON'T: Give a direct line to your division — instead, list the general address for your military branch and a phone number for headquarters or human resources command. By listing the general contact details for your military branch, anyone performing a background or reference check can be directed to the appropriate channels, even if your supervisor has since moved on.

Resume example:

San Antonio, TX | 1-800-555-0000

Explaining how your military background is relevant

DO: If you want to highlight that you’re a veteran on your resume, consider including a resume summary above your experience section. Use your target job title in your summary, too – it may feel odd at first, but it helps.

Business development manager with 10+ years of leadership experience across Army operations, Fortune 500 companies and startups. Proven experience in [x, y, and z]. [Add 1-3 examples of your most relevant or impressive accomplishments.]

Writing a resume-friendly military work history

DO: If you moved around a lot or changed job titles but kept mostly the same responsibilities, you can list these positions under a single all-encompassing job title. If you’ve taken on higher responsibilities over time, you could even frame that as a promotion .

DON'T: List every single posting as a separate job. This may come across to civilian recruiters like job hopping, which isn't accurate. Remember that a resume isn't an official legal document — it's okay to skip the details for the sake of clarity.

UNITED STATES AIR FORCE Information Assurance Manager / Operational Analyst (2009-2013)

Find out if you have translated your military experience into recruiter-friendly accomplishments

DO: Get another pair of eyes to look over your resume before you submit it. A quick way to find out if you have translated your military experience into recruiter-friendly accomplishments is to upload your resume to the tool below — it’ll scan it and let you know if you have showcased the right military experience and skills that highlight your transferable skills.

Translating education, training, and awards

DO: Include relevant military education and training on your resume. Like your work experience, it's okay to translate this into a more generic, civilian-friendly version .

DON'T: Include details of specific military honors and awards. If you truly believe they’re relevant to the job you’re applying for, translate them in a way that demonstrates their relevance.

EDUCATION United States Military Academy, West Point, NY Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering

Avoiding military jargon

DO: Use civilian-friendly terms on your resume, even if those aren’t 100% accurate. While certain terms may appear obvious to you, they’re less likely to make sense to a hiring manager. It’s always better to explain your experience and accomplishments in plain language using simple everyday terms.

DON'T: Use military jargon. This includes military codes, acronyms, awards, and details of combat experience. If you must include acronyms, always spell out what they stand for — what’s obvious to you might not be obvious to someone outside the military.

Resume examples:

Not sure what’s too complicated for a civilian resume? Here’s a handy cheat sheet of simple changes you can make:

• Chief Petty Officer -> Team Leader
• Commander —> Director or senior manager
• Subordinates —> Employees, coworkers, or direct reports
• Regulations —> Guidance, policy, or instructions
• Commanding —> Leading or managing
• Reconnaissance —> Data collection and analysis
• Combat experience —> Operational experience
• Duty assignment or deployment —> Business travel
• Barracks and other buildings —> Facilities
• Uniforms and arms —> Resources

If you’re ready to start updating your resume, scroll down for examples of civilian-friendly job titles and accomplishments you can include.

Examples of military resumes

Here’s an example of what your resume could look like, including a civilian-friendly job title and accomplishments:

Here are some more examples you can use, covering some of the more common roles you may have held and the skills you should highlight.

Technical roles

If you previously held a technical role, you’re well-positioned to parlay your skills and experience into a civilian career. List your specific technical skills in a separate skills list and showcase how you used them in your accomplishment bullet points.

Job titles:

• Financial Operations Technician
• Engineering Specialist
• Healthcare Specialist

Bullet point examples:

• Identified and supported Information Assurance (IA) accreditation and security issues, ensuring compliance with all IA policies, guidance, and training.
• Prepared, verified, and audited transactions for over 10,000 military and civilian employees.
• Designed and improved service and maintenance routine to reduce incidence of breakdowns by 80%.
• Conducted routine maintenance and repairs for equipment valued at over $200,000 with 0% loss.

Some of the most common industries ex-military job seekers go into are government jobs, defense contracting and IT  - to get a list of hard skills for the specific job you want, you can search for jobs like computer engineer below to find relevant skills.

Leadership roles

Whether you managed an administrative team or led troops into combat, leadership experience is something well worth highlighting on your resume.

• Team Leader
• Senior Advisor
• Technical Manager
• Managed 6 pharmacy technicians and 2 staff pharmacists in daily operations, allocating resources and directing workflow to maximize efficiency while maintaining quality across processes.
• Managed distribution and registration of military shipments valued at over $1M, including updates and agent communication.
• Led team of 25 employees, including tracking performance and overseeing daily responsibilities.

Training and communication

Communication skills are relevant to pretty much any role you apply for. Use numbers and metrics to quantify your success in communicating or training others.

• Personnel Supervisor
• Communications Specialist
• Trained a total of 75+ new hires and achieved a 98% overall pass rate.
• Key player in success of high-profile joint training exercise spanning 4000+ personnel, providing critical voice and data communications and training participants in use of single channel ground and airborne radio systems.
• Assigned and organized 15 field activities to optimize resources efficiently through strong written and oral communication.

Project management

Project management in the military isn’t all that different to corporate life. Use your bullet points to highlight important soft skills like time management and organization .

• Project Manager
• Supply Manager
• Logistics Manager
• Directed complex pharmacy projects spanning 8 months, building cross-functional teams to integrate new processes, such as inventory and vendor technology integration, meeting all deadlines and budget requirements.
• Established and implemented departmental policies, goals, objectives, and procedures, conferring with board members, organization officials, and staff members as necessary.
• Collaborated with developers and product management team to assess project outcomes and prioritize future features.
• Career Changers

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How To Add Military Experience To A Resume (With Examples)

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Find a Job You Really Want In

After getting out of the military , it can be difficult to get a job because there is often a gap in your resume for the time you serve. You may be wondering how it’s possible to get a job with only your military experience under your belt. Believe it or not, you can put your military experience on your resume to help you get a job after you get back from your service.

If you just got out of the military, we’ll go over how to put military experience on a resume, provide an example resume with military experience, as well as how to use the military experience as an advantage to help you get your next job.

Key Takeaways:

Military experience on resume can be added to the sections:

Summary statement

Work experience

Awards or achievements

Skills and certifications

Have a non-military friend look over your resume because they can identify confusing aspects that someone with a military background might take for granted.

Avoid using military-specific jargon when discussing military status in cv because it can confuse anyone who is not in the military.

How to add military experience to a resume

Example of resume with military experience, what do employers like to see in applicants with military experience, tips for adding military experience to your resume, military skills to include on your resume, how to use military experience to your advantage during your interview, military experience on resume faq, final thoughts.

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When adding military experience to your resume, you should include it in your resume summary statement or include it in your work experience section. Here are more ways to how to list military service on resume:

Include it in your resume summary statement. If your military experience is fairly recent, it’s a good idea to include it in your resume summary statement . Recruiters and hiring managers often read this part first to gain a quick understanding of who you are and what you’re all about.

In about four sentences, talk about your military background in the context of the job you’re applying for. Focus on the key skills and qualities that your military experience instilled in you and how those prepared you for a career in your chosen civilian field.

Include it in your work experience section. You had a job in the military and, just like any other job, it should be included in your professional history . Name your position, the dates you were in that position, and add a few bullet points of your most impressive responsibilities and accomplishments.

Read the job description carefully and mirror the keywords you find there. Whenever you can apply a keyword to your military experience naturally, do so.

Clearly separate your former civilian and military roles. For both categories, though, quantify achievements when you can; numbers help recruiters and hiring managers understand the tangible impact you made.

Include it in your achievements or awards section. If you received any military honors during your service, definitely include those on your resume.

While you can put them in your work experience in a bullet point, you can make them stand out more in their own accomplishments section . Medals, awards, or any other honors you received are fair game.

Include it in your skills and certifications sections. The military likely certified you to perform certain tasks, and those certifications might carry a lot of weight depending on your industry.

Language skills , certifications for machinery or processes, and other technical skills that transfer to the job you’re applying for can all be impressive.

John Peterson Fort Campbell North, KY 24698 | 555-555-5555 | www.linkedin.com/in/john-peterson SUMMARY Proven leader with 8 years of experience training, supervising, and leading over 200 personnel. Expert operations manager with a track record of lower costs, higher efficiency, and optimizing workflows and processes. Managed over $1M in hardware, reduced overhead by 14%, and reduced safety incidents by 21%. WORK EXPERIENCE United States Army Staff Sergeant | 03/2016-01/2021 Managed distribution and registration of military shipments valued at over $1M, including updates and agent communication Trained 100+ US Army soldiers in 15 training rotations in combat environments in Iraq and Afghanistan, including maintaining electronic aerial surveillance Accessed Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS) with authority to initiate and update security clearances Developed and led the risk management committee overseeing over 2,000 service members in hostile environments Sergeant | 01/2013-03/2016 Assisted in 18 security operations and planned interagency, intergovernmental, and multinational counter-terrorism objectives Managed a fire team of 6 soldiers, overseeing daily responsibilities, tracking performance, and awarding commendations Trained a total of 75+ army personnel and achieved a 98% pass rate for recruits Home Depot Warehouse Manager | 08/2011-12/2013 Onboarded, trained, and supervised the warehouse with 15-20 employees Reduced accident rate by 13% in first 3 months; received a safety award in August 2012 Oversaw reception and stocking of over 200 packages with a weight of over 2 tons daily AWARDS AND CERTIFICATIONS Completed Hazmat and CLS Training Awarded National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Army Achievement Medal Honorable Discharge — January 2021 Microsoft Certified Professional EDUCATION Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry | 07/2011 University of Florida, Gainesville, FL GPA 3.7 SKILLS Process Improvement Proficient with Microsoft Office and Google Suite Inventory Management Safety Protocols Risk Management Training, Supervising, and Mentoring Operations Optimization

More than anything, someone with military experience understands how a chain of command works and knows how to follow through with pretty much any set of marching orders they’re given. Military experience can bring desirable qualities that employers are looking for such as:

Strong work ethic

Reliability

The ability to work with a team

Even if serving in the military came with no additional experience or other benefits , this would still be massively valuable to employers.

And people who have spent years in the military don’t always know the best way to describe the things that they’re capable of doing in less military-specific terms.

When adding military experience to your resume you should avoid using any military-specific jargon and include keywords from the job description to match your skills and qualifications. Here are some more tips to keep in mind when adding military experience to your resume.

Avoid acronyms and military-specific jargon. This might seem like a no-brainer, but it can be tough to remember which terms you’re familiar with because you’re a human who’s been alive as long as you have, and which ones you only know because of your service. Take care to exclude the latter ones where possible.

Leave out irrelevant certifications. If you trained as an electrical engineer while you were in the service, that’s probably a good thing to bring up. Weapons training is probably not quite as relevant .

List it the same way that you would any other work experience. Even if the truth is a bit more complicated, anyone reading your resume should be able to understand the short version of your experience at a glance. Stick to a few short bullet points, and make sure to list dates.

Describe non-obvious items from your resume. Lastly, make sure that any training or certifications you have that aren’t totally self-explanatory gets at least a cursory description — and remember that you might have a different perspective of what is or isn’t self-explanatory.

Proofread. It’s important to take the extra couple of minutes and look at your resume again. This helps find any spelling errors or grammar mistakes that could come off as unprofessional. Have someone else take a look at your resume to see if they can catch something you might have missed.

Use keywords. This is a great way to employers that you are a good fit for the position. Reread the job description and pick out any keywords that they have included that match your skills or qualifications.

Get a second opinion. Now that you’ve included your military experience throughout your resume, have a civilian give your resume a look. They can identify confusing aspects that someone with a military background might take for granted.

When you’re in the military, you can learn valuable soft and hard skills that will help you when applying for jobs when you’re no longer serving. Here are some transferable skills that you may have gained in the military that are useful in civilian careers:

Communication. When you’re in the military, communication is essential. You have to communicate with your team members and supervisors to complete objectives and missions. Those skills will be useful in almost any civilian job. Communication is essential for any successful team and employers are looking for this skill on your resume.

Flexibility. Oftentimes when you’re in the military, you learn how to be flexible and adapt to new changes. You may have to adapt to a new location, team, or new job. This skill will help you in many civilian jobs to help you stay productive and successful. Flexibility will also help you work with coworkers who may have different opinions or work styles.

Problem-solving. Problem-solving is a skill that you can learn pretty quickly in the military because there may be times when you have limited resources and you have to find a way to complete the job with the limited resources. This skill is useful in civilian jobs and is a skill most employers are looking for.

Teamwork. Teamwork is an essential skill whether you’re working with your team in the military or your team in an office. Having teamwork skills allows you to achieve goals and meet deadlines and is a useful skill most employers are looking for.

Leadership. There are different levels of the hierarchy structure in the military and the military teaches excellent leadership and management skills no matter what level you are. Leadership skills allow you to branch out into management or supervisor positions and is a skill employers are looking for on resumes.

When you are in an interview, you should keep the conversation on the topic if an employer asks too many questions regarding your military experience. Here are some other ways to use your military experience during the interview:

Keep the conversation on the topic. An employer might spend far too much time grilling you on your military experience, which can sometimes paint you in a light you’re not comfortable with. On the other hand, some civilian employers might be hesitant to bring up your military background out of nervousness.

In either case, a balance is necessary — make sure it gets brought up, but don’t let it take things over.

Keep things relevant. If you have a decade or more of military experience, remember that the rules are the same as with civilian job experience — talk about the most relevant thing first. It’s not super useful to talk about your early training if you’ve been in the Armed Forces for a dozen or so years.

Decline inappropriate questions. If the questions someone is asking regarding your service are inappropriate or too personal, don’t be afraid to shut them down. Your military experience is your own, and not for them to dissect — bring up what’s relevant, and make sure they respect your privacy about the rest.

What is considered military experience?

Military experience consists of any relevant job experience obtained while enlisted in a branch of the military. Your military experience could consist of your year in the military or if you served 20 years.

Is military service good on a resume?

Yes, your military service is good for your resume. Your military experience is good for your resume because there are many skills that you learn in the military that are useful for many civilian jobs. However, if the experience is not relevant to the job you are applying for, you can leave it off your resume.

Should I disclose my military service on my resume?

Yes, you should disclose your military service on your resume if you plan on using the experience for career progression. While you can leave the military affiliation section blank on your job application, not disclosing any affiliation could potentially result in legal employment termination if the military affiliation conflicts with employment requirements.

That’s all for this one! Just keep in mind: When talking about your experience, framing it as a story is the most important thing.

Regardless of whether you really “learned anything” in a big cosmic sense from your military experience, people are going to expect you to be able to codify the experience into some kind of employment-related fable.

That means becoming comfortable saying things like “Doing [this particular thing I did] in the military really taught me about [responsibility or respect or something like that].”

It’s possible you really feel that you have some sort of major, easily digestible takeaway from your experience — in which case, congratulations!

But life is messy, and often what an experience means to you can be tough to parse out.

So whatever you do, make sure you think about what your own service means to you beforehand, because — fair or not — people are going to expect you to have an answer on that count .

Military One Source – How to Write a Civilian Resume

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Ryan Morris was a writer for the Zippia Advice blog who tried to make the job process a little more entertaining for all those involved. He obtained his BA and Masters from Appalachian State University.

Don Pippin is an executive and HR leader for Fortune 50 and 500 companies and startups. In 2008, Don launched area|Talent with a focus on helping clients identify their brand. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Digital Career Strategist, and Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Don guides clients through career transitions.

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How to Add Military Experience to a Resume

Last Updated: April 14, 2024 References

This article was co-authored by Katrina Georgiou . Katrina Georgiou is a career coach and the founder of Katrina Georgiou Coaching based in Silicon Valley. Katrina helps individuals find new careers as well as career advancement, including resume writing, interview preparation, salary negotiation, and performance reviews. Trained in the co-active method from the Coaches Training Institute (CTI), Katrina uses personalized communication and leadership strategies to support her clients in building successful and fulfilling careers. This article has been viewed 92,241 times.

Applying for a job with military experience can be a struggle, as you may not be sure how to translate your military background into skills that will impress an employer. Start by translating your military experience into civilian language to show employers you have key skills like leadership, teamwork, dedication, and a good work ethic. Supplemental sections for honors, additional training, and technical skills you learned in the military can also help to strengthen your resume. When you compose your resume, make sure you use a clear, concise structure so employers can understand your value as an employee.

Sample Resume

Translating Military Experience to Civilian Language

• For example, you may translate a military role like “Commander” into a civilian role like “Director” or “Senior Manager.” Or you may be qualified for a civilian role like “Personnel Manager” if you were a “First Sergeant” in the military.

• Use an online tool that helps you rephrase military terms into civilian terms like: https://www.onetonline.org/crosswalk/MOC/ .
• Rephrase your military experience and show it to someone who is not in the military to see if they understand it.

• For example, you may have held a leadership position like the leader of a small group or of a unit within a larger team. Or you may have had a higher ranking in the military that meant you delegated tasks or jobs to others.

• For example, you may include any military medals or awards you received. Or you may note that you were “honorably discharged” to note this achievement.

Composing Your Resume

• For example, if you notice a skill like “multi-tasker” is listed in the job description, choose roles in your time in the military that show you can multi-task.

• If you do not have any other work experience for your resume, you can list your military experience first in a section called “Relevant Experience" or "Work Experience" so it is the primary focus of the resume.

• For example, you may group your experience under a subsection called “Leadership Skills” and include any experience that demonstrates your leadership. Or you may use a subsection called “Teaching and Training” and then include any relevant experience in this section.

• For example, you may use a job title like, “Information and Media Section Leader” or “Squad Director.” You can then explain each job, with a focus on language that is easy to follow.

• For example, you may note attributes like “good time management,” “conflict-resolution,” and “the ability to stay organized under pressure.” Or you may discuss skills like “teaching and training young people,” “analyzing complex situations,” or “communicating with my colleagues.”

• For example, you may note, “Trained and supervised an 8 person team,” “Arranged the transport of Air Force equipment worth millions of dollars,” or “Organized a 10 person team to setup and tear-down 2 Emergency rooms in a high stress environment.”

• Usually employers like to see that you’ve held a position for at least 6 months-1 year. If you’ve held a position for several consecutive years, this usually tells employers you are a dedicated and reliable employee.

Adding Supplemental Sections

• For example, you may write under the Honors heading, “Good Conduct Medal (2009)” or “Achievement Medal (2012).”

• For example, you may write under the Skills and Training heading, “Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel” or “Trained in computer programming software.”

• For example, you may list operations or missions you worked on in your resume if you feel it illustrates important skills like leadership or conflict-resolution. However, you do not need to provide more than 1-2 key details about the operation or mission on your resume.

Expert Q&A

• Once you are finished adding your military experience, make sure the section fits the format of the rest of your resume in terms of style, font, and theme. Pick one style for your resume, or use a resume template, and stick with it so your resume looks concise and well-structured. [12] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/career-advice/resume-writing/translating-military-skills-into-resume.html
• ↑ https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/present-your-military-skills
• ↑ http://americandreamu.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Guide-Veteran-Resume-Veteran-Resume-Samples.pdf
• ↑ Katrina Georgiou. Career Coach. Expert Interview. 25 June 2020.
• ↑ https://www.workitdaily.com/how-military-experience-resume/

About This Article

Military experience can show a potential employer you have key skills like leadership, teamwork, and dedication. To add your military experience to your resume, make a section on your resume called “Military Experience.” Then, list the positions you held in the military. Under each position, list 1-3 bullet points that explain specific duties you had. You should also put the dates you held each position. Translate your military titles into their equivalent in the civilian world so employers can understand them. For instance, if you were a First Sergeant, you would write “Personnel Manager.” You should also avoid complicated military jargon or acronyms that might confuse your employer. To learn how to add supplemental sections to your resume, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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• • Led a team of 8 in deploying cutting-edge network security solutions for large corporate clients, increasing overall security compliance by 25%
• • Implemented a strategic data recovery plan for high-risk clients, effectively reducing data loss incidents by 40% annually
• • Facilitated the migration of 500+ workstations to a cloud-based platform ahead of schedule, enhancing operational efficiency
• • Developed a custom automation script that streamlined system updates for clients, saving an average of 15 hours of manual work per project
• • Negotiated with vendors for better pricing on enterprise software, resulting in a cost saving of $20,000 per annum
• • Conducted regular IT audits, identifying and addressing potential vulnerabilities, leading to the prevention of potential data breaches
• • Oversaw the successful integration of a new ERP system across the company, improving data management and resource planning
• • Initiated a company-wide cybersecurity training program, enhancing staff awareness of best practices in digital security
• • Coordinated the upgrade of network infrastructure which supported a 50% increase in company data traffic
• • Authored a monthly IT performance report highlighting key tech stats, leading to better informed strategic decisions
• • Managed a cross-functional project team resulting in the timely resolution of critical IT incidents, reducing downtime by 30%
• • Maintained a 99.9% network uptime by monitoring and optimizing network performance across the organization
• • Implemented robust network security policies which decreased vulnerability to attacks by 20%
• • Assisted in the rollout of a new VoIP communication system, which reduced company telecommunication costs by 15%
• • Provided technical support and training for staff, significantly improving company-wide tech literacy rates

5 Military Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

When crafting your military resume, it's crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Demonstrate the scale and impact of the teams or projects you have led. Showcase your ability to adapt and overcome challenging situations. Your resume should reflect your problem-solving skills and resilience.

All resume examples in this guide

Traditional

Resume Guide

Resume Format Tips

Resume Experience

Skills on Resume

Education & Certifications

Resume Summary Tips

Additional Resume Sections

Key Takeaways

One challenge you may encounter as a military veteran is effectively translating your military experience into civilian terms that resonate with potential employers. Our comprehensive guide can provide you with tailored strategies and examples to bridge this gap, aligning your unique skills with the needs of the civilian job market.

• Get inspired from our military resume samples with industry-leading skills, certifications, and more.
• Show how you can impact the organization with your resume summary and experience.
• Introducing your unique military expertise with a focus on tangible results and achievements.

If the military resume isn't the right one for you, take a look at other related guides we have:

• Federal Resume Example
• Regulatory Affairs Resume Example
• Policy Analyst Resume Example
• Canvasser Resume Example
• Grant Writer Resume Example
• Government Resume Example

Enhancing your military resume: format and layout tips

Four popular formatting rules (and an additional tip) are here to optimize your military resume:

• Listing experience in reverse chronological order - start with your most recent job experiences. This layout helps recruiters see your career progression and emphasizes your most relevant roles.
• Including contact details in the header - make sure your contact information is easily accessible at the top of your resume. In the header, you might also include a professional photo.
• Aligning your expertise with the job requirements - this involves adding essential sections such as experience, skills, and education that match the job you're applying for.
• Curating your expertise on a single page - if your experience spans over a decade, a two-page resume is also acceptable.

Bonus tip: Ensure your military resume is in PDF format when submitting. This format maintains the integrity of images, icons, and layout, making your resume easier to share.

Finally, concerning your resume format and the Applicant Tracker System (ATS):

• Use simple yet modern fonts like Rubik, Lato, Montserrat, etc.
• All serif and sans-serif fonts are friendly to ATS systems. Avoid script fonts that look like handwriting, however.
• Fonts such as Ariel and Times New Roman are suitable, though commonly used.
• Both single and double-column resumes can perform well with the ATS.

Upload & Check Your Resume

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Always remember that your military certifications can be quantified across different resume sections, like your experience, summary, or objective. For example, you could include concise details within the expertise bullets of how the specific certificate has improved your on-the-job performance.

Traditional sections, appreciated by recruiters, for your military resume:

• Clear and concise header with relevant links and contact details
• Summary or objective with precise snapshot of our career highlights and why you're a suitable candidate for the military role
• Experience that goes into the nuts and bolts of your professional qualifications and success
• Skills section(-s) for more in-depth talent-alignment between job keywords and your own profile
• Education and certifications sections to further show your commitment for growth in the specific niche

What recruiters want to see on your resume:

• Proven leadership experience and ability to lead teams in high-pressure situations
• Demonstrated excellence in tactical planning, strategy development, and mission execution
• Expertise in handling sensitive information with the utmost discretion and adherence to security protocols
• Strong understanding of military protocols, chain of command, and experience working within a military structure
• Physical fitness and the capacity to meet the rigorous demands of military operations

Essential tips for crafting your military resume experience section

The experience section is indeed the core of your military resume . It's where you present your past and current job roles. But how should you approach this crucial part?

A common error is treating the experience section as merely a list of job duties. Many candidates fall into the trap of detailing what they did without illustrating the impact of their actions.

To effectively write your military resume experience section, consider these guidelines:

• Emphasize your achievements, supported by concrete metrics such as percentages, revenue increases, or customer satisfaction rates;
• Avoid using generic buzzwords like communication, hard work, or leadership. Instead, demonstrate how these skills added value in your previous roles;
• Begin each bullet point with a strong action verb, followed by a skill, and then the result of your actions;
• Tailor your resume for each job application by selecting the most relevant experiences, responsibilities, and successes.

We have an array of resume examples that illustrate how to optimally curate your military resume experience section.

• Directed a team of 12 in executing strategic patrol operations resulting in a 30% reduction in security incidents within our area of responsibility.
• Implemented an advanced technology update for communication systems, resulting in enhanced coordination and a 40% decrease in equipment failure rate.
• Designed and supervised rigorous training programs for new recruits, improving overall unit readiness and performance metrics by 25%.
• Conducted over 150 reconnaissance and surveillance missions, providing critical intelligence that informed the strategic decisions of high-level commanders.
• Oversaw the integration of unmanned aerial systems into the unit’s operations, which improved the surveillance coverage by 50% and reduced risk to personnel.
• Managed a budget of $2 million for equipment procurement and maintenance, ensuring optimal resource allocation and zero over-expenditure.
• Led an armored vehicle crew through 100+ successful missions with a keen focus on safety procedures and threat assessment, minimizing risks during high-tension scenarios.
• Mentored and evaluated 20+ personnel, developing goal-oriented training plans that enhanced their tactical skills and operational performance.
• Organized cross-functional training with allied military units, which resulted in improved collaboration and mission success rates for multinational operations.
• Efficiently processed and analyzed over 500 intelligence reports, creating actionable strategies that preemptively neutralized threats and safeguarded troops.
• Developed a comprehensive intelligence-sharing network with regional partners that bolstered collective security efforts and reduced intelligence gaps by 40%.
• Spearheaded the modernization of the unit's intelligence database systems, which shortened report processing time by 20% and improved data reliability.
• Orchestrated the logistics for deploying 400 personnel and equipment to overseas locations, ensuring 100% accountability and zero loss of assets.
• Served as a primary advisor for sustainment operations, optimizing supply chain management and reducing logistical costs by 15% without compromising operational readiness.
• Coordinated with multiple service branches to support joint exercises, achieving seamless integration of logistical support across diverse military units.
• Piloted multiple aircraft models in a variety of weather conditions, accumulating over 1000 flight hours and maintaining an impeccable safety record.
• Developed and executed air support plans that provided critical cover for ground operations, enhancing the offensive capabilities of the unit in hostile environments.
• Trained 30+ new pilots, emphasizing aerial combat techniques and effective mission planning, which resulted in these pilots exceeding the squadron's average readiness scores.
• Deployed as part of an elite Special Operations unit, contributing to high-risk missions that disrupted enemy supply chains and reduced hostile activities by 60%.
• Initiated a comprehensive cyber-security protocol for the unit, vastly improving the security of communication channels and sensitive data.
• Led a joint humanitarian operation that provided medical and disaster relief assistance to over 10,000 affected civilians, earning a commendation for outstanding service and leadership.
• Supervised the operation and maintenance of complex radar and electronic warfare systems, ensuring peak performance during critical surveillance operations.
• Led an initiative to train personnel in advanced signal processing techniques, which improved detection capabilities and reduced false alarm rates by 20%.
• Collaborated with engineering teams to upgrade electronic defense infrastructure, greatly enhancing the operational lifespan and effectiveness of the systems.

Quantifying impact on your resume

• Quantify your leadership experience by stating the number of personnel you've managed or trained.
• Highlight the size of the budget you were responsible for to demonstrate financial acumen.
• Mention the number of missions or operations you've planned and executed to indicate organizational skills.
• Specify the percentage of efficiency improvement or cost reduction you achieved in your role.
• Detail the number of countries or regions you operated in to show your adaptability.
• Include the quantities of equipment or assets you were accountable for to showcase responsibility.
• State the number of reports or briefings you've produced to underline your communication skills.
• List the measurable improvements in performance indicators under your command or guidance.

Action verbs for your military resume

No relevant experience - what to feature instead

Suppose you're new to the job market or considering a switch in industry or niche. In such cases, it's common to have limited standard professional experience . However, this isn't a cause for concern. You can still craft an impressive military resume by emphasizing other sections, showing why you're a great fit for the role:

• Emphasize your educational background and extracurricular activities to demonstrate your industry knowledge;
• Replace the typical experience section with internships or temporary jobs where you've gained relevant skills and expertise;
• Highlight your unique skill set, encompassing both technological and personal abilities;
• Showcase transferable skills acquired throughout your life and work experiences so far.

Recommended reads:

• How To List Certifications On A Resume (Examples Included)
• How to List Expected Graduation Date on Your Resume

If you failed to obtain one of the certificates, as listed in the requirements, but decide to include it on your resume, make sure to include a note somewhere that you have the "relevant training, but are planning to re-take the exams". Support this statement with the actual date you're planning to be re-examined. Always be honest on your resume.

Featuring your hard skills and soft skills on your military resume

The skills section of your military resume needs to your various capabilities that align with the job requirements. List hard skills (or technical skills) to showcase to potential employers that you're perfectly apt at dealing with technological innovations and niche software. Meanwhile, your soft skills need to detail how you'd thrive within your new, potential environment with personal skills (e.g. resilience, negotiation, organization, etc.) Your military resume skills section needs to include both types of skills to promote how you're both technical and cultural fit. Here's how to create your bespoke military skills section to help you stand out:

• Focus on skill requirements that are listed toward the top of the job advert.
• Include niche skills that you've worked hard to obtain.
• Select specific soft skills that match the company (or the department) culture.
• Cover some of the basic job requirements by including important skills for the military role - ones you haven't been able to list through the rest of your resume.

Get inspired with our military sample skill list to list some of the most prominent hard and soft skills across the field.

Top skills for your military resume:

Weapons Handling

Tactical Planning

Physical Fitness

Maintenance and Repair

Communication Systems

Survival Training

Logistics Management

Intelligence Analysis

Problem-Solving

Adaptability

Stress Management

Decision Making

Strong Work Ethic

Effective Communication

Situational Awareness

The more time and effort you've put into obtaining the relevant certificate, the closer to the top it should be listed. This is especially important for more senior roles and if the company you're applying for is more forward-facing.

What are the best certificates to add to your military resume + how to curate your education section

The education and certification resume sections are the underdogs of your military resume.

They showcase to recruiters that you've invested plenty of time to gain valuable and specific know-how, vital for growth.

As far as the resume education section is concerned:

• Detail only advanced education, specifying the institution and timeframe.
• Indicate your forthcoming graduation date if you're in the midst of your studies.
• Consider omitting degrees that don't align with the job's requirements.
• Offer a description of your academic journey if it underscores your notable achievements.

When curating your degrees and certificates on your military resume:

• Select only accreditation that matters to the role
• Niche knowledge that could help you stand out as a candidate (as is within the past few years), should be listed towards the top of your resume
• Include any pertinent data for credibility (e.g. institute name, graduation dates, etc.)
• Irrelevant degrees and certifications shouldn't make it on your resume. Those include your high school diploma and any specializations that have nothing to do with the technical or soft skills that are required for the job

As a final note, if you feel tempted to exclude your education or certification from your resume, don't.

These two sections could help you have a better competitive edge over other candidates - hinting that your professional journey in the industry may be for a longer period of time.

Recruiters find all of these military credentials impressive:

The top 5 certifications for your military resume:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) - (ISC)²
• Project Management Professional (PMP) - Project Management Institute (PMI)
• Certified Protection Professional (CPP) - ASIS International
• Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) Civil Engineer Certifications - U.S. Air Force
• Defense Acquisition University (DAU) Certifications - U.S. Department of Defense

Highlight any significant extracurricular activities that demonstrate valuable skills or leadership.

• Perfecting the Education Section on Your Resume

Professional summary or objective for your military resume

military candidates sometimes get confused between the difference of a resume summary and a resume objective.

Which one should you be using?

Remember that the:

• Resume objective has more to do with your dreams and goals for your career. Within it, you have the opportunity to showcase to recruiters why your application is an important one and, at the same time, help them imagine what your impact on the role, team, and company would be.
• Resume summary should recount key achievements, tailored for the role, through your career. Allowing recruiters to quickly scan and understand the breadth of your military expertise.

The resume objectives are always an excellent choice for candidates starting off their career, while the resume summary is more fitting for experienced candidates.

No matter if you chose a summary or objective, get some extra inspiration from real-world professional military resumes:

Resume summaries for a military job

• Decorated U.S. Army Captain with over 12 years of experience leading high-stakes operations in challenging environments. Expert in strategic planning and cross-functional team leadership. Notable career achievement includes orchestrating the evacuation of a besieged embassy, ensuring zero casualties under volatile conditions.
• Seasoned Marine Corps Officer with 15 years of proven experience in logistical coordination, personnel management, and process improvement. Spearheaded the development of critical supply chain streamlined strategies, cutting operational costs by 25% without compromising mission-critical capabilities.
• Highly skilled cybersecurity professional eager to apply a decade of experience in IT infrastructure protection to safeguard national security interests. Advanced proficiency in network defense strategies, with a significant triumph in detecting and mitigating a complex, multi-vector cyber-attack against government systems.
• Driven financial analyst, transitioning from a successful 8-year tenure with major Wall Street firms to bolster fiscal efficiency within defense budgeting. Exceptional track record in portfolio management and predictive analytics, resulting in a 20% reduction in risk exposure for multimillion-dollar investment accounts.
• Aspiring to utilize my leadership skills and unwavering commitment to national service, cultivated through 4 years as Student Government President and extensive volunteer work, to embolden team dynamics and drive mission success in a challenging military environment.
• With a passion for technology and a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, my objective is to leverage my software development skills, in-depth understanding of machine learning, and collaborative spirit to contribute to the cutting-edge advancements in military defense systems.

Taking your military resume to the next level with these four additional resume sections

Your military resume can feature a variety of skills (both hard and soft) in diverse sections . Choose those that align best with the job requirements and reflect your suitability for the company culture.

Consider these four additional resume sections recommended by our experts:

• Languages - State any languages you are proficient in and your level of proficiency. This demonstrates your commitment to communication and potential for international growth.
• Projects - Highlight up to three significant projects you've completed outside of work, showcasing skill development. Include a link to your project portfolio in the military resume header, if applicable.
• My Time - How you allocate your time outside work can indicate your organizational skills and cultural fit within the company.
• Volunteering - Detail causes you're passionate about, roles you've held, and achievements in volunteering. Such experiences likely have honed a range of soft skills crucial for your dream job.

Key takeaways

• The logic of your resume presentation should follow your career highlights and alignment with the role;
• Curate information within different sections (e.g. summary, experience, etc.) that helps highlight your strengths;
• Exclude from your resume irrelevant experience items - that way you'd ensure it stays no longer than two pages and is easy to read;
• Dedicate space within the summary, experience, and/or achievements to highlight precisely why you're the best candidate for the role via your previous success;
• Both your technical and people capabilities should also play a crucial role in building up your military application. Prove your skill set in various resume sections.

Looking to build your own Military resume?

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5 Military Resume Examples Made for Success in 2024

Best for senior and mid-level candidates

There’s plenty of room in our elegant resume template to add your professional experience while impressing recruiters with a sleek design.

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Like this template? Customize this resume and make it your own with the help of our Al-powered suggestions, accent colors, and modern fonts.

Military Resume

• Military Resumes by Experience
• Military Resumes by Role
• Write Your Military Resume

 Your multifaceted role in the military could cover anything from groundwork or combat to manufacturing or communications. With unmatched expertise, you anticipate challenges and avert conflicts proactively, making decisions under pressure with ease.

The skills you amass during your service—leadership, adaptability, and teamwork—are invaluable. Now the question is: how do you describe your courage and discipline when writing an effective cover letter or one-page resume ?

Not to worry—we’re here to help. With our military resume examples , you can transform your raw experience into a captivating application that will get you the attention and the interviews you deserve.

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• Therefore, you should mention in your military resume your contribution to decreased equipment downtimes to underline your input to team support.

Military Veteran  Resume

• To make such an achievement count in your military veteran resume, highlight how much you helped reduce equipment downtime to sustain uninterrupted workflows.

Retired Military Resume

• Speaking of your experience, list your missions and other roles in reverse chronological order, with your most recent positions and more impactful achievements taking precedence. Finish off this outline with side columns highlighting your military coursework, skills, and certifications.

Military Police  Resume

• For instance, “Assisted in slashing response times” could be better put as “Instituted advanced emergency protocols using NEC NeoFace, slashing response times by 44%.”

Military to Civilian Resume

• It underscores your ability to communicate effectively and ensure that all objectives are met within set timelines; attributes that make you an easy pick for joining the civilian workforce.

Related resume examples

• Officer Manager
• Operations Manager
• Office Administrator

Create a Military Resume That Fits Your Dream Job

Your military personnel resume should focus on showcasing skills vital to defense and strategic operations. Precision is paramount, so avoid vague terms like “team player.” If your role is technical, zero in on hard skills instead. 

Some of the things you could discuss include your proficiency in various weaponry, tactical strategies, and specialized equipment operation. You can also consider highlighting soft skills like leadership, communication, and crisis management. 

Ensure your skills resonate with the job’s requirements, whether it’s combat tactics or logistical coordination. Highlight the elevated level of discipline and stress management skills your service in the military has helped you develop, be it for another role within the military or a civilian job.

Looking for guidance?

15 best military skills

• Tactical Strategy
• Weapon Proficiency
• Logistical Coordination
• Military Comms 
• Cybersecurity
• Foreign Languages
• Crisis Management 
• Radio Operations
• Risk Assessment
• Joint Tactical Terminal
• Blue Force Tracker

Your military work experience bullet points

Between orchestrating strategic missions and leading successful teams, your military service showcases exceptional achievements. Rather than rehashing routine tasks, spotlight your impactful contributions. 

Your role directly influences the stability and security of operations, safeguarding national interests, and minimizing potential risks. While the nature of your experiences varies, harness this section to highlight your proudest moments, whether enhancing emergency response efficiency or mitigating adverse consequences. 

Make sure to back up your claims with quantifiable metrics to zero in on the magnitude of your successes. These could be anything from your budget optimization to the number of personnel you’ve trained—it all depends on your specific role and achievements. 

• Demonstrate your leadership and strategic skills with mission success rates.
• Showcase your ability to make quick decisions under pressure with metrics on your average response times.
• Highlight your commitment to operational readiness by presenting the percentage decrease in equipment downtimes after implementing maintenance protocols.
• Show off your adaptability by mentioning the varying shifts you’ve worked, deployments you’ve been sent on, and languages you’ve learned.

See what we mean?

• Created a comprehensive training program for recruits, resulting in a 78% reduction in onboarding time
• Conducted an employee satisfaction survey, resulting in an 88% satisfaction rate with internal communication efforts
• Maintained an 91% incident resolution rate by handling a variety of security issues and ensuring the safety of personnel and facilities
• Implemented a new internal communication system, which resulted in a 28% reduction in information gaps among employees

9 active verbs to start your military work experience bullet points

• Coordinated
• Implemented

3 Tips for Writing a Military Resume Without Much Experience

• Emphasize the significance of every role you’ve undertaken, regardless of your experience level. You can include relevant skills and accomplishments from your military service, training, and related roles. For instance, if you’re transitioning to a civilian logistics position, highlight your experience coordinating complex missions and managing supplies.
• Use your military projects to showcase your skills and flexibility. Mention specific initiatives or tasks you’ve executed during your service that align with the new position or civilian job you’re applying to. For example, discuss leading a team to establish a forward operating base, demonstrating your leadership and strategic planning abilities.
• Utilize internships, relevant coursework, or hobbies to spotlight transferable skills. Highlight leadership, teamwork, adaptability, and technical proficiencies that align with the role. For example, when applying for a communications role, discuss your experience with working in large teams and communicating under stress.

3 Tips for Writing an Experienced Military Resume

• If you have specialized military skills like leadership, logistics, or intelligence analysis, show them off. Next, tailor your accomplishments and metrics to align with the specific role you’re pursuing, highlighting your expertise and achievements in those areas.
• Adding relevant metrics really makes your achievements stand out more. Highlight your mission success rates, operational efficiency improvements, and leadership impact. This is good if you’re transitioning away from the military; for instance, in a logistics role, you can discuss how you optimized supply chain processes, reducing turnaround time by 39%.
• Include relevant military certifications that demonstrate your expertise and training. Whether it’s command certifications, technical training, or specialized courses, these credentials highlight your readiness for the civilian role or a promotion up the military ranks. 

While optional, a tailored career objective or summary can be valuable, especially if you’re switching to a whole new career. Emphasize your military experience and skills that align with the job, such as leadership, logistical coordination, or crisis management.

Make sure to use relevant keywords from the job description . Highlight your military accomplishments, skills, and specialized training that match the job requirements. ATS looks for keyword matches, so use terminology from both your military background and the civilian role you’re applying to.

Emphasize mission success rates, response times, equipment maintenance improvements, and any other quantifiable achievements. These metrics demonstrate your effectiveness in critical situations and your ability to impact operations positively.

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• Posted in Veterans

How to Translate Military Experience Into a Job-Winning Resume

Transitioning from military to civilian life brings challenges, especially when trying to enter the workforce. Your military experience has equipped you with skills, discipline, and leadership qualities that civilian employers value greatly.

The key to unlocking these opportunities lies in effectively translating these abilities into a civilian resume.

Here’s how to showcase your military background in a way that shines in the civilian job market and maximizes your chances of securing employment.

Understand Civilian Terminology

First, learn how to adapt military language and titles into terms that business owners and hiring managers understand. Many of the positions and tasks in the military have equivalent roles in the civilian world, but they may go by different names. Utilize online resources or a military-to-civilian occupation translator tool to find parallels that highlight your experience in a way that fits civilian job requirements. For example, “squad leader” can translate to “team leader” or “project manager,” depending on the context.

Highlight Transferable Skills

Veterans possess a wealth of skills that are highly sought after in the civilian job market. Leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability are just a few examples. When writing your resume, focus on these transferable skills, providing specific examples from your service that demonstrate success. Whether you led a team on a mission, coordinated logistics, or managed complex projects, your experiences can show potential employers you thrive in a variety of roles and environments.

Quantify Your Military Achievements

Quantifying achievements can significantly enhance the impact of your resume. Whenever possible, use numbers and metrics to illustrate your accomplishments. Did you lead a team that improved operational efficiency? By what percentage did efficiency improve under your leadership? Providing measurable evidence of your achievements helps employers better understand the extent of your capabilities and the potential impact you could have on their organization.

Leverage Education and Training

Military personnel receive extensive training and education, much of which is directly applicable to civilian careers. In addition to technical skills specific to your military occupational specialty, consider the soft skills and leadership training you’ve received. Certifications, specialized training courses, and security clearances can set you apart from other candidates. Be sure to include any relevant education and training in your resume, emphasizing how these qualifications prepare you for the positions you’re applying for.

Trust PrideStaff to Guide Your Job Search

We understand the value and unique perspectives that veterans bring to the workforce. Our dedicated veteran job board and expert recruiters are here to help you find rewarding work post-service. Contact your local PrideStaff office and begin your journey to a rewarding civilian career!

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Military resume example & writing guide

Joining the military is a life-changing experience. Your motivation may be patriotism, career opportunity or education, but regardless of your reasons, you are choosing to serve your country. Members of the military may have civilian training in a profession or be enlisting directly out of high school. In either case, your resume must demonstrate a devotion to your country, as well as exceptional personal traits. This military resume example and guide will help you do just that.

While a military career may be in almost any field imaginable, Resume.io’s resources, including  resume guides and resume examples for 350+ professions,and an easy-to-use resume builder, can provide you with the information and tools you need to succeed. We will help you confidently express yourself and land a position in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard. 

This resume guide, along with the corresponding military resume example will cover the following topics:

• What are the opportunities for military personnel?

How to write a military resume

• The best format for a military resume sample
• Advice on each section of your resume (summary, work history, education, skills)
• Professional resume layout and design hints.

What do military personnel do?

The question “What do military personnel do,” can’t be answered in a few sentences because military personnel do almost any job you can imagine.

Across all branches of the military, more than 152,000 members are combat specialists, but that is not the largest category of professions. The top spot goes to engineering, science and technical personnel with more than 177,000 workers and vehicle and machinery mechanics at almost 134,000 positions, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics .

Special Corps   

Here are just some specialized roles you may choose in different military branches.

• Cyber technology
• Chaplain Corp
• Law (Judge Advocate General--JAG--Corp)
• Health care
• Special forces
• Aviation rescue swimmer
• Information systems technician
• Nuclear operations
• Cryptography
• Arts and humanities
• Natural science
• Mental health
• Future technologies
• Personnel and administration
• Intelligence

Coast Guard

• Aviation maintenance technician
• Marine science technician
• Public affairs specialist
• Aviation survival technician

In need for more inspiration? View our other resume examples from the same protective and security industry here below:

• Volunteer Firefighter resume sample
• Security and protective services resume sample
• Security Officer resume sample
• Police Officer resume sample
• Security Guard resume sample
• Firefighter resume sample

Military job market and outlook

The labor bureau does not make projections on military force numbers because these numbers depend on the world stage as well as governmental and political factors.

The Army also employs more than 330,000 people in its Civilian Corp . These workers provide non-combat support to soldiers and lists budget and finance, contracting and cyberspace as areas of high need. It also categorizes civil and mechanical engineering, auditing, human resources, mathematics, nursing, natural resource management, biological sciences, physical science, chemistry and information technology management as “urgent hiring” needs.

Writing your military resume should follow the same basic format as all other resumes. It should consist of the following sections:

• The resume header
• The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
• The employment history section
• The resume skills section
• The education section

Since the military is a strictly ordered and regimented career choice, your resume should reflect that with a professional and neutral tone. This is not the place to get flowery with your language. Instead, choose your words carefully and be concise.To help you create the correct tone, take a look at recruitment literature and websites and try to echo the writing style.

Although you will not be applying to many different organizations, you should still make sure you tailor your resume for the specific military job you seek.

Choosing the best resume format for military personnel

The best resume format for military personnel depends a bit on where you are in your career. Most job hunters will be best served by the reverse chronological order resume format and we recommend using that unless you have a compelling reason not to.  

If you are applying for a detailed, technical or scientific role, you may consider using the functional resume format. This format allows you to emphasize important niche or complex skills and competencies rather than your work history. This type of resume will have a larger than usual skills section with detailed explanations and a very diminished employment history. The combination resume format takes the best from both worlds and can be implemented in various ways (niche IT specialists sometimes use this type of document).

Candidates who are new to the workforce can check out the resume formats we suggest as chronological alternatives or hybrids. Those who already have careers and are looking to join a specialized military corp or the civilian corp may also get value from these ideas.

Resume summary example: enlist your writing ability

Your military resume summary is the spot to answer the very important question: Why do you want to join the military and what do you hope to get out of it? Equally as important is your answer to the question: What will you bring to the military?

While maintaining your professional tone, you need to show your desire to serve your country to recruiters and answer those questions. You should also include your proudest achievement to illustrate that you know how to work hard to reach a goal.  All of this information must be imparted in 3-5 lines of text.

Read the military resume example text below to get your start.

Dedicated Military member with a decorated career safely planning and executing hundreds of military operations. Successfully piloted many combat missions, bringing supplies to troops and those in need. Experienced in training other military personnel and future officers. Driven and enthusiastic, with the ability to manage projects and people. Dedicated to serving others for the well-being of the greater good.

Employment history resume sample: your march of progress

Reverse chronological order is a great way to demonstrate your career progress within the  employment history section of your military resume and it is the most commonly used resume sample format. Your employment history gives recruiters a detailed look at what you have accomplished and how.

A simple list of responsibilities is not as powerful as a recounting of how you have solved problems or created benefit for your employers. Try to illustrate a progression of knowledge and responsibilities from your first job on. If you are changing careers (from a police officer position, for example), include the skills and accomplishments that best demonstrate your value to the military. 

If you are choosing to enlist right out of high school, this section will be short, but remember that part-time or volunteering you worked at during school tells recruiters that you can handle responsibility and care about your community.

Use the CAR method to create your bullet points by spelling out a challenge , explaining the action you took to solve it, and using data or details to tell the results you achieved.

Use our customizable military resume example text to get you started.

Military Police Officer, First Lieutenant at United States Army October 2016 - Present

• Serve in coherence with military practices and exhibited honor, and dedication.
• Perform night patrols in assigned areas.
• Handle combat missions with expertise and precision.
• Serve as a committed and reliable member of a team.
• Resolve crisis situations and aim to uphold safety, law, and order.

Military Police Officer, Second Lieutenant at United States Army September 2015 - September 2016

• Effectively trained infantry soldiers for future combat and ensured they remained in a high state of readiness.
• Routinely enforced an understanding of the mission-essential task list.
• Properly delegated roles and lead infantry platoons.

CV skills example: boost your rank

The skills section of your military CV may seem redundant, but it is actually very important, so you must curate it carefully. It is here that you choose the top skills that recruiters seek and the ones that you believe will best represent what you bring to the table. 

Military recruiters see hundreds of resume examples so yours needs to stand out with high-level and targeted skills, especially if you have a career goal you are hoping to achieve.

Military personnel must exhibit more than technical job skills. Dependability, understanding and following orders, precision and calm under pressure are all necessary to be successful in the armed forces. Don’t neglect these attributes, known as soft skills, in favor of the hard skills you have learned along the way in related positions such as security guard. Instead, find a good mix.

Brainstorm every skill or attribute that you have. Then choose your top 5-7 based on what your branch of the military and the position you are targeting ask for.

Use the military resume sample text below to guide you.

• Excellent Communication
• Commitment to Justice
• Physical Endurance

Military resume education example

The education section is the most rigid in your military resume. Simply list all your degrees and certifications here. If you have earned any honors or distinctions, note them here as well. 

It is not necessary to list your high school diploma if you have a master’s degree or higher.

Value-add sections

If you are a scientist or other professional who has published papers in your field, you should include a Publications section.

Other sections to consider are Affiliations and Memberships or Accolades.

Remember to keep your military resume to no more than two pages.

Here is resume example formatting for your education section.

United States Army Military Police School June 2014 - May 2015

Bachelor of Psychology, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY September 2010 - May 2014

High School Diploma, Hunter High School, New York September 2006 - May 2010

Resume layout and design: crisp as a military march

Do my layout and design really matter when I have a great career story? Yes, they do. Why? You’re reading this guide because you want the best resume possible. That means considering how the document looks as well as the information you impart. Think about military parades. Nothing is out of place and personnel march in lockstep. Your resume design needs to give the same feeling.

Here are some pointers for making that happen:

• Use one-inch margins all around
• Keep the font simple and legible
• Spice it up just a bit with a standout contact section; you definitely want recruiters to be able to get ahold of you easily
• Submit without using an online resume builder that includes spellcheck or have a friend proofread
• Forget that our road-tested resume templates have great designs to eliminate any formatting worries.

Key takeaways for a military resume

• The military offers a great range of career options for everyone from recent high school graduates to those who have established careers (as security officers for example.)
• Make sure you let recruiters know why you want to enlist and what you will bring to the force.
• Keep in mind the attributes all military personnel need when crafting your skills section.
• Take advantage of resume.io’s online tools and layouts to make your job search easier!

Beautiful ready-to-use resume templates

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• How to Make a Resume:...

How to Make a Resume: Beginner's Writing Guide with Examples

30 min read · Updated on May 22, 2024

Your dream job is one resume away!

Your resume is arguably the most important financial document you'll ever own. And before you think, “Yeah – right” let's consider for a moment. Without a resume, you don't get the job, so you can't pay bills, support a family, go to the big game, have that weekend trip, or plan for retirement. Your resume is the doorway to your future, so let's make sure it's perfect.

Part of making it perfect is remembering that it's a targeted career marketing document – not a chronicle of your life. So, how do you write a resume? In this beginner's writing guide, we'll show you how to make a resume and provide examples of what each section should look like. 

Grab a cup of coffee and strap in, because you're about to learn everything you need to know about how to make a new resume!

Table of contents:

The purpose of a resume

Avoid rejection by the ATS

What is your career target?

Build your personal brand, what should your resume look like, how to make a resume – the layout.

How long does it take to put together a resume?

A major resume no-no: typos

How to make your resume more professional

Theory in practice – resume examples

The most basic purpose of a resume is to sell your skills , achievements , and qualifications to prospective employers. This one document can financially make or break you. Let's take a quick look at what being unemployed costs you per day (assuming a five-day workweek):

If you make $40,000 per year, you lose about $155 every day that you're out of work

If you make $50,000 per year, you lose about $190 every day that you're out of work

If you make $75,000 per year, you lose about $288 every day that you're out of work

If you make $100,000 per year, you lose about $385 every day that you're out of work

Clearly, finding out how to make a resume for a job is critical so that you can properly sell your skills, qualifications, experiences, and achievements to prospective employers. 

The job market is tough and highly competitive; you have to stand out in a sea of qualified candidates by creating a compelling narrative that tells a story of value, keeping in mind that your resume is supposed to do a few things for you:

Introduce you to a new company

Underscore how your experiences and education are relevant

Showcase how your skills and competencies will benefit the new company's team

Win interviews

Avoid rejection by the ATS 

What do you know about applicant tracking systems? Job seeking can be compared to throwing your resume into a black hole. You can go through 100 listings on any job search website and complete the online application with zero results. 

Ever had that happen? It's okay, it happens to everyone at some point or another! 

The problem is that you're probably not putting the correct keywords into your resume. When you hit “Submit” on an online application, it isn't magically emailed to the hiring manager. 

Oh, no! 

It goes through a computer system that scans your resume for specific keywords that can be found in the job description posted by the company. And, just so you know, approximately 90% of companies use ATS scans , including everything from mom-and-pop shops to Fortune 500 companies. 

The companies use these programs because they just don't have time for a human to go through all the resumes they receive. Depending on the job opening, a company can get between  250 and 500 applicants . Can you imagine being the person who has to sift through all those resumes? 

Here is where the ATS steps in. It's designed to weed through candidates to narrow the applicant pool, so that the human hiring manager has a more reasonable resume load to go through. It ranks the remaining candidates in order based on how much of a match they are for the position that's open. 

Being overlooked by the ATS is one of the number one reasons job seekers get ghosted by companies.

Once your resume makes it through the ATS and gets into the hands of a hiring manager, don't think they're going to sit down and read each one. Who has that kind of time? You should expect that the first round of resume sorting will consist of them flipping through the stack to pick the ones that stand out within about 6 seconds of glancing at them. 

PRO TIP: Put your resume on a table, stand up, and look at it from a little distance. Is it eye-catching? Can you tell the position you're seeking just by glancing at it? Set a timer if you have to, but no more than 10 seconds.

Speaking of eye-catching, don't make the same mistake as a lot of your rival job seekers by being too generic with your resume. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that being non-specific will open doors to more opportunities. The problem is that the hiring manager won't be able to tell exactly where you'll fit within their organization. 

The first step in winning an interview is being sure that your resume actually makes it into the hands of a human being at the company you apply to. Start by defining what you want to do.

So the first, and most important, step in crafting the perfect resume is to narrow down your target career path. The more specific you are with this first step, the more response you'll receive from hiring managers because they'll be able to tell exactly how you fit within their organization. There are four areas to focus on as you begin to chart your career path:

Industry: Do you want to work in private sector, nonprofit, government, or public roles?

Geography: This one is more in-depth than choosing rural vs urban. It also includes whether you want to work in a dynamic or static environment.

Company size: You may not think it, but having an idea about whether you want to work in a small company or one with thousands of employees is important. 

Role: Saving the best for last, you have to know what position you want.

On the surface, it may seem like these things are only important for the job search aspect of landing a new position, but you have to know what voice to write your resume in, too. Part of that is knowing your audience. When you understand your audience, you can build a personal brand that resonates with what they're looking for in a new staff member.

Now that you've gotten your target career path nailed down, the next step is to brand you. Think of yourself as a product and your resume is the packaging. Companies spend a lot of time on their branding and packaging - you have to do the same thing.

The best place to start is with a  career assessment . Taking one of these tests can help you to identify your strengths, what sets you apart from others, and key themes of your professional identity. Just like Nike and Coca-Cola have timeless taglines and catchphrases that succinctly define what they have to offer to consumers, your personal brand has to tell a concise, yet compelling, story. This is where your resume comes in.

Your resume isn't just a piece of paper you give to a hiring manager or upload to a website that says, “I'm interested in this job.” Your resume is a personal marketing tool. You shape that tool with words that describe your experiences and achievements, to impress and grab the attention of the hiring manager. 

Unlike Nike's “Just Do It” phrase, your personal brand isn't something you build and forget. It is fluid and should be revisited and refined as you gain new skills, experiences, and achievements. Weave the elements of your brand into every section of your resume.

There is a common misconception that entry-level resumes look different than executive resumes. The reality is that the only difference is how much content is available to write about. 

Obviously, someone who has little to no experience will have a  short resume  – generally one page. 

When you start to get up to 10 years of experience, then you've earned the second page, so go ahead and use it. 

It's not incremental though

Just because you have 20 years of experience doesn't mean you can have a three-page resume. As you work through how to make a resume, remember that a three-page resume should be avoided, unless you have a lot of career extras like publications, research, patents, publications, or public speaking engagements to talk about. 

Other than the number of pages, your resume should use the same format and layout no matter if you're applying to a job as someone fresh out of college or seeking to be the CEO of a company. 

Chronological resume 

The  reverse-chronological  is the most popular, traditional, and well-known resume format. Its focus is placed on achievements from your career history and is defined by listing your work history starting with your current or most recent job and working backward 10-15 years. 

Employers like this type of resume because it tells them what, when, and where you worked. It's best to use this if your work history is steady and shows growth and development. If you're looking to make a career change, have had frequent job changes, or if you're seeking your first job, this may not be the best format to use.

Pro Tip: You could also get lost in the ATS if your  resume is over-designed . Many resume writers will tell you that you need to stand out in the sea of sameness by adding some personality to your resume through design. While that's true, you need to avoid heavily formatted resumes which are often rejected by computer scanners as being illegible.

Functional resume 

This resume type focuses more on skills and experiences rather than on your work history. It's more of a “what you know and how you apply that knowledge” than a simple list of where you got the knowledge. It plays down gaps in work history and makes frequent job changes less noticeable. If it isn't done properly, though, it can be confusing for the hiring manager to read and understand. There's also a bit of a stigma behind it, because employers know that job seekers use this style to downplay job-hopping. So, the first thing they do when they get a functional resume is check employment dates. If you can avoid using this style, it's best to do so.

Combination resume 

There is another resume format that focuses on skills first and then experience last. It's the combination resume, which is sometimes called a hybrid resume. This is the most complex resume type and the best resume for mid-career professionals who are transitioning into another career or for people who have special skills and a strong track record of accomplishments. These types of resumes do take a long time to read and some hiring managers won't take the time unless they're looking to fill a hard-to-fill position.

Curriculum Vitae

Curriculum Vitae (CV) is Latin and means “course of life.” It's a little different from a resume, but some positions require a CV over a resume. The first thing you would notice is that a CV is significantly longer than a resume.  A resume is a self-branding document meant to portray your experience and achievements in a concise and easy-to-read format. A CV goes much further into the depth of your education and accomplishments (think publications, awards, and honors) and even has a section for you to include "Areas of Interest."

The best way to describe a CV is that it's a career biography. The biggest significant difference is that a CV is arranged chronologically in a way that gives a complete overview of your full working career. It also doesn't change based on the career or position for which you're applying.

Layout 

To make things easier for the hiring manager to digest the content of your resume, it should be laid out in a specific way to ensure that the right information is in the right place. 

Hiring managers don't  READ  resumes. They skim through until they find something that piques their interest and then they stop to read

Contact information

Title 

Professional summary , core competencies, experience , education and credentials , awards, certificates, and volunteer work .

Since the reverse-chronological resume is the one that the majority of people will use to apply for jobs, and because it's the format that hiring managers want to see, we'll focus this article on showing you how to make a resume using that style. 

Current contact information 

Location | Phone | Email | LinkedIn | Portfolio (if applicable)

You can be creative and use bold font in your  contact information  and even put a border under it to separate it from the body of your resume. 

• Name: Be sure to list your name the same across all professional documents (e.g., resume, cover letter, thank you note, LinkedIn profile). Don't get hung up with whether to use your legal name (i.e. the name on your birth certificate or driver's license). Write your name in the manner you want people to address you. Also, if you use any abbreviated credentials after your name (e.g. Jane Smith, MD), remember to include them on all professional documents.  You can also include any shortened versions of your name in quotations (e.g. Christopher "Chris" Smith). Just make sure to list it the same way everywhere you put your name.
• Address: It is no longer customary to include your full address on your resume. There have been instances of discrimination against job seekers based on their address. As far as your address is concerned, all you need is the City, State, and Zip Code. A lot of people leave off the Zip Code; however, hiring managers can query the ATS for all resumes within a radius of a Zip Code. If you exclude the Zip Code or put something like, "Greater New York Metro Area," your resume won't be included in the query.
• Phone and email: Put the telephone number and email address where you can easily be reached. Also, be sure that your email address is professional. Using something like [email protected] just won't cut it. The best idea is to use some form of your name. If you're paranoid about having your name in your email address, then you can use some form of the type of position you seek, like [email protected].
• LinkedIn URL: You don't have to spell out the entire URL on the contact line. You can put the words “LinkedIn URL” and hyperlink those words. Before you include your LinkedIn URL, be sure that your LinkedIn profile is optimized for the career you want - because you can bet if they have access to it, the hiring manager will look at it. 
• Portfolio: If you're applying for a position like Graphic Designer or Software Designer, you may have a portfolio of work that you want to make available to someone reviewing your application for employment. Include a hyperlink to the portfolio in your contact information. 
• Headshot / photo: There is no reason to include a  headshot on your resume . Actually, it's seen as taboo and could be the thing that gets your resume rejected, because the hiring manager might assume you think you can get the job based on your looks. However, there are some exceptions, like if you're applying to be a model or actor. 

Do you want a hiring manager to be able to tell immediately what type of candidate you are? Put a title at the top of your resume. Center the text on the line, put it in bold font, and put a blank space above and below. The white space and the small amount of words will help it to jump off the page and immediately be noticed. It will also be the first step in helping you stand out in the sea of sameness.

Also, be sure the title on your resume mirrors the title on the job description that you're applying to, but add a bit of panache to it so that it's not too boring. For example, instead of writing “Financial Services Associate,” write “Client-Centric Financial Services Associate Dedicated to Customer Engagement and Revenue Growth.” Just remember to keep it on one line. 

The very next thing on the page should always be your Professional Summary. But how do you write a summary for a resume?

It's a three to five-sentence statement about you. Where you've been in your career, where you're going, and how you'll use your experience to get there. 

While the professional summary is sometimes referred to as the resume objective , you must remember that the days of writing a  resume objective are dead . Never, ever include an objective on your resume. They are a waste of space and don't relay any information that markets you as the best candidate for an open position. 

Let's take a look at an example of each:

Sales Representative seeking a challenging position that will use my skills and provide opportunities for growth in a dynamic and rewarding company. 

As you can see, the objective is very inward-facing and only talks about what you want out of your career. It provides no value to the hiring manager and eliminates any possibility for them to be able to tell what you bring to the table for them. 

Professional Summary:

Ambitious sales professional offering 10+ years' experience in customer retention and aggressive revenue growth. Conquers goals and quotas through a keen awareness of the human buying motive that allows for quickly overcoming objections. Used historical data and consumer trends to reach new customers and grow territory by 24%. Innate ability to work independently or as a member of a cross-functional team.

The best use of resume space is to write a summary of your career. The effectiveness of this summary comes from the fusing of three things:

Relevant keywords – customer retention, revenue growth, and quotas 

Hard and soft skills – overcoming objections and working independently

An achievement – 24% territory growth

With this professional summary, the hiring manager will be able to tell in an instant what you have to offer their team. 

Even though the skills section of your resume is small, it packs a powerful punch! The skills you list in this section highlight your key abilities and show potential employers what you bring to the table. 

It should contain approximately 12 ATS-friendly keywords and phrases that align with the keywords in the job description. Meaning, this is a fluid section that will need to be  tailored to every job  that you apply to. Technically speaking, your entire resume should be customized to align with each job description. That's one thing that will help you get past the ATS. 

Be sure to include a good mix of  hard and soft skills  because prospective employers not only want to know that you can perform the tasks related to your job (hard skills), but they also want to gain a clear understanding of how you'll fit within the culture of the company (soft skills). 

Tips for building your Core Competencies section:

Include skills that are relevant to the job that you're applying to

Avoid creating a laundry list of everything you know how to do – be selective so that the section is more impactful

Group similar competencies together using categories – technical skills, soft skills, and languages

Prioritize your top skills based on their relevance to the job you want

Update frequently

Be consistent with the formatting

Here is a sample Core Competencies list that contains both hard and soft skills:

Core Competencies

Project Management | Data Analysis | Cross-Functional Collaboration | Digital Marketing Strategy | Python Programming | Customer Relationship Management (CRM) | Negotiation | Team Leadership | Business Development | Financial Modeling | Articulate Communication

This section is meant to show how your career history lends itself to the skills you have that make you the perfect candidate for a given job. There are some general rules of thumb on how to make a resume with a great professional experience section:

Don't go further back than 10 to 15 years

Use no more than 3 to 5 bullets per work listing

Incorporate at least 5 measurable achievements per 10 years of experience (the more the better)

Use stacking for companies where you held more than one role

10-15 Years

The 10-15 years of experience is the most relevant – you can list more than that, but avoid using bullet points for roles over 10 years old. Begin by listing your most recent position first and work your way backward to your oldest position, within that 10-15-year range. If you have 30 years of experience, you can use achievements or skills you learned during that time as talking points during the interview. Listing those older experiences on your resume will only dilute the content.

As you write out your bullet points, keep two words in mind: “so what?” The hiring manager is going to be thinking it, you might as well be thinking it, too. Every time you write something on your resume, think, “So what? Why am I writing this? What value will it bring to my new employer? Will this be THE THING that lands me an interview?"

Achievements

Remove “Responsible for…” from your resume-writing vocabulary. That's because it's crucial that you talk about what you achieved, instead of just what your responsibilities were. Let's face it, there are a lot of things that people are “responsible for” that never get done. So, be sure to talk about things you actually accomplished, as that will be the proof the hiring manager needs to take the next step and call you for an interview.

1. Use numbers whenever possible

The best way to call attention to your career accomplishments is to use numbers. Numbers add credibility to your claims and provide a clear picture of what you bring to the table. 

Don't write this:

• Conducted cold calls to expand client base

Write this instead:

• Increased sales by 15% by making approximately 20 cold calls per day to expand the client base

The latter makes an unmistakable assertion that you had a positive impact, not only in your role but on the company as a whole. You can take it a step further and talk about things like problem-solving skills and how you addressed challenges to lead to team success. These types of  soft skills are highly valued by employers  and could be the thing that lands you an interview.

PRO TIP: Use the  CAR method  for building achievement statements into your resume.

2. Use action words to convey accomplishment

A lot of people make the mistake of copying bullet points from the job descriptions of the roles they've held. This practice makes you sound detached from achievements and focuses more on responsibilities. Using passive language is too generic and doesn't allow a hiring manager to see what you'll be able to accomplish in the new role. 

It's better to use action language to show that you're an achiever rather than a doer. Here are some examples of action words you can use on your resume: 

Worked with others: Advised, Aided, Assisted, Chaired, Coached, Collaborated with, Consulted with, Helped, Instructed, Interacted with, Mentored, Motivated, Supported

Communicated: Addressed, Advertised, Answered, Briefed, Corresponded with, Debated, Explained, Facilitated, Informed, Interpreted, Interviewed, Persuaded, Responded to

Analyzed data: Assessed, Appraised, Audited, Calculated, Computed, Estimated, Evaluated, Forecast, Inspected, Measured, Researched, Surveyed, Tested

Operated equipment: Installed, Maintained, Programmed, Ran, Serviced, Used

Worked with money or contracts: Administered, Appropriated, Authorized, Balanced, Controlled, Directed, Enforced, Financed, Funded, Governed, Invested, Monitored, Oversaw, Purchased

Organized something: Arranged, Assembled, Catalogued, Compiled, Coordinated, Itemized, Routed, Scheduled, Stocked, Tracked

Created: Composed, Customized, Designed, Directed, Established, Founded, Illustrated, Originated, Shaped

Researched: Analyzed, Collected, Criticized, Detected, Diagnosed, Evaluated, Tested

How to make your professional experience section: The formula

There's a formula for writing your professional experience section in a way that focuses on achievements. You'll start by asking yourself these questions about every job you've had:

What was the name of the company?

What was the title of your role?

What dates were you employed? (*Hint: use the MM/YYYY format for your dates)

What did you do every day? (*Example: Leveraged management skills to direct operations of 5 separate but concurrent projects by delegating tasks to staff based on employee acumen and monitoring / controlling budgets)

What is one thing you did at the company that you're really proud of?

What is another thing you're really proud of?

What is one more thing you did that you're really proud of?

When you put all of that together, it should look like this:

Company Name | MM/YYYY to Present

Position Title

Balanced competing priorities on multiple and concurrent projects and program management initiatives using data-driven strategies in Agile environments. Managed key accounts, onboarded new accounts, and oversaw organizational process adoption for nursing facilities, emergency departments, and pharmacies.

Developed $2M Provider Incentive Program that increased community provider partnerships

Saved $800K by using Six Sigma skills to implement DMAIC approach

Coached and mentored 2 direct reports, creating an open environment of communication that facilitated future-facing decision-making

Many people will create separate sections for education history and certifications. That's not necessary. You can include all of it in one section. You can also include extras like  relevant coursework , projects, and achievements. These extras can be truly beneficial for your application if you have little to no work experience. 

There are some general rules of thumb for the education section: 

Spell out acronyms (BS, MS, PhD) and school abbreviations

It is no longer customary to include graduation dates unless you're still in school or graduated within the last year

Never include high school, unless you're still in high school - listing high school doesn't say “ I finished high school, ” it says, “ I didn't go to college .” 

List your degree first and then your school, unless you've obtained multiple degrees at the same institution. 

Here's what a regular education section looks like:

EDUCATION AND CREDENTIALS

Master of Business Administration (MBA) | ABC University

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) | XYZ University

Six Sigma Black Belt | Council for Six Sigma Certification

If you don't have a lot of experience and need to include some relevant coursework or major projects to inject relevant keywords into your resume, then this is what that would look like:

Relevant coursework:  Marketing, Operations Management, Accounting, Corporate Finance

Capstone project:  Let a team of 4 to execute a market analysis project to expand the Brooms and Handles company into new regions. Used market and consumer analysis data to identify gaps and achieve a 15% projected revenue increase and a 20% increase in customer satisfaction within the pilot program. 

You can include educational information about a degree program even if it's still in progress. Here's what that would look like:

Expected completion:  05/2024

Capstone project:  Let a team of 4 to execute a market analysis project to expand the Brooms and Handles company into new regions. Used market and consumer analysis data to identify gaps and achieve a 15% projected revenue increase and a 20% increase in customer satisfaction within the pilot program.

It is important to list what you do outside of work and school. It helps to demonstrate that you're a well-rounded person. 

Were you the president of a fraternity or sorority? 

Did you get involved with showing new students around campus? 

Have you headed a sales team that produced top awards? 

Were you an employee of the month? 

Do you speak multiple languages?

Did you volunteer for an organization?

Did you perform some major research that ended up being published?

All of these extras allow prospective employers a sneak peek into your life outside of work. They can also go a long way to breaking the ice during an interview, especially if something you do outside work is important or interesting to the hiring manager. 

Keep in mind to list only those volunteer positions, projects, or affiliations that are related to your career goals. 

How long does it take to make a resume?

If you're going to use the resume wizard that MS Word has, you can slap your information together in a day or two. It will get to employers. The bad thing is that it probably won't get a whole lot of attention. 

The "just right resume" can take weeks, because of how much background work goes into it. You'll write it, rewrite it, and write it again, and may even have multiple versions. Ultimately, the exact amount of time that goes into putting your resume together depends on your level of experience, how complex your history is, and the specificity of the job you're applying to. 

Entry-level resumes take the least amount of time, simply because there's less information to include

Mid-level resumes take a few days because of the amount of detail in your work history

Executive resumes, or those for specialized positions, can take weeks - especially if you have to do some digging to come up with accomplishments from your previous positions

Updating an existing resume that's well-maintained can be done in just a few hours

While the time spent can seem like a lot, if you're truly marketing yourself for that “just right” position, do you want your resume to say “This was thrown together in a couple of hours using a template” OR do you want it to say “I know this document is important and a significant amount of time was spent on it to make it perfect?”

The first and foremost thing that will get your resume tossed in the garbage can are typos. The number of resumes with errors that are turned in every day to employers across the globe is so astounding that it bears discussing. 

You must proofread your resume!

The major problem with typos and grammatical boo-boos is that your eyes will read what you intended to type. So, after you've read through your resume a few times and think it's perfect, get a friend to read it. Make sure the friend is one of those brutally honest types. It's better to get it back marked all over with bright red ink so you can fix it before you send it out, than to send it out and then realize there's a mistake in it.

How to make your resume seem more professional

Lazy words: Do you see words like "etc" or “other duties as required” on your resume? Delete them immediately. If you take shortcuts in the language of your resume, hiring managers will wonder if you'll be taking shortcuts at work. 

Cookie cutter resumes: Your resume has to stand out. Because of that, you should avoid throwing something together that you find a sample of online. Make it yours, make it represent you. Many people rely on the resume wizard that comes loaded with MS Word and, while that is a good tool to use to help you remember the sections to include, it shouldn't be the end-all-and-be-all of your resume design. 

Specificity: You've had three jobs in the last 10 years and you've listed every detail of everything you've done during your tenure at those jobs. That makes you a Jack (or Jackie) of all trades, but a master of nothing. You have to be specific to the job for which you're applying. What value do you bring to that employer for that job? What achievements can you highlight?

Tailoring: Considering the rampant use of ATS by companies big and small, you have to take the time to customize your resume so that it gets past those scanners. Remember to use relevant keywords from the job descriptions throughout your resume. 

PRO TIP: You can check to see how to make your resume better! Have it checked against an ATS and get a free, personalized, and  professional resume review . 

Theory in practice – 10 resume examples

It's one thing to have someone tell you how to make a resume, it's another thing to see an example – proof that all of this information can come together in a practical way that makes sense. 

1. Software Engineer resume example

Click here for an example of a Software Engineer resume.

2. Data Scientist resume example

Click here for an example of a Data Scientist resume.

3. Cybersecurity resume example

Click here for an example of a cybersecurity resume.

4. Digital Marketing Manager resume example

Click here for an example of a Digital Marketing Manager resume.

5. Nurse Practitioner resume example

Click here for an example of a Nurse Practitioner resume. 

6. Finance Director resume example

Click here for an example of a Finance Director resume. 

7. Attorney resume example

Click here for an example of a Attorney resume.

8. Administrative Office Assistant resume example

Click here for an example of an Administrative Office Assistant resume. 

9. Information Technology Expert resume example

Click here for an example of an Information Technology Expert resume. 

10. Chief Executive Officer resume example

Click here for an example of a CEO resume. 

Now you know how to make a resume for your next job!

It may seem like it takes a lot of work to make a good resume, but if you've followed along this far there are a few things that should be ingrained in you that will help you write a professional resume:

Know what you want to do – be specific

Make your resume with the right format 

Use a standard layout, whether you are writing your first resume or 50th

Use action words to make your resume stand out

Quantify your achievements to prove that you have what it takes to succeed in a new role

Tailor your new resume to each job

Double and triple-check for errors, typos, and grammar mistakes

If you're still unsure how to make a perfect resume, TopResume has you covered. Our team of  professional resume writers  has the know-how and experience to write a resume for you that will win interviews.

Recommended reading: 

Resume Tricks That Don't Work

What Does Your Resume Really Say About You?

Bad Resume Advice You Should Completely Ignore

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

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